An investigation of the discursive construction of the Tanganyika-Zanzibar Union as nation in the Union Day coverage in The Citizen and Daily News newspapers from 2005 to 2011
- Authors: Dotto, Paul Casmir Kuhenga
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Newspapers -- Research -- Tanzania , Press and politics -- Tanzania , Tanzania -- Politics and government -- 1964- , Zanzibar -- Politics and government -- 1964- , Press , Daily News , The Citizen , Union Day , Nation building
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3412 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001843
- Description: This study is concerned with the constructions of the Tanzanian nation in the press. It has confined its focus, first, to the coverage from 2005 to 2011 on Union Day that marks the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar and the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania and, second, to two prominent Tanzanian newspapers, namely the state-owned Daily News, and the privately-owned The Citizen on Union Day. As the Union remains a contentious issue, the relevance of this research relates to the press’s considerable power to shape understandings and influence attitudes. The study works within a broad cultural and media studies framework and is informed by a constructionist approach to representation and to culture, and to nation in particular. It also draws of journalistic theories of agenda-setting and the normative roles of the press to probe the agendas set by the press on Union Day and to interrogate how the two newspapers construct and frame the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar as nation. The research responds to the question: ‘How has the Tanganyika-Zanzibar Union been represented in The Citizen and Daily News newspapers from 2005 to 2011?’ It employs quantitative and qualitative (thematic) content analysis to investigate the coverage in the editorials and feature articles of The Citizen and Daily News newspapers on Union Day (26 April) of 2005 to 2011. This study finds that the government-owned newspaper, Daily News, publishes more articles related to Union on Union Day than the privately-owned, The Citizen and collaborates more determinedly with the state in the process of constructing the nation. However, both newspapers adopt a collaborative role consistent with the development journalism tradition that endorses an informal partnership between media and the state in the process of development (Christians et al, 2009:201). Both publications tend to emphasise the hegemonic ideology pertaining to Union while giving limited attention to challenges to such constructions. While both newspapers do identify certain problems of the Union and thus exercise a monitorial role to varying extents, it is apparent that the press in Tanzania tends to be largely acritical, perhaps attributable to a long period under single party rule
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An investigation on how grade 8 learners make sens of static electricity through exploring their cultural beliefs and experiences about lightning: a case study
- Authors: Nanghonga, Ottilie Mwanyenenange
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Electrostatics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Lightning -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Static electricity , Cultural beliefs , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Electrostatics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Lightning -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1387 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001537
- Description: Lightning as a natural phenomenon is shallowly presented in the Namibian curriculum documents such as the syllabus and textbooks. This gap in curriculum triggered my interest to investigate whether learners’ meaning-making in static electricity was enabled or constrained by elicitation and integration of their cultural beliefs and experiences about lightning and by their practical activities. This study was conducted with my grade 8 learners at the school where I am currently teaching. The school is located in a rural area in Ohangwena region in Northern Namibia. The study is situated within an interpretive paradigm. Within the interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was adopted. I considered this methodological orientation appropriate in this study as it allowed me to use the following data gathering methods: document analysis, brainstorming, discussions and presentations, semi-structured interview, focus group interview, observation and an assessment test. Multiple methods to gather data were used for triangulation and validation purposes. For data analysis purposes, the data sets were colour-coded to derive themes and analytical statements. Ethical considerations were also taken seriously in this study and all participants gave consent. An analysis of data revealed that there is no learning objective or basic competence in the Namibian Physical Science syllabus for grade 8-10 that requires learners to bring in their cultural beliefs and experiences, in particular, about lightning. Yet the study revealed that learners possess a lot of prior everyday scientific and non-scientific knowledge and experiences about lightning that they had acquired from their communities. Also, mobilization of learners' everyday knowledge and experiences about lightning enabled learner engagement during the science lessons. Likewise, engaging learners in practical activities in static electricity helped them to make meaning of scientific concepts. Based on my research findings, I therefore, recommend that learners' prior everyday knowledge and experiences about lightning should be incorporated during teaching and learning of the topic on static electricity.
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An investigation on how learners may use multiple representations in a social interaction to promote learning of percentages and fractions: a case study
- Authors: Ngola-Kazumba, Maria
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Fractions -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Case studies Percentage -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Case studies Mathematical notation -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Experiential learning -- Namibia Education, Secondary -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006057
- Description: The study examined the use of multiple representations such as the real world, written symbols, spoken symbols, diagrams and manipulatives by learners to promote the learning of percentages and fractions through social interaction. This investigation was carried out through a teaching and learning programme which was developed and implemented by me, the researcher. The effect of the implemented programme was the main focus of the research. The qualitative study was oriented in the interpretive paradigm – a paradigm that seeks to understand the meaning attached to human actions. Twenty learners participated in the implementation of the programme and 9 learners were selected for focus group interviews. The purpose of the interviews was to explore learners' understanding and feelings about the use of multiple representations in the learning of percentages and fractions through social interactions. The other tools employed in this study were pre-and-post diagnostic tests, observations, learners' work and a journal. The pre-test was used to determine learners' prior knowledge for the program design and implementation, while the post-test and learners' work were used to analyze the effect of the programme. Observations were used to investigate how multiple representations promoted or did not promote the learning of percentages and fractions. The teacher's journal was to record and reflect on any relevant information gathered on each lesson observed. The data shows that the effective use of multiple representations helped learners learn the concept of percentages and fractions better. Learners were able to look at representations in useful ways; multiple representations made some aspects of the concept clear; and multiple representations enabled learners to correct errors. Through the interaction between the teacher and learners, the following was found: all the learners changed words to change focus; learners made links between multiple representations; the learners deepened their concepts of percentages and fractions; learners could convert between fractions using multiple representations; learners could work out percentages of a quantity; and learners could express one quantity as a percentage of another. Furthermore, through the interaction between learners and learners all learners could identify more equivalent fractions of an initial fraction which was given to them; and they could increase and decrease a quantity by a given percentage. On the basis of this research, it can be concluded that the programme promoted the learning of percentages and fractions through three effective methodologies. The first methodology consisted of the effective use of multiple representations; the second methodology concerned the interaction between the teacher and learner during the learning process and the last methodology related to the interaction between the learners - interactions that were not strongly mediated by the teacher. I would recommend that teachers use these three effective approaches when teaching percentages and fractions to promote the learning of the concepts.
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Analysis of the implementation of corporate level strategy in a South Afircan furniture retailer
- Authors: Nkatsha, Thembinkosi Sydney
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) , Consolidation and merger of corporations -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational change -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018272
- Description: [Integrative Summary] This study is situated in the complex field of change management, and strategy execution. The study focuses on the corporate level restructuring of Ellerine Holdings Limited (EHL), subsequent to its acquisition by the micro lending financial institution African Bank Investments Limited (ABIL). The interest of the researcher was aroused by the uniqueness of the relationship. This was the first of its kind in a South African context, where a banker owned a furniture retailer. The restructuring was undertaken shortly after the acquisition. This research paper adopted a case study approach, in describing the restructuring initiative that took place in EHL, focusing on the period between January 2008 and the end of 2010/ 11 financial year on the 30th of September 2011. The case captures the significant phases of the restructuring including a background of (1) the protagonist, Toni Fourie (Chief Executive Officer), (2) EHL as the researched company, (3) the industry it operates in, and (4) the case content. Brief teaching notes have been provided to explain the teaching value of the case and to assist with its delivery in the classroom. Attention is drawn to a presentation by the protagonist in November 2011, named 'A CEO Insight' where he gave an overview and insights of the road travelled in restructuring Ellerine Holdings Limited, and more importantly highlights the following about the purpose and nature of the restructuring of the organisation. • A plan to change the way the industry works. • The creation of a profitable, stand-alone retail business through: o The sale of two companies, the closure of two companies and consolidating from thirteen to six brands. o Separating financial services from retail. o Moving the financial services component to African Bank, also a subsidiary of ABIL. o Redesigning the credit model. o Completion of twelve system changes. • Over R600million reduction in cost • A place where people want to work. The restructuring outlined above represents a major shake-up in many aspects of the corporation. The main challenge for Toni Fourie and his team was: how best could they restructure EHL to extract synergies between their two subsidiaries Ellerine Holdings Limited & African Bank to increase shareholders ' value at Group level. The case seeks to describe this in detail. The overarching strategy underpinning the restructuring of the researched corporation is premised on the price volume elasticity equation, by reducing the cost of credit, thereby driving pricing down within the brands, and facilitating more people having access to affordable credit. The case study of the restructuring is presented in Section 1. A review of relevant literature on strategy implementation is presented in Section 2, focusing on restructuring. Successful implementation of strategies only takes place with structures that are developed by organisations to support the achievement of their strategic objectives. Organisational architecture and design have a critical role to play in the execution of organisational strategies. Nadler and Tushman (1978) emphasise the importance of congruence in the organisational design, for the organization to not only deliver superior results but to sustain them over a period of time. Research by Okumus (2005) seems to tell us that the lack of credible framework to implement strategy, has contributed the high failure rate of strategy initiatives. Although this is a strategy implementation case, it also touches on aspects of leadership - mainly the architectural role - and the role, or influence of strategic leadership, in restructuring the corporation. The results of this research paper were achieved by following a specific research methodology. The aim of the research was to analyse the restructuring of the researched company at corporate level, having the following objectives in mind; • Understanding the strategy. • Analysing the design decisions in the light of the strategy chosen by the top management of Ellerine Holdings Limited. • Analysing what monitoring and control measures had been designed to facilitate the corporate restructuring. Data was collected through documentation of the corporation that was made available to the researcher on request, as well as those that are in the public domain, and an interview with the CEO of the researched company. The interview was conducted after analysing the documentation (Hakim, 2000). The Methodology is detailed in Section 3. The researcher hopes that the case study will contribute to learning about business leadership and strategic management. The case should develop an understanding of the complexities related to strategy execution at corporate level, particularly the restructuring aspect of it.
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Assessing household assets to understand vulnerability to HIV/Aids and climate change in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Stadler, Leigh Tessa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Climatic changes -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Income -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sex role -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4726 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001655
- Description: Livelihood stressors in southern Africa, such as HIV/Aids and climate change, do not act in isolation but rather interact concurrently in complex socio-ecological systems with diverse, interrelated and compounded affects. Households experience differential vulnerability to such stressors based on contextual factors such as geographical location, income level and the gender and age of its members. Households’ differential experiences of vulnerability are further defined by the households’ use of their capital stocks: the human, social, natural, financial and physical capital available to the household to form livelihoods and resist the detrimental effects of a stressor. The capital stocks of 340 households were measured in two sites in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using a household survey. These data were analysed to determine differences between the sites, households with heads of different gender and households of different income levels. Further data relating to the drivers and interactions of stressors over temporal and spatial scales, as well as the perceived value of various forms of capital by different social groups in the two sites, were collected via Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) methods including timelines, mental modelling and pair-wise ranking. Although the two sites have similar levels of income and fall within the same province, many significant differences emerged. The two sites showed different distributions of household head genders and different stressors and perceptions of vulnerability, perhaps owing to differences in their capital stocks, acting alongside the influence of culture and access on a shifting rural-urban continuum. These discrepancies further transpired to reflect crucial differential experiences along gender lines and income levels in each site. Vulnerability was often context specific, not only because of unique drivers of stress in different areas, but also because socio-economic groups and localities often had characteristics that could potentially exacerbate vulnerability, as well as characteristics that can potentially facilitate adaptive capacity. Stressors were found to have depleted multiple forms of capital over time, while new stressors were emerging, raising concerns over the most appropriate means of social protection within these contexts.
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Barriers to public participation in developmental projects : a Nigerian community perspective (case study of the Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project)
- Authors: Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Gbaran-Ubie oil and gas project -- Public opinion Community development -- Nigeria Economic development -- Nigeria -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:715 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001869
- Description: This research paper is broken up into three sections, namely an evaluation report, a literature review and research methodology. The evaluation report section is the assessment of the current state of change readiness within the Eskom Contact Centre’s based upon what the literature on change readiness prescribes. The timing of the change readiness assessment is just prior to significant organisational change. The organisational change that was about to be initiated by the organisation was initiated from the boardroom of the most senior echelons of the organisation, and was directed in a top down approach, being a strategic organisational change. The change is deemed to be critical to the organisation being able to meet its long term strategic and sustainability objectives. A critical examination of the literature explored the meaning of change readiness, the importance of it and explained the consequences for organisations that commit to transformational agendas without being ready. Key concepts such as such resistance to change and organisational inertia are described and differentiated from change readiness. The ADKAR change model and its change readiness assessment instrument were used due to the organisations preference for the model. The ADKAR model formed the framework for the analyses of the data, the discussion of the results and the recommendations to the organisation. The research conducted was quantitative in nature; a questionnaire was distributed to the employees of the seven Eskom Contact centre sites around the country through an email. A slightly modified version of the ADKAR change readiness questionnaire was sent via email with an on-line questionnaire link on it; and questions on individual readiness for change were used to assess the level of readiness of the employees. Most of the descriptive and inferential statistics were analysed with the use of Excel (version, 2010), with Factor Analysis being done in Statistica. The results of the research showed that: [iii] - The factors as proposed by the ADKAR change readiness assessment questionnaire (i.e. Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement) are not different enough to be considered as independent factors for this data set. Based on factor analysis, the factors were subsequently amended from five to three, namely Readiness, Opportunity Realisation and Uncertainty. - The Contact Centre employees were somewhat ready for change. - The Contact Centres needed to focus on all amended ADKAR factors in order to improve the readiness of the department. - The readiness levels in response to the roll out were more or less uniform. The study shows that given Eskom’s preference for the ADKAR model, future research within Eskom should therefore be conducted more circumspectly with respect to ascertaining the validity of the ADKAR factors. The study also makes mention that future work and/or research will need to be conducted, specifically on the readiness of the organisation itself, in order to improve the probability of transformational success. The ADKAR assessment is a people focused assessment and therefore focuses only on the readiness of the individual. Factors such as the adequacy of the current state of resources within the organisation, which incorporate aspects such as infrastructure, technology and staffing, will also need to be assessed to make a more holistic statement of change readiness. A concise review of the literature is incorporated into the Evaluation Report of Section 1 to underpin the study. In Section 2 a more extensive review of the literature is presented. Similarly, the design of the research is discussed in more detail in Section 3 to both describe and justify the appropriateness of the research methodology, and to give a detailed account of the way in which the research was carried out.
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Biochemical characterisation of Pfj2, a Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 40 chaperone potentially involved in protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum
- Authors: Afolayan, Omolola Folasade
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum Endoplasmic reticulum Heat shock proteins Malaria , Mosquito-borne infectious disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001617
- Description: Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes a severe form of malaria, a mosquito-borne infectious disease in humans. P. falciparum encodes a number of proteins to facilitate its life-cycle, including a type II heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40), Pfj2. Pfj2 shows a degree of homology to human ERdj5, a resident protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that promotes protein quality control by facilitating the degradation of misfolded proteins. The overall aim of this study was to further understand the function of Pfj2 in the P. falciparum cell by characterising it biochemically. A bioinformatic analysis of Pfj2 was carried out to enable the identification of a potential ER signal sequence and cleavage site. Furthermore, an analysis of Pfj2 protein sequence was performed to compare domain similarities and identities with typical type II Hsp40s namely, human ERdj5, S. cerevisiae Sis1, human Hsj1a and human DnaJB4. The method used included the insertion of the codon-optimised coding sequence for the processed ER form of Pfj2 into the prokaryotic expression vector, pQE30, to enable overproduction of a histidine-tagged protein. A 62 kDa His₆-Pfj2 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using denaturing nickel affinity chromatography. ATPase assays were performed to determine the ability of His₆- Pfj2 to stimulate the chaperone activity of the ER Hsp70, also called immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP). Initial studies were conducted on readily available mammalian His₆-BiP as a control, which was shown to have an intrinsic activity of 12.07±3.92 nmolPi/min/mg. His₆- Pfj2 did not stimulate the ATPase activity of mammalian His₆-BiP, suggesting that it either could not act as a co-chaperone of mammalian His₆-BiP (specificity), or it required a misfolded substrate in the system. Therefore, ongoing studies are addressing the interaction of Pfj2 and misfolded substrates with P. falciparum BiP. The results of these studies will further our understanding of a poorly-studied parasite chaperone that represents a potential drug target for development of novel strategies for the control of a serious human disease
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Biology and ecology of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in two temperate South African impoundments
- Authors: Taylor, Geraldine Claire
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-19
- Subjects: Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001668 , Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths
- Description: Globally largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is one of the most widely introduced game fish species which has now become invasive in many countries. Well researched in its native North America, there are few studies on this species in its introduced range. This study aims to improve the understanding of the biology and ecology of M. salmoides in temperate southern Africa, where it threatens native biota and supports a popular recreational fishery. This aim was addressed by assessing the age, growth, maturity, reproductive seasonality, feeding, mortality and movement, of two M. salmoides populations from Wriggleswade (1000 ha, 723 m amsl, 32º35'S; 27º33'E) and Mankazana (35 ha, 66 m amsl, 33º09'S; 26º57'E) Dams in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The most suitable structure for ageing M. salmoides was determined by comparing the accuracy and precision of otoliths and scales. Scales tended to underestimate the age of fish older than five years. Sectioned sagittal otoliths were the more precise structures for ageing (otoliths CV = 15.8 vs. scales CV = 21.9). The periodicity of growth zone formation was validated as annual for otoliths using both edge analysis (EA), and mark recapture of chemically tagged fish (MRCT). EA indicated one annual peak in the frequency of opaque margins between September and January using a periodic logistic regression and a binomial model linked with a von Mises distribution for circular data. MRCT showed the linear relationship between time at liberty and number of growth zones distal to the fluorescent band was not significantly different from one (slope = 0.89). Reproduction was similar to that in native and non-native populations with fish reaching age at 50% maturity at ca. two years, and length at 50% maturity at 259-290 mm FL depending on growth rate. Spawning season occurred in the spring months of August to October. The Wriggleswade Dam population reached similar ages (14 yrs) to populations in temperate North America. Growth was described using the von Bertalanffy growth equations of (Lt = 420(1-ᵉ⁻°·³³⁽ᵗ⁺°·²¹⁾) mm FL in Wriggleswade and (Lt = 641(1-ᵉ⁻°·²²⁽ᵗ⁺°·⁷⁶⁾) mm FL in Mankazana. Growth performance of both populations, described using the phi prime index, seemed to be correlated with temperature and the Wriggleswade Dam population (Φ’ = 2.8) grew similarly to those native temperate North American populations and the non-native populations of Japan and Italy. The Mankazana population had a higher growth performance (Φ’ = 2.9) compared to Wriggleswade and growth was comparable to other nonnative African populations. Both populations utilised all available food resources, with the Mankazana population being in better condition than the Wriggleswade population as a result of a more diverse diet, highly abundant food sources throughout the year, and potentially the adoption of a more conservative ambush feeding strategy. The Wriggleswade population, which was utilised by competitive anglers, showed low mortality rates (Z = 0.43 yr⁻¹), and translocated fish dispersed from the common release site, travelling an average distance of 4km over the study time of 494 days. These results indicated that M. salmoides are successful in these environments, growing at expected temperature dependant rates, maturing at two years, using all available food groups, and suffering from low mortality. It is therefore likely that they will persist in South Africa and establish where introduced.
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Case study : using visual representations to enhance conceptual knowledge of division in mathematics
- Authors: Joel, Linea Beautty
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching , Visual learning , Division -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013356
- Description: Literature emphasizes how important it is that procedural and conceptual knowledge of mathematics should be learned in integration. Yet, generally, the learning and teaching in mathematics classrooms relies heavily on isolated procedures. This study aims to improve teaching and learning of partitive and quotitive division, moving away from isolated procedural knowledge to that of procedures with their underlying concepts through the use of manipulatives, visual representation and questioning. Learning and teaching lessons were designed to teach partitive and quotitive division both procedurally and conceptually. The study explored the roles these manipulatives, visual representations and questioning played toward the conceptual learning of partitive and quotitive division. It was found that manipulatives and iconic visualization enhanced learning, and this could be achieved through scaffolding using a questioning approach. It was concluded that manipulatives and iconic visualization need to be properly planned and used, and integrated with questioning to achieve success in the learning of procedural and conceptual knowledge.
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Changes in muscle recruitment, functional strength and ratings of perceived effort during an 8-over bowling spell: impact on performance
- Authors: Barford, Gareth Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cricket -- Bowling , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Fatigue , Physical fitness , Cricket injuries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003926 , Cricket -- Bowling , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Fatigue , Physical fitness , Cricket injuries
- Description: Background: The musculoskeletal demands placed on the lower limb musculature of fast bowlers over time have not received much attention. In particular, measures of muscle recruitment changes have, to the author’s knowledge, not been considered. Objective: The present study, therefore sought to establish any associations between an eight over, simulated fast bowling spell, and muscle activation patterns, power output, perceptual demands, and changes in performance. This will enable improvements in the development of training programmes. Methods: Players’ were required to attend two sessions in total. The purpose of the initial session was to collect specific demographic, anthropometric and physiological data and injury history information from each player. In addition, this first session allowed for habituation with the treadmill, the jump meter and all other equipment involved in experimentation. The second testing session involved electrode attachment sites being identified on player’s dominant leg. The areas were then shaved, wiped with an alcohol swab and left to dry, to ensure good connectivity. Pre- and post- measures of muscle activity and functional strength of the lower limbs were recorded in the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics. The protocol took place at the Kingswood High Performance Centre, which is in close proximity to the initial testing site. The protocol involved players bowling eight overs (48 balls). During the protocol, accuracy, ball release speed and perceptual measures were recorded at the end of each over. After the protocol, players were driven back to the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department where post-testing measures were completed. The dependable variables of interest were muscle activation, functional strength of the lower limbs, ‘local’ ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), body discomfort, accuracy, and ball release speed. Results: For all muscles it was shown that, as the speed increased so did the muscle activity in players’ lower limbs. There were no significant changes in muscle activity preversus post-protocol. There was however, a general trend of decreasing muscle activity post protocol at higher testing speeds. There were significant (p<0.05) decreases in peak power following the simulated eight over bowling spell. ‘Local’ RPE displayed a significant (P<0.05) increase with each additional over and were observed to reach the ‘heavy’ category. The players’ highest discomfort area was in the lower back, with 13 players perceiving discomfort in this region following the eight over spell. The shoulder and chest were another two areas player’s indicated discomfort with eight players selecting the dominant shoulder. Seven players complained of the dominant side pectoral muscle, leading foot and dominant latissimus dorsi muscle being uncomfortable. Interestingly, the dominant pectoral showed the highest body discomfort ratings amongst players. There were no significant changes in accuracy between overs although there were large interindividual differences in accuracy points between players. The decrease in ball release speed observed during over seven was shown to be significantly (p<0.05) lower than overs one to four. Conclusion: The power output and perceived strain results of the players, appears to indicate the presence of fatigue in players. However, the results are not conclusive, as the fatigue was not shown in muscle recruitment patterns, as well as the body discomfort ratings. There was a non-significant trend observed in the lower limb muscle activation decreasing at higher speeds. Players were able to maintain accuracy. However, the significantly lower ball release speed observed during over seven showed players performance decreasing.
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Characterisation of a plasmodium falciparum type II Hsp40 chaperone exported to the cytosol of infected erythrocytes
- Authors: Maphumulo, Philile Nompumelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Erythrocytes , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Malaria -- Prevention -- Research , Protein folding , Proteins -- Analysis , Malaria -- Immunological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4128 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015681
- Description: Heat Shock 40 kDa proteins (Hsp40s) partner with heat shock 70 kDa proteins (Hsp70s) in facilitating, among other chaperone activities; correct protein transport, productive protein folding and assembly within the cells; under both normal and stressful conditions. Hsp40 proteins regulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 through interaction with the J-domain. Plasmodium falciparum Hsp70s (PfHsp70s) do not contain a Plasmodium export element (PEXEL) sequence although PfHsp70-1 and PfHsp70-3 have been located outside of the parasitophorous vacuole. Studies reveal that a type I P. falciparum (PfHsp40) chaperone (PF14_0359) stimulates the rate of ATP hydrolysis of the cytosolic PfHsp70 (PfHsp70-1) and that of human Hsp70A1A. PFE0055c is a PEXEL-bearing type II Hsp40 that is exported into the cytosol of P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes; where it potentially interacts with human Hsp70. Studies reveal that PFE0055c associates with structures found in the erythrocyte cytosol termed “J-dots” which are believed to be involved in trafficking parasite-encoded proteins through the erythrocyte cytosol. If P. falciparum exports PFE0055c into the host cytosol, it may be proposed that it interacts with human Hsp70, making it a possible drug target. The effect of PFE0055c on the ATPase activity of human Hsp70A1A has not been previously characterised. Central to this study was bioinformatic analysis and biochemical characterisation PFE0055c using an in vitro (ATPase assay) approach. Structural domains that classify PFE0055c as a type II Hsp40 were identified with similarity to two other exported type II PfHsp40s. Plasmids encoding the hexahistidine-tagged versions of PFE0055c and human Hsp70A1A were used for the expression and purification of these proteins from Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved using nickel affinity chromatography. The urea-denaturing method was used to obtain the purified PFE0055c whilst human Hsp70A1A was purified using the native method. PFE0055c could stimulate the ATPase activity of alfalfa Hsp70, although such was not the case for human Hsp70A1A in vitro.
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Characterization and application of phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai Lana
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Gold , Zinc , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Photochemistry , Photocatalysis , Electrospinning , Polymers , Pollutants , Phenols , Azo dyes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4293 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004517 , Phthalocyanines , Gold , Zinc , Nanoparticles , Bioconjugates , Photochemistry , Photocatalysis , Electrospinning , Polymers , Pollutants , Phenols , Azo dyes
- Description: This work presents the syntheses, photophysical and photochemical characterization of arylthio zinc phthalocyanines and their gold nanoparticle conjugates. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies confirmed the formation of the phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates which exhibited enhanced photophysicochemical properties in comparison to the phthalocyanines. The studies showed that the presence of gold nanoparticles significantly lowered fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. However, this interaction did not restrict the formation of excited singlet and triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and therefore enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. The zinc phthalocyanines and their gold nanoparticle conjugates were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines and phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were bound and their integrity was maintained within the polymeric fiber matrices. The photophysical and photochemical properties of the complexes were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized fibers were applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model organic pollutants. , Microsoft� Word 2010 , Adobe Acrobat 9.53 Paper Capture Plug-in
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China's African FDI safari : opportunistic exploitation or muturally beneficial to all participants
- Authors: Dreier, Tina , Rhodes University
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-10
- Subjects: Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Africa , Investments, Foreign -- China , Foreign direct investment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001455 , Africa -- Foreign economic relations -- China , China -- Foreign economic relations -- Africa , Investments, Foreign -- China
- Description: When implemented within a favourable legislative framework, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can produce domestic growth-enhancing spillovers in host countries. Other potential positive effects include the provision of investment capital, the creation of local employment and the transfer of sophisticated technology or advanced knowledge. African nations in particular have been historically reliant on externally-provided funds. Prevailing low income levels, marginal savings rates and the absence of functioning financial markets necessary to provide local start-up capital continue to keep Africa reliant on foreign inflows. Considering China’s increasing financial commitments to Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) over the last decade, this study examines the state of current Sino-African investment relationships. Specific attention is paid to the outcomes of this strategic bilateral alliance in order to determine whether or not a mutually beneficial investment relationship has evolved. The distinct nature and structure of, the motivation behind and the most significant determinants of Chinese FDI to SSA are all analysed in accordance with traditional FDI theories. A case study approach is used to establish whether China’s contemporary interest in SSA differs from historical investments and to also investigate country-specific commonalities and differences. Of particular relevance to SSA are resource-backed Chinese loans that finance major infrastructure projects in host nations. Interestingly, a lot of the Sino-African investment packages resemble similar deals struck between China and Japan in the 1970s. The results of this study indicate that China’s investment motives seem more diverse than initially expected. Resource-seeking, profit-seeking and market access-seeking reasons appear to be the most important motives. After establishing the Top- Ten recipients of Chinese FDI in SSA, these nations are then classified into three major categories: resource-, oil- or agricultural-rich nations. Undiversified resource- or oil-rich economies are found to have secured the largest shares of Chinese FDI. This study suggests that China’s contemporary “African Safari” is an unconventional way of providing financial assistance. Rather than solely supplying FDI, China finances a diverse mix of instruments, the most important being concessional loans, export credits, zero-interest loans and the establishment of Special Economic Zones. A profound difference to traditional Western investment packages is China’s non-interference approach. Accordingly, Beijing not only refrains from intervening in host countries’ domestic affairs but also refuses to attach formal conditionalties to its loans. China’s “financial safari” into Africa has produced many positive as well as negative effects in host countries. Nevertheless, it would seem that the positive effects outweigh the negative and China’s FDI could contribute to sustainable development in SSA
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Coming clean: the treatment of traces
- Authors: Wilmot, Cassandra
- Date: 2013 , 2013-09-13
- Subjects: Salcedo, Doris, 1958- Bereavement in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006121
- Description: Coming Clean is a mixed media installation which aims to address and express ambivalent feelings or notions of loss arising particularly in the absence of a comprehensive narrative or history by focussing on what remains. By researching the role of indexical signs and strategies, particularly as they are deployed by the artist Doris Salcedo, I explore the capacity for these traces to not only effectively mark and memorialise loss, but to also convey the state of loss as experienced by the bereaved without providing a narrative account of the events which preceded them. The domestic ritual of washing is both alluded to and used as a metaphor in etchings, photographic prints and readymade objects to illustrate my concerns, with particular emphasis on the dialectic between what is revealed or concealed. Using representations or traces of this task of laundry to examine this dialectic between concealment and revelation, I comment on the anxiety of dealing with incomplete narrative inheritances by considering how traces of the past which impose themselves on the present may affect both remembrance and the ritual of loss, while also taking into account the complexities behind the disclosure of sensitive information in families.
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Constructions of nationhood in secession debates related to Mthwakazi Liberation Front in Bulawayo's Chronicle and Newsday newspapers in 2011
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mphathisi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Newspapers , Bulawayo , Matabeleland , Zimbabwe , Chronicle , Newsday , Secession , Devolution , Nationhood , Ndebele , Ethnic identity , Mthwakazi Liberation Front , Mthwakazi Liberation Front -- Zimbabwe , Mass media and nationalism -- Research -- Zimbabwe , Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) -- Newspapers , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- History -- Autonomy and independence movements , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- Social conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001846
- Description: This study investigates the constructions of nationhood in two Bulawayo newspapers, the Chronicle and Newsday. Against the backdrop of the emergence of a secessionist movement, Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF), this research examines the discourses of nationhood in the secessionist debates raging in these two newspapers. This study is premised on a view that nationhood constructions cannot be understood outside the broader context in which these newspapers are embedded. Accordingly, it traces the roots and resurgence of Matabeleland separatist politics, exploring the political-historical forces that have shaped a distinctive Ndebele identity that poses a threat to the one, indivisible Zimbabwean national identity. Further, the study situates Matabeleland separatist politics within the broader African secessionist discourse challenging the post-colonial nation-building project on the continent. Informed by Hall’s (1992, 1996) constructivist approach to identity, it considers national identities as fragmented, multiple and constantly evolving. Thus, this study is framed within Hall’s (1997) constructivist approach to representation, as it examines the constructions of nationhood in and through language. The study uses qualitative research methods, as it examines the meanings of nationhood in key media texts. Informed by Foucault’s discourse theory, this research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) to analyse 12 articles from the two newspapers. The findings confirm that the representations of nationhood in the two newspapers are influenced by their position within the socio-political context. The state-owned Chronicle legitimates the unitary state discourse advocated by ZANU PF. On the other hand, Newsday’s representations are informed by the discourses of the opposition political parties and civil society that challenge the dominant nation-building project. Thus, within this paper, secession and devolution emerge as alternative imaginaries that contest the authoritarian discourse of nationhood
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Contributions of inshore and offshore sources of primary production to the foodweb, and the trophic connectivity between various habitats along a depth-gradient, in Sodwana Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Parkinson, Matthew Cameron
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Food chains (Ecology) -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Stable isotopes , Dinoflagellates , Marine algae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5179 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001630 , Marine ecology -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Food chains (Ecology) -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Sodwana Bay , Stable isotopes , Dinoflagellates , Marine algae
- Description: Sodwana Bay, situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is ecologically important as it contains high-latitude corals and the most southerly known population of coelacanths. This thesis utilised stable isotope and lipid analyses to investigate the trophic ecology of the area, in particular, understanding the relative contribution of inshore and offshore primary production to consumers inhabiting intertidal and shallow subtidal, coral reef, deep reef, canyon head and pelagic habitats. Seaweeds, excluding certain species of red seaweeds with highly depleted carbon signatures, and phytoplankton, such as diatoms, were found to be the principal sources of primary production for all consumers. Offshore production was typified by dinoflagellates. Particulate organic matter (POM) was spatio-temporally variable. Three distinct productivity periods related to nutrient cycling were noted with enriched carbon signatures and higher organic matter loads associated with warmer water. Inshore primary production was an important source of carbon to consumers in all habitats with the exception of zooplankton that were more reliant on pelagic primary production. Benthic invertebrates reflected a gradient in the utilisation of inshore production, due to the reduced availability of this source further offshore. Consumers at the furthest sites offshore were found to include a substantial quantity of inshore-derived production in their diets. Fishes, which are more mobile, were found to incorporate a similar proportion of inshore production into their diets regardless of where they were collected from.
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Corporate social responsibility of private game reserves in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Motala, Amina Sadiq
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Social responsibility of busines -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Game reserves -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ecotourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004335
- Description: The primary aim of this research study was to determine the current state of practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within the ecotourism based private game reserve (PGR) industry in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. According to Carroll (1991) four kind of responsibilities constitute total CSR, namely economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities. Given the context of this research a fifth responsibility concerning environmental responsibilities was added to Carroll 's (1991) pyramid ofCSR. A descriptive and illustrative case study approach, within the phenomenological research paradigm, was used for the purpose of this research. The unit of analysis is the Indalo group, the Association of Eastern Cape Private Game Reserves, made up of 12 ecotourism based PORs. As the current research focused on eight of the twelve PGRs a mUltiple case study was employed. To give effect to the aim a number of research objectives were identified. Firstly to desclibe and assess the current practice in implementing CSR within the ecotourism based PGR industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Secondly, to assess and evaluate the involvement of ecotourism based PGRs in the Eastern Cape Province in each of the five responsibilities comprising CSR. Thirdly, to identify the challenges faced by ecotourism based PGRs in the Eastern Cape Province with regard to the implementation of CSR initiatives. Lastly to provide pertinent conclusions and recommendations with regard to CSR strategies within the ecotourism based PGR industry in the Eastern Cape Province. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews with the managers of each reserve. In addition the researcher conducted focus interviews with administrative employees at each of the member reserves of the Indalo group. Additionally the managers of each reserve were requested to respond to a structured five point Likert scale questionnaire based on the research by Aupperle, Carroll and Hatfield (1985). This research study found that the current practice at the Indalo group is towards a strategic, long term approach to CSR that aids in the development of a 'sustainable organisation.' The aspect of ' empowerment' emerged as the essence of the current practice ofCSR of the Indalo group. Based on the current practice it was concluded that the Indalo group is actively involved in the specific components of CSR namely, environmental, economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities. With regard to the environmental responsibilities it was concluded that the environment is the foundation upon which all other components of CSR rest. In addition it was concluded that the economic responsibilities, if managed well, are key to unlocking the CSR potential of a reserve as well as ensuring widespread economic development. In terms of the legal and ethical responsibilities it was concluded that tourism policies both at the national and international level have not aided in the development of a CSR agenda of the Indalo group. Furthermore managers of the reserves have been instrumental in cultivating their own legal culture of CSR based on their experience in the tourism industry and their ethical stances. In terms of the philanthropic responsibilities it can be concluded that charitable activities that are long term and strategic in nature allow for direct and indirect benefits to all parties involved. Overall, it can further be concluded that despite Hudson and Miller's (2005:5) view that the "tourism industry is well hehind other industries in terms of CSR" the Indalo group is moving forward in terms of rooting CSR into their everyday operations.
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Counting planes
- Authors: Rawlins, Isabel Bethan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Prose poems , Flash fiction , Short stories , English , Creative writing (Higher education) , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , English language -- Writing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5966 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001816
- Description: This collection of prose-poems and flash fiction, together with a few short stories, shows how romantic relationships colour our perspectives on the world. The collection has echoes throughout of speakers' voices, theme, imagery and tone. There is a narrative logic too, but working on a subtle level of echo and resonance
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Creating a new declaration of rights : a critical reconstruction of earth jurisprudence's global legislative framework
- Authors: Lenferna, Georges Alexandre
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Universal Declaration , Rights , Earth , Environment , Ethics , Environmental law, International -- Research , Environmental law, International -- Philosophy , Environmental ethics -- Research , Nature conservation -- Law and legislation -- Research , Jurisprudence -- Research , Law -- Philosophy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001979
- Description: This thesis aims to critique the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth and its underlying moral justification in order to provide a stronger and improved version of both. In Chapter 1 I explore what sort of moral justification is necessary to establish the Universal Declaration on firm grounds and explore its relation to environmental ethics and rights discourse. I argue that a non-anthropocentric perspective is necessary to justify the Universal Declaration’s rights. In Chapter 2 I explore the underlying justification of the Universal Declaration as discovered in the works of Cormac Cullinan and Father Thomas Berry. I argue that their ethical framework is indeterminate, has many ambiguities and uncertainties, and, among other problems, it does not provide a clear action-guiding framework. In Chapter 3 I develop an alternative justification for the Universal Declaration. I argue against many predominant moral theories, that in light of our best scientific and moral understanding we should expand the realm of moral concern to include all living beings, a moral theory I call Life’s Imperative. In Chapter 4 I illustrate that Life’s Imperative is a much stronger, more coherent justification for the Universal Declaration, one that coheres with both our best understanding of the natural world and our relation to it, and to an environmental ethic reflective of that relationship. Unfortunately many of the weaknesses in the current implicit justification of the Universal Declaration have also led to it enshrining rights that are themselves problematic. In order to address these issues, I revise its rights to accord with the stronger justification that I established in Chapter 3. The end result of doing so is a revised version of the Universal Declaration
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Deploying DNSSEC in islands of security
- Authors: Murisa, Wesley Vengayi
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-31
- Subjects: Internet domain names , Computer security , Computer network protocols , Computer security -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4577 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003053 , Internet domain names , Computer security , Computer network protocols , Computer security -- Africa
- Description: The Domain Name System (DNS), a name resolution protocol is one of the vulnerable network protocols that has been subjected to many security attacks such as cache poisoning, denial of service and the 'Kaminsky' spoofing attack. When DNS was designed, security was not incorporated into its design. The DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) provides security to the name resolution process by using public key cryptosystems. Although DNSSEC has backward compatibility with unsecured zones, it only offers security to clients when communicating with security aware zones. Widespread deployment of DNSSEC is therefore necessary to secure the name resolution process and provide security to the Internet. Only a few Top Level Domains (TLD's) have deployed DNSSEC, this inherently makes it difficult for their sub-domains to implement the security extensions to the DNS. This study analyses mechanisms that can be used by domains in islands of security to deploy DNSSEC so that the name resolution process can be secured in two specific cases where either the TLD is not signed or the domain registrar is not able to support signed domains. The DNS client side mechanisms evaluated in this study include web browser plug-ins, local validating resolvers and domain look-aside validation. The results of the study show that web browser plug-ins cannot work on their own without local validating resolvers. The web browser validators, however, proved to be useful in indicating to the user whether a domain has been validated or not. Local resolvers present a more secure option for Internet users who cannot trust the communication channel between their stub resolvers and remote name servers. However, they do not provide a way of showing the user whether a domain name has been correctly validated or not. Based on the results of the tests conducted, it is recommended that local validators be used with browser validators for visibility and improved security. On the DNS server side, Domain Look-aside Validation (DLV) presents a viable alternative for organizations in islands of security like most countries in Africa where only two country code Top Level Domains (ccTLD) have deployed DNSSEC. This research recommends use of DLV by corporates to provide DNS security to both internal and external users accessing their web based services. , LaTeX with hyperref package , pdfTeX-1.40.10
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