In silico characterisation of the four canonical plasmodium falciparum 70 kDa heat shock proteins
- Authors: Hatherley, Rowan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins -- Research , Plasmodium falciparum -- Research , Plasmodium -- Research , Endoplasmic reticulum , Cytosol , Mitochondria -- Formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004086 , Heat shock proteins -- Research , Plasmodium falciparum -- Research , Plasmodium -- Research , Endoplasmic reticulum , Cytosol , Mitochondria -- Formation
- Description: The 70 kDa heat shock proteins expressed by Plasmodium falciparum (PfHsp70s) are believed to be essential to both the survival and virulence of the malaria parasite. A total of six Hsp70 genes have been identified in the genome of P. falciparum. However, only four of these encode canonical Hsp70s, which are believed to localise predominantly in the cytosol (PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-x), the endoplasmic reticulum (PfHsp70-2) and mitochondria (PfHsp70-3) of the parasite. These proteins bind and release peptide substrates in an ATP-dependent manner, with the aid of a J-domain protein cochaperone and a nucleotide exchange factor (NEF). The aim of this study was to identify the residues involved in the interaction of these PfHsp70s with their peptide substrates, their J-domain cochaperones and potential NEFs. These residues were then mapped to three-dimensional (3D) structures of the proteins, modelled in three different conformations; each representing a different stage in the ATPase cycle. Additionally, these proteins were compared to different types of Hsp70s from a variety of different organisms and sequence features found to be specific to each PfHsp70 were mapped to their 3D structures. Finally, a novel modelling method was suggested, in which the structures of templates were remodelled to improve their quality before they were used in the homology modelling process. Based on the analysis of residues involved in interactions with other proteins, it was revealed that each PfHsp70 displayed features that were specific to its cellular localisation and each type of Hsp70 was predicted to interact with a different set of NEFs. The study of conserved features in each PfHsp70 revealed that PfHsp70-x displayed various sequence features atypical of both Plasmodium cytosolic Hsp70s and cytosolic Hsp70s in general. Additionally, residues conserved specifically in Hsp70s of Apicomplexa, Plasmodium and P. falciparum were identified and mapped to the each PfHsp70 model. Although these residues were too numerous to reveal any information of specific value, these models may be useful for the purposes of aiding the design of drug compounds against each PfHsp70. Finally, the novel modelling approach did show some promise. Half of the models produced using the modified templates were of a higher quality than their counterparts modelled using the original templates. This approach does still require a lot of validation work and statistical evaluation. It is hoped that it could prove to be a useful approach to homology modelling when the only templates available are poor quality structures.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hatherley, Rowan
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Heat shock proteins -- Research , Plasmodium falciparum -- Research , Plasmodium -- Research , Endoplasmic reticulum , Cytosol , Mitochondria -- Formation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004086 , Heat shock proteins -- Research , Plasmodium falciparum -- Research , Plasmodium -- Research , Endoplasmic reticulum , Cytosol , Mitochondria -- Formation
- Description: The 70 kDa heat shock proteins expressed by Plasmodium falciparum (PfHsp70s) are believed to be essential to both the survival and virulence of the malaria parasite. A total of six Hsp70 genes have been identified in the genome of P. falciparum. However, only four of these encode canonical Hsp70s, which are believed to localise predominantly in the cytosol (PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-x), the endoplasmic reticulum (PfHsp70-2) and mitochondria (PfHsp70-3) of the parasite. These proteins bind and release peptide substrates in an ATP-dependent manner, with the aid of a J-domain protein cochaperone and a nucleotide exchange factor (NEF). The aim of this study was to identify the residues involved in the interaction of these PfHsp70s with their peptide substrates, their J-domain cochaperones and potential NEFs. These residues were then mapped to three-dimensional (3D) structures of the proteins, modelled in three different conformations; each representing a different stage in the ATPase cycle. Additionally, these proteins were compared to different types of Hsp70s from a variety of different organisms and sequence features found to be specific to each PfHsp70 were mapped to their 3D structures. Finally, a novel modelling method was suggested, in which the structures of templates were remodelled to improve their quality before they were used in the homology modelling process. Based on the analysis of residues involved in interactions with other proteins, it was revealed that each PfHsp70 displayed features that were specific to its cellular localisation and each type of Hsp70 was predicted to interact with a different set of NEFs. The study of conserved features in each PfHsp70 revealed that PfHsp70-x displayed various sequence features atypical of both Plasmodium cytosolic Hsp70s and cytosolic Hsp70s in general. Additionally, residues conserved specifically in Hsp70s of Apicomplexa, Plasmodium and P. falciparum were identified and mapped to the each PfHsp70 model. Although these residues were too numerous to reveal any information of specific value, these models may be useful for the purposes of aiding the design of drug compounds against each PfHsp70. Finally, the novel modelling approach did show some promise. Half of the models produced using the modified templates were of a higher quality than their counterparts modelled using the original templates. This approach does still require a lot of validation work and statistical evaluation. It is hoped that it could prove to be a useful approach to homology modelling when the only templates available are poor quality structures.
- Full Text:
In-beam spectroscopy of ⁷²Ge
- Authors: Henninger, Katharine Rose
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nuclear shapes , Hyperfine structure
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018233
- Description: The high-spin states of the nucleus ⁷²Ge were populated via the ⁷°Zn(a,2n)⁷²Ge fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam-energy of 30 MeV. The ')'-decays were observed with the AFRODITE spectrometer array at iThemba LABS (Faure, South Africa). Twenty-seven new transitions, 18 new levels and 2 new bands were added to the ⁷²Ge level scheme, and several corrections were made to t he previously-known level scheme. Transitions were characterised using Directional Correlation from Oriented states (DCO) and polarisation measurements, and spin-parity assignments were made for 7 new levels. Spin and parity were also reassigned to a previously-known structure. One of the new bands was ident ified as part of an octupole-vibrational band. No tetrahedral states were observed in the scheme despite N = 40 and Z = 32 having been identified as tetrahedral magic numbers. The meaning of the new 14⁺ yrast level for the underlying structure of the ground state band is discussed
- Full Text:
- Authors: Henninger, Katharine Rose
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nuclear shapes , Hyperfine structure
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5559 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018233
- Description: The high-spin states of the nucleus ⁷²Ge were populated via the ⁷°Zn(a,2n)⁷²Ge fusion-evaporation reaction at a beam-energy of 30 MeV. The ')'-decays were observed with the AFRODITE spectrometer array at iThemba LABS (Faure, South Africa). Twenty-seven new transitions, 18 new levels and 2 new bands were added to the ⁷²Ge level scheme, and several corrections were made to t he previously-known level scheme. Transitions were characterised using Directional Correlation from Oriented states (DCO) and polarisation measurements, and spin-parity assignments were made for 7 new levels. Spin and parity were also reassigned to a previously-known structure. One of the new bands was ident ified as part of an octupole-vibrational band. No tetrahedral states were observed in the scheme despite N = 40 and Z = 32 having been identified as tetrahedral magic numbers. The meaning of the new 14⁺ yrast level for the underlying structure of the ground state band is discussed
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Interest rate pass-through in Cameroon and Nigeria: a comparative analysis
- Authors: Tita, Anthanasius Fomum
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Interest rates -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Econometric models Cointegration Monetary policy -- Cameroon Monetary policy -- Nigeria Banque des états de l'Afrique centrale Banks and banking -- Cameroon Banks and banking -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002740
- Description: One of the most important aspects of monetary policy is an understanding of the transmission process: the mechanism through which the monetary policy actions of the Central Bank impact on aggregate demand and prices by influencing the investment and consumption decisions of households and firms. Thus, commercial banks are regarded as conveyers of monetary policy shocks and are expected to adjust retail interest rates in response to policy shocks one-to-one. In practice, commercial banks adjust their retail rates in response to changes in monetary policy with a lag of several months and this delay is often viewed as an impediment on the ability of the Central Bank to steer the economy. Several reasons, such as credit rationing and adverse selection, switching costs, risk sharing, consumer irrationality, structure of the financial system, menu costs and asymmetric information are some of the causes advanced for commercial banks retail rates being sticky. In spite of the important role of pass-through analysis in the monetary policy transmission process, it has received very little attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon and Nigeria, which have implemented a series of reforms. To this end, this study gives a comparative analysis of interest rate pass-through in Nigeria and Cameroon using retail rates (lending and deposit) and a discount rate (policy rate) from January 1990 to December 2010 for Nigeria and from January 1990 to June 2008 for Cameroon. The study examines the magnitude and speed of retail rate adjustments to changes in the Central Bank policy rate as well as examining the possibility of symmetric and asymmetric pass-through in both countries. In addition, the study also investigates whether there is pass-through of monetary policy from one country to the other. The empirical analysis employs four different types of co-integration techniques to test the presence of a long run co-integrating relationship between retail and the policy rates in order to ensure that the relationship detected is robust. Three sets of analyses are carried out in the study. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed a co-integration technique, firstly, to analyse pass-through for the entire sample, secondly, to analyse symmetric and asymmetric pass-through using a ten year rolling window analysis in an error correction framework. Finally, the policy rates were swapped around to investigate if there are transmissions of impulses from one country to the other. Overall, evidence from the entire sample and rolling window analysis suggests that monetary policy in Cameroon is less effective. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the Banque Des Etats De L’Afrique Centrale (BEAC) is unable to sterilise the excess liquidity of the banking sector in Cameroon. The long run pass-through of 0.72 and 0.71 for the entire sample, and the average long run pass-through for the rolling window of 0.78 and 0.76 for the lending and deposit rates, suggest that monetary policy is highly effective in Nigeria compared to Cameroon. The empirical evidence confirmed asymmetric adjustment in six rolling windows in the lending rate in Nigeria. Three rolling windows indicated that the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Scholnick’s (1996) collusive pricing arrangement between banks, and the other three suggested that the lending rate is rigid in the upward direction, corroborating Scholnick’s (1996) customer reaction hypothesis. The deposit rate in Cameroon was also found to adjust asymmetrically and the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Hannan and Berger’s (1991) customer reaction hypothesis. The investigation of impulse transmission between the two countries revealed that only the policy rate in Nigeria exerts some influence on the deposit rate in Cameroon. Policy recommendations are also discussed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tita, Anthanasius Fomum
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Interest rates -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Cameroon Interest rates -- Effect of inflation on -- Nigeria Interest rates -- Econometric models Cointegration Monetary policy -- Cameroon Monetary policy -- Nigeria Banque des états de l'Afrique centrale Banks and banking -- Cameroon Banks and banking -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002740
- Description: One of the most important aspects of monetary policy is an understanding of the transmission process: the mechanism through which the monetary policy actions of the Central Bank impact on aggregate demand and prices by influencing the investment and consumption decisions of households and firms. Thus, commercial banks are regarded as conveyers of monetary policy shocks and are expected to adjust retail interest rates in response to policy shocks one-to-one. In practice, commercial banks adjust their retail rates in response to changes in monetary policy with a lag of several months and this delay is often viewed as an impediment on the ability of the Central Bank to steer the economy. Several reasons, such as credit rationing and adverse selection, switching costs, risk sharing, consumer irrationality, structure of the financial system, menu costs and asymmetric information are some of the causes advanced for commercial banks retail rates being sticky. In spite of the important role of pass-through analysis in the monetary policy transmission process, it has received very little attention in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon and Nigeria, which have implemented a series of reforms. To this end, this study gives a comparative analysis of interest rate pass-through in Nigeria and Cameroon using retail rates (lending and deposit) and a discount rate (policy rate) from January 1990 to December 2010 for Nigeria and from January 1990 to June 2008 for Cameroon. The study examines the magnitude and speed of retail rate adjustments to changes in the Central Bank policy rate as well as examining the possibility of symmetric and asymmetric pass-through in both countries. In addition, the study also investigates whether there is pass-through of monetary policy from one country to the other. The empirical analysis employs four different types of co-integration techniques to test the presence of a long run co-integrating relationship between retail and the policy rates in order to ensure that the relationship detected is robust. Three sets of analyses are carried out in the study. Following Cottarelli and Kourelis (1994), the study employed a co-integration technique, firstly, to analyse pass-through for the entire sample, secondly, to analyse symmetric and asymmetric pass-through using a ten year rolling window analysis in an error correction framework. Finally, the policy rates were swapped around to investigate if there are transmissions of impulses from one country to the other. Overall, evidence from the entire sample and rolling window analysis suggests that monetary policy in Cameroon is less effective. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the Banque Des Etats De L’Afrique Centrale (BEAC) is unable to sterilise the excess liquidity of the banking sector in Cameroon. The long run pass-through of 0.72 and 0.71 for the entire sample, and the average long run pass-through for the rolling window of 0.78 and 0.76 for the lending and deposit rates, suggest that monetary policy is highly effective in Nigeria compared to Cameroon. The empirical evidence confirmed asymmetric adjustment in six rolling windows in the lending rate in Nigeria. Three rolling windows indicated that the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Scholnick’s (1996) collusive pricing arrangement between banks, and the other three suggested that the lending rate is rigid in the upward direction, corroborating Scholnick’s (1996) customer reaction hypothesis. The deposit rate in Cameroon was also found to adjust asymmetrically and the direction of rigidity is downward, supporting Hannan and Berger’s (1991) customer reaction hypothesis. The investigation of impulse transmission between the two countries revealed that only the policy rate in Nigeria exerts some influence on the deposit rate in Cameroon. Policy recommendations are also discussed.
- Full Text:
International passports : portrait of the Nigerian diaspora
- Authors: Makun, Adetoun Jones
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Portrait painting -- South Africa Nigerians -- Portraits Portrait photography -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002226
- Description: International Passports: Portraits of the Nigerian Diaspora considers notions of 'alienation‘ and 'nation-hood‘ through the lens of portraiture. This dissertation addresses issues of identity and representation in a contemporary cultural context as they pertain to the concerns presented through my current visual practice. The paintings that I have produced from 'real‘ life are primarily depictions of Nigerian individuals, friends and acquaintances (professionals and students) residing in Grahamstown, South Africa as temporary or permanent migrants. I reference the mug shot pose of identity documents and passport photographs and render them in such a way that ideas of their persona are subject to the viewer‘s gaze and deliberations, thus provoking the spectator to consider questions of 'otherness‘ and 'stereotypes‘. This provocation is subtle and complex, and in many ways I am offering the viewer a 're-looking‘, an opportunity to examine one‘s moral position and subsequent implication within the act of stereotyping an 'other‘ individual. The initial idea within this body of work was to paint images of Nigerian nationals exclusively, yet the restrictive nature of such categorization pushed me to complicate certain nationalist ideologies through the inclusion of non-Nigerian individuals. I look specifically at notions of the 'other‘ and 'strangeness‘ in a contemporary South African context and how this connects to the concept of portraiture and not simply portraiture theory but also the social theory in relation to how people are 'imaged‘. Throughout this thesis I consider several theoretical concerns in portraiture practice and discourse whilst simultaneously unpacking the psychological and social contexts that influence my practice.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makun, Adetoun Jones
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Portrait painting -- South Africa Nigerians -- Portraits Portrait photography -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2429 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002226
- Description: International Passports: Portraits of the Nigerian Diaspora considers notions of 'alienation‘ and 'nation-hood‘ through the lens of portraiture. This dissertation addresses issues of identity and representation in a contemporary cultural context as they pertain to the concerns presented through my current visual practice. The paintings that I have produced from 'real‘ life are primarily depictions of Nigerian individuals, friends and acquaintances (professionals and students) residing in Grahamstown, South Africa as temporary or permanent migrants. I reference the mug shot pose of identity documents and passport photographs and render them in such a way that ideas of their persona are subject to the viewer‘s gaze and deliberations, thus provoking the spectator to consider questions of 'otherness‘ and 'stereotypes‘. This provocation is subtle and complex, and in many ways I am offering the viewer a 're-looking‘, an opportunity to examine one‘s moral position and subsequent implication within the act of stereotyping an 'other‘ individual. The initial idea within this body of work was to paint images of Nigerian nationals exclusively, yet the restrictive nature of such categorization pushed me to complicate certain nationalist ideologies through the inclusion of non-Nigerian individuals. I look specifically at notions of the 'other‘ and 'strangeness‘ in a contemporary South African context and how this connects to the concept of portraiture and not simply portraiture theory but also the social theory in relation to how people are 'imaged‘. Throughout this thesis I consider several theoretical concerns in portraiture practice and discourse whilst simultaneously unpacking the psychological and social contexts that influence my practice.
