A broad host range reporter plasmid for the analysis of divergent promoter regions
- Jiwaji, Meesbah, Matcher, Gwynneth F, Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Authors: Jiwaji, Meesbah , Matcher, Gwynneth F , Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006164 , http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?pid=S0038-23532008000400013&script=sci_arttext
- Description: Although many vectors exist for Escherichia coli and closely related species, there are few broad host range vectors that can be conjugated into a large variety of Gram-negative bacteria. We have constructed a broad host range vector, pMJ445, that facilitates the analysis of divergent promoters in Gram-negative bacteria. The vector was validated using two intergenic regions derived from gene clusters involved in hydantoin hydrolysis, from the environmental isolates Pseudomonas putida and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The DNA sequences analysed were capable of activating expression of the reporter enzymes, β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase, present on pMJ445, indicating the presence of divergent promoters in the sequences selected. In addition, we demonstrated that pMJ445 can be applied to gene regulation studies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jiwaji, Meesbah , Matcher, Gwynneth F , Dorrington, Rosemary A
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6476 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006164 , http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?pid=S0038-23532008000400013&script=sci_arttext
- Description: Although many vectors exist for Escherichia coli and closely related species, there are few broad host range vectors that can be conjugated into a large variety of Gram-negative bacteria. We have constructed a broad host range vector, pMJ445, that facilitates the analysis of divergent promoters in Gram-negative bacteria. The vector was validated using two intergenic regions derived from gene clusters involved in hydantoin hydrolysis, from the environmental isolates Pseudomonas putida and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The DNA sequences analysed were capable of activating expression of the reporter enzymes, β-glucuronidase and β-galactosidase, present on pMJ445, indicating the presence of divergent promoters in the sequences selected. In addition, we demonstrated that pMJ445 can be applied to gene regulation studies.
- Full Text:
A Canonical Implementation Of The Advanced Encryption Standard On The Graphics Processing Unit
- Pilkington, Nick, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Pilkington, Nick , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430007 , vital:72659 , https://digifors.cs.up.ac.za/issa/2008/Proceedings/Research/47.pdf
- Description: This paper will present an implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) on the graphics processing unit (GPU). It investigates the ease of implementation from first principles and the difficulties encountered. It also presents a performance analysis to evaluate if the GPU is a viable option for a cryptographics platform. The AES implementation is found to yield orders of maginitude increased performance when compared to CPU based implementations. Although the implementation introduces complica-tions, these are quickly becoming mitigated by the growing accessibility pro-vided by general programming on graphics processing units (GPGPU) frameworks like NVIDIA’s Compute Uniform Device Architechture (CUDA) and AMD/ATI’s Close to Metal (CTM).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pilkington, Nick , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430007 , vital:72659 , https://digifors.cs.up.ac.za/issa/2008/Proceedings/Research/47.pdf
- Description: This paper will present an implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) on the graphics processing unit (GPU). It investigates the ease of implementation from first principles and the difficulties encountered. It also presents a performance analysis to evaluate if the GPU is a viable option for a cryptographics platform. The AES implementation is found to yield orders of maginitude increased performance when compared to CPU based implementations. Although the implementation introduces complica-tions, these are quickly becoming mitigated by the growing accessibility pro-vided by general programming on graphics processing units (GPGPU) frameworks like NVIDIA’s Compute Uniform Device Architechture (CUDA) and AMD/ATI’s Close to Metal (CTM).
- Full Text:
A case for institutional investigations in economic research methods with reference to South Africa's agricultural sector
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Economic development -- Research -- Methodology Agriculture -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural productivity -- South Africa Agriculture -- Research -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:972 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002706
- Description: Economic development remains elusive for many world economies, but especially those of African countries. The current global inequalities in terms of GNP per capita and human living standards between developed and developing nations have ensured that the challenges of food insecurities are only some of the many negative experiences of underdevelopment in the African continent. Hence, delivery pressures are increasing on policy makers and researchers to provide tangible and timely economic solutions to the resilient state of underdevelopment. In the policy fights against the challenges posed by a lack of development in South Africa, the agricultural sector has in the past and continues in the present to play a central role. Such is the case because the majority of citizens rely on agricultural production activities for their livelihoods. For instance, even though the sector only contributed four percent towards the national Gross Domestic Product in 2006, in the Eastern Cape Province, more than seventy percent of the total population resided in rural areas. Moreover, in 2004 more than sixty percent of the national formal and informal employment levels were found in the sector. These economic indicators do not only reinforce the assertions that high levels of geographical and sectoral inequalities exist in the country’s economy, but they also illustrate the importance of the agricultural sector in public policy attempts, which are aimed at achieving food security alongside long-term developmental objectives. Some economists, especially the proponents of institutionalism, have argued that most of the recommendations to public policy interventions from mainstream economic research endeavours are not adequately helpful. The recommendations generally lack well considered and socially effective ideas, mainly because there remains some level of ignorance about the impacts that institutions have on economic and social systems. Some argue that this ignorance is reflected in (flawed) hedonistic and rationalist assumptions made about economic actors and in the methodological thinking of many research designs and economic analyses. The misuse of formal tools and statistical methods, for example, are some of the important factors, which have led to failures of the discipline of economics to provide effective policy solutions to problems of underdevelopment and poverty, especially in poor country environments. The thesis, having taken account of the majority of criticisms levelled against the classical and new-classical economic schools of thought, argues that the discipline as a whole lacks a paradigmatic integration of institutional and new-classical economic perspectives to offer appropriate guidelines for a methodology aimed at achieving socially responsive research outputs. The lack of this integration has resulted in a skewed selection of methods by economists, which are employed in research without a supportive and in-depth understanding of institutional and social factors. To support the thesis, a more effective and integrated framework for economic research is developed and presented with case study illustrations in a cumulative manner. The 20th century history of agricultural policies in South Africa, the agricultural and institutional case studies from the Eastern Cape Province alongside reviews of other agricultural studies are all used in presenting a case for rigorous institutional investigations in general economic research. These are also used in developing the proposed integrated framework, which aims to give guidance in developing research methods, which are more socially responsive. Having shown the usefulness of the proposed research framework, the thesis recommends that public policy interventions (at national and local levels) should aim to eliminate all types of institutions which have high associated transactional costs. The interventions should also encourage the emergence and growth of the types of institutions, which present the lowest costs to initiatives of economic development. In the primary case studies from the Eastern Cape Province, the insecurity of land tenure and the various local initiatives of business ventures are highlighted as two examples of the types of institutions, which respectively present high and low transactional costs to local initiatives of agricultural and economic development.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa Economic development -- Research -- Methodology Agriculture -- South Africa Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Agricultural productivity -- South Africa Agriculture -- Research -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:972 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002706
- Description: Economic development remains elusive for many world economies, but especially those of African countries. The current global inequalities in terms of GNP per capita and human living standards between developed and developing nations have ensured that the challenges of food insecurities are only some of the many negative experiences of underdevelopment in the African continent. Hence, delivery pressures are increasing on policy makers and researchers to provide tangible and timely economic solutions to the resilient state of underdevelopment. In the policy fights against the challenges posed by a lack of development in South Africa, the agricultural sector has in the past and continues in the present to play a central role. Such is the case because the majority of citizens rely on agricultural production activities for their livelihoods. For instance, even though the sector only contributed four percent towards the national Gross Domestic Product in 2006, in the Eastern Cape Province, more than seventy percent of the total population resided in rural areas. Moreover, in 2004 more than sixty percent of the national formal and informal employment levels were found in the sector. These economic indicators do not only reinforce the assertions that high levels of geographical and sectoral inequalities exist in the country’s economy, but they also illustrate the importance of the agricultural sector in public policy attempts, which are aimed at achieving food security alongside long-term developmental objectives. Some economists, especially the proponents of institutionalism, have argued that most of the recommendations to public policy interventions from mainstream economic research endeavours are not adequately helpful. The recommendations generally lack well considered and socially effective ideas, mainly because there remains some level of ignorance about the impacts that institutions have on economic and social systems. Some argue that this ignorance is reflected in (flawed) hedonistic and rationalist assumptions made about economic actors and in the methodological thinking of many research designs and economic analyses. The misuse of formal tools and statistical methods, for example, are some of the important factors, which have led to failures of the discipline of economics to provide effective policy solutions to problems of underdevelopment and poverty, especially in poor country environments. The thesis, having taken account of the majority of criticisms levelled against the classical and new-classical economic schools of thought, argues that the discipline as a whole lacks a paradigmatic integration of institutional and new-classical economic perspectives to offer appropriate guidelines for a methodology aimed at achieving socially responsive research outputs. The lack of this integration has resulted in a skewed selection of methods by economists, which are employed in research without a supportive and in-depth understanding of institutional and social factors. To support the thesis, a more effective and integrated framework for economic research is developed and presented with case study illustrations in a cumulative manner. The 20th century history of agricultural policies in South Africa, the agricultural and institutional case studies from the Eastern Cape Province alongside reviews of other agricultural studies are all used in presenting a case for rigorous institutional investigations in general economic research. These are also used in developing the proposed integrated framework, which aims to give guidance in developing research methods, which are more socially responsive. Having shown the usefulness of the proposed research framework, the thesis recommends that public policy interventions (at national and local levels) should aim to eliminate all types of institutions which have high associated transactional costs. The interventions should also encourage the emergence and growth of the types of institutions, which present the lowest costs to initiatives of economic development. In the primary case studies from the Eastern Cape Province, the insecurity of land tenure and the various local initiatives of business ventures are highlighted as two examples of the types of institutions, which respectively present high and low transactional costs to local initiatives of agricultural and economic development.
- Full Text:
A comparison between the South African "source rules" in relation to income tax and the "permanent establishment rules" as contained in double taxation agreements
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fourie, Leonie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa , Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Double taxation -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- Taxation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008203
- Description: South Africa's right to tax the income of a non-resident is determined in terms of the South African "source rules" established by court decisions in relation to the imposition of tax in terms of the Income Tax Act. Unless a non-resident's income is captured by the South African "source rules" (on the basis that hi slits income is derived from a South African source), South Africa would have no right to tax such income, even if such non-resident creates a permanent establishment in South Africa by performing business activities within South Africa which could be considered essential (but not dominant) in nature. In such scenario the activities performed by the non-resident in South Africa may utilise the natural resources and the infrastructure of South Africa, but the South African fiscus would be deprived of the right to any tax revenues attributable to the income produced partly by such activities within South Africa. The South African "source rules" refer only to the main or dominant activities giving rise to the income for the purpose of determining the source of such income (and accordingly the right to tax such income). On the other hand, the "permanent establishment rules" as set out under the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital refer to all the taxpayer's essential business activities for the purpose of determining whether or not such activities create a pennanent establishment. The result of the narrow nature of the South African "source rules" is that, under certain circumstances, the South African fiscus would not necessarily be granted the right to tax all income produced partly within South Africa. The research demonstrated that incorporating the principles underlying the "pennanent establishment rules" into South African legislation would be a reasonable and logical solution to the problem of detennining the source of income. In so doing, the South African "source rules" would determine the source of income, and consequently South Africa's taxing rights, with reference to the essential business activities giving rise to such income. In such case South Africa would be afforded the right to tax the income of a non-resident in the event that it performs any of its essential business activities within South Africa, albeit not the dominant or main activities giving rise to the income.
- Full Text:
A comparison of WISC-IV test performance for Afrikaans, English and Xhosa speaking South African grade 7 learners
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Adele
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Intelligence tests -- South Africa Psychological tests -- Cross-cultural studies Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa Educational psychology -- South Africa Language and languages -- Ability testing Educational evaluation -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3076 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002585
- Description: his study builds on South African cross-cultural research which demonstrated the importance of careful stratification of multicultural/multilingual normative samples for quality of education in respect of English and African language (predominantly Xhosa) speaking adults and children tested with the WAIS-III and WISC-IV, respectively. The aim of the present study was to produce an expanded set of preliminary comparative norms on the WISC-IV for white and coloured Afrikaans, white English and black Xhosa speaking Grade 7 children, aged 12 to 13 years, stratified for advantaged versus disadvantaged education. The results of this study replicate the findings of the prior South African cross-cultural studies in respect of quality of education, as groups with advantaged private/former Model C schooling outperformed those with disadvantaged former DET or HOR township schooling. Furthermore, a downward continuum of WISC-IV IQ test performance emerged as follows: 1) white English advantaged (high average), 2) white Afrikaans advantaged and black Xhosa advantaged (average), 3) coloured Afrikaans advantaged (below average), 4) black Xhosa disadvantaged (borderline), and 5) coloured Afrikaans disadvantaged (extremely low). The present study has demonstrated that while language and ethnic variables reveal subtle effects on IQ test performance, quality of education has the most significant effect – impacting significantly on verbal performance with this effect replicated in respect of the FSIQ. Therefore caution should be exercised in interpreting test results of individuals from different language/ethnic groups, and in particular those with disadvantaged schooling, as preliminary data suggest that these individuals achieve scores which are 20 – 35 points lower than the UK standardisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Adele
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Intelligence tests -- South Africa Psychological tests -- Cross-cultural studies Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa Educational psychology -- South Africa Language and languages -- Ability testing Educational evaluation -- South Africa Education, Elementary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3076 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002585
- Description: his study builds on South African cross-cultural research which demonstrated the importance of careful stratification of multicultural/multilingual normative samples for quality of education in respect of English and African language (predominantly Xhosa) speaking adults and children tested with the WAIS-III and WISC-IV, respectively. The aim of the present study was to produce an expanded set of preliminary comparative norms on the WISC-IV for white and coloured Afrikaans, white English and black Xhosa speaking Grade 7 children, aged 12 to 13 years, stratified for advantaged versus disadvantaged education. The results of this study replicate the findings of the prior South African cross-cultural studies in respect of quality of education, as groups with advantaged private/former Model C schooling outperformed those with disadvantaged former DET or HOR township schooling. Furthermore, a downward continuum of WISC-IV IQ test performance emerged as follows: 1) white English advantaged (high average), 2) white Afrikaans advantaged and black Xhosa advantaged (average), 3) coloured Afrikaans advantaged (below average), 4) black Xhosa disadvantaged (borderline), and 5) coloured Afrikaans disadvantaged (extremely low). The present study has demonstrated that while language and ethnic variables reveal subtle effects on IQ test performance, quality of education has the most significant effect – impacting significantly on verbal performance with this effect replicated in respect of the FSIQ. Therefore caution should be exercised in interpreting test results of individuals from different language/ethnic groups, and in particular those with disadvantaged schooling, as preliminary data suggest that these individuals achieve scores which are 20 – 35 points lower than the UK standardisation.
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A critical edition of the poems of Henry Vaux (c. 1559-1587) in MS. Folger Bd with STC 22957
- Hacksley, Timothy Christopher
- Authors: Hacksley, Timothy Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Vaux, Henry, ca. 1559-1587 -- Criticism and interpretation Vaux, Henry, ca. 1559-1587 Latin poetry, Medieval and modern -- History and criticism English poetry -- Early modern, 1500-1700
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002242
- Description: This thesis offers an edition of the English and Latin poems found in MS. Folger bd with STC 22957, attributed to Henry Vaux (c. 1559—1587), a recusant, priest-smuggler, and child prodigy. THE TEXT of the edition is preceded by an introduction comprising three parts: a GENERAL INTRODUCTION describing Vaux‘s socio-historical and biographical context; a CRITICAL INTRODUCTION describing the Medieval and Early Modern literary contexts of Vaux‘s poems and the forms, traditions, topoi, and conventions adhered to in them; and a TEXTUAL INTRODUCTION describing the seventeenth-century manuscript copy of the poems used as the source text and explaining and justifying the editorial decisions made. Textual variants and instances of doubtful authorship are also discussed. THE TEXT itself is presented in the original spelling of the MS. and is a diplomatic edition: the scribe‘s use of characters that are now defunct (such as long ‗s‘ and ‗=‘ for ‗-‘) has not been modernised. A critical apparatus is provided with THE TEXT. THE TEXT is followed by an extensive COMMENTARY, which glosses un-usual or archaic words and phrases, points out allusions and their likely sources, discusses literary forms and conventions which inform the reading of the po-ems, and observes peculiarities in poetic metre. Translations and commentary are offered for Vaux‘s Latin poems. The five appendices following the COMMEN-TARY comprise a MODERNISED TEXT of the poems, a FACSIMILE OF THE FOLGER MS., a SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF THE VAUX FAMILY after Henry Vaux‘s death, a text JOHN OF PECHAM‘S PHILOMENA PRAEVIA (a text which informs the reading of Vaux‘s ―A complaint to the Nightingale‖) along with a parallel translation by me, and transcriptions of TEXTUAL VARIANTS. A BIBLIOGRAPHY of works cited, re-ferred to or consulted follows the appendices. A comprehensive GENERAL INDEX of subjects, people, places, and literary works and forms follows this, and an IN-DEX OF FIRST LINES AND TITLES of Vaux‘s poems completes the edition.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hacksley, Timothy Christopher
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Vaux, Henry, ca. 1559-1587 -- Criticism and interpretation Vaux, Henry, ca. 1559-1587 Latin poetry, Medieval and modern -- History and criticism English poetry -- Early modern, 1500-1700
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002242
- Description: This thesis offers an edition of the English and Latin poems found in MS. Folger bd with STC 22957, attributed to Henry Vaux (c. 1559—1587), a recusant, priest-smuggler, and child prodigy. THE TEXT of the edition is preceded by an introduction comprising three parts: a GENERAL INTRODUCTION describing Vaux‘s socio-historical and biographical context; a CRITICAL INTRODUCTION describing the Medieval and Early Modern literary contexts of Vaux‘s poems and the forms, traditions, topoi, and conventions adhered to in them; and a TEXTUAL INTRODUCTION describing the seventeenth-century manuscript copy of the poems used as the source text and explaining and justifying the editorial decisions made. Textual variants and instances of doubtful authorship are also discussed. THE TEXT itself is presented in the original spelling of the MS. and is a diplomatic edition: the scribe‘s use of characters that are now defunct (such as long ‗s‘ and ‗=‘ for ‗-‘) has not been modernised. A critical apparatus is provided with THE TEXT. THE TEXT is followed by an extensive COMMENTARY, which glosses un-usual or archaic words and phrases, points out allusions and their likely sources, discusses literary forms and conventions which inform the reading of the po-ems, and observes peculiarities in poetic metre. Translations and commentary are offered for Vaux‘s Latin poems. The five appendices following the COMMEN-TARY comprise a MODERNISED TEXT of the poems, a FACSIMILE OF THE FOLGER MS., a SUBSEQUENT HISTORY OF THE VAUX FAMILY after Henry Vaux‘s death, a text JOHN OF PECHAM‘S PHILOMENA PRAEVIA (a text which informs the reading of Vaux‘s ―A complaint to the Nightingale‖) along with a parallel translation by me, and transcriptions of TEXTUAL VARIANTS. A BIBLIOGRAPHY of works cited, re-ferred to or consulted follows the appendices. A comprehensive GENERAL INDEX of subjects, people, places, and literary works and forms follows this, and an IN-DEX OF FIRST LINES AND TITLES of Vaux‘s poems completes the edition.
- Full Text:
A critical inquiry into the absence of a gender equality discourse in the coverage of the land redistribution issue in two Zimbabwean newspapers, The Daily News and The Herald, between 01 February and 30 June 2000
- Authors: Mawarire, Jealousy Mbizvo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: The Daily News (Zimbabwe) The Herald (Zimbabwe) Journalism -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Sex in mass media -- Zimbabwe Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002915
- Description: The media, which help define what we think and our roles in the society, have a crucial role to project both men and women’s issues so as to change people’s perceptions and stereotypes about the role men and women play in the society. There is need, therefore, to ensure gender equality in the operations of the media so that issues to do with both men and women get adequate and equal coverage. This study on the reportage of the land redistribution exercise in Zimbabwe has, however, exposed the gendered nature of the operations of the media, particularly in the news production process. It provides that, overally, the news discourse is a masculine narrative whose androcentric form is a result of, and is protected by, claims to ‘objectivity,’ ‘professionalism’, ‘impartiality’ and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that hegemonically prioritises men’s issues over those of women. The situation, as the research shows, has not been helped by journalists’ incapacity to do thematic appreciation of issues and their over-inclination towards a simplistic event-based journalism that fails to question policies as they are enacted and implemented in gender-skewed processes. The lack of gender policies, the operations of patriarchy and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that sees nothing wrong with the ostracisation of women issues are very fundamental findings that the research uses in its attempts to explain why the gender equality discourse was left out of the news reports about the land reform exercise in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mawarire, Jealousy Mbizvo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: The Daily News (Zimbabwe) The Herald (Zimbabwe) Journalism -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Sex in mass media -- Zimbabwe Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002915
- Description: The media, which help define what we think and our roles in the society, have a crucial role to project both men and women’s issues so as to change people’s perceptions and stereotypes about the role men and women play in the society. There is need, therefore, to ensure gender equality in the operations of the media so that issues to do with both men and women get adequate and equal coverage. This study on the reportage of the land redistribution exercise in Zimbabwe has, however, exposed the gendered nature of the operations of the media, particularly in the news production process. It provides that, overally, the news discourse is a masculine narrative whose androcentric form is a result of, and is protected by, claims to ‘objectivity,’ ‘professionalism’, ‘impartiality’ and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that hegemonically prioritises men’s issues over those of women. The situation, as the research shows, has not been helped by journalists’ incapacity to do thematic appreciation of issues and their over-inclination towards a simplistic event-based journalism that fails to question policies as they are enacted and implemented in gender-skewed processes. The lack of gender policies, the operations of patriarchy and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that sees nothing wrong with the ostracisation of women issues are very fundamental findings that the research uses in its attempts to explain why the gender equality discourse was left out of the news reports about the land reform exercise in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
A feasibility study into total electron content prediction using neural networks
- Authors: Habarulema, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005251 , Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Description: Global Positioning System (GPS) networks provide an opportunity to study the dynamics and continuous changes in the ionosphere by supplementing ionospheric measurements which are usually obtained by various techniques such as ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and satellites. Total electron content (TEC) is one of the physical quantities that can be derived from GPS data, and provides an indication of ionospheric variability. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the development of a Neural Network (NN) based model for the prediction of South African GPS derived TEC. The South African GPS receiver network is operated and maintained by the Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Three South African locations were identified and used in the development of an input space and NN architecture for the model. The input space includes the day number (seasonal variation), hour (diurnal variation), sunspot number (measure of the solar activity), and magnetic index(measure of the magnetic activity). An attempt to study the effects of solar wind on TEC variability was carried out using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data and it is recommended that more study be done using low altitude satellite data. An analysis was done by comparing predicted NN TEC with TEC values from the IRI2001 version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), validating GPS TEC with ionosonde TEC (ITEC) and assessing the performance of the NN model during equinoxes and solstices. Results show that NNs predict GPS TEC more accurately than the IRI at South African GPS locations, but that more good quality GPS data is required before a truly representative empirical GPS TEC model can be released.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Habarulema, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005251 , Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Description: Global Positioning System (GPS) networks provide an opportunity to study the dynamics and continuous changes in the ionosphere by supplementing ionospheric measurements which are usually obtained by various techniques such as ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and satellites. Total electron content (TEC) is one of the physical quantities that can be derived from GPS data, and provides an indication of ionospheric variability. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the development of a Neural Network (NN) based model for the prediction of South African GPS derived TEC. The South African GPS receiver network is operated and maintained by the Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Three South African locations were identified and used in the development of an input space and NN architecture for the model. The input space includes the day number (seasonal variation), hour (diurnal variation), sunspot number (measure of the solar activity), and magnetic index(measure of the magnetic activity). An attempt to study the effects of solar wind on TEC variability was carried out using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data and it is recommended that more study be done using low altitude satellite data. An analysis was done by comparing predicted NN TEC with TEC values from the IRI2001 version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), validating GPS TEC with ionosonde TEC (ITEC) and assessing the performance of the NN model during equinoxes and solstices. Results show that NNs predict GPS TEC more accurately than the IRI at South African GPS locations, but that more good quality GPS data is required before a truly representative empirical GPS TEC model can be released.
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A global study of forensically significant calliphorids: implications for identification
- Harvey, M L, Gaudieri, S, Villet, Martin H, Dadour, I R
- Authors: Harvey, M L , Gaudieri, S , Villet, Martin H , Dadour, I R
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011156
- Description: A proliferation of molecular studies of the forensically significant Calliphoridae in the last decade has seen molecule-based identification of immature and damaged specimens become a routine complement to traditional morphological identification as a preliminary to the accurate estimation of post-mortem intervals (PMI), which depends on the use of species-specific developmental data. Published molecular studies have tended to focus on generating data for geographically localised communities of species of importance, which has limited the consideration of intraspecific variation in species of global distribution. This study used phylogenetic analysis to assess the species status of 27 forensically important calliphorid species based on 1167 base pairs of the COI gene of 119 specimens from 22 countries, and confirmed the utility of the COI gene in identifying most species. The species Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya megacephala, Ch. saffranea, Ch. albifrontalis and Calliphora stygia were unable to be monophyletically resolved based on these data. Identification of phylogenetically young species will require a faster-evolving molecular marker, but most species could be unambiguously characterised by sampling relatively few conspecific individuals if they were from distant localities. Intraspecific geographical variation was observed within Ch. rufifacies and L. cuprina, and is discussed with reference to unrecognised species.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Harvey, M L , Gaudieri, S , Villet, Martin H , Dadour, I R
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011156
- Description: A proliferation of molecular studies of the forensically significant Calliphoridae in the last decade has seen molecule-based identification of immature and damaged specimens become a routine complement to traditional morphological identification as a preliminary to the accurate estimation of post-mortem intervals (PMI), which depends on the use of species-specific developmental data. Published molecular studies have tended to focus on generating data for geographically localised communities of species of importance, which has limited the consideration of intraspecific variation in species of global distribution. This study used phylogenetic analysis to assess the species status of 27 forensically important calliphorid species based on 1167 base pairs of the COI gene of 119 specimens from 22 countries, and confirmed the utility of the COI gene in identifying most species. The species Lucilia cuprina, Chrysomya megacephala, Ch. saffranea, Ch. albifrontalis and Calliphora stygia were unable to be monophyletically resolved based on these data. Identification of phylogenetically young species will require a faster-evolving molecular marker, but most species could be unambiguously characterised by sampling relatively few conspecific individuals if they were from distant localities. Intraspecific geographical variation was observed within Ch. rufifacies and L. cuprina, and is discussed with reference to unrecognised species.
- Full Text:
A Grid-Based Approach to the Remote Control and Recall of the Properties of IEEE1394 Audio Devices
- Foss, Richard, Foulkes, Phillip
- Authors: Foss, Richard , Foulkes, Phillip
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427212 , vital:72422 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=14453
- Description: Typically, the configuration of audio hardware and software is not integrated. This paper discusses a software system that has been developed to remotely control and recall the properties of IEEE1394 (FireWire) audio devices via a series of graphical routing matrices. The software presents sound engineers with a graphical routing matrix that shows, along its axes, the available FireWire audio devices on a FireWire network. Inter device connection management may be performed by selecting the cross points on the grid, and intra device control may be performed via device editors that are displayed via the axes of the matrix. The software application may be hosted by a compatible Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application to allow for the storing and recalling of the various properties associated with the devices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Foss, Richard , Foulkes, Phillip
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427212 , vital:72422 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=14453
- Description: Typically, the configuration of audio hardware and software is not integrated. This paper discusses a software system that has been developed to remotely control and recall the properties of IEEE1394 (FireWire) audio devices via a series of graphical routing matrices. The software presents sound engineers with a graphical routing matrix that shows, along its axes, the available FireWire audio devices on a FireWire network. Inter device connection management may be performed by selecting the cross points on the grid, and intra device control may be performed via device editors that are displayed via the axes of the matrix. The software application may be hosted by a compatible Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) application to allow for the storing and recalling of the various properties associated with the devices.
- Full Text:
A method for imputing economic value to ecological goods and services provided by the Knysna River
- Authors: Saunders, James Woodward
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Ecology -- South Africa -- Knysna Fishery management -- South Africa -- Knysna Water-supply -- South Africa -- Knysna Knysna Lagoon (South Africa) Knysna (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003894
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop a method by which economic value can be imputed from an economic activity to a non-market ecological function or service which contributes to that economic activity. The Knysna River in South Africa was chosen as the ecological function which supported three economic activities from which value was to be imputed; these were the Knysna Municipal Water Supply, Fish Production in the Knysna Estuary and Production of Indigenous Forest within the Knysna Catchment. Three underlying assumptions and two functional operations were required in order to implement the suggested method. The underlying assumptions were: - The ecological and economic activities considered are within a single catchment. - The allocation of value imputed for a specific economic activity to the ecological function or service under consideration (in this case the Knysna River) is proportional to the total contribution of ecological functions or services contributed to the economic activity. - The valuation of the economic activity for the purposes of obtaining a price-quantity point on a demand function is to be full cost pricing with no producer surplus. The two functional requirements were: - Diagram or map the linkages between an economic activity and the supporting ecological functions. - Determine the consumer surplus related to an incremental change in quantity under a demand function where the original price and quantity are known. A value from each of the economic activities was imputed to the Knysna River. However, the method was not tested. Nonetheless applying the equations and collecting the required data allowed several methodological needs to be clearly pointed out. The most acute deficiency was difficulty in obtaining secondary data from governmental agencies, commercial representatives and existing published academic research to ensure a robust price. Also, scientific information was not sufficiently available for allocating ecological contributions to the economic activities. Even with the shortage of credible data the method appears to allow non-market ecological functions to be valued in context of an existing economic system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Saunders, James Woodward
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Ecology -- South Africa -- Knysna Fishery management -- South Africa -- Knysna Water-supply -- South Africa -- Knysna Knysna Lagoon (South Africa) Knysna (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003894
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop a method by which economic value can be imputed from an economic activity to a non-market ecological function or service which contributes to that economic activity. The Knysna River in South Africa was chosen as the ecological function which supported three economic activities from which value was to be imputed; these were the Knysna Municipal Water Supply, Fish Production in the Knysna Estuary and Production of Indigenous Forest within the Knysna Catchment. Three underlying assumptions and two functional operations were required in order to implement the suggested method. The underlying assumptions were: - The ecological and economic activities considered are within a single catchment. - The allocation of value imputed for a specific economic activity to the ecological function or service under consideration (in this case the Knysna River) is proportional to the total contribution of ecological functions or services contributed to the economic activity. - The valuation of the economic activity for the purposes of obtaining a price-quantity point on a demand function is to be full cost pricing with no producer surplus. The two functional requirements were: - Diagram or map the linkages between an economic activity and the supporting ecological functions. - Determine the consumer surplus related to an incremental change in quantity under a demand function where the original price and quantity are known. A value from each of the economic activities was imputed to the Knysna River. However, the method was not tested. Nonetheless applying the equations and collecting the required data allowed several methodological needs to be clearly pointed out. The most acute deficiency was difficulty in obtaining secondary data from governmental agencies, commercial representatives and existing published academic research to ensure a robust price. Also, scientific information was not sufficiently available for allocating ecological contributions to the economic activities. Even with the shortage of credible data the method appears to allow non-market ecological functions to be valued in context of an existing economic system.
- Full Text:
A molecular analysis of the Afrotropical Baetidae
- Gattolliat, J L, Monaghan, M T, Sartori, Michel, Elouard, J M, Barber-James, Helen M, Derleth, P, Glaizot, Olivier, de Moor, Ferdy C, Vogler, Alfred P
- Authors: Gattolliat, J L , Monaghan, M T , Sartori, Michel , Elouard, J M , Barber-James, Helen M , Derleth, P , Glaizot, Olivier , de Moor, Ferdy C , Vogler, Alfred P
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008393
- Description: Recent work on the Afrotropical Baetidae has resulted in a number of important taxonomic changes: several polyphyletic genera have been split and more than 30 new Afrotropical genera have been established. In order to test their phylogenetic relevance and to clarify the suprageneric relationships, we reconstructed the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the Afrotropical Baetidae. We sequenced a total of ca. 2300 bp from nuclear (18S) and mitochondrial (12S and 16S) gene regions from 65 species belonging to 26 genera. We used three different approaches of phylogeny reconstruction: direct optimization, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. The molecular reconstruction indicates the Afrotropical Baetidae require a global revision at a generic as well as suprageneric level. Only four of the 12 genera were monophyletic when represented by more than one species in the analysis. Historically, two conflicting concepts of the suprageneric classification of Afrotropical Baetidae were proposed. One was based on the gathering of sister genera into complexes and the other on the division of the family into a restricted number of subfamilies. According to our reconstruction, neither is completely satisfactory: the major complexes of genera present in Africa are either paraphyletic or polyphyletic and the division of the Afrotropical Baetidae into two subfamilies is probably too simplified.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gattolliat, J L , Monaghan, M T , Sartori, Michel , Elouard, J M , Barber-James, Helen M , Derleth, P , Glaizot, Olivier , de Moor, Ferdy C , Vogler, Alfred P
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:528 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008393
- Description: Recent work on the Afrotropical Baetidae has resulted in a number of important taxonomic changes: several polyphyletic genera have been split and more than 30 new Afrotropical genera have been established. In order to test their phylogenetic relevance and to clarify the suprageneric relationships, we reconstructed the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the Afrotropical Baetidae. We sequenced a total of ca. 2300 bp from nuclear (18S) and mitochondrial (12S and 16S) gene regions from 65 species belonging to 26 genera. We used three different approaches of phylogeny reconstruction: direct optimization, maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood. The molecular reconstruction indicates the Afrotropical Baetidae require a global revision at a generic as well as suprageneric level. Only four of the 12 genera were monophyletic when represented by more than one species in the analysis. Historically, two conflicting concepts of the suprageneric classification of Afrotropical Baetidae were proposed. One was based on the gathering of sister genera into complexes and the other on the division of the family into a restricted number of subfamilies. According to our reconstruction, neither is completely satisfactory: the major complexes of genera present in Africa are either paraphyletic or polyphyletic and the division of the Afrotropical Baetidae into two subfamilies is probably too simplified.
- Full Text:
A phenomenological case study of a lecturer's understanding of himself as an assessor
- Authors: Grant, Rose
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008582
- Description: Based on the findings of research conducted as part of a doctoral study aimed at obtaining an understanding of what it means to be an assessor in higher education, this paper outlines the experience of an individual lecturer at a South African university and describes the meaning he makes of his practice as an assessor within the context of a changing understanding of the nature and purpose of higher education. Making a case for personal agency and innovation as critical qualities in the assessment endeavour, the researcher suggests that, in contrast to a view of education increasingly focused on standardization, accountability and outcomes, student assessment is essentially a human encounter in which the humanity and emotions of both lecturer and student need to be acknowledged.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grant, Rose
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008582
- Description: Based on the findings of research conducted as part of a doctoral study aimed at obtaining an understanding of what it means to be an assessor in higher education, this paper outlines the experience of an individual lecturer at a South African university and describes the meaning he makes of his practice as an assessor within the context of a changing understanding of the nature and purpose of higher education. Making a case for personal agency and innovation as critical qualities in the assessment endeavour, the researcher suggests that, in contrast to a view of education increasingly focused on standardization, accountability and outcomes, student assessment is essentially a human encounter in which the humanity and emotions of both lecturer and student need to be acknowledged.
- Full Text:
A preliminary investigation into the use of biomarkers and a fish community index to assess estuarine health in selected Eastern Cape estuaries
- Authors: Richardson, Naomi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental monitoring -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007480
- Description: The aims of this study were to determine the potential use of biomarkers at multiple levels of biological organisation together with a fish community bioindicator to assess the estuarine health status of three temporarily open/closed estuaries. The estuaries investigated were the East Kleinemonde (EK), Old Woman's (OW) and Mtana (MTN), all of which are situated in the Eastern Cape Province. Three biomarkers, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay, lipid peroxidation (LPx) assay, liver histopathology and a condition factor were used to determine sub-organism health and one bioindicator, the Estuarine Fish Community Index (EFCI), was used as a bioindicator of community health. The estuarine-dependent marine species Rhabdosargus holubi was selected as an indicator species for the sub-organism level analyses. The results from the community analyses indicated that the EK and OW estuaries were in 'good' condition, while the MTN was found to be in 'moderate' condition. Histological analyses revealed that R. holubi from all three estuaries showed signs of pathological changes to the liver, with the fish from the MTN eliciting the highest occurrence of these changes. The LPx assay found that R. holubi from both the OW and MTN showed signs of oxidative damage in the liver tissue, but those from the EK did not appear to be affected. The AChE assay showed that only the fish from the OW had been affected by anticholinesterase compounds. A laboratory study was undertaken using R. holubi as a positive control for the AChE and LPx assay. The fish were exposed to 3 μg/L chlorpyrifos, a known cholinesterase inhibitor, for six hours and their tissues were examined for changes to LPx levels and AChE activities. AChE activity was significantly inhibited (Mann Whitney U test, Z = 3.65, n = 38, P < 0.001) by the exposure, but LPx levels were not significantly affected. A composite index incorporating the biomarkers at different biological levels of organisation was developed. The index was designed to assist managers and scientists to determine whether the ichthyofauna of a system was being affected by environmental stressors and what management interventions could be undertaken to ameliorate the water quality in an estuary. The index was applied to the three estuaries investigated during the present study and both the OW and MTN were assessed to be in need of immediate management intervention. The fish in the OW were found to be stressed at all the sub-organism levels measured and the reason for this was hypothesised to be as a result of golf course activities in this adjacent estuary. A number of management actions are proposed to reduce the sub-organism stress observed in the fish from the OW. The livers of fish from the MTN were shown to be under stress; however the causative agent of this stress was unknown because there is no formal development in the MTN catchment. However, a possible contaminant source is proposed and management interventions to alleviate the stress on the biota of the MTN are suggested. The EK does not require immediate management intervention, however, continuous routine monitoring is recommended to ensure that conditions do not deteriorate. Shortcomings of the index were outlined and a number of suggestions were made in terms of other measures of biological health which could be incorporated into the index.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Richardson, Naomi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Fish communities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management Coastal zone management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental monitoring -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Estuarine ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5348 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007480
- Description: The aims of this study were to determine the potential use of biomarkers at multiple levels of biological organisation together with a fish community bioindicator to assess the estuarine health status of three temporarily open/closed estuaries. The estuaries investigated were the East Kleinemonde (EK), Old Woman's (OW) and Mtana (MTN), all of which are situated in the Eastern Cape Province. Three biomarkers, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) assay, lipid peroxidation (LPx) assay, liver histopathology and a condition factor were used to determine sub-organism health and one bioindicator, the Estuarine Fish Community Index (EFCI), was used as a bioindicator of community health. The estuarine-dependent marine species Rhabdosargus holubi was selected as an indicator species for the sub-organism level analyses. The results from the community analyses indicated that the EK and OW estuaries were in 'good' condition, while the MTN was found to be in 'moderate' condition. Histological analyses revealed that R. holubi from all three estuaries showed signs of pathological changes to the liver, with the fish from the MTN eliciting the highest occurrence of these changes. The LPx assay found that R. holubi from both the OW and MTN showed signs of oxidative damage in the liver tissue, but those from the EK did not appear to be affected. The AChE assay showed that only the fish from the OW had been affected by anticholinesterase compounds. A laboratory study was undertaken using R. holubi as a positive control for the AChE and LPx assay. The fish were exposed to 3 μg/L chlorpyrifos, a known cholinesterase inhibitor, for six hours and their tissues were examined for changes to LPx levels and AChE activities. AChE activity was significantly inhibited (Mann Whitney U test, Z = 3.65, n = 38, P < 0.001) by the exposure, but LPx levels were not significantly affected. A composite index incorporating the biomarkers at different biological levels of organisation was developed. The index was designed to assist managers and scientists to determine whether the ichthyofauna of a system was being affected by environmental stressors and what management interventions could be undertaken to ameliorate the water quality in an estuary. The index was applied to the three estuaries investigated during the present study and both the OW and MTN were assessed to be in need of immediate management intervention. The fish in the OW were found to be stressed at all the sub-organism levels measured and the reason for this was hypothesised to be as a result of golf course activities in this adjacent estuary. A number of management actions are proposed to reduce the sub-organism stress observed in the fish from the OW. The livers of fish from the MTN were shown to be under stress; however the causative agent of this stress was unknown because there is no formal development in the MTN catchment. However, a possible contaminant source is proposed and management interventions to alleviate the stress on the biota of the MTN are suggested. The EK does not require immediate management intervention, however, continuous routine monitoring is recommended to ensure that conditions do not deteriorate. Shortcomings of the index were outlined and a number of suggestions were made in terms of other measures of biological health which could be incorporated into the index.
- Full Text:
A preliminary investigation of spinal kinematics during sugar cane harvesting
- Authors: Todd, Andrew I
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009462
- Description: The sugar cane industry forms a significant portion of the South African economy, and unlike many other countries the harvesting of sugar cane in South Africa remains manual in nature. The focus of the present study was therefore on the assessment of spinal kinematics (range of motion, velocities and accelerations in all three cardinal planes) during the harvesting process. Eight workers were recruited from the Illovo Esperanza farm in Kwa-zulu Natal as subjects for the study. The experimental protocol was conducted in situ and required subjects to cut the sugar cane using specially modified knives as they would under normal harvesting conditions. The motion performance was quantified using the lumbar motion monitor (LMM), a triaxial electrogoniometer. Results indicate that the harvesting of sugar cane places excessive demands on the spine. During cutting, subjects were required to maintain the spine in a high degree of flexion throughout the task which also demonstrated significant twisting and lateral bending. Of particular concern were the high lateral velocities (ranging between 50 and 90 m.s-1), as this is a key risk factor in the development of lower back pain. It is evident from these results that new techniques of harvesting sugar cane are essential to reduce the rate of injury within this industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Todd, Andrew I
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6759 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009462
- Description: The sugar cane industry forms a significant portion of the South African economy, and unlike many other countries the harvesting of sugar cane in South Africa remains manual in nature. The focus of the present study was therefore on the assessment of spinal kinematics (range of motion, velocities and accelerations in all three cardinal planes) during the harvesting process. Eight workers were recruited from the Illovo Esperanza farm in Kwa-zulu Natal as subjects for the study. The experimental protocol was conducted in situ and required subjects to cut the sugar cane using specially modified knives as they would under normal harvesting conditions. The motion performance was quantified using the lumbar motion monitor (LMM), a triaxial electrogoniometer. Results indicate that the harvesting of sugar cane places excessive demands on the spine. During cutting, subjects were required to maintain the spine in a high degree of flexion throughout the task which also demonstrated significant twisting and lateral bending. Of particular concern were the high lateral velocities (ranging between 50 and 90 m.s-1), as this is a key risk factor in the development of lower back pain. It is evident from these results that new techniques of harvesting sugar cane are essential to reduce the rate of injury within this industry.
- Full Text:
A preliminary survey of the estuaries on the south coast of South Africa, Cape St Blaize, Mossel Bay - Robberg Peninsula, Plettenberg Bay, with particular reference to the fish fauna
- James, Nicola C, Harrison, T D
- Authors: James, Nicola C , Harrison, T D
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011834
- Description: The coastal river systems on the south coast of South Africa from Cape St Blaize to Robberg Peninsula were surveyed during October and November 1994. The ichthyofaunal and physico-chemical characteristics of each system are presented and their suitability as estuarine nursery areas is discussed. Five systems (Rooi, Meul, Grooteiland, Kranshoek and Crooks) are outlets of small coastal streams and probably provide little or no habitat for either resident estuarine or migrant marine fishes owing to their small size. Four systems (Maalgate, Gwaing, Skaapkop and Kaaimans) are located within deeply incised valleys and have a permanent connection with the sea. The amount of marginal and intertidal habitat available to fishes, however, is limited due to their morphology. Six systems (Hartenbos, Groot Brak, Touw, Swartvlei, Goukamma and Noetsie) are intermittently open to the sea. Although the Touw and Swartvlei are connected to coastal lake systems, flow within these estuaries is not sufficient to prevent the build up of a sand barrier at the mouth. The Hartenbos, Groot Brak, Goukamma, and Noetsie are also periodically closed by a sand bar. The construction of a dam in the lower catchment of the Groot Brak has affected the hydrology of the system. The two remaining estuaries (Klein Brak and Knysna) are permanently open. In addition to strong tidal currents, the fixing of the mouth of the Knysna Estuary between rocky headlands also serves to maintain a permanent connection with the sea. Mugilidae and Sparidae were represented by the greatest number of species, and also dominated catches numerically and by mass. The fish fauna of all the estuaries surveyed were dominated by the juveniles of estuarine-dependent marine species and estuarine-resident species were also well represented in catches. The estuaries surveyed provide a vital habitat for both marine migrant species and resident species, most of which are endemic to the region.
- Full Text:
- Authors: James, Nicola C , Harrison, T D
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011834
- Description: The coastal river systems on the south coast of South Africa from Cape St Blaize to Robberg Peninsula were surveyed during October and November 1994. The ichthyofaunal and physico-chemical characteristics of each system are presented and their suitability as estuarine nursery areas is discussed. Five systems (Rooi, Meul, Grooteiland, Kranshoek and Crooks) are outlets of small coastal streams and probably provide little or no habitat for either resident estuarine or migrant marine fishes owing to their small size. Four systems (Maalgate, Gwaing, Skaapkop and Kaaimans) are located within deeply incised valleys and have a permanent connection with the sea. The amount of marginal and intertidal habitat available to fishes, however, is limited due to their morphology. Six systems (Hartenbos, Groot Brak, Touw, Swartvlei, Goukamma and Noetsie) are intermittently open to the sea. Although the Touw and Swartvlei are connected to coastal lake systems, flow within these estuaries is not sufficient to prevent the build up of a sand barrier at the mouth. The Hartenbos, Groot Brak, Goukamma, and Noetsie are also periodically closed by a sand bar. The construction of a dam in the lower catchment of the Groot Brak has affected the hydrology of the system. The two remaining estuaries (Klein Brak and Knysna) are permanently open. In addition to strong tidal currents, the fixing of the mouth of the Knysna Estuary between rocky headlands also serves to maintain a permanent connection with the sea. Mugilidae and Sparidae were represented by the greatest number of species, and also dominated catches numerically and by mass. The fish fauna of all the estuaries surveyed were dominated by the juveniles of estuarine-dependent marine species and estuarine-resident species were also well represented in catches. The estuaries surveyed provide a vital habitat for both marine migrant species and resident species, most of which are endemic to the region.
- Full Text:
A stable isotope approach to trophic ecology resolving food webs in intertidal ecosystems
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn Marie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Stable isotopes Food chains (Ecology) Stable isotopes in ecological research Intertidal ecology Mussels -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005459
- Description: There are broad differences in regional oceanography and primary production around the South African coast, which we might expect to give rise to major differences in trophic pathways. δ⁻¹³C and δ⁻¹⁵N isotopic ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM), mussels, various intertidal consumers and common macroalgae along the South African coastline were explored using stable isotope analysis to investigate biogeographic and temporal variability of isotopic signatures of marine intertidal consumers and their food sources around the coast of South Africa, with a focus on evaluating the dependence of intertidal mussels on phytoplankton and macroalgal-derived organic carbon. Isotopic equilibration rates of four mussel tissues were determined through laboratory feeding experiments, which established that adductor tissue had the slowest isotopic turnover rate, and was subsequently used as an indication of overall mussel diet. Biogeographic, temporal and nearshore/offshore trends of isotopic ratios of SPM were investigated along 10km transects perpendicular to the coast and SPM exhibited overall trends of carbon depletion when moving from west to east along the coastline and from nearshore to offshore water, in both cases suggesting a shift from macrophyte detritus to a phytoplankton signature. δ⁻¹³C signatures of SPM also revealed temporal and biogeographic variation that had strong ties to local oceanography, being closely correlated to regional hydrographic features and tidal influences. Mixing models indicated filter feeders demonstrated over 50% dependence on nearshore SPM for organic carbon and it was possible to categorize them into geographic groups based on their carbon and nitrogen signatures, suggesting biogeographic shifts in resources. Biogeographic shifts in diet were also seen in some grazers. Difficulties in relating macroalgae to mussel diet led to investigations into the isotopic changes associated with macroalgal decomposition. Variation in photosynthetic fractionation, leaching and microbial mineralization are believed to have resulted from species-specific patterns of degradation. Although the strong links between carbon signatures and local oceanography indicate that stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for the study of water mixing and coastal hydrography in relation to food-web analyses, substantial variation in fractionation of primary consumers, along with different periods of time integration between consumers and their food sources must be considered in future studies, to resolve trophic links in marine food webs successfully.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn Marie
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Stable isotopes Food chains (Ecology) Stable isotopes in ecological research Intertidal ecology Mussels -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005459
- Description: There are broad differences in regional oceanography and primary production around the South African coast, which we might expect to give rise to major differences in trophic pathways. δ⁻¹³C and δ⁻¹⁵N isotopic ratios of suspended particulate matter (SPM), mussels, various intertidal consumers and common macroalgae along the South African coastline were explored using stable isotope analysis to investigate biogeographic and temporal variability of isotopic signatures of marine intertidal consumers and their food sources around the coast of South Africa, with a focus on evaluating the dependence of intertidal mussels on phytoplankton and macroalgal-derived organic carbon. Isotopic equilibration rates of four mussel tissues were determined through laboratory feeding experiments, which established that adductor tissue had the slowest isotopic turnover rate, and was subsequently used as an indication of overall mussel diet. Biogeographic, temporal and nearshore/offshore trends of isotopic ratios of SPM were investigated along 10km transects perpendicular to the coast and SPM exhibited overall trends of carbon depletion when moving from west to east along the coastline and from nearshore to offshore water, in both cases suggesting a shift from macrophyte detritus to a phytoplankton signature. δ⁻¹³C signatures of SPM also revealed temporal and biogeographic variation that had strong ties to local oceanography, being closely correlated to regional hydrographic features and tidal influences. Mixing models indicated filter feeders demonstrated over 50% dependence on nearshore SPM for organic carbon and it was possible to categorize them into geographic groups based on their carbon and nitrogen signatures, suggesting biogeographic shifts in resources. Biogeographic shifts in diet were also seen in some grazers. Difficulties in relating macroalgae to mussel diet led to investigations into the isotopic changes associated with macroalgal decomposition. Variation in photosynthetic fractionation, leaching and microbial mineralization are believed to have resulted from species-specific patterns of degradation. Although the strong links between carbon signatures and local oceanography indicate that stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool for the study of water mixing and coastal hydrography in relation to food-web analyses, substantial variation in fractionation of primary consumers, along with different periods of time integration between consumers and their food sources must be considered in future studies, to resolve trophic links in marine food webs successfully.
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A study of professionalism and the professionalisation of journalists in Uganda from 1995 to 2008
- Authors: Mayiga, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Journalists -- Uganda Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda Journalism -- Sociological aspects -- Uganda Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002916
- Description: This study seeks to examine how Ugandan journalists’ and politicians’ views on journalism professionalisation in Uganda relate to the broad theoretical arguments about professionalism within sociology and media studies. It also seeks to examine how such views impact on the democratic role of the media. The study finds out that there are two sets of distinct ideas on journalism professionalisation. The idea espoused by politicians is statutory professionalisation in which the state plays a major role through regulation and control, hence professionalisation is seen primarily as a control system. On the other hand, journalists perceive professionalisation as nurtured by voluntarily and socially inculcated professional values, hence as a value system. The study however, finds that both sets of understandings have their own complexities. While the statutory approach has complexities like how core elements of professionalism such as professional values can be imposed through legislation, the voluntary approach to professionalism also exhibits tensions within, especially stemming from the relationship between the professional and the news organisation regarding what constitutes professionalism. The study concludes that both sets of ideas have implications for the democratic role of the media, with both perceptions of professionalism curtailing this role. Statutory professionalisation in the Ugandan political context where the state is the dominant institution brings media institutions within its control, which leads to suppression of content of democratic value through a number of means. On the other hand, the self-regulatory perception does not protect media professionalism from the assault of commercial imperatives, especially when fused with state patronage in regard to broadcasting licences and placement of advertising.
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- Authors: Mayiga, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Journalists -- Uganda Journalism -- Political aspects -- Uganda Mass media -- Political aspects -- Uganda Journalism -- Sociological aspects -- Uganda Journalism, Commercial -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002916
- Description: This study seeks to examine how Ugandan journalists’ and politicians’ views on journalism professionalisation in Uganda relate to the broad theoretical arguments about professionalism within sociology and media studies. It also seeks to examine how such views impact on the democratic role of the media. The study finds out that there are two sets of distinct ideas on journalism professionalisation. The idea espoused by politicians is statutory professionalisation in which the state plays a major role through regulation and control, hence professionalisation is seen primarily as a control system. On the other hand, journalists perceive professionalisation as nurtured by voluntarily and socially inculcated professional values, hence as a value system. The study however, finds that both sets of understandings have their own complexities. While the statutory approach has complexities like how core elements of professionalism such as professional values can be imposed through legislation, the voluntary approach to professionalism also exhibits tensions within, especially stemming from the relationship between the professional and the news organisation regarding what constitutes professionalism. The study concludes that both sets of ideas have implications for the democratic role of the media, with both perceptions of professionalism curtailing this role. Statutory professionalisation in the Ugandan political context where the state is the dominant institution brings media institutions within its control, which leads to suppression of content of democratic value through a number of means. On the other hand, the self-regulatory perception does not protect media professionalism from the assault of commercial imperatives, especially when fused with state patronage in regard to broadcasting licences and placement of advertising.
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A study of the Amathole District Municipality's settlement plan in the light of the land reform and spatial planning measures
- Authors: Zenzile, Mlamli Lennox
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003215 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study concerns the analysis of policy, and the statutory and regulatory impact of spatial planning on the land reform programme with emphasis on the land reform settlement plan (LSRP) of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). There is a brief historical overview of the effect of the policy of spatial segregation in both rural and urban areas of the ADM. This study demonstrates, inter alia, the challenges faced by the ADM in both consolidating and physically integrating communities that were hitherto divided across racial lines. The critical question is whether the ADM has the ability to produce a Spatial Development Framework (SDF), which will be responsive to the needs of the region and serve as a catalyst in reversing the physical distortions caused by the land-planning legislation of the apartheid past. The greatest challenge lies in meeting the developmental aspirations of the Development Facilitation Act, 1995, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 and the National Spatial Development Perspective, 2003. Chapter 1 deals with the purpose, research problem and the method of research, as well as the definition of terms used in this research and literature review. Chapter 2 deals with the evolution of central themes of spatial planning and land reform, spatial development plans and integrated development plans (IDPs), the alignment of Amathole SDF and Eastern Cape Spatial Development Plan and the co-ordination of spatial frameworks. Chapter 3 deals with the composition of the ADM and the evolution of the LRSP, as well as land-tenure reform programmes impacting on the Amathole Municipality region. This chapter analyses the settlement plan against spatial planning legislation, the issue of institutional arrangements and mechanisms of consolidated local planning processes. Chapter 5 deals with the thorny issue of participation of traditional leaders in municipal planning and the government’s land-reform programme. Despite the existence of legislation in this regard, implementation seems to pose some difficulties. This chapter also deals with the co-operative governance framework. Chapter 6 is a concluding chapter dealing with the gaps discovered in the Amathole Municipality in the light of existing legislation. Reference to cases is made to demonstrate the challenges confronting the ADM. One notable aspect is the issue of urban-rural dichotomy and how the two worlds are positioned in their competition for the use of space. It is evident from this research that the post-1994 policy and legislative framework and implementation machinery lacks capacity to change the current form of the apartheid city-planning paradigm, something which impacts immensely on the sustainability of the current human-settlement development programmes. Population dynamics in terms of migration are hugely driven by search for employment opportunities and better services. The efficiency and ability of the municipal spatial evelopment frameworks in directing and dictating the identification of development nodes in its juristic boundary informed by the overarching national policy and legislative framework is key in building a better South Africa.
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- Authors: Zenzile, Mlamli Lennox
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003215 , Land reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land settlement -- Government policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Land use -- Planning -- South Africa , Restitution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Compensation (Law) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Right of property -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study concerns the analysis of policy, and the statutory and regulatory impact of spatial planning on the land reform programme with emphasis on the land reform settlement plan (LSRP) of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). There is a brief historical overview of the effect of the policy of spatial segregation in both rural and urban areas of the ADM. This study demonstrates, inter alia, the challenges faced by the ADM in both consolidating and physically integrating communities that were hitherto divided across racial lines. The critical question is whether the ADM has the ability to produce a Spatial Development Framework (SDF), which will be responsive to the needs of the region and serve as a catalyst in reversing the physical distortions caused by the land-planning legislation of the apartheid past. The greatest challenge lies in meeting the developmental aspirations of the Development Facilitation Act, 1995, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 and the National Spatial Development Perspective, 2003. Chapter 1 deals with the purpose, research problem and the method of research, as well as the definition of terms used in this research and literature review. Chapter 2 deals with the evolution of central themes of spatial planning and land reform, spatial development plans and integrated development plans (IDPs), the alignment of Amathole SDF and Eastern Cape Spatial Development Plan and the co-ordination of spatial frameworks. Chapter 3 deals with the composition of the ADM and the evolution of the LRSP, as well as land-tenure reform programmes impacting on the Amathole Municipality region. This chapter analyses the settlement plan against spatial planning legislation, the issue of institutional arrangements and mechanisms of consolidated local planning processes. Chapter 5 deals with the thorny issue of participation of traditional leaders in municipal planning and the government’s land-reform programme. Despite the existence of legislation in this regard, implementation seems to pose some difficulties. This chapter also deals with the co-operative governance framework. Chapter 6 is a concluding chapter dealing with the gaps discovered in the Amathole Municipality in the light of existing legislation. Reference to cases is made to demonstrate the challenges confronting the ADM. One notable aspect is the issue of urban-rural dichotomy and how the two worlds are positioned in their competition for the use of space. It is evident from this research that the post-1994 policy and legislative framework and implementation machinery lacks capacity to change the current form of the apartheid city-planning paradigm, something which impacts immensely on the sustainability of the current human-settlement development programmes. Population dynamics in terms of migration are hugely driven by search for employment opportunities and better services. The efficiency and ability of the municipal spatial evelopment frameworks in directing and dictating the identification of development nodes in its juristic boundary informed by the overarching national policy and legislative framework is key in building a better South Africa.
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A study of the existence of equilibrium in mathematical economics
- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
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- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
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