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A pilot study of the use of groupwork in biology education at the Griffiths Mxenge College of Education : a research project ; Towards an effective implementation of assessment of biology practical work under ʺcurriculum 2005ʺ

- Kwayisi, Frederick Ntow

  • Authors: Kwayisi, Frederick Ntow
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Group work in education Biology -- Curricula Curriculum change -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Inclusive education -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003588
  • Description: A pilot study of the use of groupwork in biology education at the Griffiths Mxenge College of Education: The Government of National Unity in 1994 introduced a new educational policy for the country. This represented a shift in paradigm from a transmission mode of teaching and learning to learner-centered education. The shift marks a transformation from a contentbased curriculum to an outcomes based education (aBE). aBE, which is underpinned by Constructivism and Social Constructivism advocates for the use of groupwork as a strategy for achieving the outcomes envisaged in our learners. The challenge facing teachers and educators is how to implement outcomes based education. The intention of this research is therefore to serve as a pilot project to find out about how groupwork may be used in teaching. It looks at types of groups, considerations a teacher should have in forming groups, dynamics which come into play during teaching and gives suggestions as to how groupwork problems may be solved. Others issued are also raised which were not fully covered in the research. It is the hope of the researcher that the project would be a basis for further research on the use of group work in teaching under outcomes based education. Towards an effective implementation of assessment of biology practical work under "curriculum 2005" Transformation taking place in education in the Republic of South Africa has implications for assessment. It involves a move away from the transmission mode of teaching and learning, to a learner-centered education with the attainment of outcomes. It is a move away from the summative mode of assessment to a formative mode, where assessment leads to the development of the learner and monitor and support teaching and learning. Questions arise as to what to assess, how, when to assess and by whom? This research project is an initial attempt to look at how this assessment policy may be implemented effectively in schools and colleges, using the teaching and learning of practical biology as a tool. It looks at examples of assessment methods that may be used to assess learners work, their functions and problems that may arise in the teachers attempt to transform hislher practices. Suggestions are made on factors to consider in implementing assessment practice and how problems, which may arise in assessment, may be overcome.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

A Prototyping Environment for Investigating Context Aware Wearable Applications.

- Tsegaye, Melekam, Bangay, Shaun D, Terzoli, Alfredo

  • Authors: Tsegaye, Melekam , Bangay, Shaun D , Terzoli, Alfredo
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/432783 , vital:72900 , https://www.cs.ru.ac.za/research/g98t4414/static/papers/wearprototsegaye05.pdf
  • Description: In this paper we introduce the concept of a contextaware, wearable application prototyping environment, which can be used to support research into new wearable applications. We also present an initial specification for such an environment and show how different types of sensors can be modelled to produce data that describes a given context scenario using our prototyping approach.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

A review of Southern African kimberlites and exploration techniques

- Venter, Louis Johannes

  • Authors: Venter, Louis Johannes
  • Date: 1999 , 2013-10-04
  • Subjects: Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5033 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007278 , Kimberlite -- Africa, Southern , Diamonds -- Africa, Southern , Prospecting -- South Africa
  • Description: The dissertation reviews the present knowledge regarding diamonds, from its formation in the lithospheric upper mantle at depths between 150 and 300 km, to its final valuation in terms of US$/carat by diamantaires in London, Antwerp, Tel Aviv and New York. The dissertation is divided into two complimentary sections. Section one focuses on the formation, emplacement, occurrence and characteristics of kimberlites and, when present, their associated trace amounts of diamonds. The section follows a logical sequence from the regional tectonic-, local structrual- and geodynamic controls on kimberlite formation and emplacement to the characteristics of individual kimberlite morphology, mineralogy, petrography and geochemistry. Finally, the environment or diamond formation, resorption and the characteristics that have led to the marketability of diamonds are discussed. Section two reviews the current exploration techniques used in locating diamondiferous kimberliies and the subsequent economic evaluation of these kimberlites. A brief history of known Southern African kimberlite occurrences, grades, tonnages, tectonic settings, ages and regional structural controls is given. The prospective countries mentioned are Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Exploration techniques considered are ; the application of a landscape analysis and investigation of the surface processes active in a given area, indicator mineral sampling (with reference to their mineralogy and exploration significance), remote sensing techniques (subdivided into satellite imagery and aerial photography), geophysical techniques (including the magnetic-, gravity-, electrical-, radiometric- and seismic methods as well as heat flow models), geochemical techniques, petrographic- and electron beam techniques as well as geobotanical- and geobiological techniques. Finally, a brief summary of current evaluation techniques employed on diamondiferous kimberlite deposits is presented. The review covers kimberlite sampling methods, sample processing, diamond grade distributions (with reference to the experimental variogram model, statistical methods used in grade distribution calculations as well as block definition and local grade estimation). Stone size distributions, including microdiamond counts and value estimation, are also discussed. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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  • Date Issued: 1999

Adaptive flow management of multimedia data with a variable quality of service

- Littlejohn, Paul Stephen

  • Authors: Littlejohn, Paul Stephen
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004863 , Multimedia systems , Multimedia systems -- Evaluation
  • Description: Much of the current research involving the delivery of multimedia data focuses on the need to maintain a constant Quality of Service (QoS) throughout the lifetime of the connection. Delivery of a constant QoS requires that a guaranteed bandwidth is available for the entire connection. Techniques, such as resource reservation, are able to provide for this. These approaches work well across networks that are fairly homogeneous, and which have sufficient resources to sustain the guarantees, but are not currently viable over either heterogeneous or unreliable networks. To cater for the great number of networks (including the Internet) which do not conform to the ideal conditions required by constant Quality of Service mechanisms, this thesis proposes a different approach, that of dynamically adjusting the QoS in response to changing network conditions. Instead of optimizing the Quality of Service, the approach used in this thesis seeks to ensure the delivery of the information, at the best possible quality, as determined by the carrying ability of the poorest segment in the network link. To illustrate and examine this model, a service-adaptive system is described, which allows for the streaming of multimedia audio data across a network using the RealTime Transport Protocol. This application continually adjusts its service requests in response to the current network conditions. A client/server model is outlined whereby the server attempts to provide scalable media content, in this case audio data, to a client at the highest possible Quality of Service. The thesis presents and evaluates a number of renegotiation methods for adjusting the Quality of Service between the client and server. An A djusted QoS renegotiation method algorithm is suggested, which delivers the best possible quality, within an acceptable loss boundary.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

Adja

- Billy Sincop, Goly Herve (key board), Vata Monbassa, Santa N'guessan, N'dri Martial (guitars), Niamkey Jusitine, Botha Therese, Loukou Kedjebo, N'guessan Pitie, Gerbasco, Kouadio Maurison (chorus), Santa N'guessan (arrangement), Kouadio Maurison (perfromer), Santa N'guessan

Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric determination of gold (III) in the presence of yeast mannan

- Lack, Barbara, Duncan, John R, Nyokong, Tebello

  • Authors: Lack, Barbara , Duncan, John R , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/293151 , vital:57060 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-2670(98)00736-3"
  • Description: Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetric (AdCSV) studies of gold(III) on a glassy carbon electrode and in the presence of yeast mannan are reported. These studies give evidence of the formation of a complex between gold(III) and mannan in acid media as judged by the enhancement in the AdCSV currents and shift in the reduction peak of gold(III) in the presence of mannan. The AdCSV currents were linearly dependent on gold(III) concentrations ranging from 7.0 × 10−7 to 3.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3. A detection limit of 6.0 × 10−8 mol dm−3 was obtained. Interferences of copper(II) were observed in the presence of mannan, but there was no significant interference of silver(I).
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  • Date Issued: 1999

Afo Pardon

- Amadou Sodia (lead singer, bolon, kora), Hadja Maningbe, Djanka Diabate, Awa Maiga, Valerie Belinga (chorus), Ansoumane Kante, Yeye (percussions), Adame Conde (balafon), Alpha Camara (congas), Ousmane Kouyate, Djely Moussa Kouyate,Manfila Kante (guitar), Djessou Mory (rythm guitar, solo), Brass: Christian Martinez (trumpet), Bernard Camoin (trombone), Thierry Farrugia (saxophone), Phillipe Guez (arrangement, keyboard), Patrick Mareck

Agwa

- Koniba Traore (author, composer, interpreter, performer), Straun Douglas

Ahomna

- Mukwena, E., Ndzelani, M, Magqirha, N, Tukani, N, Tukani, M, Pintshana, T, Mafika, E., Thukani, M. J., Ndzelani, N., Dargie, Dave

Aida Soukeu

- Thione Seck (lead singer), Raam Daan (band name of accompanying musicians), Syllart Production

Allal

- Micka Gomis (lead vocal, keyboard, percussion, composer, arranger), Pathe Jassi (bass, vocals), Ousmane Sowe (keyboard, horns, percussion), Omar Sowe (guitar), Ablaye "Bird" Ndiaye (saxophone), Papa Ndiaye Guewel (sabars, jimbe), Karim Mbaye (sabar), Kaare Wamberg (drums programming, vocals, guitar, bass), Josephone Ciss, Therese Mamady, Clara Mendy, Jeannette Senghor (chorus), Studio 2000

Amoussoussa

- Amadou Sodia (lead singer, bolon, kora), Hadja Maningbe, Djanka Diabate, Awa Maiga, Valerie Belinga (chorus), Ansoumane Kante, Yeye (percussions), Adame Conde (balafon), Alpha Camara (congas), Ousmane Kouyate, Djely Moussa Kouyate, Manfila Kante, Patrick Mareck (guitar), Djessou Mory (rythm guitar, solo), Brass: Christian Martinez (trumpet), Bernard Camoin (trombone), Thierry Farrugia (saxophone), Phillipe Guez (arrangement, keyboard), Patrick Mareck

An economic analysis of eradicating alien vegetation as an alternative to conventional water supply schemes: a case study of the Krom and Kouga

- Carpenter, Robert Charles

  • Authors: Carpenter, Robert Charles
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:1000 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002735 , Alien plants -- South Africa , Water-supply -- South Africa , Kouga River (South Africa)
  • Description: South Africa is classified as an arid to semi-arid region and water scarcity in South Africa has been identified as a key factor limiting socioeconomic development in the next century. In the Algoa region, the total urban plus agricultural water demand is expected to exceed the supply by the year 2005. The Kouga Working for Water Project aims to increase the base flow to the existing dams which supply the Port Elizabeth metropolitan area through the eradication of invasive alien trees in the riparian areas of the Krom and Kouga catchments. This thesis analyses the economic efficiency of optimal catchment management as a water supply scheme. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted for the Kouga eradication programme, and its desirability is evaluated in terms of the net present value (NPV) and the internal rate of return (IRR) criteria. In order to compare the cost-e~i.ciency of the eradication programme to alternative water supply augmentation schemes the Unit Reference Value (URV) is calculated for the project. The NPV for the project is calculated using a discount rate of 7% and amounts to nearly R24 million. This positive NPV indicates that the project is economically desirable in that it results in the improvement of human welfare. The IRR decision rule supports this finding. The URV of the eradication scheme is found to be competitive to that generated by more conventional schemes. Considered in the evaluation of the project are a host of environmental benefits that accompany the eradication of alien vegetation. This is in contrast to alternative schemes which result in several detrimental impacts to the environment. The economic analysis concludes that the eradication of alien vegetation is an efficient and desirable alternative water supply augmentation scheme. The conclusions drawn from the analysis of the eradication programme in this catchment area can be extended to other catchment areas, with the aim of promoting the most efficient supply of water.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An examination of employee participation as provided for in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995

- Khoza, Francisco Jabulani

  • Authors: Khoza, Francisco Jabulani
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:3676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003191 , Decision making , Management -- Employee participation , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Labour Relations Act, 1995
  • Description: The thesis covers the field of labour law known as employee participation in decision-making. It deals with the examination of the extent to which the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (the Act) promotes employee participation in decision-making. Firstly, the analysis shows that employee participation in decision-making is an aspect of democracy, which is translated into industrial democracy in industrial relations. In South Africa the philosophical foundation of employee participation is supported by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996 which embodies democratic values permeating all areas of the law including labour law. Secondly, the study elucidates the jurisprudential background of employee participation in South Africa. There is evidence of the development of some principles of participation like consultation; information disclosure; and the existence of participatory forums like works councils under the LRA 28 of 1956. Thirdly, in evaluating the extent to which the LRA 66 of 1995 promotes employee participation, the following aspects are covered: the relevance and contribution of information disclosure; the effect of consultation prior to dismissal for operational requirements; the role of collective bargaining; and the contribution of workplace forums. The conclusion is reached that all the foregoing aspects of the LRA 66 of 1995 will contribute to the promotion of employee participation in decision-making. The Labour Court and the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration can also ensure that in interpreting the Act employee participation is promoted where appropriate. Finally, employers and employees will have to accept this necessary partnership for the entrenchment of employee participation in decision-making.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An experimental study of the effect of Acacia mearnsii (black wattle trees) on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape

- Beyers, Gregory John

  • Authors: Beyers, Gregory John
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:4832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005507 , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa , Wattles (Plants) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand river (South africa) , Streamflow , Streamflow -- South Africa
  • Description: This thesis explores the effect of Acacia mearnsii on streamflow in the Eastern Cape. There is a need for data on the localised effects of removing alien trees from the riparian zones within the Fynbos Biome. Fynbos catchments throughout the Western and Eastern Cape yield large quantities of good quality water which is an essential resource in the region. To convince local land owners to manage their riparian zones, small scale experimental results will prove invaluable to assure them of the immediate advantages for themselves and for downstream water users. Three permanent weirs were built 500 m apart to monitor the effect of removing A. mearnsii on streamflow in the Sand River, Eastern Cape. Consecutive weirs allowed for the comparison of streamflow between a cleared and uncleared section of the river without significant differences in riparian conditions, channel morphology and vegetation densities. A site survey confirmed comparable densities of A. mearnsii in both sections. A sample of trees was weighed and a relationship was found between diameter at breast height and above ground wet biomass. Between the first two weirs, 2.5 ha of riparian zone was cleared amounting to approximately 160tlha. Streamflow was monitored from the 10th of January 1996 to the 9th of September 1996. The average streamflow reduction for the duration of the experiment was 15.1 m³/ha/day or 551 mm per annum. Initially, after a period of above average rainfall, streamflow was augmented by discharge from the riparian zone but as conditions dried out, there was a net uptake of water with the highest average uptake of 23. 7m³/ha/day in June. A comparison between weather conditions and streamflow reduction indicated there is a complex relationship, with evidence of A. mearnsii exhibiting control of water loss during dry conditions. Acacia mearnsii trees in the riparian zone have been shown to cause significant streamflow reduction. Permanent weirs were found to be appropriate for this type of study. There is a need for further research on the effect of alien trees in riparian zones around South Africa as there is potential for significant increases in streamflow.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An exploration of environmental understanding among primary health care providers in an Eastern Cape community

- Hepburn, Mary Patricia

  • Authors: Hepburn, Mary Patricia
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Medical care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Medical care -- Rural areas Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Community health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1533 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003415
  • Description: This study explores environmental understanding among the health care practitioners serving a rural community in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. During the preliminary phases of the research, the decision was made to adopt a participatory approach to the inquiry as far as was possible. Semi-structured interviews, participant observation and focus group discussions were the techniques chosen to focus the participants' thinking about: the meaning of environment, environmental issues and problems which impact on health, and, environmental education in practice. Comparisons between the recently transformed health education idea proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), known as "health promotion", and a popular environmental education model are made. It is argued that many of the obstacles to effective health education described by the participants in the study can be overcome by using environmental educationlhealth promotion approaches. The findings show that the health practitioners studied relate to a wide range of environmental issues with varying levels of engagement. They are influenced by changing values, their feelings about indigenous knowledge, and their notions about how people should respond to the environment. An urgent need for more and better communication among the different levels of health practitioners is identified. Finally, it is recommended that health care practitioners be supported with opportunities for professional development which can lead to a confident, seIfreflective approach to health education.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An exploration of the factors which promote and impede correctional supervision effectiveness with regard to the juvenile or youth offenders

- Van Zyl, Claudette

  • Authors: Van Zyl, Claudette
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
  • Identifier: vital:709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006529 , Juvenile corrections , Juvenile delinquency , Juvenile delinquents. , Social work with juvenile delinquents
  • Description: Youth Crime is increasing at an alarming rate and imprisonment as the only measure of punishment has become a contentious issue for the South African Correctional Services. National and international awareness has been raised about young people at risk in the 1992 campaign" Justice for the children: No child should be caged". In the words of Ruth Morris: " Prisons are not the greatest. They breed bitterness and crime, destroy people who work and live in them and its not nice to cage your fellow human beings. Prisons cost more than the best university education, while giving appalling results". (1993 (1) SA 476). The question that needs to be asked is whether imprisonment really does effect the punitive motives of deterrence, retribution, protecting the community and rehabilitation of the offender. The introduction of correctional supervision as a sentencing option has ushered in a new phase in our criminal justice system. The South African Model of correctional supervision is described as a community-based sentence that is served within the community and the probationer is subject to stringent conditions such as house arrest, community service, monitoring and the attendance of treatment programmes. The study aimed to: * identify the variables that appear to be operating in determining the successful and or unsuccessful correctional supervision sentences with young offenders; (the terms effectiveness and successful are used interchangeably). * contribute to a better understanding of working with young offenders in the community and to make positive recommendations concerning their rehabilitation. The design applied in this study was the exploratory-descriptive design. It was exploratory since the field of correctional supervision at this stage is not well developed and descriptive because the researcher described features of this phenomenon. This was combined with an empirical investigation that explored the youths experience on correctional supervision. Another component of the empirical investigation consisted of how the parents or significant other as well as the supervision committee perceived the respondents adjustment on correctional supervision. The findings of the empirical investigation clearly showed that although the respondents found house arrest extremely difficult to comply with, their overall functioning and adjustment in the community was positive. Factors that emerged from the study that can promote a successful correctional supervision sentence were factors such as positive support systems that can instill discipline, no involvement in gangsterism, no family pathologies such as alcoholism, family violence and financial problems. Factors such as negative attitude of staff members, familial problems, stringent house arrest conditions, financial problems impeded the youths functioning on correctional supervision. The correctional social worker together with the multi-disciplinary team both have a cardinal role to play in the treatment of the young offender. The various professions with their expertise have a major role to play in the treatment programmes geared to assist the young offender to reintegrate and function positively in the community
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An investigation into cultural differences in the conceptualization of and attributions about cognitive decline in the elderly

- Fair, David Alan

  • Authors: Fair, David Alan
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2974 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002483 , Dementia , Older people , Dementia Case studies
  • Description: There is little data regarding the prevalence of dementia in South Africa. Estimating such prevalence is problematic as the most commonly used cognitive screening tests are inappropriate for use in non-western populations. For this reason researchers have explored the use of informant questionnaires where relatives provide information on cognitive functioning over the last year. In the South African context Lenger, de Villiers & Louw (1996) conducted a dementia case-ascertainment study in a Xhosa-speaking community near Cape Town using a well-known informant questionnaire, the DECO, and concurrent clinical assessment. Reflecting on the discrepancies between DECO scores and clinical diagnosis, the researchers conducted interviews to explore beliefs and expectations regarding the elderly and cognitive decline. The aims of the current research were to gather comparative data from Bothasig, an English-speaking community, in order to explore areas of commonality and difference in perceptions and attributions regarding cognitive decline in the elderly. The study found that a significant percentage of informants from both Bothasig and Langa consider forgetfulness to be normal in old age. Different discourses around illness in the elderly were identified incorporating a range of medicalised and folk attributions. The discussion showed that informant perceptions within the Langa community may increase the likelihood that observational data provided in informant questionnaires may be confounded by cultural perceptions regarding the elderly. In addition, certain items on the DECO were found to be unsuitable for use across groups and modifications were proposed. The data was analyzed using both quantitative methods and phenomenological discourse analysis. The discussion concluded with metatheoretical reflections on the tension between etic and emic perspectives in cross-cultural research.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An investigation into the anxiolytic properties of melatonin in humans

- McCallaghan, Johannes Jacobus

  • Authors: McCallaghan, Johannes Jacobus
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:3772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003250 , Melatonin , Pineal gland -- Secretions
  • Description: The purpose of this project was to investigate the role of melatonin in the pathophysiology of anxiety in humans. The literature study confirmed the intimate relationship between serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is not only able to act as an agonist (in physiological concentrations) and an antagonist (at higher concentrations) on serotonin receptors but via control of brain pyridoxal kinase activity might have an effect on GABA, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine synthesis. A clinical trial to investigate melatonin's effect on anxiety in humans was conducted as a pilot study. Thirty patients complaining of anxiety participated in a liN of 1" double blind placebo controlled trial. During the experiment each subject was thus exposed to melatonin and a placebo for a week at a time on two occasions. During the first phase of the experiment, (Pair '1) patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their anxiety levels during the first period (P1P1), which was not the case during the second period (P1P2). The improvement however continued during the second phase of the experiment (Pair 2) so that there was also a statistically significant improvement during P 2 P 2 (Period 2 / Pair 2) when placebo was administered. It could not conclusively be shown that melatonin was responsible for the improvement in the patients' anxiety. The explanation for these results suggests thelt the improvement was due to a: 1) placebo effect throughout, 2) psychotherapeutic effect due to contact with a clinician, 3) melatonin induced phase shift in the patient's endogenous melatonin response curve, 4) combination of all 3 options. This pilot study lays the groundwork for a much more exhaustive study in which the melatonin of the patients is determined before melatonin is administered, the role of the clinician is clarified and the most appropriate time for melatonin administration is sought .
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An investigation into the effect of military influences on the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercise of Ignatius of Loyola

- Christie, David Osborne

  • Authors: Christie, David Osborne
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
  • Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
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  • Date Issued: 1999
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