- Full Text:
Investigating factors inhibiting the implementation of IQMS in a South African school
- Authors: Mji, Lwazi Knowledge
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003468
- Description: After the 1994 elections education reform has been characterized by the introduction of laws and policies, including IQMS, that seek to reconcile post‐apartheid traditions to practices that would address deficiencies borne by the era in the education field. The IQMS is a clear reaction to the autocratic mode of evaluation that operated during the apartheid era and is a major shift from the old paradigm of external evaluators. It was designed to review performance and identify strengths and weaknesses, encouraging personal and professional development, drawing on peer and collegial feedback rather than official Department of Education surveillance. However, recent studies have shown that the IQMS has failed and is failing to achieve what it was intended to achieve. This study examines the reasons for this failure in a secondary school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This research is an interpretive case study that uses observation, document analysis and interviews utilising theories of learning organizations, management and leadership. The study reveals that the policy is not applied in the way it was intended and is failing in this regard. The policy process has been bureaucratised and suffers from superficial compliance. The developmental thrust of the policy seems to have been lost. It was also discovered that the involvement of teacher unions has both positively and negatively affected the implementation process and that the support schools receive from the department is not enough to keep the policy alive in schools. This research is likely to benefit school principals, policy makers and implementers, and IQMS coordinators, as it provides clarity on the issues restraining IQMS implementation in schools. The study also demonstrates the need for school principals to consider adopting transformational leadership as a strategy to lead teachers against political influence and expose them to professional development opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mji, Lwazi Knowledge
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation Educational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003468
- Description: After the 1994 elections education reform has been characterized by the introduction of laws and policies, including IQMS, that seek to reconcile post‐apartheid traditions to practices that would address deficiencies borne by the era in the education field. The IQMS is a clear reaction to the autocratic mode of evaluation that operated during the apartheid era and is a major shift from the old paradigm of external evaluators. It was designed to review performance and identify strengths and weaknesses, encouraging personal and professional development, drawing on peer and collegial feedback rather than official Department of Education surveillance. However, recent studies have shown that the IQMS has failed and is failing to achieve what it was intended to achieve. This study examines the reasons for this failure in a secondary school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This research is an interpretive case study that uses observation, document analysis and interviews utilising theories of learning organizations, management and leadership. The study reveals that the policy is not applied in the way it was intended and is failing in this regard. The policy process has been bureaucratised and suffers from superficial compliance. The developmental thrust of the policy seems to have been lost. It was also discovered that the involvement of teacher unions has both positively and negatively affected the implementation process and that the support schools receive from the department is not enough to keep the policy alive in schools. This research is likely to benefit school principals, policy makers and implementers, and IQMS coordinators, as it provides clarity on the issues restraining IQMS implementation in schools. The study also demonstrates the need for school principals to consider adopting transformational leadership as a strategy to lead teachers against political influence and expose them to professional development opportunities.
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Investigating teaching and learning within three Eastern Cape reception year classrooms
- Authors: Mnene, Mthetheleli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Parent participation -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003471
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which young children in three Grade R classes in the Eastern Cape Province were exposed to developmentally appropriate opportunities to achieve the Critical Outcomes as outlined in the South African National Curriculum Statement. The research took the form of a case study. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. Respondents included children, their parents, Grade R practitioners and the school leadership. The findings tentatively showed that this set of parents perceived their role in providing for their children’s developmental needs as separate to that of the GR practitioners. They seemed to see their roles as helping their children to develop social and emotional competence only, and that the GR practitioners provided, in addition to this, literacy and numeracy teaching to their children. In contrast, the three GR practitioners believed that parents were responsible also for promoting literacy, numeracy and life skills. There seemed therefore to be a lack of clarity of specific teacher and parent views of their roles. The researcher found, however, that the children seemed to be given few developmentally appropriate opportunities for planned and structured activities which enabled them to explore the Critical Outcomes, for example, working together, solving problems, using technology. The teaching methodology used by the GR practitioners during the observation periods, seemed to a large extent, to be based in 'talk and chalk' in the plenary grouping. It did not seem to enable the implementation of the curriculum and especially of the Critical Outcomes in a developmentally appropriate way. In addition, the environment in which children learned was not observed to be developmentally appropriate for relevant education to take place. Too many children were crowded into the available space, while learning equipment and materials were lacking. Any competences that young children in these three GR programmes achieved were therefore possibly learned incidentally, rather than deliberately through planned activities. In addition, GR classes in this study were not observed to be supported within the schools to deliver competent curriculum activities to the children. The study makes suggestions to meet some of these challenges. These include improving the understanding of curriculum guidelines of all role players in the three schools, enabling the management teams and especially parents to take a stronger support and monitoring role, and providing and using materials and equipment to promote the use of the Critical Out comes as methods for teaching and for learning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnene, Mthetheleli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competency-based education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Parent participation -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Elementary -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003471
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the extent to which young children in three Grade R classes in the Eastern Cape Province were exposed to developmentally appropriate opportunities to achieve the Critical Outcomes as outlined in the South African National Curriculum Statement. The research took the form of a case study. Semi-structured interviews and observations were used to collect data. Respondents included children, their parents, Grade R practitioners and the school leadership. The findings tentatively showed that this set of parents perceived their role in providing for their children’s developmental needs as separate to that of the GR practitioners. They seemed to see their roles as helping their children to develop social and emotional competence only, and that the GR practitioners provided, in addition to this, literacy and numeracy teaching to their children. In contrast, the three GR practitioners believed that parents were responsible also for promoting literacy, numeracy and life skills. There seemed therefore to be a lack of clarity of specific teacher and parent views of their roles. The researcher found, however, that the children seemed to be given few developmentally appropriate opportunities for planned and structured activities which enabled them to explore the Critical Outcomes, for example, working together, solving problems, using technology. The teaching methodology used by the GR practitioners during the observation periods, seemed to a large extent, to be based in 'talk and chalk' in the plenary grouping. It did not seem to enable the implementation of the curriculum and especially of the Critical Outcomes in a developmentally appropriate way. In addition, the environment in which children learned was not observed to be developmentally appropriate for relevant education to take place. Too many children were crowded into the available space, while learning equipment and materials were lacking. Any competences that young children in these three GR programmes achieved were therefore possibly learned incidentally, rather than deliberately through planned activities. In addition, GR classes in this study were not observed to be supported within the schools to deliver competent curriculum activities to the children. The study makes suggestions to meet some of these challenges. These include improving the understanding of curriculum guidelines of all role players in the three schools, enabling the management teams and especially parents to take a stronger support and monitoring role, and providing and using materials and equipment to promote the use of the Critical Out comes as methods for teaching and for learning.
- Full Text:
Investigating the dual influences of theory and practice on the design and implementation of a learning programme
- Authors: Jackelman, Susan Iona
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Research Education -- Philosophy Teaching -- Methodology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003473
- Description: It is widely recognized that educational research and theory should be motivated by the desire to continually improve the practice of teaching. However, bridging the divide between theoretical research outcomes and the practical constraints of classroom-based teaching has proved somewhat challenging. The involvement of teachers as the 'bridge-builders' between theory and practice could provide an effective mechanism for achieving this integration. The purpose of this study is thus to investigate whether the involvement of teachers in developing and implementing a theory-based teaching module would improve teaching practice in the classroom. A teaching module was collaboratively developed by a group of teachers for Grade 9 linear functions using: the principles of mathematical proficiency postulated by Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell, (2001); the teaching phases formulated by van Hiele (1986); and the cognitive classification of classroom activities developed by Stein and Smith (1998). This module was then taught to six Grade 9 classes by four teachers in one school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a period of 5 weeks. The effectiveness of the module, and its application in the classroom, was assessed in terms of: (i) the extent to which theory could be used to inform the design and development of teaching materials; (ii) the efficacy of this teaching material in promoting teaching for mathematical proficiency; and (iii) the effects of extraneous influences on the usefulness of the module in teaching for mathematical proficiency. While the theoretical framework provided a sound basis for developing the teaching module, it was found that collaboratively transforming this theory into a teaching module for practical use in the classroom is certainly possible, but it requires considerable time and effort that practising teachers do not have. Developing the depth of understanding required for mathematical proficiency also takes time - a commodity often in short supply as teachers grapple with the demands of the curriculum. Teaching for mathematical proficiency is a layered process. It starts with thinking about an idea (like a graph) that is developed out of a related concept that then has a set of characteristic algorithms and actions which are learnt and performed in sequence. Building understanding in this way ends with a student being able to visualize and conceive the graph as a structure that can be described as if it were an object (encapsulating all the previous concepts belonging to similar graphs in one idea). This development of understanding is important for mathematical proficiency but is not necessarily easy. When teaching with the module, it was necessary to create an extra opportunity for students to use procedural knowledge and repetition in order to provide enough examples to help them see the link: between linear number patterns and linear graphs. Extraneous influences on teaching for mathematical proficiency were grouped into two categories - endogenous and exogenous influences. Endogenous influences were teacher related and included the attitudes, decisions and disposition of the teacher. Exogenous influences were more contextual (and in effect out of the control of the teacher) and included teaching time available, curriculum, external assessments etc. Both of these influences were seen to affect teaching for mathematical proficiency, either promoting or inhibiting it. This research affirmed the central role that teachers play in teaching for mathematical proficiency. It is considered critical that research actively involve teachers in the evolution of mathematical theory. The development of an enabling environment (including institutional support, time, capacity, resources, skills and tools) for teachers will further enhance their capacity to teach for mathematical proficiency.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jackelman, Susan Iona
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education -- Research Education -- Philosophy Teaching -- Methodology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003473
- Description: It is widely recognized that educational research and theory should be motivated by the desire to continually improve the practice of teaching. However, bridging the divide between theoretical research outcomes and the practical constraints of classroom-based teaching has proved somewhat challenging. The involvement of teachers as the 'bridge-builders' between theory and practice could provide an effective mechanism for achieving this integration. The purpose of this study is thus to investigate whether the involvement of teachers in developing and implementing a theory-based teaching module would improve teaching practice in the classroom. A teaching module was collaboratively developed by a group of teachers for Grade 9 linear functions using: the principles of mathematical proficiency postulated by Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell, (2001); the teaching phases formulated by van Hiele (1986); and the cognitive classification of classroom activities developed by Stein and Smith (1998). This module was then taught to six Grade 9 classes by four teachers in one school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa over a period of 5 weeks. The effectiveness of the module, and its application in the classroom, was assessed in terms of: (i) the extent to which theory could be used to inform the design and development of teaching materials; (ii) the efficacy of this teaching material in promoting teaching for mathematical proficiency; and (iii) the effects of extraneous influences on the usefulness of the module in teaching for mathematical proficiency. While the theoretical framework provided a sound basis for developing the teaching module, it was found that collaboratively transforming this theory into a teaching module for practical use in the classroom is certainly possible, but it requires considerable time and effort that practising teachers do not have. Developing the depth of understanding required for mathematical proficiency also takes time - a commodity often in short supply as teachers grapple with the demands of the curriculum. Teaching for mathematical proficiency is a layered process. It starts with thinking about an idea (like a graph) that is developed out of a related concept that then has a set of characteristic algorithms and actions which are learnt and performed in sequence. Building understanding in this way ends with a student being able to visualize and conceive the graph as a structure that can be described as if it were an object (encapsulating all the previous concepts belonging to similar graphs in one idea). This development of understanding is important for mathematical proficiency but is not necessarily easy. When teaching with the module, it was necessary to create an extra opportunity for students to use procedural knowledge and repetition in order to provide enough examples to help them see the link: between linear number patterns and linear graphs. Extraneous influences on teaching for mathematical proficiency were grouped into two categories - endogenous and exogenous influences. Endogenous influences were teacher related and included the attitudes, decisions and disposition of the teacher. Exogenous influences were more contextual (and in effect out of the control of the teacher) and included teaching time available, curriculum, external assessments etc. Both of these influences were seen to affect teaching for mathematical proficiency, either promoting or inhibiting it. This research affirmed the central role that teachers play in teaching for mathematical proficiency. It is considered critical that research actively involve teachers in the evolution of mathematical theory. The development of an enabling environment (including institutional support, time, capacity, resources, skills and tools) for teachers will further enhance their capacity to teach for mathematical proficiency.
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Investigating the impact of brand reputation on brand architecture strategies : a study on a South African automotive company
- Authors: Waddington, Andrew John
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- Case studies Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Case studies Toyota Jidōsha Kōgyō Kabushiki Kaisha -- Case studies Automobiles -- Marketing -- Case studies Product management -- Case studies Branding (Marketing) -- Management -- Case studies Corporate image -- Management -- Case studies Brand name products -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002796
- Description: The brand architecture of an organisation has become increasingly important to global management and marketing professionals, as it deals with structures and designs of brands which are constantly influenced by a changing environment. The market realities and changes brands face continuously impact the reputation of the brand, which is critical to sustain competitive advantage. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the impact brand reputation has on brand architecture strategies, and an automotive company was chosen as the focus of the research. This research aims to help managers, marketers and brand owners make informative decisions regarding the brand architecture of a company. A quantitative content analysis methodology was used along with a webpage keyword counting application (WebWords). The application was used based on the principles outlined by Corporate Brand and Reputation Analysis (COBRA), which uses a four step progressive filtering process in filtering traditional and consumer generated media. The results from WebWords were then aligned to the brand architecture strategies from the brand relationship spectrum (BRS) to gain insight as to which of the strategies from the BRS were most vulnerable to reputational damage. The study found that the branded house and sub-brand strategies were most vulnerable to reputational damage based on the number reputational hits received. The connection between the master brand and the sub-brands could cause both brands to be affected should any reputational issues arise.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Waddington, Andrew John
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Branding (Marketing) -- Case studies Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Case studies Toyota Jidōsha Kōgyō Kabushiki Kaisha -- Case studies Automobiles -- Marketing -- Case studies Product management -- Case studies Branding (Marketing) -- Management -- Case studies Corporate image -- Management -- Case studies Brand name products -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002796
- Description: The brand architecture of an organisation has become increasingly important to global management and marketing professionals, as it deals with structures and designs of brands which are constantly influenced by a changing environment. The market realities and changes brands face continuously impact the reputation of the brand, which is critical to sustain competitive advantage. The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the impact brand reputation has on brand architecture strategies, and an automotive company was chosen as the focus of the research. This research aims to help managers, marketers and brand owners make informative decisions regarding the brand architecture of a company. A quantitative content analysis methodology was used along with a webpage keyword counting application (WebWords). The application was used based on the principles outlined by Corporate Brand and Reputation Analysis (COBRA), which uses a four step progressive filtering process in filtering traditional and consumer generated media. The results from WebWords were then aligned to the brand architecture strategies from the brand relationship spectrum (BRS) to gain insight as to which of the strategies from the BRS were most vulnerable to reputational damage. The study found that the branded house and sub-brand strategies were most vulnerable to reputational damage based on the number reputational hits received. The connection between the master brand and the sub-brands could cause both brands to be affected should any reputational issues arise.
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Investigating the incorporation of education about, in/through and for the environment in the Geography junior phase curriculum: a case study of three Namibian schools
- Authors: Anyolo, Eveline Omagano
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Primary -- Curricula -- Namibia Geography teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003476
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate how education about, in/through and for the environment is incorporated in the Namibian Geography Junior Phase curriculum in three schools in Oshana Education Region. Education about, in/through and for the environment are three forms of environmental education identified by Fien (1998). This study is a qualitative, interpretive case study. It reviews the activities, content knowledge, methods, competencies and resources and describes how they were used by teachers in fostering education about, in/through and for the environment in the curriculum. Data was generated through document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews. The results were interpreted and discussed in relation to the research question which is: How is education about, in/through and for the environment incorporated in the Geography Junior Phase curriculum? Key findings of the study suggested that teachers incorporated education about, in/through and for the environment in their teaching. Teachers used the prescribed syllabus to structure their environmental learning lessons. Most methods, resources and activities used by the teachers promoted education about the environment. The study also found that most types of knowledge about the environment were covered by the teachers. This enabled learners to examine the complexity and interrelatedness of natural systems. The study found that the way the resources were used exclusively supported education about the environment. Linking learning to local context in this study encouraged education in/through the environment and enhanced the learning process through real life experience. The study also found that, although teachers taught their learners for the environment, they did not empower them in taking actions towards environmental problems. Based on the insights offered by this research, the study identified further support required by teachers and made recommendations for effective incorporation of about, in/through andfor the environment in the curriculum.
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- Authors: Anyolo, Eveline Omagano
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Primary -- Curricula -- Namibia Geography teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003476
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate how education about, in/through and for the environment is incorporated in the Namibian Geography Junior Phase curriculum in three schools in Oshana Education Region. Education about, in/through and for the environment are three forms of environmental education identified by Fien (1998). This study is a qualitative, interpretive case study. It reviews the activities, content knowledge, methods, competencies and resources and describes how they were used by teachers in fostering education about, in/through and for the environment in the curriculum. Data was generated through document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews. The results were interpreted and discussed in relation to the research question which is: How is education about, in/through and for the environment incorporated in the Geography Junior Phase curriculum? Key findings of the study suggested that teachers incorporated education about, in/through and for the environment in their teaching. Teachers used the prescribed syllabus to structure their environmental learning lessons. Most methods, resources and activities used by the teachers promoted education about the environment. The study also found that most types of knowledge about the environment were covered by the teachers. This enabled learners to examine the complexity and interrelatedness of natural systems. The study found that the way the resources were used exclusively supported education about the environment. Linking learning to local context in this study encouraged education in/through the environment and enhanced the learning process through real life experience. The study also found that, although teachers taught their learners for the environment, they did not empower them in taking actions towards environmental problems. Based on the insights offered by this research, the study identified further support required by teachers and made recommendations for effective incorporation of about, in/through andfor the environment in the curriculum.
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Investigating tools and techniques for improving software performance on multiprocessor computer systems
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
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Investigation of the effect of short duration breaks in delaying the onset of performance related fatigue during long distance monotonous driving at different times of the day
- Authors: Ndaki, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fatigue -- Physiological aspects , Drowsiness -- Physiological aspects , Automobile driving -- Physiological aspects , Traffic safety -- South Africa , Automobile driving -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016353
- Description: Road traffic accidents are a serious burden to the health systems of many countries especially in South Africa. Research aimed at reducing traffic related accidents is of importance as traffic crashes are rated as the second leading cause of fatalities in South Africa and ninth in the world. Despite the extensive efforts into research and development of new technology, driver fatigue still remains a cause of vehicle accidents worldwide. Fatigue plays a role in up to 20% of vehicle accidents with many being serious or fatal. Numerous coping behaviours are employed by drivers to counteract the negative effects of fatigue. The most common coping behaviours include taking short naps, talking to passengers, listening to the radio, opening windows and drinking stimulants. Driving breaks have long been identified as an effective countermeasure against fatigue. Most research done in driving breaks has investigated the duration of the breaks, activity undertaken during the break and the frequency of the breaks taken outside the vehicle. However limited literature is available on the effectiveness of breaks in counteracting the effects of fatigue. The objective of the current study was aimed at assessing whether short duration breaks are an effective countermeasure against fatigue. Physiological, neurophysiological, subjective and performance measures were used as indicators for fatigue. Additional focus of the research was determining whether breaks were more or less effective at counteracting the effects of fatigue at different times of day. Twelve participants were recruited for the study, six males and six females. The participants were required to perform a driving task on a simulator for 90 minutes. The study consisted of four independent conditions, namely driving during the day with breaks, driving during the day without breaks, driving during the night with breaks and driving during the night without breaks. The without breaks conditions were similar except that they occurred at different times of the day, one session at night and the other session during day time, as was the case for the conditions with breaks. The driving task used in the current study was a low fidelity simulator tracking task. The participants were required to follow a centre line displayed on a tracking path as accurately as possible. The measurements that were recorded in this study included physiological, performance, subjective and neurophysiological. Physiological measures included heart rate and heart rate variability (frequency domain) and core body temperature. The ascending threshold of the critical flicker fusion frequency was the only neurophysiological measurement included in the current investigation. Performance was quantified by mean deviation from a centre line participants were meant to track. Two rating scales were used: Karolinska sleepiness scale and the Wits sleepiness scale were used for the measurement of subjective sleepiness. Heart rate, heart rate variability and mean deviation were measured continuously throughout the 90 minute driving task. Critical flicker fusion frequency, temperature and the subjective scales were measured before and after the 90 minute driving task. The results indicated that the short duration breaks during day time had a positive effect on driving performance; however the breaks at night had a negative effect on driving performance. Heart rate was higher during the day compared to night time and the heart rate variability high frequency spectrum values were lower during the day condition, to show the activation of the sympathetic nervous system which is characteristic of day time. The night conditions had lower heart rate values and higher heart rate variability high frequency values, which show the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which is dominant during periods of fatigue and night time. Subjective sleepiness levels were also higher at night compared to day time.
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- Authors: Ndaki, Ntombikayise
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fatigue -- Physiological aspects , Drowsiness -- Physiological aspects , Automobile driving -- Physiological aspects , Traffic safety -- South Africa , Automobile driving -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5170 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016353
- Description: Road traffic accidents are a serious burden to the health systems of many countries especially in South Africa. Research aimed at reducing traffic related accidents is of importance as traffic crashes are rated as the second leading cause of fatalities in South Africa and ninth in the world. Despite the extensive efforts into research and development of new technology, driver fatigue still remains a cause of vehicle accidents worldwide. Fatigue plays a role in up to 20% of vehicle accidents with many being serious or fatal. Numerous coping behaviours are employed by drivers to counteract the negative effects of fatigue. The most common coping behaviours include taking short naps, talking to passengers, listening to the radio, opening windows and drinking stimulants. Driving breaks have long been identified as an effective countermeasure against fatigue. Most research done in driving breaks has investigated the duration of the breaks, activity undertaken during the break and the frequency of the breaks taken outside the vehicle. However limited literature is available on the effectiveness of breaks in counteracting the effects of fatigue. The objective of the current study was aimed at assessing whether short duration breaks are an effective countermeasure against fatigue. Physiological, neurophysiological, subjective and performance measures were used as indicators for fatigue. Additional focus of the research was determining whether breaks were more or less effective at counteracting the effects of fatigue at different times of day. Twelve participants were recruited for the study, six males and six females. The participants were required to perform a driving task on a simulator for 90 minutes. The study consisted of four independent conditions, namely driving during the day with breaks, driving during the day without breaks, driving during the night with breaks and driving during the night without breaks. The without breaks conditions were similar except that they occurred at different times of the day, one session at night and the other session during day time, as was the case for the conditions with breaks. The driving task used in the current study was a low fidelity simulator tracking task. The participants were required to follow a centre line displayed on a tracking path as accurately as possible. The measurements that were recorded in this study included physiological, performance, subjective and neurophysiological. Physiological measures included heart rate and heart rate variability (frequency domain) and core body temperature. The ascending threshold of the critical flicker fusion frequency was the only neurophysiological measurement included in the current investigation. Performance was quantified by mean deviation from a centre line participants were meant to track. Two rating scales were used: Karolinska sleepiness scale and the Wits sleepiness scale were used for the measurement of subjective sleepiness. Heart rate, heart rate variability and mean deviation were measured continuously throughout the 90 minute driving task. Critical flicker fusion frequency, temperature and the subjective scales were measured before and after the 90 minute driving task. The results indicated that the short duration breaks during day time had a positive effect on driving performance; however the breaks at night had a negative effect on driving performance. Heart rate was higher during the day compared to night time and the heart rate variability high frequency spectrum values were lower during the day condition, to show the activation of the sympathetic nervous system which is characteristic of day time. The night conditions had lower heart rate values and higher heart rate variability high frequency values, which show the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which is dominant during periods of fatigue and night time. Subjective sleepiness levels were also higher at night compared to day time.
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Issues and challenges facing school libraries: a case study of selected primary schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa
- Paton-Ash, Margaret Sanderson
- Authors: Paton-Ash, Margaret Sanderson
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School libraries -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and state -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and schools -- South Africa -- Gauteng Library planning -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and education -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003543
- Description: Fewer than 8% of schools in South Africa have functioning libraries. There is no national policy for school libraries which compels School Governing Bodies and principals to have a library in their schools. This qualitative study, based on grounded theory, investigated ten primary schools in Gauteng that had libraries, or were in the process of setting up a library with the intention of providing a rich description of the issues and challenges facing these schools. The schools were chosen on the basis of location (Soweto and Johannesburg), and the school fees that were paid in a continuum from low/no fee paying schools to the fee paying ex Model-C schools. The resourcing of the school library, the operation of the school library and the role of the library were examined. The findings highlight the lack of a national policy, of school library posts, the theft of computers as a result of the lack of security, as well as the lack of understanding by teachers of the role the library in teaching and learning. Furthermore, there appears to be a disjuncture between the trends evident in the international literature on school libraries and what is actually happening in the primary school libraries in my study. Most significantly low/no fee paying schools with libraries were the exception and those that did have libraries were as a result of the enthusiasm and efforts of one or two individuals with the backing of the principal. Ex-Model C schools had the advantage in terms of the provision and staffing of school libraries as they had the funds to support them and, in some cases, a school librarian, provided that the principal supported the idea of a school library. In all the schools, the belief in the importance of the library regarding reading and literacy was the main motivating factor in establishing or maintaining the school library. A growing public awareness of the value of school libraries was an encouraging trend that emerged from my study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Paton-Ash, Margaret Sanderson
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School libraries -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and state -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and schools -- South Africa -- Gauteng Library planning -- South Africa -- Gauteng Libraries and education -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1660 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003543
- Description: Fewer than 8% of schools in South Africa have functioning libraries. There is no national policy for school libraries which compels School Governing Bodies and principals to have a library in their schools. This qualitative study, based on grounded theory, investigated ten primary schools in Gauteng that had libraries, or were in the process of setting up a library with the intention of providing a rich description of the issues and challenges facing these schools. The schools were chosen on the basis of location (Soweto and Johannesburg), and the school fees that were paid in a continuum from low/no fee paying schools to the fee paying ex Model-C schools. The resourcing of the school library, the operation of the school library and the role of the library were examined. The findings highlight the lack of a national policy, of school library posts, the theft of computers as a result of the lack of security, as well as the lack of understanding by teachers of the role the library in teaching and learning. Furthermore, there appears to be a disjuncture between the trends evident in the international literature on school libraries and what is actually happening in the primary school libraries in my study. Most significantly low/no fee paying schools with libraries were the exception and those that did have libraries were as a result of the enthusiasm and efforts of one or two individuals with the backing of the principal. Ex-Model C schools had the advantage in terms of the provision and staffing of school libraries as they had the funds to support them and, in some cases, a school librarian, provided that the principal supported the idea of a school library. In all the schools, the belief in the importance of the library regarding reading and literacy was the main motivating factor in establishing or maintaining the school library. A growing public awareness of the value of school libraries was an encouraging trend that emerged from my study.
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Language and social services in rural North West the status of Setswana
- Authors: Nkashe, Esther
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tswana language Linguistic rights -- South Africa -- North-West Linguistic rights Language policy -- South Africa -- North-West Linguistic minorities -- South Africa -- North-West Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- North-West Language and languages -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- North-West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002165
- Description: This study seeks to support the thesis that African indigenous languages in South Africa should enjoy equal treatment in terms of the South African Constitution. Therefore, it will explore and find ways and means of how the South African government can reach out to rural communities with inadequate English proficiency, in an English-dominated South Africa, by breaking down the existing language barriers and curbing social inequalities. Language rights, like any other human rights, should be protected, as enshrined in the new democratic Constitution of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkashe, Esther
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tswana language Linguistic rights -- South Africa -- North-West Linguistic rights Language policy -- South Africa -- North-West Linguistic minorities -- South Africa -- North-West Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- North-West Language and languages -- Political aspects -- South Africa -- North-West
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002165
- Description: This study seeks to support the thesis that African indigenous languages in South Africa should enjoy equal treatment in terms of the South African Constitution. Therefore, it will explore and find ways and means of how the South African government can reach out to rural communities with inadequate English proficiency, in an English-dominated South Africa, by breaking down the existing language barriers and curbing social inequalities. Language rights, like any other human rights, should be protected, as enshrined in the new democratic Constitution of South Africa.
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Leopard population density, home range size and movement patterns in a mixed landuse area of the Mangwe District of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Grant, Tanith-Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Leopard -- Monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Leopard -- Conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005412 , Leopard -- Monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Leopard -- Conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Trophy hunting is often employed as a conservation management tool for large predators. However, in order for this method to succeed, hunting levels must be sustainable. Very little robust population data exist for African leopards (Panthera pardus) in general, and almost no density or spatial ecology data exist for leopards in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has one of the highest annual CITES leopard trophy hunting quotas in Africa, the sustainability of which has not been assessed, despite large scale landuse changes over the last 12 years. The focal area of this study was within the Mangwe district, in the south-west of Zimbabwe. The region is dominated by cattle and wildlife ranches, with high levels of leopard hunting, making it an important area for assessing leopard population density and spatial ecology. Three population density estimation methods were employed in my study: a spoor index survey, an unbaited camera-trapping survey and a baited camera-trapping survey. Using three calibration equations, spoor indices appeared to underestimate the leopard population (1.28-3.29 leopards/ 100 km²) as the equations were calibrated for areas with different habitats and leopard densities. In addition, the unbaited camera survey only produced six leopard photographs, unsuitable for individual identification and analysis. By contrast, the baited camera survey produced 292 identifiable leopard photographs, from which 13 individuals were identified. Density estimates calculated using the programme CAPTURE and the M[subscript]h model with the Mean Maximum Distance Moved Outside of Study Area (MMDMOSA) buffer method (4.79±0.83 leopards/100 km²), and the programme SPACECAP, using a buffer of 2.5 km (5.12±0.62 leopards/100 km²), appeared to generate the most reliable leopard population estimates. To assess the spatial ecology, three leopards (one male, two females) were captured and fitted with GPS collars. The home range estimates of the three leopards (95% Kernel UD: male 263 km², females 31 and 45 km²) were smaller than those of leopards in more arid regions, but larger than those of mesic habitats. This suggests that the Mangwe area has a higher quality habitat than the arid regions of Namibia, but less suitable habitat than protected bushveld areas (e.g. Kruger National Park, South Africa). My data represents the first robust leopard density and home range assessment for Zimbabwe. In addition, my results indicate that the current hunting quota issued to the Mangwe area is unsustainable. Consequently, I recommend revising the quota to five leopards for the entire area, and halving the current national leopard quota to 250, until a national leopard census is completed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grant, Tanith-Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Leopard -- Monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Leopard -- Conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005412 , Leopard -- Monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Leopard -- Conservation -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife monitoring -- Zimbabwe , Wildlife conservation -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Trophy hunting is often employed as a conservation management tool for large predators. However, in order for this method to succeed, hunting levels must be sustainable. Very little robust population data exist for African leopards (Panthera pardus) in general, and almost no density or spatial ecology data exist for leopards in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has one of the highest annual CITES leopard trophy hunting quotas in Africa, the sustainability of which has not been assessed, despite large scale landuse changes over the last 12 years. The focal area of this study was within the Mangwe district, in the south-west of Zimbabwe. The region is dominated by cattle and wildlife ranches, with high levels of leopard hunting, making it an important area for assessing leopard population density and spatial ecology. Three population density estimation methods were employed in my study: a spoor index survey, an unbaited camera-trapping survey and a baited camera-trapping survey. Using three calibration equations, spoor indices appeared to underestimate the leopard population (1.28-3.29 leopards/ 100 km²) as the equations were calibrated for areas with different habitats and leopard densities. In addition, the unbaited camera survey only produced six leopard photographs, unsuitable for individual identification and analysis. By contrast, the baited camera survey produced 292 identifiable leopard photographs, from which 13 individuals were identified. Density estimates calculated using the programme CAPTURE and the M[subscript]h model with the Mean Maximum Distance Moved Outside of Study Area (MMDMOSA) buffer method (4.79±0.83 leopards/100 km²), and the programme SPACECAP, using a buffer of 2.5 km (5.12±0.62 leopards/100 km²), appeared to generate the most reliable leopard population estimates. To assess the spatial ecology, three leopards (one male, two females) were captured and fitted with GPS collars. The home range estimates of the three leopards (95% Kernel UD: male 263 km², females 31 and 45 km²) were smaller than those of leopards in more arid regions, but larger than those of mesic habitats. This suggests that the Mangwe area has a higher quality habitat than the arid regions of Namibia, but less suitable habitat than protected bushveld areas (e.g. Kruger National Park, South Africa). My data represents the first robust leopard density and home range assessment for Zimbabwe. In addition, my results indicate that the current hunting quota issued to the Mangwe area is unsustainable. Consequently, I recommend revising the quota to five leopards for the entire area, and halving the current national leopard quota to 250, until a national leopard census is completed.
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Life-history and stock assessment of Clarias Gariepinus in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Authors: Bokhutlo, Thethela
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Clarias gariepinus , Aquaculture -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005142 , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Clarias gariepinus , Aquaculture -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Description: Large catfishes (Clarias gariepinus & Clarias ngamensis) are not exploited commercially in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. They however constitute a large proportion of the gill net fishery catch (23 %) albeit as by-catch, coming second after cichlids (70 %). Monthly experimetal gill net sampling over 8 years showed that C. gariepinus was the most abundant species in the Okavango Delta by mass making up 37 % of the catch composition by fresh weight. Despite the relatively high abundance of C. gariepinus in the Okavango Delta, its status has never been fully assessed. For this reason, this study aimed to assess the status of C. gariepinus in the Okavango Delta with the particular goal to determine if the species could support a directed commercial gill net fishery. Investigation of the effects of the flood pulse on abundance of C. gariepinus showed that variability in water levels was the major driver of population abundance for this species. Three biological variables: (1) catch per unit effort (CPUE); (2) % catch composition and (3) Shannon's diversity index (H') exhibited a negative and significant relationship with the flood index within a year. The variation in these variables was statistically significant between months. There was a weak positive relationship between water levels and the biological variables between years suggesting increase in productivity of the system at high water levels without a lag period. Age and growth were determined using sectioned otoliths. Edge analysis showed that growth zone deposition occurred during the drawdown period in summer when water temperature and day length were increasing. The maximum recorded age was 15 years. Growth of this species was best described by the linear models (y = 21.50x + 427.39 mm LT; r² = 0.35) for females and (y = 23.79x + 440.83 mm LT; r² = 0.38) for males. The von Bertalanffy growth model described growth as Lt = 10000(1- exp(-0.002(t + 18.07))) mm LT for combined sexes Lt = 10000(1- exp( -0.002(t + 18.50))) mm LT , for females and Lt =908(1-exp(-0.076(t+7.95)))mmLT for males. Age at 50 % maturity was attained in the first year of life. Spawning occurred throughout the year with an apparent peak between November and April. The mean total annual mortality rate (Z) was 0.25 per year. The mean annual natural mortality rate (M) was 0.20 per year and fishing mortality (F) was calculated at 0.05 per year. The life history strategy of C. gariepinus was in between the periodic and opportunistic strategies. Therefore management of this species should be aimed at maintaining a healthy adult population and age structure. Since a large portion of the Okavango Delta is already protected and most other parts are also inaccessible to fishers there are enough spatial refugia for the species and the status quo should be maintained. Under this scenario, there is no need for regulation of the current mesh sizes because the species is harvested after maturity and replenishment of exploited populations will always occur from other parts of the system. Per recruit analyses indicate that the current fishing mortality maintains spawner biomass at levels greater than 90 % of pristine levels. Therefore a commercial fishery may be established using mesh 93 mm to maximize yield with a rotational harvesting strategy. Close monitoring is essential to ensure that re-colonization of overexploited habitats does indeed occur. Recreational angling and commercial gill net fishing need to be separated on a spatial and temporal scale during the feeding run to minimize potential conflicts.
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- Authors: Bokhutlo, Thethela
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Clarias gariepinus , Aquaculture -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005142 , Catfishes -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta , Clarias gariepinus , Aquaculture -- Botswana -- Okavango River Delta
- Description: Large catfishes (Clarias gariepinus & Clarias ngamensis) are not exploited commercially in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. They however constitute a large proportion of the gill net fishery catch (23 %) albeit as by-catch, coming second after cichlids (70 %). Monthly experimetal gill net sampling over 8 years showed that C. gariepinus was the most abundant species in the Okavango Delta by mass making up 37 % of the catch composition by fresh weight. Despite the relatively high abundance of C. gariepinus in the Okavango Delta, its status has never been fully assessed. For this reason, this study aimed to assess the status of C. gariepinus in the Okavango Delta with the particular goal to determine if the species could support a directed commercial gill net fishery. Investigation of the effects of the flood pulse on abundance of C. gariepinus showed that variability in water levels was the major driver of population abundance for this species. Three biological variables: (1) catch per unit effort (CPUE); (2) % catch composition and (3) Shannon's diversity index (H') exhibited a negative and significant relationship with the flood index within a year. The variation in these variables was statistically significant between months. There was a weak positive relationship between water levels and the biological variables between years suggesting increase in productivity of the system at high water levels without a lag period. Age and growth were determined using sectioned otoliths. Edge analysis showed that growth zone deposition occurred during the drawdown period in summer when water temperature and day length were increasing. The maximum recorded age was 15 years. Growth of this species was best described by the linear models (y = 21.50x + 427.39 mm LT; r² = 0.35) for females and (y = 23.79x + 440.83 mm LT; r² = 0.38) for males. The von Bertalanffy growth model described growth as Lt = 10000(1- exp(-0.002(t + 18.07))) mm LT for combined sexes Lt = 10000(1- exp( -0.002(t + 18.50))) mm LT , for females and Lt =908(1-exp(-0.076(t+7.95)))mmLT for males. Age at 50 % maturity was attained in the first year of life. Spawning occurred throughout the year with an apparent peak between November and April. The mean total annual mortality rate (Z) was 0.25 per year. The mean annual natural mortality rate (M) was 0.20 per year and fishing mortality (F) was calculated at 0.05 per year. The life history strategy of C. gariepinus was in between the periodic and opportunistic strategies. Therefore management of this species should be aimed at maintaining a healthy adult population and age structure. Since a large portion of the Okavango Delta is already protected and most other parts are also inaccessible to fishers there are enough spatial refugia for the species and the status quo should be maintained. Under this scenario, there is no need for regulation of the current mesh sizes because the species is harvested after maturity and replenishment of exploited populations will always occur from other parts of the system. Per recruit analyses indicate that the current fishing mortality maintains spawner biomass at levels greater than 90 % of pristine levels. Therefore a commercial fishery may be established using mesh 93 mm to maximize yield with a rotational harvesting strategy. Close monitoring is essential to ensure that re-colonization of overexploited habitats does indeed occur. Recreational angling and commercial gill net fishing need to be separated on a spatial and temporal scale during the feeding run to minimize potential conflicts.
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Literacy, orality and recontextualization in the parliament of the Republic of South Africa : an ethnographic study
- Authors: Siebörger, Ian
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South Africa. Parliament (1994- ) -- Language , Bill drafting -- South Africa , South Africa -- Languages -- Political aspects , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Variation , Linguistic analysis (Linguistics) , Functionalism (Linguistics) , Systemic grammar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016140
- Description: In parliaments, the tasks of drafting legislation and conducting oversight are accomplished by means of complex chains of spoken, written and multimodal texts. In these genre chains, information is recontextualized from one text to another before being debated in sittings of the houses of parliament. This study employs the point of view afforded by linguistic ethnography to investigate critically the ways in which meanings are recontextualized in one section of such a genre chain, namely the process by which committees of South Africa's National Assembly oversee the budgets of government departments and state-owned entities. It does this to identify possible sources of communication difficulties in this process and suggest ways in which these can be minimized. In so doing, it develops a theoretical model of the discursive effects of recontextualization informed by Latour's (1987) notion of black-boxing as well as Maton's (2011) Legitimation Code Theory. This model uses Interactional Sociolinguistics and elements of Systemic Functional Linguistics, including APPRAISAL and Transitivity as tools to describe the realization of these effects in language. This study finds that ideational and interpersonal meanings are condensed and decondensed at particular points in the genre chain in ways that lead to some MPs’ voices being recontextualized more accurately than others’. It also shows that common sources of communication difficulties in the committee process include differences in political background and understandings of committee procedure and participant roles. It recommends that representatives of departments and entities reporting to the committees should receive a fuller prebriefing on their roles; that MPs should receive training on asking clear, focused questions; and that the role of committee secretaries as procedural advisors should be strengthened.
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- Authors: Siebörger, Ian
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: South Africa. Parliament (1994- ) -- Language , Bill drafting -- South Africa , South Africa -- Languages -- Political aspects , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Variation , Linguistic analysis (Linguistics) , Functionalism (Linguistics) , Systemic grammar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016140
- Description: In parliaments, the tasks of drafting legislation and conducting oversight are accomplished by means of complex chains of spoken, written and multimodal texts. In these genre chains, information is recontextualized from one text to another before being debated in sittings of the houses of parliament. This study employs the point of view afforded by linguistic ethnography to investigate critically the ways in which meanings are recontextualized in one section of such a genre chain, namely the process by which committees of South Africa's National Assembly oversee the budgets of government departments and state-owned entities. It does this to identify possible sources of communication difficulties in this process and suggest ways in which these can be minimized. In so doing, it develops a theoretical model of the discursive effects of recontextualization informed by Latour's (1987) notion of black-boxing as well as Maton's (2011) Legitimation Code Theory. This model uses Interactional Sociolinguistics and elements of Systemic Functional Linguistics, including APPRAISAL and Transitivity as tools to describe the realization of these effects in language. This study finds that ideational and interpersonal meanings are condensed and decondensed at particular points in the genre chain in ways that lead to some MPs’ voices being recontextualized more accurately than others’. It also shows that common sources of communication difficulties in the committee process include differences in political background and understandings of committee procedure and participant roles. It recommends that representatives of departments and entities reporting to the committees should receive a fuller prebriefing on their roles; that MPs should receive training on asking clear, focused questions; and that the role of committee secretaries as procedural advisors should be strengthened.
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Local government reform in Western Australia: a case study on change readiness
- Authors: Van Heerden, Vicky
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Local government -- Australia -- Subiaco (W.A.) Organizational change -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Local officials and employees -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Industrial relations -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Industrial management -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Corporate culture -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003897
- Description: The Western Australian State Government’s local government reform programme, initiated in February 2009, provides the context for this research. Nedlands, a local government in Perth’s western suburbs, resolved to participate in this reform programme and signed a Regional Transition Group Agreement with Subiaco local government in August 2010. The purpose of the Regional Transition Group was to prepare a business plan to investigate the potential benefits and viability of a Nedlands and Subiaco amalgamation. Whilst the local government of Nedlands is currently investigating the more operational and technical aspects of local government reform in the merger feasibility study, this research focused on employee readiness, more intangible but no less important. The difficulties of achieving success with organisational change initiatives are well documented. A number of models of planned organisational change have been developed to address these difficulties and support successful change and are outlined. This research highlights the value of the first phase of planned change, namely readiness for change, where organizational members are prepared for and become supporters of change. It also highlights the importance of change communication with respect to developing employee readiness. Definitions and some of the dimensions of ‘readiness for change’ are outlined. The five dimensions of readiness for change - discrepancy, appropriateness, principal support, efficacy and valence - provide the ‘lens’ through which readiness for change at Nedlands is explored. From this perspective, the documentation communicating local government reform at Nedlands was analysed. These dimensions were also used to ascertain, from the perspective of the Nedlands' managers, their level of readiness and the readiness of the employees of Nedlands for local government reform. The findings suggest that Nedlands local government has not consciously planned to ‘ready’ employees for local government reform. A number of management recommendations are made to strengthen the change readiness message communicated by the Nedlands local government and to support the development of the Nedlands employees’ readiness for change.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Heerden, Vicky
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Local government -- Australia -- Subiaco (W.A.) Organizational change -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Local officials and employees -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Industrial relations -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Industrial management -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.) Corporate culture -- Australia -- Nedlands (W.A.)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003897
- Description: The Western Australian State Government’s local government reform programme, initiated in February 2009, provides the context for this research. Nedlands, a local government in Perth’s western suburbs, resolved to participate in this reform programme and signed a Regional Transition Group Agreement with Subiaco local government in August 2010. The purpose of the Regional Transition Group was to prepare a business plan to investigate the potential benefits and viability of a Nedlands and Subiaco amalgamation. Whilst the local government of Nedlands is currently investigating the more operational and technical aspects of local government reform in the merger feasibility study, this research focused on employee readiness, more intangible but no less important. The difficulties of achieving success with organisational change initiatives are well documented. A number of models of planned organisational change have been developed to address these difficulties and support successful change and are outlined. This research highlights the value of the first phase of planned change, namely readiness for change, where organizational members are prepared for and become supporters of change. It also highlights the importance of change communication with respect to developing employee readiness. Definitions and some of the dimensions of ‘readiness for change’ are outlined. The five dimensions of readiness for change - discrepancy, appropriateness, principal support, efficacy and valence - provide the ‘lens’ through which readiness for change at Nedlands is explored. From this perspective, the documentation communicating local government reform at Nedlands was analysed. These dimensions were also used to ascertain, from the perspective of the Nedlands' managers, their level of readiness and the readiness of the employees of Nedlands for local government reform. The findings suggest that Nedlands local government has not consciously planned to ‘ready’ employees for local government reform. A number of management recommendations are made to strengthen the change readiness message communicated by the Nedlands local government and to support the development of the Nedlands employees’ readiness for change.
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Love Interrupted (Short story anthology)
- Authors: Malatji, Reneilwe
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:21016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6004
- Description: This collection of stories focuses on struggles between black South African men and women. Several of the stories explore how the rise of the affluent and powerful black woman is redefining relationships. Other stories in the collection describe women who do not know how to free themselves from their subservient role, or do not want to. Issues of interracial relations between blacks and whites in contemporary South Africa also feature in most of the stories.
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- Authors: Malatji, Reneilwe
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:21016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6004
- Description: This collection of stories focuses on struggles between black South African men and women. Several of the stories explore how the rise of the affluent and powerful black woman is redefining relationships. Other stories in the collection describe women who do not know how to free themselves from their subservient role, or do not want to. Issues of interracial relations between blacks and whites in contemporary South Africa also feature in most of the stories.
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Macroeconomic determinants of stock market behaviour in South Africa
- Authors: Junkin, Kyle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Macroeconomics Risk management -- South Africa Stock exchanges -- South Africa Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002751
- Description: This study investigates whether stock prices in South Africa are influenced by macroeconomic variables, and furthermore, the effects of financial crises on stock prices. The relationship between stock prices and the macroeconomy is a particularly important issue for investors, since a thorough understanding of such a relationship is likely to yield profitable or risk mitigating opportunities. Using monthly data for the period 1995 to 2010 the study focused at a macro level using the FTSE/JSE All Share Index, and at a micro level using sector indices. These included the construction and materials, financial, food producers’, general retailers, industrial, mining and pharmaceuticals indices. The Johansen and Juselius (1990) multivariate cointegration approach was employed, along with impulse response and variance decomposition tests to address the issue. The results showed that macroeconomic variables do have a significant influence on stock prices in South Africa. Also, the influences of these variables were found to have an inconsistent effect across the sectors under investigation. For example, inflation was found to negatively influence the All Share Index, but impacted the industrial index positively. These inconsistent influences on the various sectors were seen to have important diversification implications for investors. The impact of past financial crises proved to be significant on certain indices, however, indices such as that of the pharmaceuticals sector was found to be largely unaffected by such crises. The findings of the study were discussed through an investor’s perspective, and recommendations on investment decisions were given. The limitations of the study were such that certain results may have been influenced by a mis-specification of variables, particularly the Treasury bill rate.
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- Authors: Junkin, Kyle
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa Macroeconomics Risk management -- South Africa Stock exchanges -- South Africa Interest rates -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002751
- Description: This study investigates whether stock prices in South Africa are influenced by macroeconomic variables, and furthermore, the effects of financial crises on stock prices. The relationship between stock prices and the macroeconomy is a particularly important issue for investors, since a thorough understanding of such a relationship is likely to yield profitable or risk mitigating opportunities. Using monthly data for the period 1995 to 2010 the study focused at a macro level using the FTSE/JSE All Share Index, and at a micro level using sector indices. These included the construction and materials, financial, food producers’, general retailers, industrial, mining and pharmaceuticals indices. The Johansen and Juselius (1990) multivariate cointegration approach was employed, along with impulse response and variance decomposition tests to address the issue. The results showed that macroeconomic variables do have a significant influence on stock prices in South Africa. Also, the influences of these variables were found to have an inconsistent effect across the sectors under investigation. For example, inflation was found to negatively influence the All Share Index, but impacted the industrial index positively. These inconsistent influences on the various sectors were seen to have important diversification implications for investors. The impact of past financial crises proved to be significant on certain indices, however, indices such as that of the pharmaceuticals sector was found to be largely unaffected by such crises. The findings of the study were discussed through an investor’s perspective, and recommendations on investment decisions were given. The limitations of the study were such that certain results may have been influenced by a mis-specification of variables, particularly the Treasury bill rate.
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Malarial drug targets cysteine proteases as hemoglobinases
- Authors: Mokoena, Fortunate
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Antimalarials , Hemoglobin , Proteolytic enzymes , Cysteine proteinases , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium vivax , Papain
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004065 , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Antimalarials , Hemoglobin , Proteolytic enzymes , Cysteine proteinases , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium vivax , Papain
- Description: Malaria has consistently been rated as the worst parasitic disease in the world. This disease affects an estimated 5 billion households annually. Malaria has a high mortality rate leading to distorted socio-economic development of the world at large. The major challenge pertaining to malaria is its continuous and rapid spread together with the emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium species (vector agent of the disease). For this reason, researchers throughout the world are following new leads for possible drug targets and therefore, investigating ways of curbing the spread of the disease. Cysteine proteases have emerged as potential antimalarial chemotherapeutic targets. These particular proteases are found in all living organisms, Plasmodium cysteine proteases are known to degrade host hemoglobin during the life cycle of the parasite within the human host. The main objective of this study was to use various in silico methods to analyze the hemoglobinase function of cysteine proteases in P. falciparum and P. vivax. Falcipain-2 (FP2) of P. falciparum is the best characterized of these enzymes, it is a validated drug target. Both the three-dimensional structures of FP2 and its close homologue falcipain-3 (FP3) have been solved by the experimental technique X-ray crystallography. However, the homologue falcipain-2 (FP2’)’ and orthologues from P.vivax vivapain-2 (VP2) and vivapain-3 (VP3) have yet to be elucidated by experimental techniques. In an effort to achieve the principal goal of the study, homology models of the protein structures not already elucidated by experimental methods (FP2’, VP2 and VP3) were calculated using the well known spatial restraint program MODELLER. The derived models, FP2 and FP3 were docked to hemoglobin (their natural substrate). The protein-protein docking was done using the unbound docking program ZDOCK. The substrate-enzyme interactions were analyzed and amino acids involved in binding were observed. It is anticipated that the results obtained from the study will help focus inhibitor design for potential drugs against malaria. The residues found in both the P. falciparum and P. vivax cysteine proteases involved in hemoglobin binding have been identified and some of these are proposed to be the main focus for the design of a peptidomimetric inhibitor.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mokoena, Fortunate
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Antimalarials , Hemoglobin , Proteolytic enzymes , Cysteine proteinases , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium vivax , Papain
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004065 , Malaria -- Chemotherapy , Antimalarials , Hemoglobin , Proteolytic enzymes , Cysteine proteinases , Plasmodium falciparum , Plasmodium vivax , Papain
- Description: Malaria has consistently been rated as the worst parasitic disease in the world. This disease affects an estimated 5 billion households annually. Malaria has a high mortality rate leading to distorted socio-economic development of the world at large. The major challenge pertaining to malaria is its continuous and rapid spread together with the emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium species (vector agent of the disease). For this reason, researchers throughout the world are following new leads for possible drug targets and therefore, investigating ways of curbing the spread of the disease. Cysteine proteases have emerged as potential antimalarial chemotherapeutic targets. These particular proteases are found in all living organisms, Plasmodium cysteine proteases are known to degrade host hemoglobin during the life cycle of the parasite within the human host. The main objective of this study was to use various in silico methods to analyze the hemoglobinase function of cysteine proteases in P. falciparum and P. vivax. Falcipain-2 (FP2) of P. falciparum is the best characterized of these enzymes, it is a validated drug target. Both the three-dimensional structures of FP2 and its close homologue falcipain-3 (FP3) have been solved by the experimental technique X-ray crystallography. However, the homologue falcipain-2 (FP2’)’ and orthologues from P.vivax vivapain-2 (VP2) and vivapain-3 (VP3) have yet to be elucidated by experimental techniques. In an effort to achieve the principal goal of the study, homology models of the protein structures not already elucidated by experimental methods (FP2’, VP2 and VP3) were calculated using the well known spatial restraint program MODELLER. The derived models, FP2 and FP3 were docked to hemoglobin (their natural substrate). The protein-protein docking was done using the unbound docking program ZDOCK. The substrate-enzyme interactions were analyzed and amino acids involved in binding were observed. It is anticipated that the results obtained from the study will help focus inhibitor design for potential drugs against malaria. The residues found in both the P. falciparum and P. vivax cysteine proteases involved in hemoglobin binding have been identified and some of these are proposed to be the main focus for the design of a peptidomimetric inhibitor.
- Full Text: