A critical analysis of the establishment, conceptualisation, design and curriculum component selection of Master of Education programmes at selected Tanzanian universities
- Authors: Ramadhan, Maryam Khamis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Master of education degree Tanzania , Universities and colleges Curricula Tanzania , Universities and colleges Evaluation , Teacher effectiveness Tanzania , Master of education degree , Educational change Tanzania , Secondary school teachers Tanzania , Pedagogical content knowledge Tanzania , Universities and colleges Administration , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62214 , vital:28139
- Description: There is a dearth of research on how the design and curriculum of a Master of Education (MEd) qualification for university-based teacher educators of prospective secondary school teachers may or may not contribute to the problem of poor secondary school learning outcomes in Tanzania. This qualitative study analyses the establishment, conceptualisation, design and curriculum components of selected MEd programmes with the purpose of identifying and explaining the conditions enabling and/or constraining the development of quality teacher educators. The research used a case study design to investigate how and why particular knowledge is privileged in two MEd programmes at two Tanzanian universities with a view to probing the relevance of the knowledge to teacher educators professional roles and practices. The study used critical realism as an under-labourer to investigate power structures and the generative and causal mechanisms underlying the two MEd programmes. The study draws on aspects of Bernstein’s theory as analytical tools to explain what emerges from the data. The data was collected from interviews, document analysis and observation, and analysed using thematic analysis, abductive and retroductive modes of inference. The research revealed and explains how underlying structural and agential mechanisms have shaped the establishment, conceptualisation and curriculum design of the two MEd programmes. The findings revealed a strong relationship between constraints, including the lack of appropriate MEd design team and the inadequacy of resources and facilities, and the quality of MEd graduates. Such constrains are possible mechanisms associated with the agential actions of the top administrators affect the relevance and appropriateness of the MEd curriculum components, the effective lecturers transmission and students acquisition of knowledge and skills. The research also explored how underlying mechanisms shaped the selection of course content and the privileging of certain types of teacher knowledge. These mechanisms include programme entry qualification, curriculum arrangement of core and elective courses, the lack of awareness of the knowledge and skills requisite for teacher educators’ specialisation, and the absence of recontextualisation principles to guide appropriate selection and recontextualisation of the relevant teacher educator’s courses. There is evidence that both MEd programmes have insufficient pedagogical knowledge and lack large components of academic content knowledge of teaching. An emphasis on individual disciplinary education courses with strong boundaries between modules and topics, aimed at developing specific education specialisations, results in teacher educator professional knowledge being less developed. Furthermore the accumulation and repetition of inappropriate knowledge has resulted in these programmes being weak regions for teacher educators’ professional fields of practice. This has implications for the quality of the secondary school teacher professional development courses on which these MEd graduates teach. It raises questions about the quality of the secondary school teachers being produced, and the extent to which this is contributing to the disappointing performance of Tanzanian schooling. The study generates insights into the mechanisms and conditions constraining the development of quality teacher educators. These conditions include the domination of higher education by customer demand, weak university regulatory systems, and the autonomy of university administration in terms of programme approval and other academic operations. Some administrators and lecturers showed an understanding of what would enable quality teacher educator development in the MEd programme. The findings of the research may help to strengthen and enhance quality assurance in the Master of Education programmes for teacher educators in Tanzania in ways that help develop quality secondary school teachers and improve school learning outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramadhan, Maryam Khamis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Master of education degree Tanzania , Universities and colleges Curricula Tanzania , Universities and colleges Evaluation , Teacher effectiveness Tanzania , Master of education degree , Educational change Tanzania , Secondary school teachers Tanzania , Pedagogical content knowledge Tanzania , Universities and colleges Administration , Critical realism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62214 , vital:28139
- Description: There is a dearth of research on how the design and curriculum of a Master of Education (MEd) qualification for university-based teacher educators of prospective secondary school teachers may or may not contribute to the problem of poor secondary school learning outcomes in Tanzania. This qualitative study analyses the establishment, conceptualisation, design and curriculum components of selected MEd programmes with the purpose of identifying and explaining the conditions enabling and/or constraining the development of quality teacher educators. The research used a case study design to investigate how and why particular knowledge is privileged in two MEd programmes at two Tanzanian universities with a view to probing the relevance of the knowledge to teacher educators professional roles and practices. The study used critical realism as an under-labourer to investigate power structures and the generative and causal mechanisms underlying the two MEd programmes. The study draws on aspects of Bernstein’s theory as analytical tools to explain what emerges from the data. The data was collected from interviews, document analysis and observation, and analysed using thematic analysis, abductive and retroductive modes of inference. The research revealed and explains how underlying structural and agential mechanisms have shaped the establishment, conceptualisation and curriculum design of the two MEd programmes. The findings revealed a strong relationship between constraints, including the lack of appropriate MEd design team and the inadequacy of resources and facilities, and the quality of MEd graduates. Such constrains are possible mechanisms associated with the agential actions of the top administrators affect the relevance and appropriateness of the MEd curriculum components, the effective lecturers transmission and students acquisition of knowledge and skills. The research also explored how underlying mechanisms shaped the selection of course content and the privileging of certain types of teacher knowledge. These mechanisms include programme entry qualification, curriculum arrangement of core and elective courses, the lack of awareness of the knowledge and skills requisite for teacher educators’ specialisation, and the absence of recontextualisation principles to guide appropriate selection and recontextualisation of the relevant teacher educator’s courses. There is evidence that both MEd programmes have insufficient pedagogical knowledge and lack large components of academic content knowledge of teaching. An emphasis on individual disciplinary education courses with strong boundaries between modules and topics, aimed at developing specific education specialisations, results in teacher educator professional knowledge being less developed. Furthermore the accumulation and repetition of inappropriate knowledge has resulted in these programmes being weak regions for teacher educators’ professional fields of practice. This has implications for the quality of the secondary school teacher professional development courses on which these MEd graduates teach. It raises questions about the quality of the secondary school teachers being produced, and the extent to which this is contributing to the disappointing performance of Tanzanian schooling. The study generates insights into the mechanisms and conditions constraining the development of quality teacher educators. These conditions include the domination of higher education by customer demand, weak university regulatory systems, and the autonomy of university administration in terms of programme approval and other academic operations. Some administrators and lecturers showed an understanding of what would enable quality teacher educator development in the MEd programme. The findings of the research may help to strengthen and enhance quality assurance in the Master of Education programmes for teacher educators in Tanzania in ways that help develop quality secondary school teachers and improve school learning outcomes.
- Full Text:
A critique of language policy and implementation strategies used in selected institutions of higher learning in South Africa
- Authors: Somlata, Zakhile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Language policy South Africa , Translanguaging (Linguistics) , Language and education South Africa , Language and languages Study and teaching South Africa , Education, Higher South Africa , Multilingualism South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62571 , vital:28208
- Description: This thesis evaluated the language policy implementation strategies used in selected universities of South Africa. The Constitution of the Republic of South African (1996) recognises eleven official languages, namely: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Sepedi, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. These official languages should enjoy the parity of esteem in all domains. The language practices are very important in the education of students at all levels of education but this study focuses on the language policy implementation in universities. Most universities of South Africa have their language policies but the dilemma is on the implementation of those language policies. The overarching aim of this study is to evaluate how university use language policy for access and success of the students and to assess the language policy implementation strategies, monitoring and evaluation. The language is central to the success of the students and this study further investigated to what extent are the universities use the linguistic repertoires of the students in their education. This study is rooted in orientations of language planning: Language as problem, language as right and language as resource (Ruiz, 1984). This thesis employed a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative method) with convergent parallel design. The data was collected from eleven universities of South Africa and the participants in each university were the "Key informants" (experts and insiders) which comprised of member of Executive Management, a member of the Institutional Language Committee and a language lecturer; and a cohort of forty third year students. The Key informants participated in the qualitative data collection through the structured interviews. The forty third year students participated in the quantitative data collected through survey questionnaires. The language policy documents of the universities were also sampled to get a better understanding of the real language practices and the language policy. The thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts that were developed from the interviews, data from the students was analysed through descriptive and inferential analyses with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) as a statistical test and document analysis was used to analyse the language policies; The findings show that universities have commitment to access of the students to institutions of Higher Education. The success of the students is being thwarted by the monolingual approach where most of the universities use English only as the medium of instruction. The monolingual approach negatively affects the academic success and excellent academic performance of the majority of students. The findings show that there is high demand from the students that the course materials should be provided in African languages. All selected universities have their language policy which is something positive but most of them are outdated because they need to be reviewed at least after five years. The findings demonstrate that most universities lack the language policy implementation plans. The nonexistence of the language policy implementation plan adversely affects the implementation of the language policy. The study recommends that universities should provide the learning resources in African languages to meet the demands of the students. To maximise the success, students should be examined in any official languages of the university. The language policy implementation plans should be developed urgently so as to improve language policy implementation in universities. , Le thesisi iphonononge iindlela zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kwiiyunivesithi ezichongiweyo zaseMzantsi Afrika. Umgaqo-siseko waseMzantsi Afrika (1996) athathela ingqalelo iilwimi ezisemthethweni ezilishumi elinanye, isiNgesi, isiBhulu, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, SiSwati, Tshivenda neXitsonga. Ezi lwimi zisemthethweni zifanele ukuba zisetyenziswe ngokulinganayo kuzo zonke iinkalo. Ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi kubalulekile kakhulu kwimfundo yabantwana kuwo onke amanqanaba emfundo kodwa olu phando lugxile ekusetyenzisweni komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kwiiyunivesithi. Uninzi lweeyunivesithi zinayo imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi kodwa ingxaki isekusetyenzisweni kwaloo migaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Ezona njongo zolu phando kukuphonononga ukuba iiyunivesithi ziyisebenzisa njani na imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi ukuze abafundi bafikelele kwaye baphumelele ezifundweni kwakhona nokugocagoca izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi nokuhlola ukusebenza kwezo zicwangciso. Ulwimi ngundoqo kwimpumelelo yabafundi kwaye umyinge wokusetyenziswa kweelwimi zabafundi ekufundeni kwabo kuthe kwaphandwa. Esi sifundo sisekelwe kwiindlela zocwangciso-lwimi: Ulwimi njengengxaki, ulwimi njengelungelo nolwimi njengesixhobo (Ruiz, 1984). Le thesisi esebenzise indlela yophando entlantlu-mbini (eyobunjani neyobungakanani) kunye noyilo lwendibaniso kokunxuseneyo. Idatha yathi yaqokelelwa kwiiyunivesithi ezilishumi elinanye eMzantsi Afrika kwaye abathabathi nxaxheba babandakanya ilungu lesigqeba solawulo, ilungu lekomiti yeelwimi eyunivesithi nomhlohli wolwimi; kunye nabafundi abakunyaka wesithathu kwizifundo zabo kwiyunivesithi nganye. Idatha yaqokelelwa kubadlulisi-lwazi abaphambili beeyunivesithi ngodliwano-ndlebe oluqingqiweyo. Abafundi abalishumi elinesine bathi bathabathi inxaxheba kuqokelelo lwedatha ngokuthi bagcwalise uludwe lwemibuzo eyayicwangcisiwe. Umaxwebhu omgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi athi achongwa ukuze kubekho ukuqondakala phakathi kokusetyenziswa kolwimi kunye nokumgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi. Uhlalutyo ngokomxholo lwathi lwasetyenziswa ukuhlalutya ulwazi olwabhalwayo luvela kudliwano-ndlebe olwashicilelwayo, idatha eyayisuka kubafundi yathi yahlalutywa ngokusebenzisa uhlalutyo ngokwenkcazelo nangokuthelekelela kunye neStatistical Pakage for Social Sciences (SPSS) njengesixhobo senkcukacha-manani kwaye uhlalutyo loxwebhu lwathi lwasetyenziswa ukuhlalutya imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba iiyunivesithi zizibophelele ekufikelelekeni kwabafundi kumaziko emfundo ephakamileyo. Impumelelo yabafundi ithi ithityazwe kukusetyenziswa kolwimi olunye apho uninzi lweeyunivesithi zisebenzisa isiNgesi kuphela njengolwimi lokufunda nokufundisa. Ukusetyenziswa kolwimi olunye kuthi kuchaphazela gwenxa impumelelo yabafundi nokuqhuba ngcono ezifundweni. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba kukho imfuno emmandla kubafundi yokuba izixhobo zokufunda nokufundisa zifumaneke nangeelwimi zesiNtu. Inyathelo elihle lelokuba zonke iiyunivesithi ezichongiweyo zinayo imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi kodwa imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi emininzi midala kuba ifanelwe ukuba iphononongwe emva kweminyaka emihlanu ubuncinane. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba iiyunivesithi azinazo izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa kwemigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Ukungabikho kwesicwangciso sokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kuchaphazela gwenxa ukusetyenziswa kwawo. Olu phando lundulula ukuba iiyunivesithi zifanele ukuba zibonelele ngezixhobo zokufunda nokufundisa ezingeelwimi zesiNtu ukukhawulelana neemfuno zabafundi. Ukwandisa impumelelo, abafundi kufanele ukuba bavavanywe ngalo naluphi na ulwimi olusemthethweni lweyunivesithi. Izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi zifanele ukuba ziveliswe njengenyewe engxamisekileyo ukuze kuphuculwe ukusetyenziswa kwemigaqo- nkqubo yolwimi kwiiyunivesithi.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Somlata, Zakhile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Language policy South Africa , Translanguaging (Linguistics) , Language and education South Africa , Language and languages Study and teaching South Africa , Education, Higher South Africa , Multilingualism South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62571 , vital:28208
- Description: This thesis evaluated the language policy implementation strategies used in selected universities of South Africa. The Constitution of the Republic of South African (1996) recognises eleven official languages, namely: English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Sepedi, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. These official languages should enjoy the parity of esteem in all domains. The language practices are very important in the education of students at all levels of education but this study focuses on the language policy implementation in universities. Most universities of South Africa have their language policies but the dilemma is on the implementation of those language policies. The overarching aim of this study is to evaluate how university use language policy for access and success of the students and to assess the language policy implementation strategies, monitoring and evaluation. The language is central to the success of the students and this study further investigated to what extent are the universities use the linguistic repertoires of the students in their education. This study is rooted in orientations of language planning: Language as problem, language as right and language as resource (Ruiz, 1984). This thesis employed a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative method) with convergent parallel design. The data was collected from eleven universities of South Africa and the participants in each university were the "Key informants" (experts and insiders) which comprised of member of Executive Management, a member of the Institutional Language Committee and a language lecturer; and a cohort of forty third year students. The Key informants participated in the qualitative data collection through the structured interviews. The forty third year students participated in the quantitative data collected through survey questionnaires. The language policy documents of the universities were also sampled to get a better understanding of the real language practices and the language policy. The thematic analysis was used to analyse transcripts that were developed from the interviews, data from the students was analysed through descriptive and inferential analyses with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) as a statistical test and document analysis was used to analyse the language policies; The findings show that universities have commitment to access of the students to institutions of Higher Education. The success of the students is being thwarted by the monolingual approach where most of the universities use English only as the medium of instruction. The monolingual approach negatively affects the academic success and excellent academic performance of the majority of students. The findings show that there is high demand from the students that the course materials should be provided in African languages. All selected universities have their language policy which is something positive but most of them are outdated because they need to be reviewed at least after five years. The findings demonstrate that most universities lack the language policy implementation plans. The nonexistence of the language policy implementation plan adversely affects the implementation of the language policy. The study recommends that universities should provide the learning resources in African languages to meet the demands of the students. To maximise the success, students should be examined in any official languages of the university. The language policy implementation plans should be developed urgently so as to improve language policy implementation in universities. , Le thesisi iphonononge iindlela zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kwiiyunivesithi ezichongiweyo zaseMzantsi Afrika. Umgaqo-siseko waseMzantsi Afrika (1996) athathela ingqalelo iilwimi ezisemthethweni ezilishumi elinanye, isiNgesi, isiBhulu, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, Sepedi, SiSwati, Tshivenda neXitsonga. Ezi lwimi zisemthethweni zifanele ukuba zisetyenziswe ngokulinganayo kuzo zonke iinkalo. Ukusetyenziswa kweelwimi kubalulekile kakhulu kwimfundo yabantwana kuwo onke amanqanaba emfundo kodwa olu phando lugxile ekusetyenzisweni komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kwiiyunivesithi. Uninzi lweeyunivesithi zinayo imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi kodwa ingxaki isekusetyenzisweni kwaloo migaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Ezona njongo zolu phando kukuphonononga ukuba iiyunivesithi ziyisebenzisa njani na imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi ukuze abafundi bafikelele kwaye baphumelele ezifundweni kwakhona nokugocagoca izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi nokuhlola ukusebenza kwezo zicwangciso. Ulwimi ngundoqo kwimpumelelo yabafundi kwaye umyinge wokusetyenziswa kweelwimi zabafundi ekufundeni kwabo kuthe kwaphandwa. Esi sifundo sisekelwe kwiindlela zocwangciso-lwimi: Ulwimi njengengxaki, ulwimi njengelungelo nolwimi njengesixhobo (Ruiz, 1984). Le thesisi esebenzise indlela yophando entlantlu-mbini (eyobunjani neyobungakanani) kunye noyilo lwendibaniso kokunxuseneyo. Idatha yathi yaqokelelwa kwiiyunivesithi ezilishumi elinanye eMzantsi Afrika kwaye abathabathi nxaxheba babandakanya ilungu lesigqeba solawulo, ilungu lekomiti yeelwimi eyunivesithi nomhlohli wolwimi; kunye nabafundi abakunyaka wesithathu kwizifundo zabo kwiyunivesithi nganye. Idatha yaqokelelwa kubadlulisi-lwazi abaphambili beeyunivesithi ngodliwano-ndlebe oluqingqiweyo. Abafundi abalishumi elinesine bathi bathabathi inxaxheba kuqokelelo lwedatha ngokuthi bagcwalise uludwe lwemibuzo eyayicwangcisiwe. Umaxwebhu omgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi athi achongwa ukuze kubekho ukuqondakala phakathi kokusetyenziswa kolwimi kunye nokumgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi. Uhlalutyo ngokomxholo lwathi lwasetyenziswa ukuhlalutya ulwazi olwabhalwayo luvela kudliwano-ndlebe olwashicilelwayo, idatha eyayisuka kubafundi yathi yahlalutywa ngokusebenzisa uhlalutyo ngokwenkcazelo nangokuthelekelela kunye neStatistical Pakage for Social Sciences (SPSS) njengesixhobo senkcukacha-manani kwaye uhlalutyo loxwebhu lwathi lwasetyenziswa ukuhlalutya imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba iiyunivesithi zizibophelele ekufikelelekeni kwabafundi kumaziko emfundo ephakamileyo. Impumelelo yabafundi ithi ithityazwe kukusetyenziswa kolwimi olunye apho uninzi lweeyunivesithi zisebenzisa isiNgesi kuphela njengolwimi lokufunda nokufundisa. Ukusetyenziswa kolwimi olunye kuthi kuchaphazela gwenxa impumelelo yabafundi nokuqhuba ngcono ezifundweni. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba kukho imfuno emmandla kubafundi yokuba izixhobo zokufunda nokufundisa zifumaneke nangeelwimi zesiNtu. Inyathelo elihle lelokuba zonke iiyunivesithi ezichongiweyo zinayo imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi kodwa imigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi emininzi midala kuba ifanelwe ukuba iphononongwe emva kweminyaka emihlanu ubuncinane. Iziphumo zibonakalisa ukuba iiyunivesithi azinazo izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa kwemigaqo-nkqubo yolwimi. Ukungabikho kwesicwangciso sokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi kuchaphazela gwenxa ukusetyenziswa kwawo. Olu phando lundulula ukuba iiyunivesithi zifanele ukuba zibonelele ngezixhobo zokufunda nokufundisa ezingeelwimi zesiNtu ukukhawulelana neemfuno zabafundi. Ukwandisa impumelelo, abafundi kufanele ukuba bavavanywe ngalo naluphi na ulwimi olusemthethweni lweyunivesithi. Izicwangciso zokusetyenziswa komgaqo-nkqubo wolwimi zifanele ukuba ziveliswe njengenyewe engxamisekileyo ukuze kuphuculwe ukusetyenziswa kwemigaqo- nkqubo yolwimi kwiiyunivesithi.
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A psychobiographical study of Temple Grandin
- Authors: Wannenburg, Nicola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Grandin, Temple , Psychology Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Autistic women United States Biography , Women animal specialists United States Biography , Developmental psychology , Erikson, Erik H (Erik Homburger), 1902-1994
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57358 , vital:26877
- Description: Psychobiographical researchers methodically formulate life histories and interpret them by means of psychological theories. The research typically focuses on exemplary and completed lives. The cases that are studied are usually of individuals who are of particular interest to society as a result of excelling in their particular fields, be they to benefit or detriment of society. Temple Grandin was chosen for this study using purposive sampling as she meets the psychobiographical requirement of being an extraordinary individual. As an individual with autism Grandin faced many challenges growing up. Despite a difficult and absent beginning, Grandin developed into a stable and scientifically creative adult who contributes to society. She excels as an animal scientist and designer of humane livestock handling facilities and has an international reputation for her contribution to the livestock industry and animal welfare. The primary aim of this study is to describe and interpret the life of Temple Grandin through Erikson’s (1950/1973) theory of psychosocial development. A mixed method approach (Yin, 2006) was employed for the conduction of this study. The overarching data processing and analysis guidelines for this study were provided by Miles and Huberman (1994, 2002a, 2002b). The conduction of the processing and analysis of data was aided by Alexander’s (1988, 1990) method of asking the data questions as well as an integration of Yin’s (2014) time series analysis with Erikson’s (1950/1973) triple bookkeeping approach. This study contributes to the development of psychobiographical research in South Africa as well as to personality and developmental theory.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wannenburg, Nicola
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Grandin, Temple , Psychology Biographical methods , Psychoanalysis , Autistic women United States Biography , Women animal specialists United States Biography , Developmental psychology , Erikson, Erik H (Erik Homburger), 1902-1994
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57358 , vital:26877
- Description: Psychobiographical researchers methodically formulate life histories and interpret them by means of psychological theories. The research typically focuses on exemplary and completed lives. The cases that are studied are usually of individuals who are of particular interest to society as a result of excelling in their particular fields, be they to benefit or detriment of society. Temple Grandin was chosen for this study using purposive sampling as she meets the psychobiographical requirement of being an extraordinary individual. As an individual with autism Grandin faced many challenges growing up. Despite a difficult and absent beginning, Grandin developed into a stable and scientifically creative adult who contributes to society. She excels as an animal scientist and designer of humane livestock handling facilities and has an international reputation for her contribution to the livestock industry and animal welfare. The primary aim of this study is to describe and interpret the life of Temple Grandin through Erikson’s (1950/1973) theory of psychosocial development. A mixed method approach (Yin, 2006) was employed for the conduction of this study. The overarching data processing and analysis guidelines for this study were provided by Miles and Huberman (1994, 2002a, 2002b). The conduction of the processing and analysis of data was aided by Alexander’s (1988, 1990) method of asking the data questions as well as an integration of Yin’s (2014) time series analysis with Erikson’s (1950/1973) triple bookkeeping approach. This study contributes to the development of psychobiographical research in South Africa as well as to personality and developmental theory.
- Full Text:
A review of Climate-Smart system innovations in two Agricultural Colleges in the North West Province of South Africa
- Authors: Van Staden, Wilma
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Crops and climate South Africa North-West , Sustainable agriculture South Africa North-West , Agriculture Environmental aspects South Africa North-West , Agricultural colleges Curricula South Africa , Agricultural innovations , Agricultural ecology South Africa North-West
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63426 , vital:28410
- Description: This study was centred on the Agricultural Innovation System in the North West Province, South Africa as a response to climate change. The study developed during a time when Climate-Smart Agriculture emerged in policy and was developed as a strategic agricultural innovation process in response to changes in climate that increased food insecurity. The Agricultural Colleges embedded in the agricultural system realised that they were teaching students without a clear provision for climate change and therefore needed to initiate climate responsive innovations to comply with the Climate-Smart strategy that had been proposed by the provincial authorities. This provided the context for the study to track and support the innovation process of transitioning towards Climate-Smart responsive curriculum and learning practices within the system. A theoretical framework for the study was developed using a Cultural Historical Activity Theory perspective. This allowed the researcher to approach the research process as two case studies of innovation within the Agricultural Innovation System of the North West Province. The study developed as an iterative process of innovation support and tracking. At the early stages of the research process, data were generated through document analysis and a survey completed by the research participants at the preliminary consultative workshop. The contextual data allowed the researcher to begin to develop a clear contextual profile for both case studies. The consultative workshops were held to orientate the research around the central problems and challenges related to curriculum alignment with provincial Climate-Smart Agricultural policies. The methodology thereafter was developed as an iterative process of successive intervention-innovation workshops where the participating staff in each college reviewed their curriculum with the support of a Climate-Smart Innovation Tool. This tool was developed as a mediating resource for participants to undertake intervention work towards curriculum innovation in their context. The historical analysis from the two consultative workshops and the data derived from the initial use of the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was used to model the activity systems in the respective colleges and the provincial system. This analysis enabled the researcher to scope how the system was currently functioning and how it had changed over time. During the workshops, curriculum innovations were reviewed and a fuller picture of the challenges of system innovation emerged, especially from a curriculum innovation vantage point. This system analysis was used to analyse emergent tensions and contradictions within the system and to build a picture of the complexities of participating staff initiating innovations towards Climate-Smart responsiveness in the colleges and within the Agricultural Innovation System. During the review and tracking of the supported innovation process the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was developed into online sub-tools where either Departments or individual lecturers could review and track their own Climate-Smart responsiveness. The tool was shown to be a useful tool for surfacing contradictions, and identifying absences, and thus for charting out the start of reflexive learning and change processes needed for introducing climate responsive knowledge into the system. The study reveals that catalysing of curriculum and learning system innovation aligned with wider innovations in the agricultural innovation system requires specific tools, time and the understanding of the importance of micro-level innovation. The innovations within the system revealed the significance of allowing for time and processes that facilitate ‘ascending’ from the abstract concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture into more concrete curriculum processes. The curriculum review tool developed for this study served as an important double stimulation tool, along with activity system mapping, and ongoing refinement and clarification of the object of Climate-Smart Agriculture and associated contradictions and action plans for climate smart responsiveness in the college context. The tools and processes that were developed during this study, assisting in the emergence of micro-level innovation of the curriculum and learning system. The barriers and processes hampering curriculum and learning innovation within the system were identified. The study concludes with the recommendations on how a Climate-Smart innovation process might best be supported with reflexive tools within a curriculum and learning system during a time of institutional flux.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Staden, Wilma
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Crops and climate South Africa North-West , Sustainable agriculture South Africa North-West , Agriculture Environmental aspects South Africa North-West , Agricultural colleges Curricula South Africa , Agricultural innovations , Agricultural ecology South Africa North-West
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63426 , vital:28410
- Description: This study was centred on the Agricultural Innovation System in the North West Province, South Africa as a response to climate change. The study developed during a time when Climate-Smart Agriculture emerged in policy and was developed as a strategic agricultural innovation process in response to changes in climate that increased food insecurity. The Agricultural Colleges embedded in the agricultural system realised that they were teaching students without a clear provision for climate change and therefore needed to initiate climate responsive innovations to comply with the Climate-Smart strategy that had been proposed by the provincial authorities. This provided the context for the study to track and support the innovation process of transitioning towards Climate-Smart responsive curriculum and learning practices within the system. A theoretical framework for the study was developed using a Cultural Historical Activity Theory perspective. This allowed the researcher to approach the research process as two case studies of innovation within the Agricultural Innovation System of the North West Province. The study developed as an iterative process of innovation support and tracking. At the early stages of the research process, data were generated through document analysis and a survey completed by the research participants at the preliminary consultative workshop. The contextual data allowed the researcher to begin to develop a clear contextual profile for both case studies. The consultative workshops were held to orientate the research around the central problems and challenges related to curriculum alignment with provincial Climate-Smart Agricultural policies. The methodology thereafter was developed as an iterative process of successive intervention-innovation workshops where the participating staff in each college reviewed their curriculum with the support of a Climate-Smart Innovation Tool. This tool was developed as a mediating resource for participants to undertake intervention work towards curriculum innovation in their context. The historical analysis from the two consultative workshops and the data derived from the initial use of the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was used to model the activity systems in the respective colleges and the provincial system. This analysis enabled the researcher to scope how the system was currently functioning and how it had changed over time. During the workshops, curriculum innovations were reviewed and a fuller picture of the challenges of system innovation emerged, especially from a curriculum innovation vantage point. This system analysis was used to analyse emergent tensions and contradictions within the system and to build a picture of the complexities of participating staff initiating innovations towards Climate-Smart responsiveness in the colleges and within the Agricultural Innovation System. During the review and tracking of the supported innovation process the Climate-Smart Innovation Tool was developed into online sub-tools where either Departments or individual lecturers could review and track their own Climate-Smart responsiveness. The tool was shown to be a useful tool for surfacing contradictions, and identifying absences, and thus for charting out the start of reflexive learning and change processes needed for introducing climate responsive knowledge into the system. The study reveals that catalysing of curriculum and learning system innovation aligned with wider innovations in the agricultural innovation system requires specific tools, time and the understanding of the importance of micro-level innovation. The innovations within the system revealed the significance of allowing for time and processes that facilitate ‘ascending’ from the abstract concept of Climate-Smart Agriculture into more concrete curriculum processes. The curriculum review tool developed for this study served as an important double stimulation tool, along with activity system mapping, and ongoing refinement and clarification of the object of Climate-Smart Agriculture and associated contradictions and action plans for climate smart responsiveness in the college context. The tools and processes that were developed during this study, assisting in the emergence of micro-level innovation of the curriculum and learning system. The barriers and processes hampering curriculum and learning innovation within the system were identified. The study concludes with the recommendations on how a Climate-Smart innovation process might best be supported with reflexive tools within a curriculum and learning system during a time of institutional flux.
- Full Text:
A social realist study of employability development in engineering education
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
Advanced radio interferometric simulation and data reduction techniques
- Authors: Makhathini, Sphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Interferometry , Radio interferometers , Algorithms , Radio telescopes , Square Kilometre Array (Project) , Very Large Array (Observatory : N.M.) , Radio astronomy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57348 , vital:26875
- Description: This work shows how legacy and novel radio Interferometry software packages and algorithms can be combined to produce high-quality reductions from modern telescopes, as well as end-to-end simulations for upcoming instruments such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and its pathfinders. We first use a MeqTrees based simulations framework to quantify how artefacts due to direction-dependent effects accumulate with time, and the consequences of this accumulation when observing the same field multiple times in order to reach the survey depth. Our simulations suggest that a survey like LADUMA (Looking at the Distant Universe with MeerKAT Array), which aims to achieve its survey depth of 16 µJy/beam in a 72 kHz at 1.42 GHz by observing the same field for 1000 hours, will be able to reach its target depth in the presence of these artefacts. We also present stimela, a system agnostic scripting framework for simulating, processing and imaging radio interferometric data. This framework is then used to write an end-to-end simulation pipeline in order to quantify the resolution and sensitivity of the SKA1-MID telescope (the first phase of the SKA mid-frequency telescope) as a function of frequency, as well as the scale-dependent sensitivity of the telescope. Finally, a stimela-based reduction pipeline is used to process data of the field around the source 3C147, taken by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). The reconstructed image from this reduction has a typical 1a noise level of 2.87 µJy/beam, and consequently a dynamic range of 8x106:1, given the 22.58 Jy/beam flux Density of the source 3C147.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makhathini, Sphesihle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Interferometry , Radio interferometers , Algorithms , Radio telescopes , Square Kilometre Array (Project) , Very Large Array (Observatory : N.M.) , Radio astronomy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/57348 , vital:26875
- Description: This work shows how legacy and novel radio Interferometry software packages and algorithms can be combined to produce high-quality reductions from modern telescopes, as well as end-to-end simulations for upcoming instruments such as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and its pathfinders. We first use a MeqTrees based simulations framework to quantify how artefacts due to direction-dependent effects accumulate with time, and the consequences of this accumulation when observing the same field multiple times in order to reach the survey depth. Our simulations suggest that a survey like LADUMA (Looking at the Distant Universe with MeerKAT Array), which aims to achieve its survey depth of 16 µJy/beam in a 72 kHz at 1.42 GHz by observing the same field for 1000 hours, will be able to reach its target depth in the presence of these artefacts. We also present stimela, a system agnostic scripting framework for simulating, processing and imaging radio interferometric data. This framework is then used to write an end-to-end simulation pipeline in order to quantify the resolution and sensitivity of the SKA1-MID telescope (the first phase of the SKA mid-frequency telescope) as a function of frequency, as well as the scale-dependent sensitivity of the telescope. Finally, a stimela-based reduction pipeline is used to process data of the field around the source 3C147, taken by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA). The reconstructed image from this reduction has a typical 1a noise level of 2.87 µJy/beam, and consequently a dynamic range of 8x106:1, given the 22.58 Jy/beam flux Density of the source 3C147.
- Full Text:
An analysis of the implementation of the Teaching Development Grant in the South African Higher Education Sector
- Authors: Moyo, Mtheto Temwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa , Government aid to higher education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Education, Higher -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Educational leadership -- South Africa , Educational equalization -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Teaching Development Grant (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62225 , vital:28141
- Description: The South African government has attempted to address various transformation and efficiency challenges in the system through the steering mechanisms at its disposal. This study analyses the implementation of one of these mechanisms, the Teaching Development Grant (TDG), which is designed to enhance student learning through the improvement of teaching and teaching resources at South African universities. Since the inception as an earmarked grant ten years ago, a total of R5.5 billion has been allocated for the TDG. The study thus sought to answer the question: What are the factors enabling and constraining the use of the TDG to enhance teaching and student success at South African universities? A total of 275 TDG progress reports and budget plans were analysed alongside other TDG documentation such as TDG payment letters to universities and institutional submissions that universities made on the use of the TDG for the 2008 TDG Review. The TDG criteria and policy over the years were also included as data. The analysis used Archer’s (1995; 1996) morphogenesis/stasis framework, which is concerned with how change does or does not happen over time. Archer’s analytical dualism was used to identify the interplay of structural, cultural and agential mechanisms shaping the emergence of and practices associated with TDGs in order to make sense of the events and experiences in the data. One of the main findings of the study was that the historically-based differentiated nature of the South African higher education landscape constrained the implementation of the TDG. The stark resource differences in the sector has meant that the TDG has not fully translated into system-wide gains. In the initial years of TDG implementation from 2004 to 2013, most institutions did not use the TDG for teaching development initiatives per se, but rather spent the bulk of the funds on infrastructure and equipment. Such resource gaps have persisted and continue to compromise the academic enterprise at affected universities. The data also showed that universities which have access to additional funding other than state funding have been able to augment and advance their own funds and were thus able to at least partially counter late payments of the TDG, fluctuations in allocations, and the short-term nature of TDG budgets and inadequate allocations. This enabled relatively straightforward implementation of the teaching and learning enhancement programmes at these universities, while there were ongoing implementation difficulties at the universities with the lowest success rates, the very institutions the grant was most targeted to address. The study showed that the shortage of appropriate teaching and learning staff constrained the nature and type of interventions. Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in particular struggled to attract and retain the much-needed expertise. This emerged from multiple structural constraints such as geographical location, conditions of work, inefficient human resources systems, lack of access to financial resources for competitive packages, and instability in governance and management structures at some universities. Emerging from the data in the study is the fact that staffing challenges remain one of the core constraints in the implementation of the TDG. In particular, the data indicated that teaching and learning staff hired on the basis of TDG funds were generally hired as part-time or contract staff. This meant that their academic qualifications and experience in teaching development were limited and, in many cases, it meant that the posts were not filled at all. In some cases, the fluctuating budgets meant that some projects had to be downscaled or abandoned altogether. The study found that many of the interventions that were implemented had tenuous links to teaching and learning and, even where there were such links, these interventions were often based on fairly a-theoretical, common-sense understandings of what would develop teaching. In many universities, there was little evidence of institution-level planning of interventions aimed at fundamentally addressing the need for teaching development. The limited access to teaching and learning expertise across the sector was mirrored in the uneven distribution of expertise in administration, financial management, institutional planning and human resource divisions, which had implications for the establishment of monitoring systems and implementation processes of the TDG. The lack of strong systems and policies encouraged cultures that did not value transparency, accountability or compliance to the TDG policy. The role of corporate agency in the form of leadership and ownership of projects emerged as a key enabler in the implementation of the TDG. All of these structures shaped the ability of institutions to spend the TDG and in some cases millions of Rands in funds were not spent and so were withheld. The study found that the inability of some universities to spend was exacerbated by the problem of a lack of alignment between the DHET financial year and the academic year. Although the TDG has made a notable contribution to the advancement of teaching and learning (T&L) nationally, this study revealed that the blunt implementation of the TDG across the sector constrained the gains. In particular, the practice of withholding unspent funds focused only on the symptoms of underspending and not on the structural, cultural and agential mechanisms that led to such under-expenditure. The withheld funds were redirected by the government for national projects but as all universities including the well-resourced Historically Advantaged Institutions (HAIs) had access to these withheld funds this translated into a regressive distribution of the TDG. Limited capacity within DHET to direct, manage and monitor the grants has also had a constraining effect on their use and the secondment of a teaching and learning expert to the department was seen to be a significant but short-term enablement in this regard. The findings of how the TDG implementation has emerged in the South African higher education sector are particularly important at this point in time as the TDG together with the Research Development Grant will be reconfigured into a new grant called the University Capacity Development Grant as from 2018. This study provides significant insights into the structural, cultural, and agential enablements and constraints of this new grant being able to drive changes in the sector. The findings also provide insights into the implementation of other earmarked grants. , Boma la South Africa layesera kuthetsa mavuto omwe amadza posintha ndi kulongosola zinthu kudzera mu njira zosiyanasiyana. Kafukufukuyu akuunikira imodzi mwa njirazi yotchedwa Teaching Development Grant (TDG) yomwe inakonzedwa polimbikitsa maphunziro kudzera mukagwiritsidwe ntchito ka zipangizo zophunzitsira ndi zophunzirira za makono m’sukulu za ukachenjede ku South Africa. Ndalama zapafupifupi R5.5 billion ndi zomwe zaperekedwa kuti zigwiritsidwe nchito mu ndondomekoyi kuchokera pa nthawi yomwe inakhazikitsidwa; zaka khumi zapitazo. Kafukufukuyu anayesera kuyankha funso loti: Ndi zinthu ziti zomwe zimalimbikitsa kapena kubwezeretsa m’mbuyo kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka (TDG) polimbikitsa kuchita bwino kwa aphunzitsi ndi ophunzira m’sukulu za ukachenjede? Zikalata zosonyeza makhonzedwe a ophunzira, ndondomeko za kayendetseredwe ka chuma, zikalata za malipiridwe ndi zikalata zopezeka m’sukulu zaukachenjedezi zokhudzana ndi njira ya TDG zomwe zakhala zikugwiritsidwa ntchito zaka khumi zapitazi zinatengedwanso ngati uthenga wofunika koposa. Kauniuniyu anatsalira njira yotchedwa ‘Archer’s (1995/1996) Morphogenesis/Status Framework’ yomwe imafotokozera momwe kusintha kumachitikira pena kulepherekera. Njira younikira ya Archer: yothandizira pofufuza momwe kayendetsedwe ka bungwe, chikhalidwe komanso anthu oyendetsa bungwe amathandizira poonetsera momwe TDG imakhalira inagwiritsidwa ntchito poyesera kumvetsa zochitika komanso zopezeka mu kafukufukuyu. Chimodzi mwa zotsatira za kafukufukuyu n’chakuti kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka TDG kamabwezeredwa m’mbuyo ndi momwe sukulu za ukachenjede ku South Africa zidapangidwira. Kusiyana kwa usiwa wa zipangizo m’sukuluzi kudapangitsa kuti njira ya TDG isaonetse zipatso kwenikweni. Mu zaka zoyambirira itangokhazikidwitsa (2007 - 2013), sukulu zambiri sizidagwiritse ntchito TDG polimbikitsa kaphunzitsidwe. M’malo mwake ndalama zankhaninkhani zidagwiritsidwa ntchito pa zomangamanga ndi kugulira zipangizo. Usiwa wa zipangizowu ulipobe ndipo ukusokoneza mbali ya maphunziro m’sukulu zokhudzidwazi. Kafukufukuyu anasonyezanso kuti sukulu zomwe zimalandira thandizo lowonjezera pa lomwe zimalandira ku boma zakhala zikuyesetsa kuthana ndi vuto lopereka mochedwa ndalama za mundondomeko ya TDG ndi dongosolo la m’mene ndalamazi zigwirire ntchito. Izi zinawachititsa kuti asapeze mavuto ambiri polimbikitsa ndondomeko za kaphunzitsidwe ndi kaphunziridwe pomwe ena amavutika nazo. Enawa n’kukhala sukulu zomwe sizimachita bwino, zomwenso thandizoli lidalunjika pa izo kuti zithandizike. Kafukufukuyu anasonyeza kuti kuchepa kwa aphunzitsi kudapsinja zochitika zokhudza njirayi. Sukulu zosachita bwino kuchokera kalezi zidavutika kupeza ndi kusunga ogwira ntchito ake. Izi zimakhala choncho kaamba ka zifukwa zosiyanasiyana monga komwe sukuluyo ili, malamulo a ntchito, kupanda ukadaulo kwa oyang’anira antchitowa, kutalikirana ndi njira zina zopezera ndalama komanso kusakhazikika kwa anthu m’maudindo. Zina zotulukanso mu mfundo zotoledwazi zinaulula kuti vuto lina lalikulu linali ogwira ntchito. Polimbikitsa njira ya TDG, zimatanthauza kuti aphunzitsi omwe azilembedwa azikhala osakhazikika pa sukuluzi kapena a kontarakiti. Izi zimatanthauza kuti maphunziro ndi luntha lawo zimayenera kukhala zochepera. Mwanjira ina, tikhonza kunena kuti ogwira ntchitoyi panalibe. Nthawi zina, kusinthasintha kwa ndondomeko zachuma madongosolo ena kusiyidwa kapena kuchitika mosalongosoka. Kafukufukuyu anasonyezanso kuti zambiri mwa mfundo zomwe zinayikidwa kuti zigwiritsidwe ntchito zinali zosathandiza kwenikweni polimbikitsa maphunzirowa. Ndipo komwe mfundozi zinakhazikitsidwa, zinali chabe kufotokozera zinthu zodziwika kale ndi kale zokhudza zomwe zingalimbikitse uphunzitsi. M’sukulu zambiri za ukachenjede, pali umboni wochepa wa mfundo zomwe zinaikidwiratu ndi cholinga chopititsa patsogolo uphunzitsiwu. Kusowa kwa ukadaulo pa maphunzirowa kunaonekanso makamaka m’madera monga a oyendetsa sukuluzi, oyang’ana za chuma, olongosola malo onse komanso oyang’anira antchito. Panalibe kugawana anthuwa mofanana. Izi zidakhudza kwambiri kalondolondo ndinso kayendetsedwe ka TDG. Kusowa kwa ndondomeko zabwino ndi malamulo okhazikika kunalimbikitsa chikhalidwe cha chinyengo ndi kusatsatira mfundo za mundondomekoyi popereka utsogoleri ndi umwini ndiye unali wofunika polimbikitsa ndondomekoyi. Madongosolo otere anathandiza kuti sukulu zigwiritse ntchito njira ya TDG ndipo pena ndalama mamiliyoni zibwezedwe. Kafukufukuyu anaonetsa kuti kulephera kwa sukulu zina kugwiritsa ntchito ndalama kunachitika kaamba kosazindikira malire a chaka cha DHET ndi chaka cha maphunziro. Ngakhale njira ya TDG yathandizako kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka zipangizo zophunzitsira ndi zophunzirira, kafukufukuyu wasonyeza kuti mavuto omwe anaoneka mu ndondomeko ya TDG aphimba ubwino wake. Monga, m’chitidwe wobweza ndalama zosagwira ntchito unalunjika pa kulephera kugwiritsa ntchito ndalama zonse osati pa ubale pakati pa kayendetsedwe ka bungwe, chikhalidwe ndinso anthu oyendetsa bungwe. Ndalama zotsarazi zinalowetsedwa ku zitukuko zina ndi boma. Koma poti sukulu zonse za ukachenjede kuphatikizapo HAI zinapeza mwayi wa ndalamazi, izi zimabweretsa kulowa pansi kwa dongosolo la TDG. Kulephera mu DHET kutsogolera, kuyendetsa ndi kulondoloza thandizo kwadzetsanso mavuto pa kagwiritsidwe ntchito kake ngakhalenso kutumizidwa kwa katswiri pa kaphunzitsidwe kunaoneka ngati kofunika kosathandiza kwenikweni chifukwa kudali kwa nthawi yochepa. Zotsatira za kafukufukuyu (zokhudza maphunziro a ukachenjede ku South Africa) ndi zofunika kwambiri makamaka nthawi ino pomwe TDG pamodzi ndi RDG (Research Development Grant) zikhale kuunikiridwanso ndi kupanga thandizo latsopano lotchedwa University Capacity Development Grant kuyambira m’chaka cha 2018. Kafukufukuyu waunika mozama kayendetsedwe, chikhalidwe komanso oyendetsa zithandizo komanso mavuto kuti thandizo latsopanoli likathe kubweretsa kusintha. Zotsatirazi zaunikiranso kayendetsedwe ka zithandizo zina zomwe zikufuna kuchitika.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moyo, Mtheto Temwa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- South Africa , Government aid to higher education -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Education, Higher -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Educational leadership -- South Africa , Educational equalization -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Teaching Development Grant (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62225 , vital:28141
- Description: The South African government has attempted to address various transformation and efficiency challenges in the system through the steering mechanisms at its disposal. This study analyses the implementation of one of these mechanisms, the Teaching Development Grant (TDG), which is designed to enhance student learning through the improvement of teaching and teaching resources at South African universities. Since the inception as an earmarked grant ten years ago, a total of R5.5 billion has been allocated for the TDG. The study thus sought to answer the question: What are the factors enabling and constraining the use of the TDG to enhance teaching and student success at South African universities? A total of 275 TDG progress reports and budget plans were analysed alongside other TDG documentation such as TDG payment letters to universities and institutional submissions that universities made on the use of the TDG for the 2008 TDG Review. The TDG criteria and policy over the years were also included as data. The analysis used Archer’s (1995; 1996) morphogenesis/stasis framework, which is concerned with how change does or does not happen over time. Archer’s analytical dualism was used to identify the interplay of structural, cultural and agential mechanisms shaping the emergence of and practices associated with TDGs in order to make sense of the events and experiences in the data. One of the main findings of the study was that the historically-based differentiated nature of the South African higher education landscape constrained the implementation of the TDG. The stark resource differences in the sector has meant that the TDG has not fully translated into system-wide gains. In the initial years of TDG implementation from 2004 to 2013, most institutions did not use the TDG for teaching development initiatives per se, but rather spent the bulk of the funds on infrastructure and equipment. Such resource gaps have persisted and continue to compromise the academic enterprise at affected universities. The data also showed that universities which have access to additional funding other than state funding have been able to augment and advance their own funds and were thus able to at least partially counter late payments of the TDG, fluctuations in allocations, and the short-term nature of TDG budgets and inadequate allocations. This enabled relatively straightforward implementation of the teaching and learning enhancement programmes at these universities, while there were ongoing implementation difficulties at the universities with the lowest success rates, the very institutions the grant was most targeted to address. The study showed that the shortage of appropriate teaching and learning staff constrained the nature and type of interventions. Historically Disadvantaged Institutions in particular struggled to attract and retain the much-needed expertise. This emerged from multiple structural constraints such as geographical location, conditions of work, inefficient human resources systems, lack of access to financial resources for competitive packages, and instability in governance and management structures at some universities. Emerging from the data in the study is the fact that staffing challenges remain one of the core constraints in the implementation of the TDG. In particular, the data indicated that teaching and learning staff hired on the basis of TDG funds were generally hired as part-time or contract staff. This meant that their academic qualifications and experience in teaching development were limited and, in many cases, it meant that the posts were not filled at all. In some cases, the fluctuating budgets meant that some projects had to be downscaled or abandoned altogether. The study found that many of the interventions that were implemented had tenuous links to teaching and learning and, even where there were such links, these interventions were often based on fairly a-theoretical, common-sense understandings of what would develop teaching. In many universities, there was little evidence of institution-level planning of interventions aimed at fundamentally addressing the need for teaching development. The limited access to teaching and learning expertise across the sector was mirrored in the uneven distribution of expertise in administration, financial management, institutional planning and human resource divisions, which had implications for the establishment of monitoring systems and implementation processes of the TDG. The lack of strong systems and policies encouraged cultures that did not value transparency, accountability or compliance to the TDG policy. The role of corporate agency in the form of leadership and ownership of projects emerged as a key enabler in the implementation of the TDG. All of these structures shaped the ability of institutions to spend the TDG and in some cases millions of Rands in funds were not spent and so were withheld. The study found that the inability of some universities to spend was exacerbated by the problem of a lack of alignment between the DHET financial year and the academic year. Although the TDG has made a notable contribution to the advancement of teaching and learning (T&L) nationally, this study revealed that the blunt implementation of the TDG across the sector constrained the gains. In particular, the practice of withholding unspent funds focused only on the symptoms of underspending and not on the structural, cultural and agential mechanisms that led to such under-expenditure. The withheld funds were redirected by the government for national projects but as all universities including the well-resourced Historically Advantaged Institutions (HAIs) had access to these withheld funds this translated into a regressive distribution of the TDG. Limited capacity within DHET to direct, manage and monitor the grants has also had a constraining effect on their use and the secondment of a teaching and learning expert to the department was seen to be a significant but short-term enablement in this regard. The findings of how the TDG implementation has emerged in the South African higher education sector are particularly important at this point in time as the TDG together with the Research Development Grant will be reconfigured into a new grant called the University Capacity Development Grant as from 2018. This study provides significant insights into the structural, cultural, and agential enablements and constraints of this new grant being able to drive changes in the sector. The findings also provide insights into the implementation of other earmarked grants. , Boma la South Africa layesera kuthetsa mavuto omwe amadza posintha ndi kulongosola zinthu kudzera mu njira zosiyanasiyana. Kafukufukuyu akuunikira imodzi mwa njirazi yotchedwa Teaching Development Grant (TDG) yomwe inakonzedwa polimbikitsa maphunziro kudzera mukagwiritsidwe ntchito ka zipangizo zophunzitsira ndi zophunzirira za makono m’sukulu za ukachenjede ku South Africa. Ndalama zapafupifupi R5.5 billion ndi zomwe zaperekedwa kuti zigwiritsidwe nchito mu ndondomekoyi kuchokera pa nthawi yomwe inakhazikitsidwa; zaka khumi zapitazo. Kafukufukuyu anayesera kuyankha funso loti: Ndi zinthu ziti zomwe zimalimbikitsa kapena kubwezeretsa m’mbuyo kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka (TDG) polimbikitsa kuchita bwino kwa aphunzitsi ndi ophunzira m’sukulu za ukachenjede? Zikalata zosonyeza makhonzedwe a ophunzira, ndondomeko za kayendetseredwe ka chuma, zikalata za malipiridwe ndi zikalata zopezeka m’sukulu zaukachenjedezi zokhudzana ndi njira ya TDG zomwe zakhala zikugwiritsidwa ntchito zaka khumi zapitazi zinatengedwanso ngati uthenga wofunika koposa. Kauniuniyu anatsalira njira yotchedwa ‘Archer’s (1995/1996) Morphogenesis/Status Framework’ yomwe imafotokozera momwe kusintha kumachitikira pena kulepherekera. Njira younikira ya Archer: yothandizira pofufuza momwe kayendetsedwe ka bungwe, chikhalidwe komanso anthu oyendetsa bungwe amathandizira poonetsera momwe TDG imakhalira inagwiritsidwa ntchito poyesera kumvetsa zochitika komanso zopezeka mu kafukufukuyu. Chimodzi mwa zotsatira za kafukufukuyu n’chakuti kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka TDG kamabwezeredwa m’mbuyo ndi momwe sukulu za ukachenjede ku South Africa zidapangidwira. Kusiyana kwa usiwa wa zipangizo m’sukuluzi kudapangitsa kuti njira ya TDG isaonetse zipatso kwenikweni. Mu zaka zoyambirira itangokhazikidwitsa (2007 - 2013), sukulu zambiri sizidagwiritse ntchito TDG polimbikitsa kaphunzitsidwe. M’malo mwake ndalama zankhaninkhani zidagwiritsidwa ntchito pa zomangamanga ndi kugulira zipangizo. Usiwa wa zipangizowu ulipobe ndipo ukusokoneza mbali ya maphunziro m’sukulu zokhudzidwazi. Kafukufukuyu anasonyezanso kuti sukulu zomwe zimalandira thandizo lowonjezera pa lomwe zimalandira ku boma zakhala zikuyesetsa kuthana ndi vuto lopereka mochedwa ndalama za mundondomeko ya TDG ndi dongosolo la m’mene ndalamazi zigwirire ntchito. Izi zinawachititsa kuti asapeze mavuto ambiri polimbikitsa ndondomeko za kaphunzitsidwe ndi kaphunziridwe pomwe ena amavutika nazo. Enawa n’kukhala sukulu zomwe sizimachita bwino, zomwenso thandizoli lidalunjika pa izo kuti zithandizike. Kafukufukuyu anasonyeza kuti kuchepa kwa aphunzitsi kudapsinja zochitika zokhudza njirayi. Sukulu zosachita bwino kuchokera kalezi zidavutika kupeza ndi kusunga ogwira ntchito ake. Izi zimakhala choncho kaamba ka zifukwa zosiyanasiyana monga komwe sukuluyo ili, malamulo a ntchito, kupanda ukadaulo kwa oyang’anira antchitowa, kutalikirana ndi njira zina zopezera ndalama komanso kusakhazikika kwa anthu m’maudindo. Zina zotulukanso mu mfundo zotoledwazi zinaulula kuti vuto lina lalikulu linali ogwira ntchito. Polimbikitsa njira ya TDG, zimatanthauza kuti aphunzitsi omwe azilembedwa azikhala osakhazikika pa sukuluzi kapena a kontarakiti. Izi zimatanthauza kuti maphunziro ndi luntha lawo zimayenera kukhala zochepera. Mwanjira ina, tikhonza kunena kuti ogwira ntchitoyi panalibe. Nthawi zina, kusinthasintha kwa ndondomeko zachuma madongosolo ena kusiyidwa kapena kuchitika mosalongosoka. Kafukufukuyu anasonyezanso kuti zambiri mwa mfundo zomwe zinayikidwa kuti zigwiritsidwe ntchito zinali zosathandiza kwenikweni polimbikitsa maphunzirowa. Ndipo komwe mfundozi zinakhazikitsidwa, zinali chabe kufotokozera zinthu zodziwika kale ndi kale zokhudza zomwe zingalimbikitse uphunzitsi. M’sukulu zambiri za ukachenjede, pali umboni wochepa wa mfundo zomwe zinaikidwiratu ndi cholinga chopititsa patsogolo uphunzitsiwu. Kusowa kwa ukadaulo pa maphunzirowa kunaonekanso makamaka m’madera monga a oyendetsa sukuluzi, oyang’ana za chuma, olongosola malo onse komanso oyang’anira antchito. Panalibe kugawana anthuwa mofanana. Izi zidakhudza kwambiri kalondolondo ndinso kayendetsedwe ka TDG. Kusowa kwa ndondomeko zabwino ndi malamulo okhazikika kunalimbikitsa chikhalidwe cha chinyengo ndi kusatsatira mfundo za mundondomekoyi popereka utsogoleri ndi umwini ndiye unali wofunika polimbikitsa ndondomekoyi. Madongosolo otere anathandiza kuti sukulu zigwiritse ntchito njira ya TDG ndipo pena ndalama mamiliyoni zibwezedwe. Kafukufukuyu anaonetsa kuti kulephera kwa sukulu zina kugwiritsa ntchito ndalama kunachitika kaamba kosazindikira malire a chaka cha DHET ndi chaka cha maphunziro. Ngakhale njira ya TDG yathandizako kagwiritsidwe ntchito ka zipangizo zophunzitsira ndi zophunzirira, kafukufukuyu wasonyeza kuti mavuto omwe anaoneka mu ndondomeko ya TDG aphimba ubwino wake. Monga, m’chitidwe wobweza ndalama zosagwira ntchito unalunjika pa kulephera kugwiritsa ntchito ndalama zonse osati pa ubale pakati pa kayendetsedwe ka bungwe, chikhalidwe ndinso anthu oyendetsa bungwe. Ndalama zotsarazi zinalowetsedwa ku zitukuko zina ndi boma. Koma poti sukulu zonse za ukachenjede kuphatikizapo HAI zinapeza mwayi wa ndalamazi, izi zimabweretsa kulowa pansi kwa dongosolo la TDG. Kulephera mu DHET kutsogolera, kuyendetsa ndi kulondoloza thandizo kwadzetsanso mavuto pa kagwiritsidwe ntchito kake ngakhalenso kutumizidwa kwa katswiri pa kaphunzitsidwe kunaoneka ngati kofunika kosathandiza kwenikweni chifukwa kudali kwa nthawi yochepa. Zotsatira za kafukufukuyu (zokhudza maphunziro a ukachenjede ku South Africa) ndi zofunika kwambiri makamaka nthawi ino pomwe TDG pamodzi ndi RDG (Research Development Grant) zikhale kuunikiridwanso ndi kupanga thandizo latsopano lotchedwa University Capacity Development Grant kuyambira m’chaka cha 2018. Kafukufukuyu waunika mozama kayendetsedwe, chikhalidwe komanso oyendetsa zithandizo komanso mavuto kuti thandizo latsopanoli likathe kubweretsa kusintha. Zotsatirazi zaunikiranso kayendetsedwe ka zithandizo zina zomwe zikufuna kuchitika.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the bacterial biosynthetic origins of bioactive natural products isolated from South African latrunculid sponges
- Authors: Waterworth, Samantha Che
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marine biodiversity , Metagenomics , Sponges Biotechnology , Spirochetes , Natural products Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61826 , vital:28065
- Description: Several pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids exhibiting cytotoxic, anti-tumour activity have been isolated from sponges within the Latrunculiidae family that are endemic to the South African coastline. Other, structurally similar pyrroloiminoquinone compounds have been isolated from geographically distant and phylogenetically distinct marine sponges, as well as terrestrial myxomycetes which suggested that sponge-associated bacteria may be the true biosynthetic origin of pyrroloiminoquinone compounds. Previous studies have shown that there is conservation of spirochete and betaproteobacterial species in the bacterial communities associated with South African Latrunculiidae sponges and it was proposed that these conserved bacteria represented candidate pyrroloiminoquinone-producers. This study aimed to confirm the conserved dominance of betaproteobacteria and spirochetes within bacterial communities associated with South African latrunculid sponges and employed a shotgun metagenomic approach to assess the functional and biosynthetic potential of associated microbiota in Tsitsikamma favus sponges. Clustering of assembled contigs revealed twenty-three putative bacterial genomes, of which, two were identified as representatives of the conserved betaproteobacteria and spirochete species previously identified in Tsitsikamma sponges. It was shown that the spirochete was most likely an obligate symbiont that benefitted the host sponge through possible defence against pathogenic bacteria and/or nutrient acquisition. The putative genome representing the conserved betaproteobacteria was found to be heavily contaminated and further sequencing is required to accurately resolve the genome for functional characterization. Several biosynthetic gene clusters were identified and demonstrated the bioactive potential of Tsitsikamma favus-associated bacteria. A biosynthetic gene cluster was identified on an unclustered contig that included several genetic features that were indicative of possible pyrroloiminoquinone production.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Waterworth, Samantha Che
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Marine biodiversity , Metagenomics , Sponges Biotechnology , Spirochetes , Natural products Biotechnology
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61826 , vital:28065
- Description: Several pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids exhibiting cytotoxic, anti-tumour activity have been isolated from sponges within the Latrunculiidae family that are endemic to the South African coastline. Other, structurally similar pyrroloiminoquinone compounds have been isolated from geographically distant and phylogenetically distinct marine sponges, as well as terrestrial myxomycetes which suggested that sponge-associated bacteria may be the true biosynthetic origin of pyrroloiminoquinone compounds. Previous studies have shown that there is conservation of spirochete and betaproteobacterial species in the bacterial communities associated with South African Latrunculiidae sponges and it was proposed that these conserved bacteria represented candidate pyrroloiminoquinone-producers. This study aimed to confirm the conserved dominance of betaproteobacteria and spirochetes within bacterial communities associated with South African latrunculid sponges and employed a shotgun metagenomic approach to assess the functional and biosynthetic potential of associated microbiota in Tsitsikamma favus sponges. Clustering of assembled contigs revealed twenty-three putative bacterial genomes, of which, two were identified as representatives of the conserved betaproteobacteria and spirochete species previously identified in Tsitsikamma sponges. It was shown that the spirochete was most likely an obligate symbiont that benefitted the host sponge through possible defence against pathogenic bacteria and/or nutrient acquisition. The putative genome representing the conserved betaproteobacteria was found to be heavily contaminated and further sequencing is required to accurately resolve the genome for functional characterization. Several biosynthetic gene clusters were identified and demonstrated the bioactive potential of Tsitsikamma favus-associated bacteria. A biosynthetic gene cluster was identified on an unclustered contig that included several genetic features that were indicative of possible pyrroloiminoquinone production.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the introduction of a new wealth tax in South Africa
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Income distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61379 , vital:28020
- Description: In a world of economic uncertainty and manifold social problems, South Africa has its own unique challenges of low economic growth, persistent budget deficits that produce increasing government debt and the highest level of economic inequality in the world. The history of injustice and economic marginalisation and the failure of the economy to provide inclusive growth drives an urgent need to address economic inequality through tax policy, placing ever more focus on wealth taxes as a possible solution. There is a hope is that taxing the wealthy may provide the opportunity to redistribute desperately-needed resources to those denied the opportunity to build wealth and who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Yet, as appealing as a new wealth tax may seem, the introduction of such a tax carries with it a range of risks, not all of which are known. Of great concern is the possible effect on the economy, which, in its vulnerable state, cannot afford any loss of capital and investment. Very little research has been done on wealth tax in the South African context and there is a dearth of literature focusing on the views and perceptions of the wealthy individuals themselves. This qualitative study investigates the merits and disadvantages of a new wealth tax and seeks to identify any unintended consequences that could result from the implementation of a new wealth tax in South Africa, drawing from historical and international experience and primary data obtained from interviews with individuals likely to be affected by such a tax. Having explored the literature and international experiences with wealth tax and having probed the thinking of wealthy individuals who would be the payers of a wealth tax, the study finds that a new wealth tax may contribute towards the progressivity of the tax system, but it is doubtful whether such a tax would provide a sustainable revenue stream that would be sufficient to address economic inequality and there is a risk of causing harm to the economy. Recognising that the motivation for wealth taxes is often driven more by political argument and public perception than by rational quantitative analysis, the study also anticipates the introduction of a new wealth tax and suggests guidelines for the design of such a tax within the framework for evaluating a good tax system. This study informs the debate on wealth taxes in South Africa and contributes to the design of such a tax, should it be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Arendse, Jacqueline A
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wealth tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Income tax -- South Africa , Fiscal policy -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Income distribution -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61379 , vital:28020
- Description: In a world of economic uncertainty and manifold social problems, South Africa has its own unique challenges of low economic growth, persistent budget deficits that produce increasing government debt and the highest level of economic inequality in the world. The history of injustice and economic marginalisation and the failure of the economy to provide inclusive growth drives an urgent need to address economic inequality through tax policy, placing ever more focus on wealth taxes as a possible solution. There is a hope is that taxing the wealthy may provide the opportunity to redistribute desperately-needed resources to those denied the opportunity to build wealth and who are trapped in the cycle of poverty. Yet, as appealing as a new wealth tax may seem, the introduction of such a tax carries with it a range of risks, not all of which are known. Of great concern is the possible effect on the economy, which, in its vulnerable state, cannot afford any loss of capital and investment. Very little research has been done on wealth tax in the South African context and there is a dearth of literature focusing on the views and perceptions of the wealthy individuals themselves. This qualitative study investigates the merits and disadvantages of a new wealth tax and seeks to identify any unintended consequences that could result from the implementation of a new wealth tax in South Africa, drawing from historical and international experience and primary data obtained from interviews with individuals likely to be affected by such a tax. Having explored the literature and international experiences with wealth tax and having probed the thinking of wealthy individuals who would be the payers of a wealth tax, the study finds that a new wealth tax may contribute towards the progressivity of the tax system, but it is doubtful whether such a tax would provide a sustainable revenue stream that would be sufficient to address economic inequality and there is a risk of causing harm to the economy. Recognising that the motivation for wealth taxes is often driven more by political argument and public perception than by rational quantitative analysis, the study also anticipates the introduction of a new wealth tax and suggests guidelines for the design of such a tax within the framework for evaluating a good tax system. This study informs the debate on wealth taxes in South Africa and contributes to the design of such a tax, should it be implemented.
- Full Text:
An investigation of the correlation of mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial DNA methylation, mitochondrial network topology and adipogenesis in the human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal stem cell model
- Authors: Kadye, Rose
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62637 , vital:28222
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kadye, Rose
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62637 , vital:28222
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
An investigation of the teaching of reading in isiXhosa in three Grade 1 classrooms in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Magadla, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63408 , vital:28408
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Magadla, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63408 , vital:28408
- Full Text: false
Analysis of the human HSP70-HSP90 organising protein (HOP) gene - characterisation of the promoter and identification of a novel isoform
- Authors: Mattison, Stacey
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62821 , vital:28296
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mattison, Stacey
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62821 , vital:28296
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
Aspects Allocentristes de l’Humanisme dans l’Univers Romanesque de Williams Sassine
- Authors: Dami, Emmanuel Naancin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sassine, Williams, 1944-1997 -- Criticism and interpretation , Guinean fiction (French) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Humanism in literature , Human beings in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Existentialism in literature
- Language: French , English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61957 , vital:28089
- Description: The human being, his behaviour and more importantly, his very essence have, for time immemorial, proven to be enigmatic to many a man and to researchers in particular. Consequently, the need for a thorough and more profound understanding of man has made him the epicentre of epistemic investigations across many academic disciplines. This, unfortunately, does not seem to have shaded bright lights on the grey areas bordering on his nature to his behavior. This, in turn, opens up other windows requiring further probes. For instance, proponents of the Neo-classical economic school contend that the human being is homo oeconomicus. This implies that man is intrinsically egocentric and a rational being whose decisions are based on informed choices driven by his urge for maximal utility geared towards his personal satisfaction (O’Boyle 2009; Caruso 2012). This stance invalidates man’s ability to do ‘disinterested good’ in any form. African francophone literature is replete with different and diverse images of man, his behaviour and existential conditions: sufferings and struggles. It, therefore, constitutes, inter alia, a laboratory in which researchers undertake investigative endeavours. This thesis beams its floodlights on the allocentric aspects of humanism in the novels of Williams Sassine. Thus, using the phenomenological and ‘clavieniste’ lenses as overarching operational theories, the thesis investigates Sassine’s novels with the view to shading a ray of light on the ‘humanistic man’ especially the allocentric dimensions of his nature and comportment. Emphasis is laid on the motives and motivations underlying the individual and the in-group struggle of the sassinien heroes in the emancipation of their society from the shackles of colonial and postcolonial domination, exploitation and subjugation resulting in self-determination and the subsequent disenchantment. Furthermore, the thesis examines the nature and character of human charity, generosity and sacrifices among the characters in the novels. In conclusion, the thesis establishes, through an x-ray of the nature of actions and decisions of certain characters in the novels, the examination of the conscious and subconscious intentions underlying these same actions and decisions which, on a face value, are apparently altruistic, that the sassinien heroes’ efforts and sacrifices are geared towards the common and greater good. This invariably means that man is, indeed, capable of posing disinterested acts of charity and bringing succour, devoid of any ulterior motives for personal gain, to his fellow humans. The position of the Neo-classical economists is consequently over-assuming, sweeping and tad generalizing. The sassinien characters have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are humanists. Their nature, the remote and immediate causes of their fights, the goals and objectives of their struggles and their spirit of abnegation have indeed proven that “human beings have the right and the responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. [They have stood] for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on the human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities” (AHA 2017 : 3).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dami, Emmanuel Naancin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sassine, Williams, 1944-1997 -- Criticism and interpretation , Guinean fiction (French) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Humanism in literature , Human beings in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Existentialism in literature
- Language: French , English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61957 , vital:28089
- Description: The human being, his behaviour and more importantly, his very essence have, for time immemorial, proven to be enigmatic to many a man and to researchers in particular. Consequently, the need for a thorough and more profound understanding of man has made him the epicentre of epistemic investigations across many academic disciplines. This, unfortunately, does not seem to have shaded bright lights on the grey areas bordering on his nature to his behavior. This, in turn, opens up other windows requiring further probes. For instance, proponents of the Neo-classical economic school contend that the human being is homo oeconomicus. This implies that man is intrinsically egocentric and a rational being whose decisions are based on informed choices driven by his urge for maximal utility geared towards his personal satisfaction (O’Boyle 2009; Caruso 2012). This stance invalidates man’s ability to do ‘disinterested good’ in any form. African francophone literature is replete with different and diverse images of man, his behaviour and existential conditions: sufferings and struggles. It, therefore, constitutes, inter alia, a laboratory in which researchers undertake investigative endeavours. This thesis beams its floodlights on the allocentric aspects of humanism in the novels of Williams Sassine. Thus, using the phenomenological and ‘clavieniste’ lenses as overarching operational theories, the thesis investigates Sassine’s novels with the view to shading a ray of light on the ‘humanistic man’ especially the allocentric dimensions of his nature and comportment. Emphasis is laid on the motives and motivations underlying the individual and the in-group struggle of the sassinien heroes in the emancipation of their society from the shackles of colonial and postcolonial domination, exploitation and subjugation resulting in self-determination and the subsequent disenchantment. Furthermore, the thesis examines the nature and character of human charity, generosity and sacrifices among the characters in the novels. In conclusion, the thesis establishes, through an x-ray of the nature of actions and decisions of certain characters in the novels, the examination of the conscious and subconscious intentions underlying these same actions and decisions which, on a face value, are apparently altruistic, that the sassinien heroes’ efforts and sacrifices are geared towards the common and greater good. This invariably means that man is, indeed, capable of posing disinterested acts of charity and bringing succour, devoid of any ulterior motives for personal gain, to his fellow humans. The position of the Neo-classical economists is consequently over-assuming, sweeping and tad generalizing. The sassinien characters have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are humanists. Their nature, the remote and immediate causes of their fights, the goals and objectives of their struggles and their spirit of abnegation have indeed proven that “human beings have the right and the responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. [They have stood] for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on the human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities” (AHA 2017 : 3).
- Full Text:
Aspects of the nutritional physiology of the perlemoen Haliotis midae (L.) and red abalone H. rufescens (Swainson)
- Authors: Kemp, Justin Oliver Gordon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Haliotis midae , Haliotis midae fisheries , Red abalone , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Red abalone -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Red abalone -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Haliotis midae -- Metabolism , Red abalone -- Metabolism , Haliotis midae -- Physiology , Red abalone -- Physiology , Stable isotopes , Algae as feed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62314 , vital:28154
- Description: The source of abalone for human consumption has shown a dramatic shift away from wild-capture fisheries in the last 30 years, with over 90% of global production now coming from aquaculture. Farmers initially relied on the natural food of abalone (macroalgae) as a culture feed, though in regions where macroalgae availability was limiting, the need to develop formulated feeds was evident. Extensive research effort has led to the development of a number of formulated feed products currently employed in the industry. These feeds, however, differ markedly from the mixed macroalgal diets that abalone have evolved to utilise, particularly in terms of protein content and carbohydrate structure. The degree to which the nutritional physiology of abalone responds to these novel formulated diets, with and without macroalgal supplementation, was investigated in the current study. A multifaceted approach, combining growth trials, stable isotope nutrient tracers and metabolic experiments, was employed to gain insight into the post-absorption dynamics and utilisation of dietary nutrients under varying dietary regimes of fresh macroalgae and formulated feed. Growth trials conducted with both Haliotis rufescens and H. midae showed significantly higher growth and protein utilisation efficiency for abalone fed macroalgal diets compared to formulated feeds. Furthermore, when formulated feeds were supplemented with macroalgae to form combination diets, growth and the utilization of protein was improved compared to the formulated-feed-only diet. The poor utilisation of protein by H. midae fed the formulated feed could be traced, using a method combining stable isotope bio-markers with a Bayesian mixing model (SIAR), to the low incorporation of the fishmeal component of protein in the diet. The marked postprandial drop in the O:N ratio on abalone fed formulated feeds indicate that the protein was being diverted into catabolic metabolic pathways. The metabolic cost of digestion, termed specific dynamic action (SDA), was negated as a factor in the improved growth of abalone fed macroalgal diets, with the SDA coefficient 2.1 times that observed for formulated feed. Furthermore, the postprandial haemolymph glucose concentration (HGC) in H. midae was elevated when fed formulated feed compared to macroalgae. The high levels of circulating glucose are likely a result of the structure the carbohydrate source in formulated feeds and stimulate the deposition of glycogen through the allosteric control of glycogen synthase. Formulated feeds produced higher cooked meat yields in canning simulation trials, suggesting that muscle glycogen content may indirectly play a role in increasing canning yields through the displacement of collagen. The results of these empirical studies are synthesised under key themes, discussed within the context of their potential commercial relevance and future research directions are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kemp, Justin Oliver Gordon
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Haliotis midae , Haliotis midae fisheries , Red abalone , Haliotis midae -- Feeding and feeds , Red abalone -- Feeding and feeds , Haliotis midae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Red abalone -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Haliotis midae -- Metabolism , Red abalone -- Metabolism , Haliotis midae -- Physiology , Red abalone -- Physiology , Stable isotopes , Algae as feed
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62314 , vital:28154
- Description: The source of abalone for human consumption has shown a dramatic shift away from wild-capture fisheries in the last 30 years, with over 90% of global production now coming from aquaculture. Farmers initially relied on the natural food of abalone (macroalgae) as a culture feed, though in regions where macroalgae availability was limiting, the need to develop formulated feeds was evident. Extensive research effort has led to the development of a number of formulated feed products currently employed in the industry. These feeds, however, differ markedly from the mixed macroalgal diets that abalone have evolved to utilise, particularly in terms of protein content and carbohydrate structure. The degree to which the nutritional physiology of abalone responds to these novel formulated diets, with and without macroalgal supplementation, was investigated in the current study. A multifaceted approach, combining growth trials, stable isotope nutrient tracers and metabolic experiments, was employed to gain insight into the post-absorption dynamics and utilisation of dietary nutrients under varying dietary regimes of fresh macroalgae and formulated feed. Growth trials conducted with both Haliotis rufescens and H. midae showed significantly higher growth and protein utilisation efficiency for abalone fed macroalgal diets compared to formulated feeds. Furthermore, when formulated feeds were supplemented with macroalgae to form combination diets, growth and the utilization of protein was improved compared to the formulated-feed-only diet. The poor utilisation of protein by H. midae fed the formulated feed could be traced, using a method combining stable isotope bio-markers with a Bayesian mixing model (SIAR), to the low incorporation of the fishmeal component of protein in the diet. The marked postprandial drop in the O:N ratio on abalone fed formulated feeds indicate that the protein was being diverted into catabolic metabolic pathways. The metabolic cost of digestion, termed specific dynamic action (SDA), was negated as a factor in the improved growth of abalone fed macroalgal diets, with the SDA coefficient 2.1 times that observed for formulated feed. Furthermore, the postprandial haemolymph glucose concentration (HGC) in H. midae was elevated when fed formulated feed compared to macroalgae. The high levels of circulating glucose are likely a result of the structure the carbohydrate source in formulated feeds and stimulate the deposition of glycogen through the allosteric control of glycogen synthase. Formulated feeds produced higher cooked meat yields in canning simulation trials, suggesting that muscle glycogen content may indirectly play a role in increasing canning yields through the displacement of collagen. The results of these empirical studies are synthesised under key themes, discussed within the context of their potential commercial relevance and future research directions are highlighted.
- Full Text:
Aspects of the population ecology, habitat use and behaviour of the endangered Knysna seahorse (Hippocampus capensis Boulenger, 1900) in a residential marina estate, Knysna, South Africa: implications for conservation
- Authors: Claassens, Louw
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Endangered species -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54789 , vital:26616
- Description: The Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis is South Africa’s only endemic seahorse species, and is found in only three adjacent estuaries along the southern coast. The conservation of this endangered species is important on a national and international level. This study presents the first research on this species within the Knysna estuary since 2001 and specifically focuses on aspects of its ecology within a residential marina estate (Thesen Islands Marina). The physico-chemical and habitat features of the marina were described and the population ecology, habitat use, and behaviour of the Knysna seahorse were investigated. Physico-chemical conditions within the western section of the marina, characterised by high water current velocities, were similar to that of the adjacent estuary. The eastern section of the marina was characterised by lower water current velocities and higher turbidity. Four major habitat types were identified within the marina canals: (I) artificial Reno mattress (wire baskets filled with rocks); (II) Codium tenue beds; (III) mixed vegetation on sediment; and (IV) barren canal floor. Seahorse densities within the marina were significantly higher compared to densities found historically within the estuary. Highest seahorse densities were specifically found within the artificial Reno mattress structures and within the western section of the marina. Seahorse density varied spatially and temporally and the type of habitat was an important predictor for seahorse occurrence. An experimental investigation found that H. capensis chooses artificial Reno mattress habitat over Zostera capensis when given a choice. GoPro cameras were used successfully to investigate daytime seahorse behaviour within the Reno mattress habitat. Seahorses were more active during the morning, spent most of their time (> 80 %) feeding, and morning courting behaviour for this species were confirmed. However, during the summer holiday period (mid-December to mid-January) few seahorses were observed on camera, which suggests that the increase in motor boat activity and the related increase in noise had a negative effect on H. capensis feeding and courting behaviour. The marina development, and in particular the Reno mattresses, created a new habitat for this endangered species within the Knysna estuary. In addition to the protection and restoration of natural habitats in which H. capensis is found, the conservation potential of artificial structures such as Reno mattresses should be realised.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Claassens, Louw
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Endangered species -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Habitat -- South Africa -- Knysna , Sea horses -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Knysna
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54789 , vital:26616
- Description: The Knysna seahorse Hippocampus capensis is South Africa’s only endemic seahorse species, and is found in only three adjacent estuaries along the southern coast. The conservation of this endangered species is important on a national and international level. This study presents the first research on this species within the Knysna estuary since 2001 and specifically focuses on aspects of its ecology within a residential marina estate (Thesen Islands Marina). The physico-chemical and habitat features of the marina were described and the population ecology, habitat use, and behaviour of the Knysna seahorse were investigated. Physico-chemical conditions within the western section of the marina, characterised by high water current velocities, were similar to that of the adjacent estuary. The eastern section of the marina was characterised by lower water current velocities and higher turbidity. Four major habitat types were identified within the marina canals: (I) artificial Reno mattress (wire baskets filled with rocks); (II) Codium tenue beds; (III) mixed vegetation on sediment; and (IV) barren canal floor. Seahorse densities within the marina were significantly higher compared to densities found historically within the estuary. Highest seahorse densities were specifically found within the artificial Reno mattress structures and within the western section of the marina. Seahorse density varied spatially and temporally and the type of habitat was an important predictor for seahorse occurrence. An experimental investigation found that H. capensis chooses artificial Reno mattress habitat over Zostera capensis when given a choice. GoPro cameras were used successfully to investigate daytime seahorse behaviour within the Reno mattress habitat. Seahorses were more active during the morning, spent most of their time (> 80 %) feeding, and morning courting behaviour for this species were confirmed. However, during the summer holiday period (mid-December to mid-January) few seahorses were observed on camera, which suggests that the increase in motor boat activity and the related increase in noise had a negative effect on H. capensis feeding and courting behaviour. The marina development, and in particular the Reno mattresses, created a new habitat for this endangered species within the Knysna estuary. In addition to the protection and restoration of natural habitats in which H. capensis is found, the conservation potential of artificial structures such as Reno mattresses should be realised.
- Full Text:
Bacterial colonisation and degradation of geologically weathered and discard coal
- Authors: Olawale, Jacob Taiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coal mine waste , Coal -- Biodegradation , Coal mines and mining -- Environmental aspects , Land degradation , Electron microscopy , Extracellular polymeric substances , Flagella (Microbiology) , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Microbiologically influenced corrosion
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61625 , vital:28043
- Description: Bacterial beneficiation of low-grade coal, coal discard, and waste has the potential to mitigate land degradation, water and soil pollution and, be a strategy for mining companies to responsibly extract and process coal with environmental sustainability. This study investigated the colonisation and biodegradation or depolymerisation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by selected strains of bacteria, and an attempt has been made to describe the mechanisms associated with colonisation and biodegradation of this carbonaceous material. Ten bacterial strains, Bacillus strain ECCN 18b, Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Proteus strain ECCN 20b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b, Microbacterium strain ECCN 22b, Proteus strain ECCN 23b, Serratia strain ECCN 24b, Escherichia strain ECCN 25b, Bacillus strain ECCN 26b and Bacillus strain ECCN 41b, isolated from diesel-contaminated soil and coal slurry and identified using DNA sequencing, were rescreened and their coal biodegradation potential ranked. The ranking of the bacterial strains was undertaken using several indicators including; formation of brown halos on the plate culture (solid), change in colour intensity of the medium in liquid culture, change in culture media pH, and an increase in absorbance at 280nm and 450nm. Although, all the ten strains showed evidence of biodegradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal based on the ranking employed, and the three strains considered the best candidates were Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b. The actions of the three bacterial strains were further studied and characterised in relation to coal degradation. Electron microscopy revealed that Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b attached to the surface of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by a process that appeared to involve extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and flagella. The presence of flagella for Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Bacterial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by these selected strains resulted in the release of soluble and insoluble products. Ultraviolet/ visible spectrophotometric (UV/VIS) analysis revealed that the soluble products resembled humic acid-like substances, which was confirmed following Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis revealed that the coal-derived humic acid-like substances were similar to commercial humic acid extracted from bituminous coal. Elemental analysis of the insoluble product residue after bacterial biodegradation revealed the modification of the chemical compositions of the coal discard and geologically weathered coal substrates. Characterisation of the functional groups of the insoluble product using FTIR spectroscopy indicated changes, with the appearance of new peaks at 1737cm-1, 1366cm-1, 1228cm-1, and 1216cm-1 characteristic of aldehyde, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and alkanes. Broad spectra regions of 3500 -3200cm-1, characteristic of alcohol and phenol, were also observed. Together, these results were taken as evidence for increased oxidation of the coal substrates, presumably as a consequence of bacterial catalysed biodegradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal. During bacterial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal, strains produced extracellular protein, which was detected and further investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE). At least three protein bands with molecular mass 53 kDa, 72 kDa, and 82 kDa were common to the three bacterial strains. Following ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography, additional bands with molecular mass 16 kDa, 33 kDa, 37 kDa, and 43 kDa were detected. An extracellular laccase activity was detected in cultures of Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b. Cytochrome P450 activity was detected in all the bacterial strains in the presence of both coal discard and geologically weathered coal. This is the first time that cytochrome P450 activity has been reported following exposure of these three bacterial strains to a coal substrate. Overall, this research has successfully demonstrated the partial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b and the release of humic acid-like substances. Thus, the biodegradation process involved adherence to and growth of the bacteria on the surface of coal substrate and appeared to require the formation of alkaline substances and the combined activities of extracellular LAC and cytochrome P450. Since bacterial degradation of low-grade coal and discard appears to be viable, the bacteria isolated in this study can potentially be used either for conversion of discard into valuable chemicals or to mitigate the deleterious effects of stockpiled coal discard on the environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olawale, Jacob Taiwo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Coal mine waste , Coal -- Biodegradation , Coal mines and mining -- Environmental aspects , Land degradation , Electron microscopy , Extracellular polymeric substances , Flagella (Microbiology) , Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , Microbiologically influenced corrosion
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61625 , vital:28043
- Description: Bacterial beneficiation of low-grade coal, coal discard, and waste has the potential to mitigate land degradation, water and soil pollution and, be a strategy for mining companies to responsibly extract and process coal with environmental sustainability. This study investigated the colonisation and biodegradation or depolymerisation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by selected strains of bacteria, and an attempt has been made to describe the mechanisms associated with colonisation and biodegradation of this carbonaceous material. Ten bacterial strains, Bacillus strain ECCN 18b, Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Proteus strain ECCN 20b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b, Microbacterium strain ECCN 22b, Proteus strain ECCN 23b, Serratia strain ECCN 24b, Escherichia strain ECCN 25b, Bacillus strain ECCN 26b and Bacillus strain ECCN 41b, isolated from diesel-contaminated soil and coal slurry and identified using DNA sequencing, were rescreened and their coal biodegradation potential ranked. The ranking of the bacterial strains was undertaken using several indicators including; formation of brown halos on the plate culture (solid), change in colour intensity of the medium in liquid culture, change in culture media pH, and an increase in absorbance at 280nm and 450nm. Although, all the ten strains showed evidence of biodegradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal based on the ranking employed, and the three strains considered the best candidates were Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b. The actions of the three bacterial strains were further studied and characterised in relation to coal degradation. Electron microscopy revealed that Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b attached to the surface of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by a process that appeared to involve extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and flagella. The presence of flagella for Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Bacterial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by these selected strains resulted in the release of soluble and insoluble products. Ultraviolet/ visible spectrophotometric (UV/VIS) analysis revealed that the soluble products resembled humic acid-like substances, which was confirmed following Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Analysis revealed that the coal-derived humic acid-like substances were similar to commercial humic acid extracted from bituminous coal. Elemental analysis of the insoluble product residue after bacterial biodegradation revealed the modification of the chemical compositions of the coal discard and geologically weathered coal substrates. Characterisation of the functional groups of the insoluble product using FTIR spectroscopy indicated changes, with the appearance of new peaks at 1737cm-1, 1366cm-1, 1228cm-1, and 1216cm-1 characteristic of aldehyde, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and alkanes. Broad spectra regions of 3500 -3200cm-1, characteristic of alcohol and phenol, were also observed. Together, these results were taken as evidence for increased oxidation of the coal substrates, presumably as a consequence of bacterial catalysed biodegradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal. During bacterial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal, strains produced extracellular protein, which was detected and further investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS- PAGE). At least three protein bands with molecular mass 53 kDa, 72 kDa, and 82 kDa were common to the three bacterial strains. Following ammonium sulphate precipitation and gel filtration chromatography, additional bands with molecular mass 16 kDa, 33 kDa, 37 kDa, and 43 kDa were detected. An extracellular laccase activity was detected in cultures of Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b. Cytochrome P450 activity was detected in all the bacterial strains in the presence of both coal discard and geologically weathered coal. This is the first time that cytochrome P450 activity has been reported following exposure of these three bacterial strains to a coal substrate. Overall, this research has successfully demonstrated the partial degradation of coal discard and geologically weathered coal by Citrobacter strain ECCN 19b, Exiguobacterium strain ECCN 21b and Serratia strain ECCN 24b and the release of humic acid-like substances. Thus, the biodegradation process involved adherence to and growth of the bacteria on the surface of coal substrate and appeared to require the formation of alkaline substances and the combined activities of extracellular LAC and cytochrome P450. Since bacterial degradation of low-grade coal and discard appears to be viable, the bacteria isolated in this study can potentially be used either for conversion of discard into valuable chemicals or to mitigate the deleterious effects of stockpiled coal discard on the environment.
- Full Text:
Baculovirus synergism: investigating mixed alphabaculovirus and betabaculovirus infections in the false codling moth, thaumatotibia leucotreta, for improved pest control
- Authors: Jukes, Michael David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Cryptophlebia leucotreta -- Biological control , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa , Pests -- Integrated control , Nucleopolyhedroviruses , Natural pesticides , Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61797 , vital:28061
- Description: Baculovirus based biopesticides are an effective and environmentally friendly approach for the control of agriculturally important insect pests. The false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is indigenous to southern Africa and is a major pest of citrus crops. This moth poses a serious risk to export of fruit to foreign markets and the control of this pest is therefore imperative. The Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) has been commercially formulated into the products Cryptogran™ and Cryptex®. These products have been used successfully for over a decade as part of a rigorous integrated pest management (IPM) programme to control T. leucotreta in South Africa. There is however, a continuous need to improve this programme while also addressing new challenges as they arise. An example of a rising concern is the possibility of resistance developing towards CrleGV. This was seen in Europe with field populations of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which developed resistance to the Mexican isolate of the Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV-M). To prevent such a scenario occurring in South Africa, there is a need to improve existing methods of control. For example, additional baculovirus variants can be isolated and characterised for determining virulence, which can then be developed as new biopesticides. Additionally, the potential for synergistic effects between different baculoviruses infecting the same host can be explored for improved virulence. A novel nucleopolyhedrovirus was recently identified in T. leucotreta larval homogenates which were also infected with CrleGV. This provided unique opportunities for continued research and development. In this study, a method using C. pomonella larvae, which can be infected by the NPV but not by CrleGV, was developed to separate the NPV from GV-NPV mixtures in an in vivo system. Examination of NPV OBs by transmission electron microscopy showed purified occlusion bodies with a single nucleopolyhedrovirus morphology (SNPV). Genetic characterisation identified the novel NPV as Cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus (CrpeNPV), which was recently isolated from the litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). To begin examining the potential for synergism between the two viruses, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to accurately detect CrleGV and/or CrpeNPV in mixed infections. This assay was applied to various samples to screen for the presence of CrpeNPV and CrleGV. Additionally, a validation experiment was performed using different combinations of CrpeNPV and/or CrleGV to evaluate the effectiveness of the mPCR assay. The results obtained indicated a high degree of specificity with the correct amplicons generated for each test sample. The biological activity of CrpeNPV and CrleGV were evaluated using surface dose bioassays, both individually and in various combinations, against T. leucotreta neonate larvae in a laboratory setting. A synergistic effect was recorded in the combination treatments, showing improved virulence when compared against each virus in isolation. The LC90 for CrpeNPV and CrleGV when applied alone against T. leucotreta was calculated to be 2.75*106 and 3.00*106 OBs.ml"1 respectively. These values decreased to 1.07*106 and 7.18*105 OBs.ml"1 when combinations of CrleGV and CrpeNPV were applied at ratios of 3:1 and 1:3 respectively. These results indicate a potential for developing improved biopesticides for the control of T. leucotreta in the field. To better understand the interactions between CrleGV and CrpeNPV, experiments involving the serial passage of these viruses through T. leucotreta larvae were performed. This was done using each virus in isolation as well as both viruses in different combinations. Genomic DNA was extracted from recovered occlusion bodies after each passage and examined by multiplex and quantitative PCR. This analysis enabled the detection of each virus present throughout this assay, as well as recording shifts in the ratio of CrleGV and CrpeNPV at each passage. CrleGV rapidly became the dominant virus in all treatments, indicating a potentially antagonistic interaction during serial passage. Additionally, CrpeNPV and CrleGV were detected in treatments which were not originally inoculated with one or either virus, indicating potential covert infections in T. leucotreta. Occlusion bodies recovered from the final passage were used to inoculate C. pomonella larvae to isolate CrpeNPV from CrleGV. Genomic DNA was extracted from these CrpeNPV OBs and examined by restriction endonuclease assays and next generation sequencing. This enabled the identification of potential recombination events which may have occurred during the dual GV and NPV infections throughout the passage assay. No recombination events were identified in the CrpeNPV genome sequences assembled from virus collected at the end of the passage assay. Lastly, the efficacy of CrpeNPV and CrleGV, both alone and in various combinations, was evaluated in the field. In two separate trials conducted on citrus, unfavorable field conditions resulted in no significant reduction in fruit infestation for both the virus and chemical treatments. While not statistically significant, virus treatments were recorded to have the lowest levels of fruit infestation with a measured reduction of up to 64 %. This study is the first to report a synergistic effect between CrleGV and CrpeNPV in T. leucotreta. The discovery of beneficial interactions creates an opportunity for the development of novel biopesticides for improved control of this pest in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jukes, Michael David
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Cryptophlebia leucotreta -- Biological control , Citrus -- Diseases and pests -- South Africa , Pests -- Integrated control , Nucleopolyhedroviruses , Natural pesticides , Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61797 , vital:28061
- Description: Baculovirus based biopesticides are an effective and environmentally friendly approach for the control of agriculturally important insect pests. The false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is indigenous to southern Africa and is a major pest of citrus crops. This moth poses a serious risk to export of fruit to foreign markets and the control of this pest is therefore imperative. The Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV) has been commercially formulated into the products Cryptogran™ and Cryptex®. These products have been used successfully for over a decade as part of a rigorous integrated pest management (IPM) programme to control T. leucotreta in South Africa. There is however, a continuous need to improve this programme while also addressing new challenges as they arise. An example of a rising concern is the possibility of resistance developing towards CrleGV. This was seen in Europe with field populations of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which developed resistance to the Mexican isolate of the Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV-M). To prevent such a scenario occurring in South Africa, there is a need to improve existing methods of control. For example, additional baculovirus variants can be isolated and characterised for determining virulence, which can then be developed as new biopesticides. Additionally, the potential for synergistic effects between different baculoviruses infecting the same host can be explored for improved virulence. A novel nucleopolyhedrovirus was recently identified in T. leucotreta larval homogenates which were also infected with CrleGV. This provided unique opportunities for continued research and development. In this study, a method using C. pomonella larvae, which can be infected by the NPV but not by CrleGV, was developed to separate the NPV from GV-NPV mixtures in an in vivo system. Examination of NPV OBs by transmission electron microscopy showed purified occlusion bodies with a single nucleopolyhedrovirus morphology (SNPV). Genetic characterisation identified the novel NPV as Cryptophlebia peltastica nucleopolyhedrovirus (CrpeNPV), which was recently isolated from the litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). To begin examining the potential for synergism between the two viruses, a multiplex PCR assay was developed to accurately detect CrleGV and/or CrpeNPV in mixed infections. This assay was applied to various samples to screen for the presence of CrpeNPV and CrleGV. Additionally, a validation experiment was performed using different combinations of CrpeNPV and/or CrleGV to evaluate the effectiveness of the mPCR assay. The results obtained indicated a high degree of specificity with the correct amplicons generated for each test sample. The biological activity of CrpeNPV and CrleGV were evaluated using surface dose bioassays, both individually and in various combinations, against T. leucotreta neonate larvae in a laboratory setting. A synergistic effect was recorded in the combination treatments, showing improved virulence when compared against each virus in isolation. The LC90 for CrpeNPV and CrleGV when applied alone against T. leucotreta was calculated to be 2.75*106 and 3.00*106 OBs.ml"1 respectively. These values decreased to 1.07*106 and 7.18*105 OBs.ml"1 when combinations of CrleGV and CrpeNPV were applied at ratios of 3:1 and 1:3 respectively. These results indicate a potential for developing improved biopesticides for the control of T. leucotreta in the field. To better understand the interactions between CrleGV and CrpeNPV, experiments involving the serial passage of these viruses through T. leucotreta larvae were performed. This was done using each virus in isolation as well as both viruses in different combinations. Genomic DNA was extracted from recovered occlusion bodies after each passage and examined by multiplex and quantitative PCR. This analysis enabled the detection of each virus present throughout this assay, as well as recording shifts in the ratio of CrleGV and CrpeNPV at each passage. CrleGV rapidly became the dominant virus in all treatments, indicating a potentially antagonistic interaction during serial passage. Additionally, CrpeNPV and CrleGV were detected in treatments which were not originally inoculated with one or either virus, indicating potential covert infections in T. leucotreta. Occlusion bodies recovered from the final passage were used to inoculate C. pomonella larvae to isolate CrpeNPV from CrleGV. Genomic DNA was extracted from these CrpeNPV OBs and examined by restriction endonuclease assays and next generation sequencing. This enabled the identification of potential recombination events which may have occurred during the dual GV and NPV infections throughout the passage assay. No recombination events were identified in the CrpeNPV genome sequences assembled from virus collected at the end of the passage assay. Lastly, the efficacy of CrpeNPV and CrleGV, both alone and in various combinations, was evaluated in the field. In two separate trials conducted on citrus, unfavorable field conditions resulted in no significant reduction in fruit infestation for both the virus and chemical treatments. While not statistically significant, virus treatments were recorded to have the lowest levels of fruit infestation with a measured reduction of up to 64 %. This study is the first to report a synergistic effect between CrleGV and CrpeNPV in T. leucotreta. The discovery of beneficial interactions creates an opportunity for the development of novel biopesticides for improved control of this pest in South Africa.
- Full Text:
Behaviour of quiet time ionospheric disturbances at African equatorial and midlatitude regions
- Authors: Orford, Nicola Diane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms , Ionospheric storms -- Africa , Ionosphere , Plasmasphere , Q-disturbances , Total electron content (TEC)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62672 , vital:28228
- Description: Extreme ionospheric and geomagnetic disturbances affect technology adversely. Prestorm enhancements, considered a potential predictor of geomagnetic storms, occur during quiet conditions prior to geomagnetic disturbances. The ionosphere experiences general disturbances during quiet geomagnetic conditions and these Q- disturbances remain unexplored over Africa. This study used TEC data to characterize the morphology of Q-disturbances over Africa, exploring variations with solar cycle, season, time of occurrence and latitude. Observations from 10 African GPS stations in the equatorial and midlatitude regions show that Q-disturbances in the equatorial region are predominantly driven by E x B variations, while multiple mechanisms affect the midlatitude region. Q- disturbances occur more frequently during nighttime than during daytime and no seasonal trend is observed. Midlatitude Q-disturbance mechanisms are explored in depth, considering substorm activity, the plasmaspheric contribution to GPS TEC and plasma transfer between conjugate points. Substorm activity is not a dominant mechanism, although Q-disturbances occurring under elevated substorm conditions tend to have longer duration and larger amplitude than general Q-disturbances. Many observed Q-disturbances become non-significant once the plasmaspheric contribution to the TEC measurements is removed, indicating that these disturbances occur within the plasmasphere, and not the ionosphere. Transfer of plasma between conjugate points does not seem to be a mechanism driving Q-disturbances, as the corresponding nighttime behaviour expected between depletions in the summer hemisphere and enhancements in the winter hemisphere is not observed. Pre-storm enhancements occur infrequently, rendering them a poor predictor of geomagnetic disturbances. Pre-storm enhancement morphology does not differ significantly from general quiet time enhancement morphology, suggesting pre-storms are not a special case of Q-disturbances.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Orford, Nicola Diane
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Ionospheric storms , Ionospheric storms -- Africa , Ionosphere , Plasmasphere , Q-disturbances , Total electron content (TEC)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62672 , vital:28228
- Description: Extreme ionospheric and geomagnetic disturbances affect technology adversely. Prestorm enhancements, considered a potential predictor of geomagnetic storms, occur during quiet conditions prior to geomagnetic disturbances. The ionosphere experiences general disturbances during quiet geomagnetic conditions and these Q- disturbances remain unexplored over Africa. This study used TEC data to characterize the morphology of Q-disturbances over Africa, exploring variations with solar cycle, season, time of occurrence and latitude. Observations from 10 African GPS stations in the equatorial and midlatitude regions show that Q-disturbances in the equatorial region are predominantly driven by E x B variations, while multiple mechanisms affect the midlatitude region. Q- disturbances occur more frequently during nighttime than during daytime and no seasonal trend is observed. Midlatitude Q-disturbance mechanisms are explored in depth, considering substorm activity, the plasmaspheric contribution to GPS TEC and plasma transfer between conjugate points. Substorm activity is not a dominant mechanism, although Q-disturbances occurring under elevated substorm conditions tend to have longer duration and larger amplitude than general Q-disturbances. Many observed Q-disturbances become non-significant once the plasmaspheric contribution to the TEC measurements is removed, indicating that these disturbances occur within the plasmasphere, and not the ionosphere. Transfer of plasma between conjugate points does not seem to be a mechanism driving Q-disturbances, as the corresponding nighttime behaviour expected between depletions in the summer hemisphere and enhancements in the winter hemisphere is not observed. Pre-storm enhancements occur infrequently, rendering them a poor predictor of geomagnetic disturbances. Pre-storm enhancement morphology does not differ significantly from general quiet time enhancement morphology, suggesting pre-storms are not a special case of Q-disturbances.
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Biochemical characterisation and small molecule modulation of the interaction between two cytosolic Hsp70s from Trypanosoma brucei and potential co-chaperones
- Authors: Bentley, Stephen John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63402 , vital:28407
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bentley, Stephen John
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63402 , vital:28407
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
Bioinformatics tool development with a focus on structural bioinformatics and the analysis of genetic variation in humans
- Authors: Brown, David K
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bioinformatics , Human genetics -- Variation , High performance computing , Workflow management systems , Molecular dynamics , Next generation sequencing , Human Mutation Analysis (HUMA)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60708 , vital:27820
- Description: This thesis is divided into three parts, united under the general theme of bioinformatics tool development and variation analysis. Part 1 describes the design and development of the Job Management System (JMS), a workflow management system for high performance computing (HPC). HPC has become an integral part of bioinformatics. Computational methods for molecular dynamics and next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, which require complex calculations on large datasets, are not yet feasible on desktop computers. As such, powerful computer clusters have been employed to perform these calculations. However, making use of these HPC clusters requires familiarity with command line interfaces. This excludes a large number of researchers from taking advantage of these resources. JMS was developed as a tool to make it easier for researchers without a computer science background to make use of HPC. Additionally, JMS can be used to host computational tools and pipelines and generates both web-based interfaces and RESTful APIs for those tools. The web-based interfaces can be used to quickly and easily submit jobs to the underlying cluster. The RESTful web API, on the other hand, allows JMS to provided backend functionality for external tools and web servers that want to run jobs on the cluster. Numerous tools and workflows have already been added to JMS, several of which have been incorporated into external web servers. One such web server is the Human Mutation Analysis (HUMA) web server and database. HUMA, the topic of part 2 of this thesis, is a platform for the analysis of genetic variation in humans. HUMA aggregates data from various existing databases into a single, connected and related database. The advantages of this are realized in the powerful querying abilities that it provides. HUMA includes protein, gene, disease, and variation data and can be searched from the angle of any one of these categories. For example, searching for a protein will return the protein data (e.g. protein sequences, structures, domains and families, and other meta-data). However, the related nature of the database means that genes, diseases, variation, and literature related to the protein will also be returned, giving users a powerful and holistic view of all data associated with the protein. HUMA also provides links to the original sources of the data, allowing users to follow the links to find additional details. HUMA aims to be a platform for the analysis of genetic variation. As such, it also provides tools to visualize and analyse the data (several of which run on the underlying cluster, via JMS). These tools include alignment and 3D structure visualization, homology modeling, variant analysis, and the ability to upload custom variation datasets and map them to proteins, genes and diseases. HUMA also provides collaboration features, allowing users to share and discuss datasets and job results. Finally, part 3 of this thesis focused on the development of a suite of tools, MD-TASK, to analyse genetic variation at the protein structure level via network analysis of molecular dynamics simulations. The use of MD-TASK in combination with the tools developed in the previous parts of this thesis is showcased via the analysis of variation in the renin-angiotensinogen complex, a vital part of the renin-angiotensin system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brown, David K
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Bioinformatics , Human genetics -- Variation , High performance computing , Workflow management systems , Molecular dynamics , Next generation sequencing , Human Mutation Analysis (HUMA)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60708 , vital:27820
- Description: This thesis is divided into three parts, united under the general theme of bioinformatics tool development and variation analysis. Part 1 describes the design and development of the Job Management System (JMS), a workflow management system for high performance computing (HPC). HPC has become an integral part of bioinformatics. Computational methods for molecular dynamics and next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, which require complex calculations on large datasets, are not yet feasible on desktop computers. As such, powerful computer clusters have been employed to perform these calculations. However, making use of these HPC clusters requires familiarity with command line interfaces. This excludes a large number of researchers from taking advantage of these resources. JMS was developed as a tool to make it easier for researchers without a computer science background to make use of HPC. Additionally, JMS can be used to host computational tools and pipelines and generates both web-based interfaces and RESTful APIs for those tools. The web-based interfaces can be used to quickly and easily submit jobs to the underlying cluster. The RESTful web API, on the other hand, allows JMS to provided backend functionality for external tools and web servers that want to run jobs on the cluster. Numerous tools and workflows have already been added to JMS, several of which have been incorporated into external web servers. One such web server is the Human Mutation Analysis (HUMA) web server and database. HUMA, the topic of part 2 of this thesis, is a platform for the analysis of genetic variation in humans. HUMA aggregates data from various existing databases into a single, connected and related database. The advantages of this are realized in the powerful querying abilities that it provides. HUMA includes protein, gene, disease, and variation data and can be searched from the angle of any one of these categories. For example, searching for a protein will return the protein data (e.g. protein sequences, structures, domains and families, and other meta-data). However, the related nature of the database means that genes, diseases, variation, and literature related to the protein will also be returned, giving users a powerful and holistic view of all data associated with the protein. HUMA also provides links to the original sources of the data, allowing users to follow the links to find additional details. HUMA aims to be a platform for the analysis of genetic variation. As such, it also provides tools to visualize and analyse the data (several of which run on the underlying cluster, via JMS). These tools include alignment and 3D structure visualization, homology modeling, variant analysis, and the ability to upload custom variation datasets and map them to proteins, genes and diseases. HUMA also provides collaboration features, allowing users to share and discuss datasets and job results. Finally, part 3 of this thesis focused on the development of a suite of tools, MD-TASK, to analyse genetic variation at the protein structure level via network analysis of molecular dynamics simulations. The use of MD-TASK in combination with the tools developed in the previous parts of this thesis is showcased via the analysis of variation in the renin-angiotensinogen complex, a vital part of the renin-angiotensin system.
- Full Text: