The Role of HSP70/HSP90 Organizing Protein (Hop) in the Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated Stress Response
- Authors: Chakraborty, Abantika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163204 , vital:41018 , doi:10.21504/10962/163204
- Description: Molecular chaperones regulate cellular proteostasis. They control protein conformation and prevent misfolding and aggregation under both normal and stressful environments, ultimately resulting in cell survival. The project aimed to understand the role of the HSP70 – HSP90 Organizing Protein (Hop/STIP1) in the survival of stressed cells and the function of the stress-responsive transcription factor, Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 protein levels were significantly reduced in Hop-depleted HEK293T cells compared to controls by ELISA, western blot, and mass spectrometry. HSF1 transcriptional activity at the HSP70 promoter, and binding of a biotinylated HSE oligonucleotide under basal conditions were significantly reduced, consistent with the reduced levels of HSF1. In response to heat shock, HSF1 levels in Hop-depleted cells increased to that of controls, but there was still significantly lowerHSF1 transcriptional activity and HSE binding. Hop-depleted HEK293T cells were more sensitive than controls to the HSF1 inhibitor KRIBB11 and showed reduced short-term and long-term proliferation. Unlike the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG, which had no effect, the HSP70 inhibitor JG98, further decreased the levels of HSF1 in Hop-depleted cells, suggesting a role for HSP70 in the Hop-mediated effects. There was punctate nuclear staining for HSF1 in Hop-depleted cells under both basal and heat shock conditions, as well as reduced nuclear localization and increased cytoplasmic accumulation of HSF1 in response to heat shock. Hop and HSF1 colocalized in cells, and HSF1 could be isolated in complex with Hop and HSP70. Loss of Hop reduced HSF1 in HSP70complexes but did not affect HSF1 abundance in HSP90 complexes. Hop-depleted cells showed reduced short-term and long-term survival compared to controls, an effect that was potentiated by the JG98 HSP70 inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggest that Hop regulation of HSF1activity is via a mechanism involving reductions in HSP70 interaction, as well as reduced nuclear localization, and DNA binding, and is consistent with reduced cellular fitness under basal and stress conditions. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chakraborty, Abantika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163204 , vital:41018 , doi:10.21504/10962/163204
- Description: Molecular chaperones regulate cellular proteostasis. They control protein conformation and prevent misfolding and aggregation under both normal and stressful environments, ultimately resulting in cell survival. The project aimed to understand the role of the HSP70 – HSP90 Organizing Protein (Hop/STIP1) in the survival of stressed cells and the function of the stress-responsive transcription factor, Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 protein levels were significantly reduced in Hop-depleted HEK293T cells compared to controls by ELISA, western blot, and mass spectrometry. HSF1 transcriptional activity at the HSP70 promoter, and binding of a biotinylated HSE oligonucleotide under basal conditions were significantly reduced, consistent with the reduced levels of HSF1. In response to heat shock, HSF1 levels in Hop-depleted cells increased to that of controls, but there was still significantly lowerHSF1 transcriptional activity and HSE binding. Hop-depleted HEK293T cells were more sensitive than controls to the HSF1 inhibitor KRIBB11 and showed reduced short-term and long-term proliferation. Unlike the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG, which had no effect, the HSP70 inhibitor JG98, further decreased the levels of HSF1 in Hop-depleted cells, suggesting a role for HSP70 in the Hop-mediated effects. There was punctate nuclear staining for HSF1 in Hop-depleted cells under both basal and heat shock conditions, as well as reduced nuclear localization and increased cytoplasmic accumulation of HSF1 in response to heat shock. Hop and HSF1 colocalized in cells, and HSF1 could be isolated in complex with Hop and HSP70. Loss of Hop reduced HSF1 in HSP70complexes but did not affect HSF1 abundance in HSP90 complexes. Hop-depleted cells showed reduced short-term and long-term survival compared to controls, an effect that was potentiated by the JG98 HSP70 inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggest that Hop regulation of HSF1activity is via a mechanism involving reductions in HSP70 interaction, as well as reduced nuclear localization, and DNA binding, and is consistent with reduced cellular fitness under basal and stress conditions. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
The role of microhabitats within mangroves: an invertebrate and fish larval perspective
- Authors: Vorsatz, Lyle Dennis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology -- South Africa , Mangrove forests -- South Africa , Niche (Ecology) , Rhizophora mucronata , Acanthaceae , Rhizophoraceae , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167644 , vital:41499
- Description: Microhabitats provided through structural complexity are central for the diversity, productivity, connectivity and niche differentiation within and among ecosystems. Mangrove forests afford juvenile fish and invertebrates with nursery and recruitment habitats, facilitated by the fine scale configuration of their specialised root systems. Although the importance of mangroves for resident and transient juveniles is well recognised, the roles that mangrove microhabitats play for larvae is not yet comprehensively understood. This study aimed to determine how microhabitats with varying degrees of complexity influence the composition, abundance and distribution of larval communities that inhabit mangrove forests and the physiological responses of larvae to acute temperature variations in relation to ontogenetic stage and microenvironment exposure. Two relatively pristine study sites were selected to represent a warm temperate and subtropical mangrove system in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa, respectively. The differences in complexity among the root systems of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorhiza were assessed using 3D scanning and the computed 3D models were then analysed using four complexity metrics. Results indicated that A. marina is the most complex in terms of surface-volume ratio, R. mucronata has the most interstitial space among its roots and B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata differ in their fractal dimensions. Larvae collected in each microhabitat at each site using light traps showed that, despite temperature and salinity homogeneity across microenvironments, spatio-temporal differences occurred in both fish and invertebrate assemblages. This trend suggests that microhabitat structural complexity exerts an influence on larval community composition by acting as a microscape of available habitat, which ensures ecological linkages within and among the mangrove forest and adjacent ecosystems. In addition, the oxygen consumption rates of mangrove-associated brachyuran larvae varied according to mangrove microhabitat, whereby larvae collected at less complex environments had the highest metabolic rates at increased temperatures. Moreover, ontogenetic shifts in physiology were prevalent as older brachyuran larvae were more eurythermal than earlier stages, suggesting that thermally stressful events will have a greater impact on recently spawned larvae. Overall, the interstitial spaces within individual root systems are the most important complexity measure, as utilisation of these mangrove microhabitats is scale-dependent, and larvae will most likely occupy spaces inaccessible to large predators. Likewise, microscale variation in the environmental conditions and ontogenetic stage of brachyuran larvae within the mangrove microscape, can amplify the physiological responses to rapid temperature variations. Results suggest that early stage larvae are the most vulnerable to mass-mortality, and if thermally stressful events increase in frequency, duration and magnitude, the larval supply for the successful recruitment into adult populations could be under threat. Through linking how mangrove microhabitat complexity influences larvae in terms of community metrics and physiology, this study paves the way for further advancement of our understanding of how microscale processes emerge into meso- and macroscale patterns and influence the stability and functioning of highly productive ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Vorsatz, Lyle Dennis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology -- South Africa , Mangrove forests -- South Africa , Niche (Ecology) , Rhizophora mucronata , Acanthaceae , Rhizophoraceae , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167644 , vital:41499
- Description: Microhabitats provided through structural complexity are central for the diversity, productivity, connectivity and niche differentiation within and among ecosystems. Mangrove forests afford juvenile fish and invertebrates with nursery and recruitment habitats, facilitated by the fine scale configuration of their specialised root systems. Although the importance of mangroves for resident and transient juveniles is well recognised, the roles that mangrove microhabitats play for larvae is not yet comprehensively understood. This study aimed to determine how microhabitats with varying degrees of complexity influence the composition, abundance and distribution of larval communities that inhabit mangrove forests and the physiological responses of larvae to acute temperature variations in relation to ontogenetic stage and microenvironment exposure. Two relatively pristine study sites were selected to represent a warm temperate and subtropical mangrove system in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa, respectively. The differences in complexity among the root systems of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorhiza were assessed using 3D scanning and the computed 3D models were then analysed using four complexity metrics. Results indicated that A. marina is the most complex in terms of surface-volume ratio, R. mucronata has the most interstitial space among its roots and B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata differ in their fractal dimensions. Larvae collected in each microhabitat at each site using light traps showed that, despite temperature and salinity homogeneity across microenvironments, spatio-temporal differences occurred in both fish and invertebrate assemblages. This trend suggests that microhabitat structural complexity exerts an influence on larval community composition by acting as a microscape of available habitat, which ensures ecological linkages within and among the mangrove forest and adjacent ecosystems. In addition, the oxygen consumption rates of mangrove-associated brachyuran larvae varied according to mangrove microhabitat, whereby larvae collected at less complex environments had the highest metabolic rates at increased temperatures. Moreover, ontogenetic shifts in physiology were prevalent as older brachyuran larvae were more eurythermal than earlier stages, suggesting that thermally stressful events will have a greater impact on recently spawned larvae. Overall, the interstitial spaces within individual root systems are the most important complexity measure, as utilisation of these mangrove microhabitats is scale-dependent, and larvae will most likely occupy spaces inaccessible to large predators. Likewise, microscale variation in the environmental conditions and ontogenetic stage of brachyuran larvae within the mangrove microscape, can amplify the physiological responses to rapid temperature variations. Results suggest that early stage larvae are the most vulnerable to mass-mortality, and if thermally stressful events increase in frequency, duration and magnitude, the larval supply for the successful recruitment into adult populations could be under threat. Through linking how mangrove microhabitat complexity influences larvae in terms of community metrics and physiology, this study paves the way for further advancement of our understanding of how microscale processes emerge into meso- and macroscale patterns and influence the stability and functioning of highly productive ecosystems.
- Full Text:
The role of northwest striking structures in controlling highgrade ore shoots at the Syama Gold Mine, Mali, West Africa
- Authors: Soro, Ali
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Syama Gold Mine , Gold ores -- Geology -- Mali , Veins (Geology) -- Mali
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145209 , vital:38418
- Description: This study intended to investigate the relationship between the NW striking structures and the high-grade ore shoots at the Syama gold mine in Mali, West Africa. All structural data collected since 1987 from drill core have been integrated to allow the interpretation and modelling of these NW-SE structures. The structures collected were grouped into three main groups; foliations/shears/faults, veins and joints/contacts/fractures. Micromine software was used to plot the structures, printed out on A3 paper and interpreted manually using tracing paper. Analysis and interpretation of stereographic plots has shown that the majority of the high-grade zones are generally located at the intersection of the NNE structures and the NW structures. The observed cross-cutting relationship between the NNE and the NW structures suggests two different generation of faults. It is suggested that the NW structures were active during the D4 deformation event (Standing, 2007) and have played a role in reactivating earlier (D3) NNE structures, allowing greater fluid flow and enhancing the gold grade. These zones are mainly defined by brecciation and stockwork veining. The E-W structures are believed to be the latest and are attributed to the D5 event. Although gold mineralisation is grossly controlled by the NNE structures, the NW structures need to be considered as major gold enrichment upgrading factors at Syama. It is therefore strongly recommended that ongoing exploration at Syama specifically target the intersection of the NW and NNE structures as favourable zones for high-grade mineralisation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Soro, Ali
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Syama Gold Mine , Gold ores -- Geology -- Mali , Veins (Geology) -- Mali
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145209 , vital:38418
- Description: This study intended to investigate the relationship between the NW striking structures and the high-grade ore shoots at the Syama gold mine in Mali, West Africa. All structural data collected since 1987 from drill core have been integrated to allow the interpretation and modelling of these NW-SE structures. The structures collected were grouped into three main groups; foliations/shears/faults, veins and joints/contacts/fractures. Micromine software was used to plot the structures, printed out on A3 paper and interpreted manually using tracing paper. Analysis and interpretation of stereographic plots has shown that the majority of the high-grade zones are generally located at the intersection of the NNE structures and the NW structures. The observed cross-cutting relationship between the NNE and the NW structures suggests two different generation of faults. It is suggested that the NW structures were active during the D4 deformation event (Standing, 2007) and have played a role in reactivating earlier (D3) NNE structures, allowing greater fluid flow and enhancing the gold grade. These zones are mainly defined by brecciation and stockwork veining. The E-W structures are believed to be the latest and are attributed to the D5 event. Although gold mineralisation is grossly controlled by the NNE structures, the NW structures need to be considered as major gold enrichment upgrading factors at Syama. It is therefore strongly recommended that ongoing exploration at Syama specifically target the intersection of the NW and NNE structures as favourable zones for high-grade mineralisation.
- Full Text:
The role of the flower-galling mite, Aceria lantanae, in integrated control of the light pink 163LP variety of Lantana camara (L.) in South Africa:
- Mukwevho, Ludzula, Mphephu, Tshililo E
- Authors: Mukwevho, Ludzula , Mphephu, Tshililo E
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149010 , vital:38795 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104309
- Description: We evaluated the impact of the gall-forming mite, Aceria lantanae (Cook) (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae) on flower and fruit production by coppicing shoots, following pruning, of a widely distributed variety (light pink 163LP) of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) in South Africa. Counts, at three different sites, of developed inflorescences, flowers and fruits and the extent of A. lantanae galling were done for coppicing shoots at four different stages of growth (3, 6, 9- and 12-months post-pruning).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mukwevho, Ludzula , Mphephu, Tshililo E
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149010 , vital:38795 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104309
- Description: We evaluated the impact of the gall-forming mite, Aceria lantanae (Cook) (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyidae) on flower and fruit production by coppicing shoots, following pruning, of a widely distributed variety (light pink 163LP) of Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) in South Africa. Counts, at three different sites, of developed inflorescences, flowers and fruits and the extent of A. lantanae galling were done for coppicing shoots at four different stages of growth (3, 6, 9- and 12-months post-pruning).
- Full Text:
The role of the Hop co-chaperone in the formation of Hsp90 complexes: chaperone link to glycolysis
- Authors: Maharaj, Shantal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163593 , vital:41051 , doi:10.21504/10962/163593
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maharaj, Shantal
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163593 , vital:41051 , doi:10.21504/10962/163593
- Description: Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2020
- Full Text:
The roles of phonological awareness, rapid automatised naming and morphological awareness in isiXhosa:
- Schaefer, Maxine, Probert, Tracy N, Rees, Siȃn
- Authors: Schaefer, Maxine , Probert, Tracy N , Rees, Siȃn
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159950 , vital:40359 , https://doi.org/10.5785/36-1-878
- Description: The current paper examines the unique contributions of phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatised naming (RAN) and morphological awareness (MA) to oral reading fluency (ORF) in isiXhosa. No published study has yet explored the individual contributions of these three cognitive-linguistic skills to reading in isiXhosa. Sixty-six grade 3 home language isiXhosa learners were assessed on these cognitive-linguistic skills. Results from a linear regression analysis showed that only RAN and MA, but not PA, were significant concurrent predictors of ORF. These results suggest that the role of PA in reading in grade 3 learners in isiXhosa may have been overestimated because other important predictors of reading have not been controlled. Our data also suggest that grade 3 isiXhosa learners may make use of the morpheme as a grain size in reading. Our study highlights the need for longitudinal research which explores the roles of PA, MA and RAN in reading development in order to inform reading pedagogy in isiXhosa and other Southern Bantu languages.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Schaefer, Maxine , Probert, Tracy N , Rees, Siȃn
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159950 , vital:40359 , https://doi.org/10.5785/36-1-878
- Description: The current paper examines the unique contributions of phonological awareness (PA), rapid automatised naming (RAN) and morphological awareness (MA) to oral reading fluency (ORF) in isiXhosa. No published study has yet explored the individual contributions of these three cognitive-linguistic skills to reading in isiXhosa. Sixty-six grade 3 home language isiXhosa learners were assessed on these cognitive-linguistic skills. Results from a linear regression analysis showed that only RAN and MA, but not PA, were significant concurrent predictors of ORF. These results suggest that the role of PA in reading in grade 3 learners in isiXhosa may have been overestimated because other important predictors of reading have not been controlled. Our data also suggest that grade 3 isiXhosa learners may make use of the morpheme as a grain size in reading. Our study highlights the need for longitudinal research which explores the roles of PA, MA and RAN in reading development in order to inform reading pedagogy in isiXhosa and other Southern Bantu languages.
- Full Text:
The small pelagic fishery of the Pemba Channel, Tanzania: what we know and what we need to know for management under climate change
- Sekadende, Baraka, Scott, Lucy E P, Anderson, Jim, Aswani, Shankar, Francis, Julius, Jacobs, Zoe, Jebri, Fatma, Jiddawi, Narriman, Kamukuru, Albogast T, Kelly, Stephen, Kizenga, Hellen, Kuguru, Baraka, Kyewalyanga, Margareth, Noyon, Margaux, Nyandwi, Ntahondi, Painter, Stuart C, Palmer, Matthew, Raitsos, Dionysios, Roberts, Michael J, Sailley, Sévrine F, Samoilys, Melita, Sauer, Warwick H H, Shayo, Salome, Shaghude, Yohana W, Taylor, Sarah F W, Wihsgott, Juliane U, Ekaterina Popova
- Authors: Sekadende, Baraka , Scott, Lucy E P , Anderson, Jim , Aswani, Shankar , Francis, Julius , Jacobs, Zoe , Jebri, Fatma , Jiddawi, Narriman , Kamukuru, Albogast T , Kelly, Stephen , Kizenga, Hellen , Kuguru, Baraka , Kyewalyanga, Margareth , Noyon, Margaux , Nyandwi, Ntahondi , Painter, Stuart C , Palmer, Matthew , Raitsos, Dionysios , Roberts, Michael J , Sailley, Sévrine F , Samoilys, Melita , Sauer, Warwick H H , Shayo, Salome , Shaghude, Yohana W , Taylor, Sarah F W , Wihsgott, Juliane U , Ekaterina Popova
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178986 , vital:40102 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105322
- Description: Small pelagic fish, including anchovies, sardines and sardinellas, mackerels, capelin, hilsa, sprats and herrings, are distributed widely, from the tropics to the far north Atlantic Ocean and to the southern oceans off Chile and South Africa. They are most abundant in the highly productive major eastern boundary upwelling systems and are characterised by significant natural variations in biomass. Overall, small pelagic fisheries represent about one third of global fish landings although a large proportion of the catch is processed into animal feeds. Nonetheless, in some developing countries in addition to their economic value, small pelagic fisheries also make an important contribution to human diets and the food security of many low-income households. Such is the case for many communities in the Zanzibar Archipelago and on mainland Tanzania in the Western Indian Ocean. Of great concern in this region, as elsewhere, is the potential impact of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems in general, and on small pelagic fisheries in particular. This paper describes data and information available on Tanzania's small pelagic fisheries, including catch and effort, management protocols and socio-economic significance.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sekadende, Baraka , Scott, Lucy E P , Anderson, Jim , Aswani, Shankar , Francis, Julius , Jacobs, Zoe , Jebri, Fatma , Jiddawi, Narriman , Kamukuru, Albogast T , Kelly, Stephen , Kizenga, Hellen , Kuguru, Baraka , Kyewalyanga, Margareth , Noyon, Margaux , Nyandwi, Ntahondi , Painter, Stuart C , Palmer, Matthew , Raitsos, Dionysios , Roberts, Michael J , Sailley, Sévrine F , Samoilys, Melita , Sauer, Warwick H H , Shayo, Salome , Shaghude, Yohana W , Taylor, Sarah F W , Wihsgott, Juliane U , Ekaterina Popova
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/178986 , vital:40102 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105322
- Description: Small pelagic fish, including anchovies, sardines and sardinellas, mackerels, capelin, hilsa, sprats and herrings, are distributed widely, from the tropics to the far north Atlantic Ocean and to the southern oceans off Chile and South Africa. They are most abundant in the highly productive major eastern boundary upwelling systems and are characterised by significant natural variations in biomass. Overall, small pelagic fisheries represent about one third of global fish landings although a large proportion of the catch is processed into animal feeds. Nonetheless, in some developing countries in addition to their economic value, small pelagic fisheries also make an important contribution to human diets and the food security of many low-income households. Such is the case for many communities in the Zanzibar Archipelago and on mainland Tanzania in the Western Indian Ocean. Of great concern in this region, as elsewhere, is the potential impact of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems in general, and on small pelagic fisheries in particular. This paper describes data and information available on Tanzania's small pelagic fisheries, including catch and effort, management protocols and socio-economic significance.
- Full Text:
The social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa
- Shackleton, Ross T, Novoa, Ana, Shackleton, Charlie M, Kull, Christian A
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, Ana , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176285 , vital:42681 , DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, Ana , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176285 , vital:42681 , DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them.
- Full Text:
The social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa
- Shackleton, Ross T, Novoa, A, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434000 , vital:73020 , ISBN 978-3-030-32394-3 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them. The propositions we assess include:(1) intentional introductions were and continue to refiect the social ethos of the time;(2) people go to great lengths to ensure that newly introduced species establish themselves;(3) human-mediated modifications help invasive species to establish;(4) how people think about and study invasive species is strongly shaped by social-ecological contexts;(5) knowledge and awareness of invasive species is low amongst the general public;(6) personal values are the primary factor affecting perceptions of invasive alien species and their control;(7) specific social-ecological contexts mediate how invasive species affect people;(8) research on social effects of invasive species primarily focuses on negative impacts;(9) the negative social impacts of invasive species on local livelihoods are of more concern to people than impacts on biodiversity;(10) people are less willing to manage species regarded as ‘charismatic’;(11) social heterogeneity increases confiicts around the management of biological invasions; and (12) engagement with society is key to successful management. By advancing and questioning propositions, we were able to determine what is known, provide evidence for where gaps lie, and thus identify areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434000 , vital:73020 , ISBN 978-3-030-32394-3 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them. The propositions we assess include:(1) intentional introductions were and continue to refiect the social ethos of the time;(2) people go to great lengths to ensure that newly introduced species establish themselves;(3) human-mediated modifications help invasive species to establish;(4) how people think about and study invasive species is strongly shaped by social-ecological contexts;(5) knowledge and awareness of invasive species is low amongst the general public;(6) personal values are the primary factor affecting perceptions of invasive alien species and their control;(7) specific social-ecological contexts mediate how invasive species affect people;(8) research on social effects of invasive species primarily focuses on negative impacts;(9) the negative social impacts of invasive species on local livelihoods are of more concern to people than impacts on biodiversity;(10) people are less willing to manage species regarded as ‘charismatic’;(11) social heterogeneity increases confiicts around the management of biological invasions; and (12) engagement with society is key to successful management. By advancing and questioning propositions, we were able to determine what is known, provide evidence for where gaps lie, and thus identify areas for future research.
- Full Text:
The South African income tax implications of a Stokvel
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matshego, Katlego
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Rotating credit associations -- South Africa. , Taxation -- South Africa , Tax deductions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143094 , vital:38201
- Description: The term “Stokvel” originates from the rotating cattle auctions of English settlers in the Eastern Cape during the nineteen century. A Stokvel is defined as a credit union where a group of people agree to contribute a fixed amount of money to a common pool and is referred to as a rotating savings and credit association, where the contributions to a fund are given in whole or in part to each member. The goal of the thesis was to determine the “gross income” implications of the fund and its members, as well the deductibility of their expenses. An interpretative research approach was used in the research as it sought to understand and describe. No interviews were conducted for this research and the data used for the research are publicly available. The tax implications of five different types of a Stokvel were considered in relation to the research goals through the application of legislation and case law principles. The study established that a collection burial society, where funds are contributed after death, does not beneficially receive funds and it is not entitled to any deductions. The same applies to the member of that society. A contributing burial society, where funds are contributed over time, beneficially receives funds, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. The receipt by the member is exempt and deductions are prohibited by section 23(f). An entertainment Stokvel does not receive the contributions on its own behalf and benefit. No deductions are available to it. However, the member beneficially receives the contributions from the Stokvel, which are included in “gross income”, and qualifies for deductions. A purchasing power group, where items are purchased on behalf of members, does not receive the funds beneficially and no deductions are available to it. The members simply receive the goods they have paid for. Lastly an investment Stokvel, which invests contributions for the members, beneficially receives contributions and qualifies for various deductions. The member receives the share of income from the Stokvel for his/her own benefit. However, no deductions are available in respect of contributions.
- Full Text:
The taxonomy of the topminnows (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes) (Procatopodidae: Procatopodinae) of southern Africa
- Authors: Van Zeeventer, Ryan Matthew
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cyprinodontiformes -- Africa, Southern , Killifishes -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145559 , vital:38449
- Description: Taxonomy is a tool that plays a crucial role in the implementation of effective management assessments, the ability to identify different fish species and their life stages, and create effective conservation strategies. Recent years have seen an increase in the discovery of cryptic species which could have an effect on how we implement conservation strategies, increasing the importance of accurate taxonomic assessments. The southern African topminnows of the genera Micropanchax and Lacustricola (Family Procatopodidae) include several species of egg-laying fishes that live in the marginal areas of rivers and lakes throughout the river systems of southern Africa in separated and connected populations. It was recently discovered that these populations showed subtle differences in their morphology and colouration, which led to the belief that new and cryptic species may be present. Previous studies of the Procatopodidae relied heavily on phylogenetic analyses that drew on morphological traits without reliance on molecular methods of analysis. A few of the taxonomic issues were resolved through these limited studies but ultimately the taxonomic status of the Procatopodidae remained poorly understood. Furthermore, these studies had not been updated in recent years and hence the benefits of new technology had not been brought to bear on the issues. A multi-gene analysis using standard phylogenetic methods and five molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COI), mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial Tyrosine Kinase (X-src) (TyrK)) allowed phylogenetic trees to be made which demonstrated clear relationships within Micropanchax and Lacustricola of southern Africa and the out-groups used in the analysis. The inference trees showed that Micropanchax johnstoni was represented by three clades and was shown to be polyphyletic while Micropanchax hutereaui, which was represented by two clades, and Micropanchax katangae, which was represented by one clade, were monophyletic. The two species of Lacustricola, L. myaposae and L. macrurus showed very close relationships to Micropanchax and it is suggested that these two species be transferred to Micropanchax, leaving Lacustricola to only be found in central Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Zeeventer, Ryan Matthew
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cyprinodontiformes -- Africa, Southern , Killifishes -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145559 , vital:38449
- Description: Taxonomy is a tool that plays a crucial role in the implementation of effective management assessments, the ability to identify different fish species and their life stages, and create effective conservation strategies. Recent years have seen an increase in the discovery of cryptic species which could have an effect on how we implement conservation strategies, increasing the importance of accurate taxonomic assessments. The southern African topminnows of the genera Micropanchax and Lacustricola (Family Procatopodidae) include several species of egg-laying fishes that live in the marginal areas of rivers and lakes throughout the river systems of southern Africa in separated and connected populations. It was recently discovered that these populations showed subtle differences in their morphology and colouration, which led to the belief that new and cryptic species may be present. Previous studies of the Procatopodidae relied heavily on phylogenetic analyses that drew on morphological traits without reliance on molecular methods of analysis. A few of the taxonomic issues were resolved through these limited studies but ultimately the taxonomic status of the Procatopodidae remained poorly understood. Furthermore, these studies had not been updated in recent years and hence the benefits of new technology had not been brought to bear on the issues. A multi-gene analysis using standard phylogenetic methods and five molecular markers (mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (COI), mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb), mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA), nuclear 28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA) and mitochondrial Tyrosine Kinase (X-src) (TyrK)) allowed phylogenetic trees to be made which demonstrated clear relationships within Micropanchax and Lacustricola of southern Africa and the out-groups used in the analysis. The inference trees showed that Micropanchax johnstoni was represented by three clades and was shown to be polyphyletic while Micropanchax hutereaui, which was represented by two clades, and Micropanchax katangae, which was represented by one clade, were monophyletic. The two species of Lacustricola, L. myaposae and L. macrurus showed very close relationships to Micropanchax and it is suggested that these two species be transferred to Micropanchax, leaving Lacustricola to only be found in central Africa.
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The Thousand-Pulsar-Array programme on MeerKAT–I: science objectives and first results
- Johnston, Simon, Karastergiou, A, Keith, M J, Song, X, Weltevrede, P, Abbate, F, Bailes, M, Buchner, S, Camilo, F, Geyer, M, Hugo, B, Jameson, A, Kramer, M, Parthasarathy, A, Reardon, D J, Ridolfi A, Serylak, M, Shannon, R M, Spiewak, R, Van Straten, W, Venkatraman Krishnan, V, Jankowski, F, Meyers, B W, Oswald , L, Posselt, B, Sobey, C, Szary, A, Van Leeuwen, J
- Authors: Johnston, Simon , Karastergiou, A , Keith, M J , Song, X , Weltevrede, P , Abbate, F , Bailes, M , Buchner, S , Camilo, F , Geyer, M , Hugo, B , Jameson, A , Kramer, M , Parthasarathy, A , Reardon, D J , Ridolfi A , Serylak, M , Shannon, R M , Spiewak, R , Van Straten, W , Venkatraman Krishnan, V , Jankowski, F , Meyers, B W , Oswald , L , Posselt, B , Sobey, C , Szary, A , Van Leeuwen, J
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148814 , vital:38776 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/mnras/staa516
- Description: We report here on initial results from the Thousand-Pulsar-Array (TPA) programme, part of the Large Survey Project ‘MeerTime’ on the MeerKAT telescope. The interferometer is used in the tied-array mode in the band from 856 to 1712 MHz, and the wide band coupled with the large collecting area and low receiver temperature make it an excellent telescope for the study of radio pulsars. The TPA is a 5 year project, which aims at to observing (a) more than 1000 pulsars to obtain high-fidelity pulse profiles, (b) some 500 of these pulsars over multiple epochs, and (c) long sequences of single-pulse trains from several hundred pulsars.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Johnston, Simon , Karastergiou, A , Keith, M J , Song, X , Weltevrede, P , Abbate, F , Bailes, M , Buchner, S , Camilo, F , Geyer, M , Hugo, B , Jameson, A , Kramer, M , Parthasarathy, A , Reardon, D J , Ridolfi A , Serylak, M , Shannon, R M , Spiewak, R , Van Straten, W , Venkatraman Krishnan, V , Jankowski, F , Meyers, B W , Oswald , L , Posselt, B , Sobey, C , Szary, A , Van Leeuwen, J
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/148814 , vital:38776 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1093/mnras/staa516
- Description: We report here on initial results from the Thousand-Pulsar-Array (TPA) programme, part of the Large Survey Project ‘MeerTime’ on the MeerKAT telescope. The interferometer is used in the tied-array mode in the band from 856 to 1712 MHz, and the wide band coupled with the large collecting area and low receiver temperature make it an excellent telescope for the study of radio pulsars. The TPA is a 5 year project, which aims at to observing (a) more than 1000 pulsars to obtain high-fidelity pulse profiles, (b) some 500 of these pulsars over multiple epochs, and (c) long sequences of single-pulse trains from several hundred pulsars.
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The Transformative Power of Language: From Postcolonial to Knowledge Societies in Africa
- Kaschula, Russell H, Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174514 , vital:42484 , ISBN 9781108498821
- Description: Language has played a pivotal role in societal transformation in postcolonial Africa towards the creation of globally competitive knowledge societies; however so far, this role has been under-researched and under-estimated. This volume addresses this gap in the literature, by bringing together a team of globally-recognised scholars to explore the effect of language on African postcolonial societies, and how it has contributed to achieving 'mental decolonisation'. A range of languages are explored, both imported (ex-colonial) and indigenous African, and case studies from different spheres of public discourse are investigated, from universities to legal settings. Demonstrating that multilingualism is a resource for, rather than barrier to, successful transformation, this book brings the intellectualisation and institutionalisation of African languages to the forefront of development discourse, and provides an insightful snap-shot of how current academic research, public discourse, political activism and social community engagement have contributed to societal transformation in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kaschula, Russell H , Wolff, H Ekkehard
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174514 , vital:42484 , ISBN 9781108498821
- Description: Language has played a pivotal role in societal transformation in postcolonial Africa towards the creation of globally competitive knowledge societies; however so far, this role has been under-researched and under-estimated. This volume addresses this gap in the literature, by bringing together a team of globally-recognised scholars to explore the effect of language on African postcolonial societies, and how it has contributed to achieving 'mental decolonisation'. A range of languages are explored, both imported (ex-colonial) and indigenous African, and case studies from different spheres of public discourse are investigated, from universities to legal settings. Demonstrating that multilingualism is a resource for, rather than barrier to, successful transformation, this book brings the intellectualisation and institutionalisation of African languages to the forefront of development discourse, and provides an insightful snap-shot of how current academic research, public discourse, political activism and social community engagement have contributed to societal transformation in South Africa.
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The Unintended Consequences of Using Direct Incentives to Drive the Complex Task of Research Dissemination
- Muthama, Evelyn, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187116 , vital:44569 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.25159/1947-9417/6688"
- Description: Universities have used an array of incentives to increase academic publications, which are highly rewarded in the South African higher education funding formula. While all universities use indirect incentives, such as linking promotion and probation to publication, the mechanisms used in some institutions have taken a very direct form, whereby authors are paid to publish. This process has paralleled a large rise in publication outputs alongside increased concerns about quality. Significantly, there are ethical questions to be asked when knowledge dissemination is so explicitly linked to financial reward through the payment of commission to academics. Based on an analysis of institutional policies and data from an online survey and interviews with academics from seven South African universities, we argue that when money is the main means used to encourage academics to contribute to knowledge, numerous unintended consequences may emerge. These include a focus on quantity rather than the quality of research, a rise in predatory publishing, and resentment among academics. We argue that incentives, in particular direct payment for publications, undermine the academic project by positioning publications in terms of exchange-value rather than their use-value as a contribution to knowledge building.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muthama, Evelyn , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187116 , vital:44569 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.25159/1947-9417/6688"
- Description: Universities have used an array of incentives to increase academic publications, which are highly rewarded in the South African higher education funding formula. While all universities use indirect incentives, such as linking promotion and probation to publication, the mechanisms used in some institutions have taken a very direct form, whereby authors are paid to publish. This process has paralleled a large rise in publication outputs alongside increased concerns about quality. Significantly, there are ethical questions to be asked when knowledge dissemination is so explicitly linked to financial reward through the payment of commission to academics. Based on an analysis of institutional policies and data from an online survey and interviews with academics from seven South African universities, we argue that when money is the main means used to encourage academics to contribute to knowledge, numerous unintended consequences may emerge. These include a focus on quantity rather than the quality of research, a rise in predatory publishing, and resentment among academics. We argue that incentives, in particular direct payment for publications, undermine the academic project by positioning publications in terms of exchange-value rather than their use-value as a contribution to knowledge building.
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The use of quantitative analysis and Hansen solubility parameter predictions for the selection of excipients for lipid nanocarriers to be loaded with water soluble and insoluble compounds
- Makoni, Pedzisai A, Ranchhod, Janeeta, Khamanga, Sandile M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Ranchhod, Janeeta , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183376 , vital:43981 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2020.01.010"
- Description: The aim of these studies was to determine the miscibility of different API with lipid excipients to predict drug loading and encapsulation properties for the production of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. Five API exhibiting different physicochemical characteristics, viz., clarithromycin, efavirenz, minocycline hydrochloride, mometasone furoate, and didanosine were used and six solid lipids in addition to four liquid lipids were investigated. Determination of solid and liquid lipids with the best solubilization potential for each API were performed using a traditional shake-flask method and/or a modification thereof. Hansen solubility parameters of the API and different solid and liquid lipids were estimated from their chemical structure using Hiroshi Yamamoto’s molecular breaking method of Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice software. Experimental results were in close agreement with solubility parameter predictions for systems with ΔδT larger than 4.0 MPa1/2. A combination of Hansen solubility parameters with experimental drug-lipid miscibility tests can be successfully applied to predict lipids with the best solubilizing potential for different API prior to manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Ranchhod, Janeeta , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183376 , vital:43981 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsps.2020.01.010"
- Description: The aim of these studies was to determine the miscibility of different API with lipid excipients to predict drug loading and encapsulation properties for the production of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers. Five API exhibiting different physicochemical characteristics, viz., clarithromycin, efavirenz, minocycline hydrochloride, mometasone furoate, and didanosine were used and six solid lipids in addition to four liquid lipids were investigated. Determination of solid and liquid lipids with the best solubilization potential for each API were performed using a traditional shake-flask method and/or a modification thereof. Hansen solubility parameters of the API and different solid and liquid lipids were estimated from their chemical structure using Hiroshi Yamamoto’s molecular breaking method of Hansen Solubility Parameters in Practice software. Experimental results were in close agreement with solubility parameter predictions for systems with ΔδT larger than 4.0 MPa1/2. A combination of Hansen solubility parameters with experimental drug-lipid miscibility tests can be successfully applied to predict lipids with the best solubilizing potential for different API prior to manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers.
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The use of ritual as physical and spiritual medium and its documentation in Buhlebezwe Siwani’s contemporary visual arts performance
- Authors: Lila, Philiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Arts and religion , Ritual -- South Africa , Performance art -- Religious aspects -- South Africa , Women performance artists -- South Africa , Siwani, Buhlebezwe, 1987-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166160 , vital:41334
- Description: This thesis is motivated by my experience of Inzilo: Ngoba ngihlala kwabafileyo, a live performance by South African visual artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. The performance took place at Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town (UCT), as part of a group exhibition Between Subject and Object: human remains at the interface of art and science (2014), which accompanied the Medical Humanities in Africa Conference (from 28 – 29 August 2014). As an entry into my discussion, I describe how Siwani’s performance makes use of death and burial ritual in what seems to be an intention to make art that is (re)presenting an activity of reality to invade and control the sphere of feelings, emotions and a sense of ceremony that is dependent on both ritual and rites of the performance. I grapple with the fact that I experienced a ritual performance in a gallery space. Furthermore, I question how walking out of the performance I thought of the lines between art and/or life. The role of ritual in my thesis explores the symbolic meanings, powers and intentions of ritual rites in Africa. This reflection maps out historical locations that are relevant to the major debates, definitions, themes and the experiences of ritual as part of academic research. From Siwani’s practice as an artist and isangoma to other expressions in the fields of history, sociology, religion, feminism, to mention a few, my thesis is an enquiry that engages ritual and performance art theory and scholarship. Through a qualitative analysis, my methodology rejects a chronological, thematic and discipline centered research. Rather, I use a multidisciplinary approach based on critical visual analysis as knowledge creation in the visual arts, for example archives, documentation, performance, text, video, installation, painting, sculpture, etc. The findings suggests that the role of ritual in performance art is not a singular exploration, nor is it based on separating ritual and performance art. The results further reveal that ritual in performance art is not a reenactment of patterns and human behaviours, nor is the notion of reenactment used to denote the myriad meanings and functions of re-performing historical ritual events into performance art. Throughout, my thesis provides a focus that demonstrates the significance of how ritual in performance art has a profound subjective (personal or individual) and collective holistic way of serving human and spiritual needs, and that of creating an environment that is open to the content and context of art as it relates with traditional African religious practices, beliefs and knowledges. Focus is given to three major themes that make up the three chapters of my research: firstly, I reflect on death as personified by Siwani’s performance Inzilo: Ngoba ii ngihlala kwabafileyo and her role as isangoma. Here death is used to draw specific attention to the body in process of embodied presence and absence of physical and spiritual worlds. Secondly, drawing on Siwani’s concept of secrecy and boundaries of concealing and revealing rituals meanings and powers as isangoma, I question the role of secrets, which highlights the significance of bodies (human and natural sites of ritual) in ritual performance. Finally, the idea of a trace is explored. The intersecting use of a trace as the thinking-making-doing of ritual in performance articulates a connected thread that sets in motion the trace of ritual (installation, image and marked space pf ritual) as an afterlife that offers a continued space of processual ceremony for multiple effective encounters and movements..
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lila, Philiswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Arts and religion , Ritual -- South Africa , Performance art -- Religious aspects -- South Africa , Women performance artists -- South Africa , Siwani, Buhlebezwe, 1987-
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166160 , vital:41334
- Description: This thesis is motivated by my experience of Inzilo: Ngoba ngihlala kwabafileyo, a live performance by South African visual artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. The performance took place at Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town (UCT), as part of a group exhibition Between Subject and Object: human remains at the interface of art and science (2014), which accompanied the Medical Humanities in Africa Conference (from 28 – 29 August 2014). As an entry into my discussion, I describe how Siwani’s performance makes use of death and burial ritual in what seems to be an intention to make art that is (re)presenting an activity of reality to invade and control the sphere of feelings, emotions and a sense of ceremony that is dependent on both ritual and rites of the performance. I grapple with the fact that I experienced a ritual performance in a gallery space. Furthermore, I question how walking out of the performance I thought of the lines between art and/or life. The role of ritual in my thesis explores the symbolic meanings, powers and intentions of ritual rites in Africa. This reflection maps out historical locations that are relevant to the major debates, definitions, themes and the experiences of ritual as part of academic research. From Siwani’s practice as an artist and isangoma to other expressions in the fields of history, sociology, religion, feminism, to mention a few, my thesis is an enquiry that engages ritual and performance art theory and scholarship. Through a qualitative analysis, my methodology rejects a chronological, thematic and discipline centered research. Rather, I use a multidisciplinary approach based on critical visual analysis as knowledge creation in the visual arts, for example archives, documentation, performance, text, video, installation, painting, sculpture, etc. The findings suggests that the role of ritual in performance art is not a singular exploration, nor is it based on separating ritual and performance art. The results further reveal that ritual in performance art is not a reenactment of patterns and human behaviours, nor is the notion of reenactment used to denote the myriad meanings and functions of re-performing historical ritual events into performance art. Throughout, my thesis provides a focus that demonstrates the significance of how ritual in performance art has a profound subjective (personal or individual) and collective holistic way of serving human and spiritual needs, and that of creating an environment that is open to the content and context of art as it relates with traditional African religious practices, beliefs and knowledges. Focus is given to three major themes that make up the three chapters of my research: firstly, I reflect on death as personified by Siwani’s performance Inzilo: Ngoba ii ngihlala kwabafileyo and her role as isangoma. Here death is used to draw specific attention to the body in process of embodied presence and absence of physical and spiritual worlds. Secondly, drawing on Siwani’s concept of secrecy and boundaries of concealing and revealing rituals meanings and powers as isangoma, I question the role of secrets, which highlights the significance of bodies (human and natural sites of ritual) in ritual performance. Finally, the idea of a trace is explored. The intersecting use of a trace as the thinking-making-doing of ritual in performance articulates a connected thread that sets in motion the trace of ritual (installation, image and marked space pf ritual) as an afterlife that offers a continued space of processual ceremony for multiple effective encounters and movements..
- Full Text:
The value of economic capital as an indicator to protect prospective and existing ordinary shareholders
- Authors: Chonzi, Tendai Day
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Risk management -- South Africa , ABSA Bank , FirstRand Limited , Nedbank , Standard Bank Limited , Capitec Bank (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145807 , vital:38468
- Description: South Africans banking sector is one of the most dominating banking sectors in Africa. The banking sector is privately owned and involves a lot of different stakeholders, who risk losing their investments. One of the stakeholders who are the bottom of the repayment chain are existing ordinary shareholders because they risk losing all their investment in the result of bankruptcy, liquidity crises or the inability of the bank to repay their shareholders. Regulators in the banking sector only protect the depositor and the stability of the banking sector but not ordinary shareholders. An internal supervisory measure called economic capital has recently received more attention because of its aim to protect ordinary shareholders and thus, existing and prospective shareholders can use its value as a protective indicator. Economic theory assumes that the higher the value of economic capital (the lower the economic capital shortfall), the lower the return on investment for existing ordinary shareholders. The aforementioned shows a trade-off between protection (economic capital) and returns. Literature by Larsson (2009) further suggests that banks are always reluctant with implementing internal measures to protect themselves because of the good regulatory regime in the sector, some banks think that they are “too big to fail” and the fact that the reserve banks are always on the standby as a bailout. The purpose of this research is to examine which of the top five commercial banks in South African actively protect their existing ordinary shareholders using the value of economic capital and possibly attract prospective ordinary shareholders, locally and internationally. The banks under study are Absa, Capitec, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank over ten years, starting from June 2009 to May 2019 and in monthly frequency. The observations totalled 120 and two models that are under the Return Series Method were in used, namely; Historical Simulation Model and Variance Covariance Model. Both models, although they were small deviations in the value of economic capital, concluded that Standard Bank protects its existing ordinary shareholders the most, followed by FirstRand, then Absa and last is Nedbank. Capitec was the only bank, after one financial shock that could not protect its existing ordinary shareholders. Moreover, evidence in the study shows a trade-off between economic capital and return on investment in the case of Capitec and Standard Bank. Standard Bank had the highest value of economic capital and second-lowest return on investment, while Capitec had the highest return on investment and lowest value of economic capital. The significant policy implication of the research is that financial institution needs to strike a balance between protection and profits; thus, a way of protecting various stakeholders. Financial shocks have proven that regulatory measures are weak and they are is need for internal measures (economic capital) which indicate how financial institution can sustain in such cases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chonzi, Tendai Day
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Risk management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Risk management -- South Africa , ABSA Bank , FirstRand Limited , Nedbank , Standard Bank Limited , Capitec Bank (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145807 , vital:38468
- Description: South Africans banking sector is one of the most dominating banking sectors in Africa. The banking sector is privately owned and involves a lot of different stakeholders, who risk losing their investments. One of the stakeholders who are the bottom of the repayment chain are existing ordinary shareholders because they risk losing all their investment in the result of bankruptcy, liquidity crises or the inability of the bank to repay their shareholders. Regulators in the banking sector only protect the depositor and the stability of the banking sector but not ordinary shareholders. An internal supervisory measure called economic capital has recently received more attention because of its aim to protect ordinary shareholders and thus, existing and prospective shareholders can use its value as a protective indicator. Economic theory assumes that the higher the value of economic capital (the lower the economic capital shortfall), the lower the return on investment for existing ordinary shareholders. The aforementioned shows a trade-off between protection (economic capital) and returns. Literature by Larsson (2009) further suggests that banks are always reluctant with implementing internal measures to protect themselves because of the good regulatory regime in the sector, some banks think that they are “too big to fail” and the fact that the reserve banks are always on the standby as a bailout. The purpose of this research is to examine which of the top five commercial banks in South African actively protect their existing ordinary shareholders using the value of economic capital and possibly attract prospective ordinary shareholders, locally and internationally. The banks under study are Absa, Capitec, FirstRand, Nedbank and Standard Bank over ten years, starting from June 2009 to May 2019 and in monthly frequency. The observations totalled 120 and two models that are under the Return Series Method were in used, namely; Historical Simulation Model and Variance Covariance Model. Both models, although they were small deviations in the value of economic capital, concluded that Standard Bank protects its existing ordinary shareholders the most, followed by FirstRand, then Absa and last is Nedbank. Capitec was the only bank, after one financial shock that could not protect its existing ordinary shareholders. Moreover, evidence in the study shows a trade-off between economic capital and return on investment in the case of Capitec and Standard Bank. Standard Bank had the highest value of economic capital and second-lowest return on investment, while Capitec had the highest return on investment and lowest value of economic capital. The significant policy implication of the research is that financial institution needs to strike a balance between protection and profits; thus, a way of protecting various stakeholders. Financial shocks have proven that regulatory measures are weak and they are is need for internal measures (economic capital) which indicate how financial institution can sustain in such cases.
- Full Text:
The weak to strong state involvement and political accountability levels schema
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril N , Mkize, N N
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa -- Socio-economic development South Africa -- Politics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165364 , vital:41237
- Description: The propositionis that socio-economic development from local to national levels often straddles at least four pathways that are driven by two main variables:the relative strength or weakness of (1) state (and government) involvementin the management of public affairs and resources and (2) the mechanisms for ensuring political accountability. The four pathways, with associated attributes, have presented opportunities or challenges that have promoted or collapsed the sustainable economic development of many post-colonial countries. Using the two main variables we can locate different countries in distinct categories (quadrants) across a two-dimensional Cartesianplane, with state involvement on the Y-axis and state and government accountability to citizens on the X-axis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril N , Mkize, N N
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South Africa -- Socio-economic development South Africa -- Politics
- Language: English
- Type: text , Text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165364 , vital:41237
- Description: The propositionis that socio-economic development from local to national levels often straddles at least four pathways that are driven by two main variables:the relative strength or weakness of (1) state (and government) involvementin the management of public affairs and resources and (2) the mechanisms for ensuring political accountability. The four pathways, with associated attributes, have presented opportunities or challenges that have promoted or collapsed the sustainable economic development of many post-colonial countries. Using the two main variables we can locate different countries in distinct categories (quadrants) across a two-dimensional Cartesianplane, with state involvement on the Y-axis and state and government accountability to citizens on the X-axis.
- Full Text:
The weight of a tooth
- Authors: Perros, Robyn Helen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144192 , vital:38319
- Description: My thesis is a fragmented, non-linear novella, comprised predominantly of experimental prose- poetry and fiction short-stories. I have chosen this approach in form to further explore my interest in ancestry and trauma, death and image-making, “reality” and fantasy, and the tension these invisible barriers create between the inner and outer worlds in which we simultaneously navigate, remember and forget. This thesis has been influenced both in form and content by the works of Eduardo Galeano, Osama Alomar, Lidia Yuknavitch, Susan Steinberg, Claudia Rankine, Lance Olsen, and Yasunari Kawabata, among others.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Perros, Robyn Helen
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: South African fiction (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144192 , vital:38319
- Description: My thesis is a fragmented, non-linear novella, comprised predominantly of experimental prose- poetry and fiction short-stories. I have chosen this approach in form to further explore my interest in ancestry and trauma, death and image-making, “reality” and fantasy, and the tension these invisible barriers create between the inner and outer worlds in which we simultaneously navigate, remember and forget. This thesis has been influenced both in form and content by the works of Eduardo Galeano, Osama Alomar, Lidia Yuknavitch, Susan Steinberg, Claudia Rankine, Lance Olsen, and Yasunari Kawabata, among others.
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The workload of flight attendants during short-haul flight operations: a system analysis
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bennett, Chloe Kayla
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Flight attendants -- Health and hygiene , Employees -- South Africa -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123431 , vital:35437
- Description: Background and aim: Flight attendants forms a significant part in 24-hour aviation industry. Flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in the aviation industry as it continues to jeopardize the ability to fulfil important safety and security roles which is critical in performance duty of a flight attendant. However, little attention has been accomplished to the workload, working conditions and fatigue of flight attendants crew in transport aircraft. In addition, there is currently less research that have also embraced the problematic of smaller regional/commercial operation (short-haul flight operations) inducing fatigue among short-haul flight attendants as the nature of this operation are often characterised with high productivity expectations in a demanding environment with high time pressures resulting in high workloads and fatigue. Thus, flight attendant fatigue and workload is a worldwide challenge in this operational environment and less attention has been given to the determining factors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the workload factors contributing to flight attendant fatigue during short-haul flight operations. Methods (System analysis): To achieve the research aim, the work system analysis, based on the Smith and Carayon-Sainfort model was chosen as the main research approach which was conducted in two ways; based on existing literature and secondly based on expert interviews. This method provided a systemic aspect to understand the whole work system of flight attendants work during short-haul operations in order to identify all the contributing factors to flight attendant fatigue and workload. Results: The literature analysis and the data from the expert interviews highlighted significant findings to flight attendant fatigue and workload. The reasons for flight attendant fatigue operating short-haul flights can be found at organizational, task, individual, environmental levels and tools and technologies and due to the interaction of the factors. The main factors of flight attendants’ fatigue are thought primarily as a function of scheduling due to irregular, mixed schedules with early starts and late finishes, extended duty days (long working hours), as well as high workload, due to the short turnaround flights, the number of sectors flown in a single duty period and duty length and high jobs demands. In addition, flight duty and rest regulations, confined work space in the cabin, vibrations, noise and lighting, sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, family responsibilities all add to additional stress placed on the body which can influence workload and sleep and consequently influencing fatigue. Conclusion: Overall the study determined that flight attendant fatigue is a significant problem in modern industry of short-haul operations. Using this systematic approach (work system analysis based on the framework of the work system model developed by Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) allowed for an accurate representation of the complexity of flight attendant work environment in short-haul aviation industries, thus contributed to an increased understanding of fatigue and risk factors that span the entire work system and aid in identifying the patterns in combination of work system variables that are associated with increased risk to flight attendant fatigue. Overall flight attendant fatigue is a product of interactions with the short-haul environment. It can have a negative impact on safety, performance and well-being. Therefore, it needs to be managed and dealt with in the near future.
- Full Text: