TeleWeaver: an innovative telecommunication platform for marginalized communities in Africa
- Dalvit, Lorenzo, Gumbo, Sibukelo, Ntshinga, Lindikaya, Terzoli, Alfredo, Hansen, Susan
- Authors: Dalvit, Lorenzo , Gumbo, Sibukelo , Ntshinga, Lindikaya , Terzoli, Alfredo , Hansen, Susan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431317 , vital:72763 , https://www.academic-bookshop.com/ourshop/prod_2659103-ECEG-2013-13th-European-Conference-on-eGovernment-Como-Italy-PRINT-version.html
- Description: Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is becoming an increasingly important and multi‐faceted area of research and software development. Particularly through provision via mobile devices, e‐services can potentially reach and improve the lives of millions of people living in marginalised areas. The efforts of many governments in sub‐Saharan Africa are frustrated by poor tele-communication infrastructure, lack of skills and unsustainable models of intervention. In this paper we describe the holistic solution offered by the TeleWeaver platform. The novel approach to the development of the software, the strong sense of social responsibility of the developers and the collaborative spirit that shaped the ecosystem of which Tele-Weaver is part, warrants the adoption of an innovative approach to its marketing and implementation. On the one hand, the project needs to provide returns on investment and generate profit for the key stake-holders (ie government at the local and national level, academia, indus-try and socio‐-entrepreneurs in the target community). On the other, it must benefit all members of the marginalised communities it is intended to serve as well as the global community of software developers. Tele-Weaver was developed in close collaboration with the community of Dwesa, a rural area on the Wild Cost of the Transkei regions in eastern South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Dalvit, Lorenzo , Gumbo, Sibukelo , Ntshinga, Lindikaya , Terzoli, Alfredo , Hansen, Susan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431317 , vital:72763 , https://www.academic-bookshop.com/ourshop/prod_2659103-ECEG-2013-13th-European-Conference-on-eGovernment-Como-Italy-PRINT-version.html
- Description: Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) is becoming an increasingly important and multi‐faceted area of research and software development. Particularly through provision via mobile devices, e‐services can potentially reach and improve the lives of millions of people living in marginalised areas. The efforts of many governments in sub‐Saharan Africa are frustrated by poor tele-communication infrastructure, lack of skills and unsustainable models of intervention. In this paper we describe the holistic solution offered by the TeleWeaver platform. The novel approach to the development of the software, the strong sense of social responsibility of the developers and the collaborative spirit that shaped the ecosystem of which Tele-Weaver is part, warrants the adoption of an innovative approach to its marketing and implementation. On the one hand, the project needs to provide returns on investment and generate profit for the key stake-holders (ie government at the local and national level, academia, indus-try and socio‐-entrepreneurs in the target community). On the other, it must benefit all members of the marginalised communities it is intended to serve as well as the global community of software developers. Tele-Weaver was developed in close collaboration with the community of Dwesa, a rural area on the Wild Cost of the Transkei regions in eastern South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The challenges of alleviating poverty through ecological restoration: Insights from South Africa's “working for water” program
- McConnachie, Matthew M, Cowling, Richard M, Shackleton, Charlie M, Knight, Andrew T
- Authors: McConnachie, Matthew M , Cowling, Richard M , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181003 , vital:43680 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12038"
- Description: Public works programs have been posited as win–win solutions for achieving societal goals for ecological restoration and poverty alleviation. However, little is documented regarding the challenges of implementing such projects. A commonly cited example is South Africa's invasive alien plant control program “Working for Water” (WfW), which aims to create employment via restoring landscapes invaded with alien plants. Recent studies have raised questions over the effectiveness of this program in achieving both its restoration and poverty alleviation goals. This is the first study that we are aware of that synthesizes the knowledge of managers on both the poverty alleviation and environmental outcomes of a public works project. Herein, we sought to understand the challenges and constraints faced by 23 WfW managers in fulfilling the program's environmental and poverty alleviation objectives. We found that the challenges most frequently cited by managers related to the capacity and competence of managers and teams, followed by challenges relating to planning and coordination, specifically the challenges of being flexible and adaptive when constrained by operating procedures. In addition, the current focus on maximizing short-term employment was perceived by some as limiting the efficiency and long-term effectiveness of the WfW program in achieving its environmental and social goals. We suggest that improving the conditions and duration of employment could improve the effectiveness of invasive alien plant control and ecological outcomes. We also suggest that WfW measure the impacts of their interventions through an adaptive management approach so that it can learn and adapt to the challenges it faces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: McConnachie, Matthew M , Cowling, Richard M , Shackleton, Charlie M , Knight, Andrew T
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181003 , vital:43680 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12038"
- Description: Public works programs have been posited as win–win solutions for achieving societal goals for ecological restoration and poverty alleviation. However, little is documented regarding the challenges of implementing such projects. A commonly cited example is South Africa's invasive alien plant control program “Working for Water” (WfW), which aims to create employment via restoring landscapes invaded with alien plants. Recent studies have raised questions over the effectiveness of this program in achieving both its restoration and poverty alleviation goals. This is the first study that we are aware of that synthesizes the knowledge of managers on both the poverty alleviation and environmental outcomes of a public works project. Herein, we sought to understand the challenges and constraints faced by 23 WfW managers in fulfilling the program's environmental and poverty alleviation objectives. We found that the challenges most frequently cited by managers related to the capacity and competence of managers and teams, followed by challenges relating to planning and coordination, specifically the challenges of being flexible and adaptive when constrained by operating procedures. In addition, the current focus on maximizing short-term employment was perceived by some as limiting the efficiency and long-term effectiveness of the WfW program in achieving its environmental and social goals. We suggest that improving the conditions and duration of employment could improve the effectiveness of invasive alien plant control and ecological outcomes. We also suggest that WfW measure the impacts of their interventions through an adaptive management approach so that it can learn and adapt to the challenges it faces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Dangers of Student-Centered Learning-A Caution about Blind Spots in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187362 , vital:44624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2013.070206"
- Description: Student-centered learning is an increasingly popular approach that shifts the focus from the teacher to the student. The approach argues that we need to have a clear understanding of who our students are and what their needs are in order for us to provide quality education. This paper applauds the focus on the student but raises two concerns about absences in this approach. Firstly, student-centered approaches rarely consider the actual knowledge being taught and learnt. There is little consideration of how the disciplinary knowledge is constructed and what norms and values underpin such constructions. Secondly, student-centered approaches are often undertaken within the dominant autonomous discourse where student success or failure is seen to result from characteristics inherent in the student. She is understood as an individual rather than as a member of a larger social group and there is equally little acknowledgement of the socially constructed nature of universities and the practices within them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187362 , vital:44624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.20429/ijsotl.2013.070206"
- Description: Student-centered learning is an increasingly popular approach that shifts the focus from the teacher to the student. The approach argues that we need to have a clear understanding of who our students are and what their needs are in order for us to provide quality education. This paper applauds the focus on the student but raises two concerns about absences in this approach. Firstly, student-centered approaches rarely consider the actual knowledge being taught and learnt. There is little consideration of how the disciplinary knowledge is constructed and what norms and values underpin such constructions. Secondly, student-centered approaches are often undertaken within the dominant autonomous discourse where student success or failure is seen to result from characteristics inherent in the student. She is understood as an individual rather than as a member of a larger social group and there is equally little acknowledgement of the socially constructed nature of universities and the practices within them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of catalytic oxovanadium (IV)-containing microspheres for the oxidation of various organosulfur compounds
- Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S, Khene, Samson M, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello, Torto, Nelson, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Khene, Samson M , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241783 , vital:50969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2013.05.004"
- Description: The development of poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA] beads containing a tetradentate ligand was achieved via suspension polymerization. The catalyst poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO was synthesized by reacting VIVOSO4 with poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]. XPS and EPR were used to confirm the presence of vanadium (V4+) on the beads. The synthesized catalyst (poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO) was found to have a BET surface area of 22 m2 g−1 and porosity of 135 Å, with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) showing more insight on the porous nature of the beads. Oxidation of thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant. An overall conversion of 60%, 82%, 98% and 87% was achieved for thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6 dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) respectively at higher (t-BuOOH) to substrate ratio and at a temperature of 40 °C. The efficient oxidation of the various organosulfur compounds presents potential for the possible application of this catalyst in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of crude oil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Khene, Samson M , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241783 , vital:50969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2013.05.004"
- Description: The development of poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA] beads containing a tetradentate ligand was achieved via suspension polymerization. The catalyst poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO was synthesized by reacting VIVOSO4 with poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]. XPS and EPR were used to confirm the presence of vanadium (V4+) on the beads. The synthesized catalyst (poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO) was found to have a BET surface area of 22 m2 g−1 and porosity of 135 Å, with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) showing more insight on the porous nature of the beads. Oxidation of thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant. An overall conversion of 60%, 82%, 98% and 87% was achieved for thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6 dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) respectively at higher (t-BuOOH) to substrate ratio and at a temperature of 40 °C. The efficient oxidation of the various organosulfur compounds presents potential for the possible application of this catalyst in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of crude oil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of novel nickel selective amine extractants
- Okewole, Adeleye I, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Okewole, Adeleye I , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241641 , vital:50957 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2013.04.019"
- Description: A chelating ion exchanger, prepared by functionalising Merrifield resin with 2,2′-pyridylimidazole, was utilized to selectively adsorb and separate nickel from other base metal ions in synthetic sulfate solutions. The sorbent material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microanalysis, infrared (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and BET surface area. The distribution ratio (D) and the sorption capacity of the microspheres toward Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Fe(II) ions was studied by using the batch and column methods, respectively. Ni(II) followed by Cu(II) showed the highest distribution ratio (D) and the highest sorption efficiency of nickel(II) ions around pH 2. The binary separation of nickel(II) from copper(II), cobalt(II) and iron(II) respectively, undertaken in a column study, through loading the metal ions at pH ≈ 2 followed by selective decomplexation, demonstrated the selectivity of the sorbent material for nickel(II). Thus, 2,2′-pyridylimidazole can be regarded as a nickel-specific extractant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Okewole, Adeleye I , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241641 , vital:50957 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2013.04.019"
- Description: A chelating ion exchanger, prepared by functionalising Merrifield resin with 2,2′-pyridylimidazole, was utilized to selectively adsorb and separate nickel from other base metal ions in synthetic sulfate solutions. The sorbent material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microanalysis, infrared (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and BET surface area. The distribution ratio (D) and the sorption capacity of the microspheres toward Ni(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Fe(II) ions was studied by using the batch and column methods, respectively. Ni(II) followed by Cu(II) showed the highest distribution ratio (D) and the highest sorption efficiency of nickel(II) ions around pH 2. The binary separation of nickel(II) from copper(II), cobalt(II) and iron(II) respectively, undertaken in a column study, through loading the metal ions at pH ≈ 2 followed by selective decomplexation, demonstrated the selectivity of the sorbent material for nickel(II). Thus, 2,2′-pyridylimidazole can be regarded as a nickel-specific extractant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effect of herbivory by the mite Orthogalumna terebrantis on the growth and photosynthetic performance of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
- Marlin, Danica, Hill, Martin P, Ripley, Brad, Strauss, Abram J, Byrne, Marcus J
- Authors: Marlin, Danica , Hill, Martin P , Ripley, Brad , Strauss, Abram J , Byrne, Marcus J
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419411 , vital:71642 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2012.09.005"
- Description: Eutrophication of fresh water systems is one of the most important factors contributing to the invasion of fresh water bodies by water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes. The South American mite, Orthogalumna terebrantis, established on the weed in South Africa in the late 1980s, but the impact of mite herbivory on the weed has never been quantified. Water hyacinth was grown under low, medium and high nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient conditions and the effect of mite herbivory on the weed's growth was examined. Additionally, the impact of different mite herbivory intensities on the weed's photosynthetic performance was examined because herbivory may have more subtle effects on the plant than can be seen from changes in plant growth parameters. Water nutrient content had a great impact on plant growth, but growth was unaffected by mite herbivory in all levels of nutrients tested. Photosynthetic performance of water hyacinth leaves exposed to varying levels of mite herbivory was assessed by measuring net photosynthetic rate (A), leaf conductance (gl), transpiration rate (E) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and by measuring specific fluorescence parameters including maximal fluorescence (Fm), efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and certain JIP-test parameters. Photosynthesis decreased as mite herbivory increased, but there was a positive correlation between gl, E and Ci, and the amount of leaf tissue damaged through mite feeding. The efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) decreased as mite herbivory increased, as seen in the altered fluorescence emission of mite-damaged plants, but this was not the consequence of decreased chlorophyll content. Feeding by O. terebrantis thus decreased water hyacinth photosynthetic rate and the light reaction performance, even at relatively low mite densities. These results show that the impact of a biological control agent on its host plant may not be obvious at a plant growth level, but may nonetheless affect the plant at a physiological level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marlin, Danica , Hill, Martin P , Ripley, Brad , Strauss, Abram J , Byrne, Marcus J
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419411 , vital:71642 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2012.09.005"
- Description: Eutrophication of fresh water systems is one of the most important factors contributing to the invasion of fresh water bodies by water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes. The South American mite, Orthogalumna terebrantis, established on the weed in South Africa in the late 1980s, but the impact of mite herbivory on the weed has never been quantified. Water hyacinth was grown under low, medium and high nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient conditions and the effect of mite herbivory on the weed's growth was examined. Additionally, the impact of different mite herbivory intensities on the weed's photosynthetic performance was examined because herbivory may have more subtle effects on the plant than can be seen from changes in plant growth parameters. Water nutrient content had a great impact on plant growth, but growth was unaffected by mite herbivory in all levels of nutrients tested. Photosynthetic performance of water hyacinth leaves exposed to varying levels of mite herbivory was assessed by measuring net photosynthetic rate (A), leaf conductance (gl), transpiration rate (E) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and by measuring specific fluorescence parameters including maximal fluorescence (Fm), efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and certain JIP-test parameters. Photosynthesis decreased as mite herbivory increased, but there was a positive correlation between gl, E and Ci, and the amount of leaf tissue damaged through mite feeding. The efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) decreased as mite herbivory increased, as seen in the altered fluorescence emission of mite-damaged plants, but this was not the consequence of decreased chlorophyll content. Feeding by O. terebrantis thus decreased water hyacinth photosynthetic rate and the light reaction performance, even at relatively low mite densities. These results show that the impact of a biological control agent on its host plant may not be obvious at a plant growth level, but may nonetheless affect the plant at a physiological level.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The gold of one’s ring is not far more precious than the gold of one’s heart: Reported life satisfaction among married and cohabitating South African adults
- Botha, Ferdi, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396181 , vital:69156 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9337-3"
- Description: This paper tests for differences in reported life satisfaction between married and cohabiting persons, i.e. the cohabitation gap, and in particular whether selection factors can explain the cohabitation gap. The paper also explores whether age at marriage and at start of cohabitation as well as the duration of relationship type matters for subjective well-being. Based on statistical and regression analysis of the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, married and cohabiting persons exhibit some differences in their respective determinants of life satisfaction. While the age at relationship commencement has no relationship with well-being, there is evidence to suggest that married people become more satisfied at a later stage in marriage, while cohabitants are more satisfied initially. A significant cohabitation gap exists (0.251), but after controlling for various selection factors, the cohabitation gap virtually disappears (0.042) and becomes insignificant, which suggests that marriage and cohabitation are very similar in South Africa. Relative income, absolute income, and education explain the largest part of the cohabitation gap. Against the global backdrop of an increasing trend towards cohabitation and declining marriage rates, the overall results of this paper suggest that, since a cohabitation gap no longer exists after controlling for selection factors, South Africans may as well not go the “official route” of entering into marriage, as cohabitation provides similar benefits in terms of its contribution to individual satisfaction with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396181 , vital:69156 , xlink:href=" https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9337-3"
- Description: This paper tests for differences in reported life satisfaction between married and cohabiting persons, i.e. the cohabitation gap, and in particular whether selection factors can explain the cohabitation gap. The paper also explores whether age at marriage and at start of cohabitation as well as the duration of relationship type matters for subjective well-being. Based on statistical and regression analysis of the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, married and cohabiting persons exhibit some differences in their respective determinants of life satisfaction. While the age at relationship commencement has no relationship with well-being, there is evidence to suggest that married people become more satisfied at a later stage in marriage, while cohabitants are more satisfied initially. A significant cohabitation gap exists (0.251), but after controlling for various selection factors, the cohabitation gap virtually disappears (0.042) and becomes insignificant, which suggests that marriage and cohabitation are very similar in South Africa. Relative income, absolute income, and education explain the largest part of the cohabitation gap. Against the global backdrop of an increasing trend towards cohabitation and declining marriage rates, the overall results of this paper suggest that, since a cohabitation gap no longer exists after controlling for selection factors, South Africans may as well not go the “official route” of entering into marriage, as cohabitation provides similar benefits in terms of its contribution to individual satisfaction with life.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The interaction of silver nanoparticles with low symmetry cysteinyl metallophthalocyanines and their antimicrobial effect
- Masilela, Nkosiphile, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193735 , vital:45391 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.01.009"
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity alone and in the presence of low symmetry phthalocyanines. The photochemical behaviour of various low symmetry phthalocyanines in the presence of AgNPs is investigated in DMF. A slight improvement in the photochemical behaviour and antimicrobial activity was achieved in the presence of AgNPs for all the complexes. The spherically shaped AgNPs gave the highest antimicrobial activity compared to the triangular and cubic structures. The (OH)2GeMCsPc complex gave the highest antimicrobial activity towards Staphylococcus aureas, both alone and in the presence of AgNPs under illumination with light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193735 , vital:45391 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.01.009"
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their antimicrobial activity alone and in the presence of low symmetry phthalocyanines. The photochemical behaviour of various low symmetry phthalocyanines in the presence of AgNPs is investigated in DMF. A slight improvement in the photochemical behaviour and antimicrobial activity was achieved in the presence of AgNPs for all the complexes. The spherically shaped AgNPs gave the highest antimicrobial activity compared to the triangular and cubic structures. The (OH)2GeMCsPc complex gave the highest antimicrobial activity towards Staphylococcus aureas, both alone and in the presence of AgNPs under illumination with light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Monkey Cage
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229763 , vital:49708 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC149510"
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Krueger, Anton
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229763 , vital:49708 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC149510"
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The Personal Is the International
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/298674 , vital:57726 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02589346.2013.856568"
- Description: The article reflects on why I opted for Political Science as my career. It tells of a society where once black women could only imagine themselves either as maids, teachers or nurses—this was my mother's world. The narrative shows how a racialised and gendered history shapes both my hopes for a particular kind of international relations theory and practice, as it shapes my frustrations and anxieties about my own future in the discipline. I also locate my place in the discipline within broader global ‘disruptions’ that see previously marginalised actors moving to the centre of international life. I also attempt to demonstrate that international relations today is located in globalised peace but within localised extremes of poverty and privilege. I make the case that the challenge to International Relations (IR) theory today is to find a language, a new language, in which to articulate the contradictions of a globalised peace that exists within localised extremes of poverty and privilege.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Magadla, Siphokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/298674 , vital:57726 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02589346.2013.856568"
- Description: The article reflects on why I opted for Political Science as my career. It tells of a society where once black women could only imagine themselves either as maids, teachers or nurses—this was my mother's world. The narrative shows how a racialised and gendered history shapes both my hopes for a particular kind of international relations theory and practice, as it shapes my frustrations and anxieties about my own future in the discipline. I also locate my place in the discipline within broader global ‘disruptions’ that see previously marginalised actors moving to the centre of international life. I also attempt to demonstrate that international relations today is located in globalised peace but within localised extremes of poverty and privilege. I make the case that the challenge to International Relations (IR) theory today is to find a language, a new language, in which to articulate the contradictions of a globalised peace that exists within localised extremes of poverty and privilege.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of coumarin-derivatized zinc phthalocyanine when conjugated with gold nanoparticles and electrospun into polymer fibers
- Tombe, Sekai, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232534 , vital:50000 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C2NJ40984D"
- Description: Polymer composite fibers doped with phthalocyanines and phthalocyanine-functionalized gold nanoparticles were developed. The phthalocyanine and phthalocyanine-functionalized gold nanoparticles have been characterized using UV/Vis, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The changes in photophysical and photochemical behavior of the phthalocyanines induced by their interaction with gold nanoparticles and polystyrene were also investigated. In the presence of gold nanoparticles, the fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields of the phthalocyanine decreased, whereas the singlet oxygen quantum yield increased. This work shows that polymer composite fibers could be used as functional fibers for a variety of applications such as gas sensing when using the advantageous properties of phthalocyanines and gold nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232534 , vital:50000 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C2NJ40984D"
- Description: Polymer composite fibers doped with phthalocyanines and phthalocyanine-functionalized gold nanoparticles were developed. The phthalocyanine and phthalocyanine-functionalized gold nanoparticles have been characterized using UV/Vis, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), time-resolved emission spectra (TRES) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The changes in photophysical and photochemical behavior of the phthalocyanines induced by their interaction with gold nanoparticles and polystyrene were also investigated. In the presence of gold nanoparticles, the fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields of the phthalocyanine decreased, whereas the singlet oxygen quantum yield increased. This work shows that polymer composite fibers could be used as functional fibers for a variety of applications such as gas sensing when using the advantageous properties of phthalocyanines and gold nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The relationship between marital status and life satisfaction among South African adults
- Botha, Ferdi, Booysen, Frikkie
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396207 , vital:69158 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC138900"
- Description: This article examines the association between marital status and reported life satisfaction in South Africa. Using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, the relationship between marital status and life satisfaction is heterogeneous. In the overall sample, life satisfaction is significantly higher for married compared to widowed individuals, while the former are more satisfied than those from all other marital statuses. In the overall and female samples, married people are more satisfied compared to those from all other marital status groups. Married men are not significantly more satisfied than men from other marital statuses as a whole. Marriage is positively associated with life satisfaction among women, but not among men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , Booysen, Frikkie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396207 , vital:69158 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC138900"
- Description: This article examines the association between marital status and reported life satisfaction in South Africa. Using the 2008 National Income Dynamics Survey, the relationship between marital status and life satisfaction is heterogeneous. In the overall sample, life satisfaction is significantly higher for married compared to widowed individuals, while the former are more satisfied than those from all other marital statuses. In the overall and female samples, married people are more satisfied compared to those from all other marital status groups. Married men are not significantly more satisfied than men from other marital statuses as a whole. Marriage is positively associated with life satisfaction among women, but not among men.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The synthesis and characterisation of magnetic nanoparticles and their interaction with a zinc phthalocyanine
- Antunes, Edith M, Rapulenyane, Nomasonto, Ledwaba, Mpho, Litwinski, Christian, Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Antunes, Edith M , Rapulenyane, Nomasonto , Ledwaba, Mpho , Litwinski, Christian , Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242111 , vital:51002 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2012.12.010"
- Description: A variety of nanoparticles (NPs), including FePt nanoparticles with Fe as the shell (2) or Pt as the shell (3), Pt NPs (4), and FePd (5) were synthesised, characterised and their effect on a zinc phthalocyanine (1) tetra-substituted with a pyridyl-oxy substituent studied using UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy (including time correlated single photon counting, TCSPC). The nanoparticles were characterised using a number of techniques including UV/Vis and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Nanocomposites (NCs, 6,7) where the ZnPc (1) was used as the stabiliser, instead of oleic acid and or oleylamine, were also synthesised and characterised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Antunes, Edith M , Rapulenyane, Nomasonto , Ledwaba, Mpho , Litwinski, Christian , Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242111 , vital:51002 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2012.12.010"
- Description: A variety of nanoparticles (NPs), including FePt nanoparticles with Fe as the shell (2) or Pt as the shell (3), Pt NPs (4), and FePd (5) were synthesised, characterised and their effect on a zinc phthalocyanine (1) tetra-substituted with a pyridyl-oxy substituent studied using UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy (including time correlated single photon counting, TCSPC). The nanoparticles were characterised using a number of techniques including UV/Vis and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission (ICP-OES) spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Nanocomposites (NCs, 6,7) where the ZnPc (1) was used as the stabiliser, instead of oleic acid and or oleylamine, were also synthesised and characterised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Think Piece, Naked Science-Avoiding Methodolatry in an Environmental Education Context
- Authors: Price, Leigh
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387264 , vital:68220 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122255"
- Description: Research methodology is significantly political and in this think piece I try to better understand the effect of this politicisation in the production of science. The main focus of the think piece is to identify the dominant methodological discourses and analyse them using techniques borrowed from post-structuralism. From this analysis, I suggest that methodological discourses are reproduced and normalised in much the same way as discourses of, for example, sexuality, and I give examples of this from my experience as a PhD student of environmental education. I also suggest that some transgressive methodologies, such as those associated with postmodernism or participatory research, despite purporting to empower, at times also disempower. Furthermore, all of the methodologies that I analyse are, in one way or another, ‘loaded’; they cloak their agendas. From this analysis, I move towards suggesting an alternative critical realist methodology for environmental education which is naked; its agendas are clearly stated, not least because this epistemology does not lend itself to deception. An important part of this critical realist conception of methodology is the idea of ‘meta-reflexivity’ in which truth is not vulgarly pragmatic or fideistic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Price, Leigh
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387264 , vital:68220 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122255"
- Description: Research methodology is significantly political and in this think piece I try to better understand the effect of this politicisation in the production of science. The main focus of the think piece is to identify the dominant methodological discourses and analyse them using techniques borrowed from post-structuralism. From this analysis, I suggest that methodological discourses are reproduced and normalised in much the same way as discourses of, for example, sexuality, and I give examples of this from my experience as a PhD student of environmental education. I also suggest that some transgressive methodologies, such as those associated with postmodernism or participatory research, despite purporting to empower, at times also disempower. Furthermore, all of the methodologies that I analyse are, in one way or another, ‘loaded’; they cloak their agendas. From this analysis, I move towards suggesting an alternative critical realist methodology for environmental education which is naked; its agendas are clearly stated, not least because this epistemology does not lend itself to deception. An important part of this critical realist conception of methodology is the idea of ‘meta-reflexivity’ in which truth is not vulgarly pragmatic or fideistic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Third order nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanines in the presence nanomaterials and in polymer thin films
- Britton, Jonathan, Durmus, Mahmut, Khene, Samson M, Chauke, Vongani, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Durmus, Mahmut , Khene, Samson M , Chauke, Vongani , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241772 , vital:50968 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S108842461350003X"
- Description: Third order nonlinear optical properties were determined for phthalocyanine complexes 1–10 containing In, Ga and Zn central metals and tetra- or octa-substituted with benzyloxyphenoxy, phenoxy, tert-butylphenoxy and amino groups at peripheral or non-peripheral positions. The phthalocyanines were embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer in the presence of CdTe quantum dots. All complexes 1–10 were studied in the presence of CdTe quantum dots and embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) to form thin films. Complex 3 tetrasubstituted with tert-butylphenoxy groups at non-peripheral positions was also studied in the presence of CdS, CdSe quantum dots, fullerenes, single walled carbon nanotubes. Third order nonlinear optical parameters generally increase for Pcs in the presence of CdTe quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Durmus, Mahmut , Khene, Samson M , Chauke, Vongani , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241772 , vital:50968 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S108842461350003X"
- Description: Third order nonlinear optical properties were determined for phthalocyanine complexes 1–10 containing In, Ga and Zn central metals and tetra- or octa-substituted with benzyloxyphenoxy, phenoxy, tert-butylphenoxy and amino groups at peripheral or non-peripheral positions. The phthalocyanines were embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) polymer in the presence of CdTe quantum dots. All complexes 1–10 were studied in the presence of CdTe quantum dots and embedded in poly (methyl methacrylate) to form thin films. Complex 3 tetrasubstituted with tert-butylphenoxy groups at non-peripheral positions was also studied in the presence of CdS, CdSe quantum dots, fullerenes, single walled carbon nanotubes. Third order nonlinear optical parameters generally increase for Pcs in the presence of CdTe quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Towards a GPU accelerated virtual machine for massively parallel packet classification and filtering
- Nottingham, Alastair, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430295 , vital:72681 , https://doi.org/10.1145/2513456.2513504
- Description: This paper considers the application of GPU co-processors to accelerate the analysis of packet data, particularly within extremely large packet traces spanning months or years of traffic. Discussion focuses on the construction, performance and limitations of the experimental GPF (GPU Packet Filter), which employs a prototype massively-parallel protocol-independent multi-match algorithm to rapidly compare packets against multiple arbitrary filters. The paper concludes with a consideration of mechanisms to expand the flexibility and power of the GPF algorithm to construct a fully programmable GPU packet classification virtual machine, which can perform massively parallel classification, data-mining and data-transformation to explore and analyse packet traces. This virtual machine is a component of a larger framework of capture analysis tools which together provide capture indexing, manipulation, filtering and visualisation functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Towards a GPU accelerated virtual machine for massively parallel packet classification and filtering
- Authors: Nottingham, Alastair , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430295 , vital:72681 , https://doi.org/10.1145/2513456.2513504
- Description: This paper considers the application of GPU co-processors to accelerate the analysis of packet data, particularly within extremely large packet traces spanning months or years of traffic. Discussion focuses on the construction, performance and limitations of the experimental GPF (GPU Packet Filter), which employs a prototype massively-parallel protocol-independent multi-match algorithm to rapidly compare packets against multiple arbitrary filters. The paper concludes with a consideration of mechanisms to expand the flexibility and power of the GPF algorithm to construct a fully programmable GPU packet classification virtual machine, which can perform massively parallel classification, data-mining and data-transformation to explore and analyse packet traces. This virtual machine is a component of a larger framework of capture analysis tools which together provide capture indexing, manipulation, filtering and visualisation functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Traditions and new niches: An overview of environmental education curriculum and learning research
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Fien, John, Ketlhoilwe, Mphemelang
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Fien, John , Ketlhoilwe, Mphemelang
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437323 , vital:73370 , ISBN 9780203813331 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203813331-26/traditions-new-niches-heila-lotz-sisitka-john-fien-mphemelang-ketlhoilwe
- Description: In this chapter we consider the traditions of environmental ed-ucation curriculum and learning research, their relationship to wider education research traditions, and point to new niches for curriculum and learning research, as opened up (in part) 1 through the contributions in this section of the IRHEE. The chapter points to the fact that environmental education re-search seems to primarily be seeking to fulfill a “cultural inno-vation role” in the wider education research landscape, carving out niches and spaces that speak to educational innova-tion/transformation and change. This may in part be due to its “youthfulness” within the more established and traditional edu-cation research landscape and trajectory, but also to its trans-formative intent. Environmental education researchers such as Stevenson (2007) continue to lament the “marginal” or “perma-nently peripheral” status of environmental education and envi-ronmental education research, noting that it is almost impossi-ble to situate effectively within modernist educational para-digms oriented mostly toward reproduction of existing cultures and practices, traditions which continue to characterize formal education institutional settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Fien, John , Ketlhoilwe, Mphemelang
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437323 , vital:73370 , ISBN 9780203813331 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203813331-26/traditions-new-niches-heila-lotz-sisitka-john-fien-mphemelang-ketlhoilwe
- Description: In this chapter we consider the traditions of environmental ed-ucation curriculum and learning research, their relationship to wider education research traditions, and point to new niches for curriculum and learning research, as opened up (in part) 1 through the contributions in this section of the IRHEE. The chapter points to the fact that environmental education re-search seems to primarily be seeking to fulfill a “cultural inno-vation role” in the wider education research landscape, carving out niches and spaces that speak to educational innova-tion/transformation and change. This may in part be due to its “youthfulness” within the more established and traditional edu-cation research landscape and trajectory, but also to its trans-formative intent. Environmental education researchers such as Stevenson (2007) continue to lament the “marginal” or “perma-nently peripheral” status of environmental education and envi-ronmental education research, noting that it is almost impossi-ble to situate effectively within modernist educational para-digms oriented mostly toward reproduction of existing cultures and practices, traditions which continue to characterize formal education institutional settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Ultrafast Photodynamics of the Indoline Dye D149 Adsorbed to Porous ZnO in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
- Rohwer, Egmont, Richter, Christoph, Heming, Nadine, Strauch, Kerstin, Litwinski, Christian, Nyokong, Tebello, Schlettwein, Derck, Schwoerer, Heinrich
- Authors: Rohwer, Egmont , Richter, Christoph , Heming, Nadine , Strauch, Kerstin , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello , Schlettwein, Derck , Schwoerer, Heinrich
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242153 , vital:51006 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201200715"
- Description: We investigate the ultrafast dynamics of the photoinduced electron transfer between surface-adsorbed indoline D149 dye and porous ZnO as used in the working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells. Transient absorption spectroscopy was conducted on the dye in solution, on solid state samples and for the latter in contact to a I−/I3− redox electrolyte typical for dye-sensitized solar cells to elucidate the effect of each component in the observed dynamics. D149 in a solution of 1:1 acetonitrile and tert-butyl alcohol shows excited-state lifetimes of 300±50 ps. This signature is severely quenched when D149 is adsorbed to ZnO, with the fastest component of the decay trace measured at 150±20 fs due to the charge-transfer mechanism. Absorption bands of the oxidized dye molecule were investigated to determine regeneration times which are in excess of 1 ns. The addition of the redox electrolyte to the system results in faster regeneration times, of the order of 1 ns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rohwer, Egmont , Richter, Christoph , Heming, Nadine , Strauch, Kerstin , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello , Schlettwein, Derck , Schwoerer, Heinrich
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242153 , vital:51006 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/cphc.201200715"
- Description: We investigate the ultrafast dynamics of the photoinduced electron transfer between surface-adsorbed indoline D149 dye and porous ZnO as used in the working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells. Transient absorption spectroscopy was conducted on the dye in solution, on solid state samples and for the latter in contact to a I−/I3− redox electrolyte typical for dye-sensitized solar cells to elucidate the effect of each component in the observed dynamics. D149 in a solution of 1:1 acetonitrile and tert-butyl alcohol shows excited-state lifetimes of 300±50 ps. This signature is severely quenched when D149 is adsorbed to ZnO, with the fastest component of the decay trace measured at 150±20 fs due to the charge-transfer mechanism. Absorption bands of the oxidized dye molecule were investigated to determine regeneration times which are in excess of 1 ns. The addition of the redox electrolyte to the system results in faster regeneration times, of the order of 1 ns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Unicorn: A unified communication solution for marginalized communities
- Nyathi, Okelitsi, Terzoli, Alfredo, Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Authors: Nyathi, Okelitsi , Terzoli, Alfredo , Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430666 , vital:72707 , 10.1109/ICASTech.2013.6707506
- Description: The convergence of previously distinct networks into an All-IP network has resulted in an increase in the number and diversity of devices, channels and communication networks available to users. This has increased the number commu-nication options available and is evidenced by the number of different communication devices owned and services subscribed to. How-ever, this has created complexities that call for proper methods to manage these diverse and in-compatible communication options. The objective of Unified Communication (UC) is to seamlessly integrate the dispar-ate communication channels into a device independent plat-form that can easily be managed by users. Due its focus on a largely urban and highly connected market, UC has not benefited marginalized communities. This paper discusses the design and implementation of Unicorn, a UC solution for a middleware software platform called Teleweaver which was designed to support the development of services for marginalized communities. The solution integrates services from a telecommunication container called Mobicents. It seamlessly amalgamates voice, data and video onto one device independent unified platform easily accessible by users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nyathi, Okelitsi , Terzoli, Alfredo , Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430666 , vital:72707 , 10.1109/ICASTech.2013.6707506
- Description: The convergence of previously distinct networks into an All-IP network has resulted in an increase in the number and diversity of devices, channels and communication networks available to users. This has increased the number commu-nication options available and is evidenced by the number of different communication devices owned and services subscribed to. How-ever, this has created complexities that call for proper methods to manage these diverse and in-compatible communication options. The objective of Unified Communication (UC) is to seamlessly integrate the dispar-ate communication channels into a device independent plat-form that can easily be managed by users. Due its focus on a largely urban and highly connected market, UC has not benefited marginalized communities. This paper discusses the design and implementation of Unicorn, a UC solution for a middleware software platform called Teleweaver which was designed to support the development of services for marginalized communities. The solution integrates services from a telecommunication container called Mobicents. It seamlessly amalgamates voice, data and video onto one device independent unified platform easily accessible by users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Using a unified invasion framework to characterize Africa’s first loricariid catfish invasion
- Jones, Roy W, Weyl, Olaf L F, Hill, Martin P, Swartz, Ernest R
- Authors: Jones, Roy W , Weyl, Olaf L F , Hill, Martin P , Swartz, Ernest R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418081 , vital:71507 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0438-7"
- Description: This paper presents evidence of establishment of a loricariid population in the Nseleni River in South Africa and uses a unified framework to determine its invasion stage. Specimens were identified morphologically as Pterygioplichthys disjunctivus (Weber 1991), but genetic barcoding results indicated close association with specimens that may have a hybrid history. The species was introduced into South Africa via the pet trade and the first record of introduction into the wild was in 2004. Samples collected in 2011 and 2012 demonstrated that there were multiple length cohorts in the population including juveniles (12–130 mm total length TL) and large (>300 mm TL) adult fish. Gonadal assessment of adults demonstrated the presence of reproduction capable specimens. The concurrent occurrence of mature adults and juvenile fish demonstrated establishment. Locality records indicate that P. disjunctivus has already spread between two rivers through an inter basin water transfer. Using a unified framework for invasions this invasion was categorized as a self-sustaining population in the wild with individuals surviving and reproducing a significant distance from their original point of introduction. Containment is suggested as potential management strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jones, Roy W , Weyl, Olaf L F , Hill, Martin P , Swartz, Ernest R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418081 , vital:71507 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0438-7"
- Description: This paper presents evidence of establishment of a loricariid population in the Nseleni River in South Africa and uses a unified framework to determine its invasion stage. Specimens were identified morphologically as Pterygioplichthys disjunctivus (Weber 1991), but genetic barcoding results indicated close association with specimens that may have a hybrid history. The species was introduced into South Africa via the pet trade and the first record of introduction into the wild was in 2004. Samples collected in 2011 and 2012 demonstrated that there were multiple length cohorts in the population including juveniles (12–130 mm total length TL) and large (>300 mm TL) adult fish. Gonadal assessment of adults demonstrated the presence of reproduction capable specimens. The concurrent occurrence of mature adults and juvenile fish demonstrated establishment. Locality records indicate that P. disjunctivus has already spread between two rivers through an inter basin water transfer. Using a unified framework for invasions this invasion was categorized as a self-sustaining population in the wild with individuals surviving and reproducing a significant distance from their original point of introduction. Containment is suggested as potential management strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013