Genetic models for epithermal gold deposits and applications to exploration
- Authors: Veselinović, Milica
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Gold ores -- Geology , Hydrothermal deposits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005562 , Gold ores -- Geology , Hydrothermal deposits
- Description: Epithermal gold deposits are the product of large-scale hydrothermal systems in tectonically active regions. They form at shallow crustal levels where the physico-chemical conditions change abruptly. Two major groups of epithermal gold deposits can be distinguished based on their genetic connection with: A) Copper-molybdenum porphyry systems and B) Geothermal systems related to volcanic centres and calderas. Epithermal gold deposits connected with geothermal systems encompass three major types: adularia-sericite, acid-sulphate and disseminated replacement (the Carlin-type). Their essential ingredients are: high heat source which leads to convection of groundwater in the upper crust; source of hydrothermal fluid, metals and reduced sulphur; and high-permeability structures which allow fluid convection and metal deposition. Mixing of these ingredients leads to the formation of epithermal gold deposits throughout crustal history, without any restriction on age. The ores were deposited from near-neutral (adularia-sericite type and some of the Carlin-type) to acidic (acid-sulphate type and porphyry-related epithermal gold deposits), low-salinity, high C0₂ and high H₂S fluids, which were predominantly meteoritic in origin. The transport capability of deep fluids in epithermal hydrothermal systems may be shown to be dependent largely on their H₂S content and, through a series of fluid mineral equilibria, on temperature and on C0₂ content. The most common mechanisms of ore deposition are boiling (phase separation), mixing of fluids of different temperatures and salinities, reaction between them and wall rocks, dilution and cooling. An understanding of genetic models for epithermal gold deposits provides the basis for the selection of favourable areas for regional to prospect-scale exploration.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Veselinović, Milica
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Gold ores -- Geology , Hydrothermal deposits
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005562 , Gold ores -- Geology , Hydrothermal deposits
- Description: Epithermal gold deposits are the product of large-scale hydrothermal systems in tectonically active regions. They form at shallow crustal levels where the physico-chemical conditions change abruptly. Two major groups of epithermal gold deposits can be distinguished based on their genetic connection with: A) Copper-molybdenum porphyry systems and B) Geothermal systems related to volcanic centres and calderas. Epithermal gold deposits connected with geothermal systems encompass three major types: adularia-sericite, acid-sulphate and disseminated replacement (the Carlin-type). Their essential ingredients are: high heat source which leads to convection of groundwater in the upper crust; source of hydrothermal fluid, metals and reduced sulphur; and high-permeability structures which allow fluid convection and metal deposition. Mixing of these ingredients leads to the formation of epithermal gold deposits throughout crustal history, without any restriction on age. The ores were deposited from near-neutral (adularia-sericite type and some of the Carlin-type) to acidic (acid-sulphate type and porphyry-related epithermal gold deposits), low-salinity, high C0₂ and high H₂S fluids, which were predominantly meteoritic in origin. The transport capability of deep fluids in epithermal hydrothermal systems may be shown to be dependent largely on their H₂S content and, through a series of fluid mineral equilibria, on temperature and on C0₂ content. The most common mechanisms of ore deposition are boiling (phase separation), mixing of fluids of different temperatures and salinities, reaction between them and wall rocks, dilution and cooling. An understanding of genetic models for epithermal gold deposits provides the basis for the selection of favourable areas for regional to prospect-scale exploration.
- Full Text:
Geological controls for coal exploration and mining
- Authors: Noppé , Mark Adrian
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Coal -- Geology , Coal mines and mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005566 , Coal -- Geology , Coal mines and mining
- Description: The identification and interpretation of geological features is essential for the planning and ultimate success of any mining venture. Examples of geological features significant for mining are presented, and their identification during exploration discussed. In particular, the importance of coal qualities, seam thickness and seam elevation are emphasised in relation to longwall mining. Geostatistical analysis provides a powerful tool for improving the prediction and decision-making capabilities of both exploration and mine geologists. The availability of geostatistics, and the benefits resulting from its application, are demonstrated using actual data for calorific value, seam thickness and seam elevation. Contamination of run-of-mine coal is a common problem on highly-mechanised collieries. The problem generally arises from over-cutting of the designated mining horizon. A practical system for monitoring and controlling contamination on a mechanised bord-and-pillar and longwall colliery is presented. The results and benefits of applying such a system are cited for an actual longwall colliery. Numerical geological predictions are not always reported in terms of the reliability of such estimates. Many of these values can be reported in terms of confidence limits, particularly for routine grade control purposes. The methods and benefits of such reporting are described and illustrated by way of examples for calorific value and contamination levels.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Noppé , Mark Adrian
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Coal -- Geology , Coal mines and mining
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4954 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005566 , Coal -- Geology , Coal mines and mining
- Description: The identification and interpretation of geological features is essential for the planning and ultimate success of any mining venture. Examples of geological features significant for mining are presented, and their identification during exploration discussed. In particular, the importance of coal qualities, seam thickness and seam elevation are emphasised in relation to longwall mining. Geostatistical analysis provides a powerful tool for improving the prediction and decision-making capabilities of both exploration and mine geologists. The availability of geostatistics, and the benefits resulting from its application, are demonstrated using actual data for calorific value, seam thickness and seam elevation. Contamination of run-of-mine coal is a common problem on highly-mechanised collieries. The problem generally arises from over-cutting of the designated mining horizon. A practical system for monitoring and controlling contamination on a mechanised bord-and-pillar and longwall colliery is presented. The results and benefits of applying such a system are cited for an actual longwall colliery. Numerical geological predictions are not always reported in terms of the reliability of such estimates. Many of these values can be reported in terms of confidence limits, particularly for routine grade control purposes. The methods and benefits of such reporting are described and illustrated by way of examples for calorific value and contamination levels.
- Full Text:
Guidelines to the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of mine creation
- Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Authors: Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005582 , Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Description: This dissertation studies the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of the mine's life. Since 1970 a large number of selectively mined, open pit gold mines have come into operation. The most common deposits include epithermal vein, mesothermal lode and laterite gold deposits. In general the deposits are characterized by small tonnages (1-20 million tonnes), relatively high grades (2-10 grams per tonne gold), submicroscopic to coarse gold, inexpensive mining, and both free milling and refractory ores.The key components that require evaluating during the exploration period are the deposit's geology, ore reserves, pit design, ore metallurgy and environmental impact. Feasibility studies are the main vehicle by which to report and guide the exploration programme. During the exploration period a company may undertake an initial (geological feasibility), second (preliminary mine feasibility) and third (final feasibility) delineation programme in order to gather sufficient data to justify a mine development decision. The responsibility of evaluating the mineral prospect lies primarily with the exploration geologist and mining engineer. Broad experience, a professional attitude, a thorough understanding of mining economics, and a high level of geological, engineering and technical skills are traits required by the evaluators. In order for mining companies to make sound investment decisions the geographical, geological, mining, metallurgical, environmental, marketing, political and financial aspects affecting the economic potential of the venture must be integrated so that the likely costs, risks and returns of the investment alternative are quantified. Ultimately, it is the economic analysis of these three items that determine whether the mineral prospect is developed into a mine I delineated further I retained until economic circumstances improve, or abandoned. To assess the costs, risks and returns, extensive use of the risk analysis is advocated throughout the exploration period . When combined with intelligent judgement of the intangible risk elements, the probabilistic distribution of discounted cash flows are invaluable in making sound investment decisions. However, the economic analysis is only as good as the information on which it is founded. Accurate and representative field data is the most important prerequisite to successfully evaluating and developing a new mine.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pelly, Frederick Douglas Peter
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005582 , Mining geology , Gold ores -- Geology , Gold mines and mining -- Economic aspects
- Description: This dissertation studies the evaluation of selectively mined, open pit gold deposits during the exploration stage of the mine's life. Since 1970 a large number of selectively mined, open pit gold mines have come into operation. The most common deposits include epithermal vein, mesothermal lode and laterite gold deposits. In general the deposits are characterized by small tonnages (1-20 million tonnes), relatively high grades (2-10 grams per tonne gold), submicroscopic to coarse gold, inexpensive mining, and both free milling and refractory ores.The key components that require evaluating during the exploration period are the deposit's geology, ore reserves, pit design, ore metallurgy and environmental impact. Feasibility studies are the main vehicle by which to report and guide the exploration programme. During the exploration period a company may undertake an initial (geological feasibility), second (preliminary mine feasibility) and third (final feasibility) delineation programme in order to gather sufficient data to justify a mine development decision. The responsibility of evaluating the mineral prospect lies primarily with the exploration geologist and mining engineer. Broad experience, a professional attitude, a thorough understanding of mining economics, and a high level of geological, engineering and technical skills are traits required by the evaluators. In order for mining companies to make sound investment decisions the geographical, geological, mining, metallurgical, environmental, marketing, political and financial aspects affecting the economic potential of the venture must be integrated so that the likely costs, risks and returns of the investment alternative are quantified. Ultimately, it is the economic analysis of these three items that determine whether the mineral prospect is developed into a mine I delineated further I retained until economic circumstances improve, or abandoned. To assess the costs, risks and returns, extensive use of the risk analysis is advocated throughout the exploration period . When combined with intelligent judgement of the intangible risk elements, the probabilistic distribution of discounted cash flows are invaluable in making sound investment decisions. However, the economic analysis is only as good as the information on which it is founded. Accurate and representative field data is the most important prerequisite to successfully evaluating and developing a new mine.
- Full Text:
Illness as intersubjectivity: a sociological perspective
- Authors: Pitfield, Doreen Jennie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Humanism , Medical care -- Sociological aspects , Intersubjectivity , Medical ethics -- Sociological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003117 , Humanism , Medical care -- Sociological aspects , Intersubjectivity , Medical ethics -- Sociological aspects
- Description: This thesis explores the historical roots of scientific medicine in an effort to highlight the lack of humanist intersubjectivity within the contemporary medical model. The study notes that contemporary medicine is overtly scientific and that its scientific framework is upheld and furthered by a medical model which draws legitimation from the irrefutability of what is referred to variously within this work, as its scientific "regime". It is shown that in terms of the humanist tradition people, not science, constitute the epicentre of meaningful experiential participation in the defining of human social reality. This, it is argued, implies a radically different ontology from other sociological perspectives on medicine. The thesis suggests that the contemporary medical model loses sight of the patient's ability to cognitively participate in the defining of illness, diagnosis and treatment in terms of his/her experience thereof , and argues that contemporary medicine, by advancing the idea that it alone has the correct and only answer to such problems, has led to a situation which promotes an overmedicalisation of society . The study gives an indication of the way in which this overmedicalisation has led to areas of human life becoming conceived of only in relation to medical expertise. In this respect it is noted that medicine has so successfully infiltrated the human consciousness (involving areas as diverse as childbirth, genetic engineering, transplant surgery and death), that decisions on health are invariably taken from a foundation of scientific legitimation which seems to exclude the patient as subject. It is argued that this way of making decisions reinforces the requirement for a scientific medical model which as it negates the human element insidiously amplifies its power over human life; thereby devaluing the very people it seeks to serve. The thesis suggests that in terms of a humanist reading of the Oath of Hippocrates, medical decisions can only be taken within a framework of experiential involvement which includes both medical expertise and lay understanding. It is indicated that when this happens, social reality functions in terms of a symbolic participation which fosters a commitment to equalise the conditions of human existence, and promotes a dialogical negotiatory process which is both intersubjectively and ongoingly produced.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pitfield, Doreen Jennie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Humanism , Medical care -- Sociological aspects , Intersubjectivity , Medical ethics -- Sociological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003117 , Humanism , Medical care -- Sociological aspects , Intersubjectivity , Medical ethics -- Sociological aspects
- Description: This thesis explores the historical roots of scientific medicine in an effort to highlight the lack of humanist intersubjectivity within the contemporary medical model. The study notes that contemporary medicine is overtly scientific and that its scientific framework is upheld and furthered by a medical model which draws legitimation from the irrefutability of what is referred to variously within this work, as its scientific "regime". It is shown that in terms of the humanist tradition people, not science, constitute the epicentre of meaningful experiential participation in the defining of human social reality. This, it is argued, implies a radically different ontology from other sociological perspectives on medicine. The thesis suggests that the contemporary medical model loses sight of the patient's ability to cognitively participate in the defining of illness, diagnosis and treatment in terms of his/her experience thereof , and argues that contemporary medicine, by advancing the idea that it alone has the correct and only answer to such problems, has led to a situation which promotes an overmedicalisation of society . The study gives an indication of the way in which this overmedicalisation has led to areas of human life becoming conceived of only in relation to medical expertise. In this respect it is noted that medicine has so successfully infiltrated the human consciousness (involving areas as diverse as childbirth, genetic engineering, transplant surgery and death), that decisions on health are invariably taken from a foundation of scientific legitimation which seems to exclude the patient as subject. It is argued that this way of making decisions reinforces the requirement for a scientific medical model which as it negates the human element insidiously amplifies its power over human life; thereby devaluing the very people it seeks to serve. The thesis suggests that in terms of a humanist reading of the Oath of Hippocrates, medical decisions can only be taken within a framework of experiential involvement which includes both medical expertise and lay understanding. It is indicated that when this happens, social reality functions in terms of a symbolic participation which fosters a commitment to equalise the conditions of human existence, and promotes a dialogical negotiatory process which is both intersubjectively and ongoingly produced.
- Full Text:
Images of a changing frontier worldview in Eastern Cape art from Bushman rock art to 1875
- Authors: Cosser, Marijke
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Art, San , Rock paintings -- South Africa , Art, South African -- 19th century , Art -- South Africa -- History , Painters -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002196 , Art, San , Rock paintings -- South Africa , Art, South African -- 19th century , Art -- South Africa -- History , Painters -- South Africa
- Description: A discussion of the concept of worldview shows that how an artist conceives the world in his images is governed by his worldview - an amalgam of the worldview of the group of which he is a part modified by his own ideas, beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and upbringing. The author proposes that studying an artist's work can reveal his, and hence his group's, worldview and thus the attitudes prevalent when the work was produced. A brief historical sketch of the Eastern Cape to 1834 introduces the various settlers in the area. Though no known examples of Black, Boer or Khoi pictorial art are extant, both the Bushmen and the British left such records. A short analysis of rock art shows how the worldview of the Bushman is inherent in their images which reflect man's world as seen with the "inner" eye of the spirit. In white settler art, the author submits that spatial relationships changed in response to a growing confidence as the "savage" land was "civilised" and that the position, pose and size of figures - and the inclusion or exclusion of certain groups - reflect socio-political changes. The two foremost nineteenth-century Eastern Cape artists, Thomas Baines and Frederick I'Ons, succeeded in capturing the atmosphere of Frontier life but are shown to interpret their surroundings through the rose-tinted spectacles of British Romanticism. They also reveal individuality in approach - Baines preferring expansive views while I'Ons's landscapes tend to be "closed-in", strictly following the coulisse scheme of Picturesque painting. Perhaps, the author postulates, such differences result from the very different environments, i.e. Norfolk and London, in which the two grew up. I'Ons is shown typically to use generalised landscapes as backdrops for his foreground figures, while comparing Baines's scenes with modern photographs shows that he adjusted the spacial elements of the topography as well as the temporal sequence of events to suit aesthetic considerations. Lithographed reports of his work contain even further adjustments. The author concludes that the use of Africana art as historical records must be treated with great caution.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Cosser, Marijke
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Art, San , Rock paintings -- South Africa , Art, South African -- 19th century , Art -- South Africa -- History , Painters -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2400 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002196 , Art, San , Rock paintings -- South Africa , Art, South African -- 19th century , Art -- South Africa -- History , Painters -- South Africa
- Description: A discussion of the concept of worldview shows that how an artist conceives the world in his images is governed by his worldview - an amalgam of the worldview of the group of which he is a part modified by his own ideas, beliefs, attitudes, perceptions and upbringing. The author proposes that studying an artist's work can reveal his, and hence his group's, worldview and thus the attitudes prevalent when the work was produced. A brief historical sketch of the Eastern Cape to 1834 introduces the various settlers in the area. Though no known examples of Black, Boer or Khoi pictorial art are extant, both the Bushmen and the British left such records. A short analysis of rock art shows how the worldview of the Bushman is inherent in their images which reflect man's world as seen with the "inner" eye of the spirit. In white settler art, the author submits that spatial relationships changed in response to a growing confidence as the "savage" land was "civilised" and that the position, pose and size of figures - and the inclusion or exclusion of certain groups - reflect socio-political changes. The two foremost nineteenth-century Eastern Cape artists, Thomas Baines and Frederick I'Ons, succeeded in capturing the atmosphere of Frontier life but are shown to interpret their surroundings through the rose-tinted spectacles of British Romanticism. They also reveal individuality in approach - Baines preferring expansive views while I'Ons's landscapes tend to be "closed-in", strictly following the coulisse scheme of Picturesque painting. Perhaps, the author postulates, such differences result from the very different environments, i.e. Norfolk and London, in which the two grew up. I'Ons is shown typically to use generalised landscapes as backdrops for his foreground figures, while comparing Baines's scenes with modern photographs shows that he adjusted the spacial elements of the topography as well as the temporal sequence of events to suit aesthetic considerations. Lithographed reports of his work contain even further adjustments. The author concludes that the use of Africana art as historical records must be treated with great caution.
- Full Text:
In search of home : Hillman's archetypal perspective on the therapeutic process of an adult patient
- Bradley, Margaret Antoinette
- Authors: Bradley, Margaret Antoinette
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Hillman, James , Archetype (Psychology) , Psychotherapy -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006290 , Hillman, James , Archetype (Psychology) , Psychotherapy -- Case studies
- Description: The case study method was used to trace the therapeutic process of a 23 year old woman, over a period of 12 sessions. The focus of the study was her issue with abandonment which emerged as the central theme in therapy. Hillman's archetypal approach was used as a framework in understanding the process and resolution of her feelings of abandonment. According to Hillman, the therapy process activates the archetypal abandoned child. For a successful therapeutic outcome the process of de-literalisation must occur in order for the patient to move from literal acting out to symbolic containment. Core moments in the therapeutic process were used, together with an interpretation from Hillman's approach, to illustrate the various themes around the issue of abandonment. The present case study illustrates how the theory in area was relevant in practice with this particular case.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bradley, Margaret Antoinette
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Hillman, James , Archetype (Psychology) , Psychotherapy -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3127 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006290 , Hillman, James , Archetype (Psychology) , Psychotherapy -- Case studies
- Description: The case study method was used to trace the therapeutic process of a 23 year old woman, over a period of 12 sessions. The focus of the study was her issue with abandonment which emerged as the central theme in therapy. Hillman's archetypal approach was used as a framework in understanding the process and resolution of her feelings of abandonment. According to Hillman, the therapy process activates the archetypal abandoned child. For a successful therapeutic outcome the process of de-literalisation must occur in order for the patient to move from literal acting out to symbolic containment. Core moments in the therapeutic process were used, together with an interpretation from Hillman's approach, to illustrate the various themes around the issue of abandonment. The present case study illustrates how the theory in area was relevant in practice with this particular case.
- Full Text:
In vitro effects of three organic calcium channel blockers on the rat pineal gland
- Authors: Brown, Clint
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Calcium -- Antagonists , Pineal gland -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003223 , Calcium -- Antagonists , Pineal gland -- Research
- Description: The calcium signal has emerged as an imponant component of intracellular regulation. Pineal function was thought to be slowed by the prominent calcification seen with increasing age, but recently it has been shown that calcium plays a crucial role in the adrenergic regulation of the gland. Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation increases melatonin (aMT) synthesis by increasing the activity of cyclic 3 '-5' adenosine mono phosphate (cAMP). Cyclic-AMP regulates the production of the pineal hormone, melatonin, from serotonin via the rate-limiting enzyme N-acetyltransferase (NAT). Increased intracellular cAMP is essential to the adrenergic induction of NAT. Noradrenaline(NA)also elevates pinealocyte cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Adrenergic regulation of these cyclic nucleotides involves both α₁ - and β-adrenoceptors. Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation is an absolute requirement. Alphal-adrenoceptor activation, which is ineffective alone, serves to amplify the β-stimulated cAMP and cGMP responses via a positive effect on a Ca²⁺⁻/ phospholipiddependent protein kinase (Protein kinase-C) and a net influx of Ca²⁺ into the pinealocyte. Previous studies suggest the use of organic calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as probes of calcium-mediated processes. Applying this concept, the study set out to investigate the influence of a representative of each of the structurally diverse groups of calcium channel blockers viz. verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, and to examine their effect on β-adrenoceptor stimulation. It used the β-agonist isoprenaline (ISO) and the mixed [α₁/β]agonist noradrenaline (NA), for its combined [α₁/β]adrenoceptor stimulation, on agonist-induced increases in the production of radio-labelled aMT and N-acetylserotonin(aHT) -measured as the sum of N-acetylated product- from [¹⁴C] serotonin. This was done using organ cultures of rat pineal glands. It was speciously assumed that this drug paradigm would allow the determination of Ca²⁺ influx and/or the blocking thereof in the reported potentiation by using ISO as a non Ca²⁺ -entry stimulating agonist, compared with NA and its Ca²⁺ -entry stimulating properties. Surprisingly, all 3 CCB's potentiated the effect of NA. Only diltiazem was found not to potentiate the effect of ISO. In an attempt to uncover the reason for these results, the study moved toward a mechanistic approach,focusing in an antecedent manner on the various steps in the indole metabolic pathway to identify the point at which the change occurred, and hence possibly elucidate the mechanism responsible for the paradoxical increase. Experiments which assayed the levels of NAT, under the same drug conditions, showed the paradoxical increase to be already evident at this stage. Secondary experiments confirmed that NA stimulation of the pineal is dependent on Ca²⁺, both in organ culture and with NAT: the Ca²⁺ chelator EGTA abolished adrenergically-induced stimulation, while Ca²⁺ added after EGTA, restored the enzyme activity. The ionophore A23187 (which is able to transport Ca²⁺ directly into the pinealocyte via a mechanism which differs from the α₁ - mechanism) when used in conjunction with ISO or NA, was able to potentiate the responses of these two agonists relative to control values (agonist-alone), but by itself had no effect. With the enzyme NAT critically dependent upon cAMP for its induction, it was decided to determine the levels of cAMP and then those of its regulator, cAMP-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE). This reasoning was prompted by reports of anti-calmodulin activity shown by the CCBs, in addition to their channel blocking effects. By binding to calmodulin (CaM), the CCBs are reportedly able to inhibit the CaM-dependent activation of cAMP-PDE. Following NA stimulation, verapamil caused a significant decrease in cAMP-PDE levels and an increase in cAMP. The other CCBs showed a similar trend. Glands stimulated with ISO in the presence of verapamil and nifedipine showed no significant differences in cAMP or cAMP-PDE levels. Diltiazem, however, was found to decrease the effect of ISO on cAMP while causing a concomitant increase in cAMP-PDE. This i) supported a possible hypothesis that the observed enhancement is a result of cAMP levels remaining elevated due to an inhibition of cAMP-PDE by the CCEs and ii) pointed to the possible presence of a CaM-sensitive PDE within the rat pineal gland. To test this hypothesis, two drugs which are more specific in their actions on CaM effects were chosen to see if the earlier results could be mimicked and thereby confirmed. Glands stimulated with NA in the presence of the specific CaM inhibitor R 24571 showed increased NAT activity and [¹⁴C]-aMT production. cAMP-PDE levels were clearly down, thus corroborating the possibility of cAMP-PDE inhibition. Glands incubated in the presence of M&B 22948, a CaM-sensitive PDE inhibitor, showed similar increases in NAT activity and [¹⁴C]-aMT. These findings therefore support the initial results and although indirect, confirm the hypothesis that the paradoxical increase following predominantly NA stimulation could be a result of cAMP levels remaining elevated, due to inhibition by the CCEs of the CaM-dependent activation of its regulator cAMP-PDE. In summary, data presented herein concur with proposals that: i) the CCEs are not specific enough to be used as tools to research Ca²⁺ -mediated events, as they appear to have sites of action other than the voltage operated channel (VOC); eg. binding to calmodulin, ii) there are functional differences between the CCEs as shown by diltiazem in this series of experiments, iii) there is a CaM-sensitive-PDE present in the pineal.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brown, Clint
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Calcium -- Antagonists , Pineal gland -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3745 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003223 , Calcium -- Antagonists , Pineal gland -- Research
- Description: The calcium signal has emerged as an imponant component of intracellular regulation. Pineal function was thought to be slowed by the prominent calcification seen with increasing age, but recently it has been shown that calcium plays a crucial role in the adrenergic regulation of the gland. Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation increases melatonin (aMT) synthesis by increasing the activity of cyclic 3 '-5' adenosine mono phosphate (cAMP). Cyclic-AMP regulates the production of the pineal hormone, melatonin, from serotonin via the rate-limiting enzyme N-acetyltransferase (NAT). Increased intracellular cAMP is essential to the adrenergic induction of NAT. Noradrenaline(NA)also elevates pinealocyte cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Adrenergic regulation of these cyclic nucleotides involves both α₁ - and β-adrenoceptors. Beta-adrenoceptor stimulation is an absolute requirement. Alphal-adrenoceptor activation, which is ineffective alone, serves to amplify the β-stimulated cAMP and cGMP responses via a positive effect on a Ca²⁺⁻/ phospholipiddependent protein kinase (Protein kinase-C) and a net influx of Ca²⁺ into the pinealocyte. Previous studies suggest the use of organic calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as probes of calcium-mediated processes. Applying this concept, the study set out to investigate the influence of a representative of each of the structurally diverse groups of calcium channel blockers viz. verapamil, diltiazem and nifedipine, and to examine their effect on β-adrenoceptor stimulation. It used the β-agonist isoprenaline (ISO) and the mixed [α₁/β]agonist noradrenaline (NA), for its combined [α₁/β]adrenoceptor stimulation, on agonist-induced increases in the production of radio-labelled aMT and N-acetylserotonin(aHT) -measured as the sum of N-acetylated product- from [¹⁴C] serotonin. This was done using organ cultures of rat pineal glands. It was speciously assumed that this drug paradigm would allow the determination of Ca²⁺ influx and/or the blocking thereof in the reported potentiation by using ISO as a non Ca²⁺ -entry stimulating agonist, compared with NA and its Ca²⁺ -entry stimulating properties. Surprisingly, all 3 CCB's potentiated the effect of NA. Only diltiazem was found not to potentiate the effect of ISO. In an attempt to uncover the reason for these results, the study moved toward a mechanistic approach,focusing in an antecedent manner on the various steps in the indole metabolic pathway to identify the point at which the change occurred, and hence possibly elucidate the mechanism responsible for the paradoxical increase. Experiments which assayed the levels of NAT, under the same drug conditions, showed the paradoxical increase to be already evident at this stage. Secondary experiments confirmed that NA stimulation of the pineal is dependent on Ca²⁺, both in organ culture and with NAT: the Ca²⁺ chelator EGTA abolished adrenergically-induced stimulation, while Ca²⁺ added after EGTA, restored the enzyme activity. The ionophore A23187 (which is able to transport Ca²⁺ directly into the pinealocyte via a mechanism which differs from the α₁ - mechanism) when used in conjunction with ISO or NA, was able to potentiate the responses of these two agonists relative to control values (agonist-alone), but by itself had no effect. With the enzyme NAT critically dependent upon cAMP for its induction, it was decided to determine the levels of cAMP and then those of its regulator, cAMP-phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDE). This reasoning was prompted by reports of anti-calmodulin activity shown by the CCBs, in addition to their channel blocking effects. By binding to calmodulin (CaM), the CCBs are reportedly able to inhibit the CaM-dependent activation of cAMP-PDE. Following NA stimulation, verapamil caused a significant decrease in cAMP-PDE levels and an increase in cAMP. The other CCBs showed a similar trend. Glands stimulated with ISO in the presence of verapamil and nifedipine showed no significant differences in cAMP or cAMP-PDE levels. Diltiazem, however, was found to decrease the effect of ISO on cAMP while causing a concomitant increase in cAMP-PDE. This i) supported a possible hypothesis that the observed enhancement is a result of cAMP levels remaining elevated due to an inhibition of cAMP-PDE by the CCEs and ii) pointed to the possible presence of a CaM-sensitive PDE within the rat pineal gland. To test this hypothesis, two drugs which are more specific in their actions on CaM effects were chosen to see if the earlier results could be mimicked and thereby confirmed. Glands stimulated with NA in the presence of the specific CaM inhibitor R 24571 showed increased NAT activity and [¹⁴C]-aMT production. cAMP-PDE levels were clearly down, thus corroborating the possibility of cAMP-PDE inhibition. Glands incubated in the presence of M&B 22948, a CaM-sensitive PDE inhibitor, showed similar increases in NAT activity and [¹⁴C]-aMT. These findings therefore support the initial results and although indirect, confirm the hypothesis that the paradoxical increase following predominantly NA stimulation could be a result of cAMP levels remaining elevated, due to inhibition by the CCEs of the CaM-dependent activation of its regulator cAMP-PDE. In summary, data presented herein concur with proposals that: i) the CCEs are not specific enough to be used as tools to research Ca²⁺ -mediated events, as they appear to have sites of action other than the voltage operated channel (VOC); eg. binding to calmodulin, ii) there are functional differences between the CCEs as shown by diltiazem in this series of experiments, iii) there is a CaM-sensitive-PDE present in the pineal.
- Full Text:
Making pupils think: the development of a microcomputer-inspired adaptation of the Standard 7 mathematics curriculum
- Authors: Norman, Maxie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Data processing Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003550
- Description: This half-thesis gives an overview of the influence of the microcomputer on the way in which mathematics is done, taught and learnt. The nature of mathematics and the nature of the tutor, tool and tutee modes of microcomputer usage are discussed as background. A case is made for the use of action research methods and a classroom-based curriculum development model to facilitate innovation and the integration of the microcomputer into the mathematics classroom. A curriculum development cycle of situation analysis. planning, trial and evaluation is advocated. This approach is used to develop a microcomputer-based course aimed at enhancing the reasoning skills of standard 7 pupils. Pupils, working in groups of three, interact with the PROLOG system to build up databases of facts and rules. The microcomputer is used in tutee mode. In "teaching" this tutee, pupils discover the need for formal language and logical reasoning. Active learning is promoted by pupils' interaction with the PROLOG system and by discussions within groups. In this environment the teacher becomes a consultant and constructive critic rather than a lecturer. Findings suggest that the microcomputer plays an important role in terms of pupil motivation and that the microcomputer-based course enables pupils to experience formal language usage and logical reasoning·as relevant activities. Pupil databases provide evidence of the pupils' ability to make appropriate use of rules and to distinguish between and-conditions and or-conditions. The objective of making pupils think was largely achieved. It is recommended that the course be incorporated in the standard 1 or standard 8 curriculum to complement or replace parts of the Euclidean geometry sections as a vehicle for developing logical reasoning skills. Suggestions for the further use of the microcomputer as an investigative tool in mathematics classes and for further microcomputer-inspired courses are also made. The provision of appropriate training to enable teachers to make effective and innovative use of the microcomputer in mathematics lessons is advocated.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Norman, Maxie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Data processing Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003550
- Description: This half-thesis gives an overview of the influence of the microcomputer on the way in which mathematics is done, taught and learnt. The nature of mathematics and the nature of the tutor, tool and tutee modes of microcomputer usage are discussed as background. A case is made for the use of action research methods and a classroom-based curriculum development model to facilitate innovation and the integration of the microcomputer into the mathematics classroom. A curriculum development cycle of situation analysis. planning, trial and evaluation is advocated. This approach is used to develop a microcomputer-based course aimed at enhancing the reasoning skills of standard 7 pupils. Pupils, working in groups of three, interact with the PROLOG system to build up databases of facts and rules. The microcomputer is used in tutee mode. In "teaching" this tutee, pupils discover the need for formal language and logical reasoning. Active learning is promoted by pupils' interaction with the PROLOG system and by discussions within groups. In this environment the teacher becomes a consultant and constructive critic rather than a lecturer. Findings suggest that the microcomputer plays an important role in terms of pupil motivation and that the microcomputer-based course enables pupils to experience formal language usage and logical reasoning·as relevant activities. Pupil databases provide evidence of the pupils' ability to make appropriate use of rules and to distinguish between and-conditions and or-conditions. The objective of making pupils think was largely achieved. It is recommended that the course be incorporated in the standard 1 or standard 8 curriculum to complement or replace parts of the Euclidean geometry sections as a vehicle for developing logical reasoning skills. Suggestions for the further use of the microcomputer as an investigative tool in mathematics classes and for further microcomputer-inspired courses are also made. The provision of appropriate training to enable teachers to make effective and innovative use of the microcomputer in mathematics lessons is advocated.
- Full Text:
Managing historical primary and secondary sources : a study of the efficacy of a teaching handbook prepared for first-year Vista University students
- Authors: Watson, Kelvin Innes
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa History -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003553
- Description: This study examines the teaching of primary and secondary sources in history at secondary and tertiary level. The various methods used to teach these aspects of the nature of history are compared to the Vista University teaching model. To establish the effectiveness of the vista Block A module for HIS100 students, two test instruments were devised to assess their skills in handling primary and secondary sources. Their skills in identifying relevant points from a passage of historical prose were also tested. A number of statistical techniques were applied to the data from the test instruments. This data was analysed in qualitative and quantitative terms. The results of this analysis suggested that students would probably benefit from a skills-orientated approach to studying history. On the basis of this study, it is recommended that the existing Vista teaching model be revised or amended so that a more effective method of teaching students about the nature of historical sources can be introduced.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Watson, Kelvin Innes
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: History -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa History -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003553
- Description: This study examines the teaching of primary and secondary sources in history at secondary and tertiary level. The various methods used to teach these aspects of the nature of history are compared to the Vista University teaching model. To establish the effectiveness of the vista Block A module for HIS100 students, two test instruments were devised to assess their skills in handling primary and secondary sources. Their skills in identifying relevant points from a passage of historical prose were also tested. A number of statistical techniques were applied to the data from the test instruments. This data was analysed in qualitative and quantitative terms. The results of this analysis suggested that students would probably benefit from a skills-orientated approach to studying history. On the basis of this study, it is recommended that the existing Vista teaching model be revised or amended so that a more effective method of teaching students about the nature of historical sources can be introduced.
- Full Text:
Namibia's long road to independence : the Botha era
- Authors: Ruiters, Michele René
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: United Nations -- Namibia , Namibia -- History -- 1946-1990 , Namibia -- Politics and government -- 1946-1990
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002001
- Description: This thesis deals with the ten years preceding Namibia's independence in March 1990. It examines the various characters and groups in this process, and how their roles delayed or promoted it. The era of Pieter W. Botha is very significant in that his rule brought many changes to the decision-making process and content of South African foreign policy. This period, 1978 - 1989, marked the formulation of the Total National Strategy in response to the Total Onslaught being waged on South Africa by perceived hostile external forces. Namibia's transition to independence suffered under this military-oriented policy as did the rest of the region. Never before in South Africa's policy-making history had the security sector played such a major role. Regional relations changed subsequent to the policy changes because of the distorted vision the Botha regime had of black-ruled states. Namibia was seen as an important pawn in the Total National Strategy as the last buffer state in Southern Africa protecting South Africa's white minority regime
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ruiters, Michele René
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: United Nations -- Namibia , Namibia -- History -- 1946-1990 , Namibia -- Politics and government -- 1946-1990
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002001
- Description: This thesis deals with the ten years preceding Namibia's independence in March 1990. It examines the various characters and groups in this process, and how their roles delayed or promoted it. The era of Pieter W. Botha is very significant in that his rule brought many changes to the decision-making process and content of South African foreign policy. This period, 1978 - 1989, marked the formulation of the Total National Strategy in response to the Total Onslaught being waged on South Africa by perceived hostile external forces. Namibia's transition to independence suffered under this military-oriented policy as did the rest of the region. Never before in South Africa's policy-making history had the security sector played such a major role. Regional relations changed subsequent to the policy changes because of the distorted vision the Botha regime had of black-ruled states. Namibia was seen as an important pawn in the Total National Strategy as the last buffer state in Southern Africa protecting South Africa's white minority regime
- Full Text:
Nickel sulphide mineralization associated with Archean komatiites
- Authors: Lane, Monica Leonie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Nickel sulfide , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Archaean
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005594 , Nickel sulfide , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Archaean
- Description: The distribution of Archean Nickel sulphide deposits reflects tectonic controls operating during the evolution of the granitoid greenstone terrains. Important deposits of komatiitic-affinity are concentrated within, and adjacent to, younger (∼2.7 Ga), rift-related greenstone belts (e.g. Canada, Western Australia and Zimababwe). Two important classes of Archean Nickel sulphide deposits exist, formerly known as "Dunitic" and "Peridotitic", these are now referred to as Group I and Group II deposits, based on their characteristic structure and composition. Mineralization varies from massive and matrix to disseminated, and is nearly always concentrated at the base of the host unit. Primary ores have a relatively simple mineralogy, dominated by pyrrhotite-pentlandite-pyrite, and to a lesser degree millerite. Metamorphic grades tend to range from prehnite-pumpellyite facies through to lower and upper amphibolite facies. Genesis of Group I and II deposits is explained by the eruption of komatiites into rift-phase greenstone belts, as channelized flows, which assimilated variable amounts of footwall rocks during emplacement. Sulphide saturation was dependent on the mode of emplacement and, the amount of sulphidic sediments that became assimilated prior to crystallization. This possibly accounts for variations in ore tenor. The Six Mile Deposit (SMD) in Western Australia, is an adcumulate body of the Group IIB-type, exhibiting disseminated mineralization. The ore has been "upgraded" due to hydration and serpentinization. A profound weathering sequence exists, which was subsequently utilized during initial exploration. Exploration techniques has been focused on Western Australia, as it is here that the most innovative ideas have emerged.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lane, Monica Leonie
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Nickel sulfide , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Archaean
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005594 , Nickel sulfide , Geology, Stratigraphic -- Archaean
- Description: The distribution of Archean Nickel sulphide deposits reflects tectonic controls operating during the evolution of the granitoid greenstone terrains. Important deposits of komatiitic-affinity are concentrated within, and adjacent to, younger (∼2.7 Ga), rift-related greenstone belts (e.g. Canada, Western Australia and Zimababwe). Two important classes of Archean Nickel sulphide deposits exist, formerly known as "Dunitic" and "Peridotitic", these are now referred to as Group I and Group II deposits, based on their characteristic structure and composition. Mineralization varies from massive and matrix to disseminated, and is nearly always concentrated at the base of the host unit. Primary ores have a relatively simple mineralogy, dominated by pyrrhotite-pentlandite-pyrite, and to a lesser degree millerite. Metamorphic grades tend to range from prehnite-pumpellyite facies through to lower and upper amphibolite facies. Genesis of Group I and II deposits is explained by the eruption of komatiites into rift-phase greenstone belts, as channelized flows, which assimilated variable amounts of footwall rocks during emplacement. Sulphide saturation was dependent on the mode of emplacement and, the amount of sulphidic sediments that became assimilated prior to crystallization. This possibly accounts for variations in ore tenor. The Six Mile Deposit (SMD) in Western Australia, is an adcumulate body of the Group IIB-type, exhibiting disseminated mineralization. The ore has been "upgraded" due to hydration and serpentinization. A profound weathering sequence exists, which was subsequently utilized during initial exploration. Exploration techniques has been focused on Western Australia, as it is here that the most innovative ideas have emerged.
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Observing and describing textual "reality": a critique of the claims to objective reality and authentication in new critical and structuralist literary theory, seen against a background of Feyerabend's ideas concerning paradigms, dominance and ideology
- Authors: Masters, Kenneth Andrew
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Feyerabend, Paul, 1924-1994 , Criticism , Structuralism (Literary analysis) , Science and the arts , Reality , Objectivity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002290 , Feyerabend, Paul, 1924-1994 , Criticism , Structuralism (Literary analysis) , Science and the arts , Reality , Objectivity
- Description: This thesis sets out to examine the claims to objective reality and authentication in New critical and Structuralist literary theories, concentrating on their claims to "objectivity" and "scientific validity." It examines the nature of these claims in the light of the original ideas proposed by some of the major New critics and structuralists in the development of their respective "sciences" of literary theory. Taking direction from the nature of reality and objectivity shown by the theorists, the thesis then attempts an assessment of the validity of some of the original perceptions and presuppositions concerning scientific objectivity and reality. It proposes that inconsistencies within the literary theories resulted from the theorists' inability to grasp the complexity and fluctuating nature of the borrowed terminology and principles that they were using. It does so by taking a closer look at the development of some of the more influential physical theories and the philosophical ideas raised by these developments. It then uses Feyerabend's work on paradigms, dominance and ideology to attempt an assessment of the reasons for the literary theorists' perceptions and presuppositions regarding objectivity and reality. This amounts to accounting for the specific scientific models chosen as bases, and also to accounting for the desire for the "scientific approach" at all. Its conclusions give an indication of the extent to which these original errors contributed to the theories' necessary adaptations of perspective and eventual loss of influence, and emphasises the need for the total understanding of concepts in one field by researchers in other fields, especially if those concepts are to be used by the researchers with any degree of precision.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masters, Kenneth Andrew
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Feyerabend, Paul, 1924-1994 , Criticism , Structuralism (Literary analysis) , Science and the arts , Reality , Objectivity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2247 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002290 , Feyerabend, Paul, 1924-1994 , Criticism , Structuralism (Literary analysis) , Science and the arts , Reality , Objectivity
- Description: This thesis sets out to examine the claims to objective reality and authentication in New critical and Structuralist literary theories, concentrating on their claims to "objectivity" and "scientific validity." It examines the nature of these claims in the light of the original ideas proposed by some of the major New critics and structuralists in the development of their respective "sciences" of literary theory. Taking direction from the nature of reality and objectivity shown by the theorists, the thesis then attempts an assessment of the validity of some of the original perceptions and presuppositions concerning scientific objectivity and reality. It proposes that inconsistencies within the literary theories resulted from the theorists' inability to grasp the complexity and fluctuating nature of the borrowed terminology and principles that they were using. It does so by taking a closer look at the development of some of the more influential physical theories and the philosophical ideas raised by these developments. It then uses Feyerabend's work on paradigms, dominance and ideology to attempt an assessment of the reasons for the literary theorists' perceptions and presuppositions regarding objectivity and reality. This amounts to accounting for the specific scientific models chosen as bases, and also to accounting for the desire for the "scientific approach" at all. Its conclusions give an indication of the extent to which these original errors contributed to the theories' necessary adaptations of perspective and eventual loss of influence, and emphasises the need for the total understanding of concepts in one field by researchers in other fields, especially if those concepts are to be used by the researchers with any degree of precision.
- Full Text:
Opaqueness to the light of understanding: an investigation into some of the difficulties experienced by a sample of Transkeian matriculants with the components of the concept of chemical equilibrium
- Authors: Mammen, Kuttickattu John
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Transkei Black people -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003563
- Description: The purpose of the study was to collect and collate information pertaining to common misconceptions of components of the concept of chemical equilibrium amongst a sample of Transkeian matriculants. 'Equilibrium' is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry and 'chemical equilibrium' is an important chemistry topic in both the higher grade and standard grade South African matriculation physical science syllabuses. In recent years, South African teachers have identified chemical equilibrium as the most difficult section of the matric physical science syllabus for both teachers and pupils. It has been shown that teachers themselves lack understanding of the basic concepts underlying chemical equilibrium. Constructivist learning theories arise out of research in cognitive psychology. These theories conceive of cognitive development as the assimilation and accommodation of new ideas into extant, dynamic cognitive structures. An inference from the theories is that a study of the preconceptions and/or misconceptions held by pupils before they are exposed to instruction would enable teachers to avoid generating or reinforcing misconceptions. Hence teachers could also take deliberate steps to eradicate those already existing. The sample consisted of 112 Transkeian matriculants from four government senior secondary schools in the Southern Transkei. All were taking physical science. The test consisted of a 40 item multiple choice battery. Each question had three distracters and the options were randomized to avoid patterns and hence guessing. Questions dealing with closely associated concepts were grouped in the paper but no indication of this was given in the paper. The questions are analyzed singly. A brief introduction and outline of the theory on which the group of questions was based is given in each case. The analysis makes use of the frequency of choice of all options, discrimination indices, although they were generally low and item difficulties. The intent in each analysis is to identify the possible misconception(s) underlying wrong answers. Finally conclusions based on the discussion are drawn and recommendations for teaching and further research made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mammen, Kuttickattu John
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium Physical sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Transkei Black people -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003563
- Description: The purpose of the study was to collect and collate information pertaining to common misconceptions of components of the concept of chemical equilibrium amongst a sample of Transkeian matriculants. 'Equilibrium' is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry and 'chemical equilibrium' is an important chemistry topic in both the higher grade and standard grade South African matriculation physical science syllabuses. In recent years, South African teachers have identified chemical equilibrium as the most difficult section of the matric physical science syllabus for both teachers and pupils. It has been shown that teachers themselves lack understanding of the basic concepts underlying chemical equilibrium. Constructivist learning theories arise out of research in cognitive psychology. These theories conceive of cognitive development as the assimilation and accommodation of new ideas into extant, dynamic cognitive structures. An inference from the theories is that a study of the preconceptions and/or misconceptions held by pupils before they are exposed to instruction would enable teachers to avoid generating or reinforcing misconceptions. Hence teachers could also take deliberate steps to eradicate those already existing. The sample consisted of 112 Transkeian matriculants from four government senior secondary schools in the Southern Transkei. All were taking physical science. The test consisted of a 40 item multiple choice battery. Each question had three distracters and the options were randomized to avoid patterns and hence guessing. Questions dealing with closely associated concepts were grouped in the paper but no indication of this was given in the paper. The questions are analyzed singly. A brief introduction and outline of the theory on which the group of questions was based is given in each case. The analysis makes use of the frequency of choice of all options, discrimination indices, although they were generally low and item difficulties. The intent in each analysis is to identify the possible misconception(s) underlying wrong answers. Finally conclusions based on the discussion are drawn and recommendations for teaching and further research made.
- Full Text:
Paul and Barnabas in Lystra (Acts 14:8-20): the contextualization of the Gospel in a Graeco-Roman city
- Authors: Germiquet, Edouard Ariste
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Bible. Acts -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018213
- Description: This thesis will investigate the extensive Graeco-Roman characteristics of the Lystra speech and in so doing convey some clarity in the otherwise widely differing opinions held about it. This will be achieved by showing that Lystra was a Hellenistic city of some importance with a varied population. It will be argued that the initial reaction of the Lystrians to the miraculous healing of the cripple is to be understood as representing typical Graeco-Roman notions. This will include Luke's use of a legend which not only adds local colouring to the narrative but also introduces Graeco-Roman themes such as the blurring of the distinction between humans and gods and the custom of sacrifice. This contextualization immediately portrays the Graeco-Roman nature of the Lystrians' behaviour and attitudes. In addition to these themes it will be argued that the Lystrians are shown to being reliant on secondary notions of God, which when exposed to the proclamation of the apostles will prove to be inadequate. It will also be argued that the speech of the apostles is structured in a typically Graeco-Roman rhetorical form, where the errors are first exposed before the truth is presented. In conjunction with this structure it will be argued that the philosophical concept of which Dibelius has shown to be clearly presupposed in the Areopagus speech, is not only present in the Lystra speech but forms the philosophical basis on which it is structured. This concept explains the insistence by the apostles that they are human and that God has no need of such worthless things as sacrifices. It also explains the presentation of God's activity in creation and providence as an antithesis to a god who is in need. The Graeco-Roman aspects are brought to a close with the discussion of idea that an awareness of God does not depend on secondary notions acquired from legends or customs but that the truth is grasped through a process of reflection on creation and providence. This is an important notion in the speech for it exposes the Lystrians as being in need of a reorientation of their beliefs in God, away from those which are secondary to those which are primary and compatible with the truth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Germiquet, Edouard Ariste
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Bible. Acts -- Criticism, interpretation, etc.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018213
- Description: This thesis will investigate the extensive Graeco-Roman characteristics of the Lystra speech and in so doing convey some clarity in the otherwise widely differing opinions held about it. This will be achieved by showing that Lystra was a Hellenistic city of some importance with a varied population. It will be argued that the initial reaction of the Lystrians to the miraculous healing of the cripple is to be understood as representing typical Graeco-Roman notions. This will include Luke's use of a legend which not only adds local colouring to the narrative but also introduces Graeco-Roman themes such as the blurring of the distinction between humans and gods and the custom of sacrifice. This contextualization immediately portrays the Graeco-Roman nature of the Lystrians' behaviour and attitudes. In addition to these themes it will be argued that the Lystrians are shown to being reliant on secondary notions of God, which when exposed to the proclamation of the apostles will prove to be inadequate. It will also be argued that the speech of the apostles is structured in a typically Graeco-Roman rhetorical form, where the errors are first exposed before the truth is presented. In conjunction with this structure it will be argued that the philosophical concept of which Dibelius has shown to be clearly presupposed in the Areopagus speech, is not only present in the Lystra speech but forms the philosophical basis on which it is structured. This concept explains the insistence by the apostles that they are human and that God has no need of such worthless things as sacrifices. It also explains the presentation of God's activity in creation and providence as an antithesis to a god who is in need. The Graeco-Roman aspects are brought to a close with the discussion of idea that an awareness of God does not depend on secondary notions acquired from legends or customs but that the truth is grasped through a process of reflection on creation and providence. This is an important notion in the speech for it exposes the Lystrians as being in need of a reorientation of their beliefs in God, away from those which are secondary to those which are primary and compatible with the truth.
- Full Text:
Pegmatite-hosted mineral deposits of central and southern Africa : regional geological settings and preliminary exploration target considerations
- Senzani, Freeman Elther David
- Authors: Senzani, Freeman Elther David
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Pegmatites -- Africa, Southern , Mineralogy -- Africa, Southern , Pegmatites -- Africa, Central , Mineralogy -- Africa, Central
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006087
- Description: Review of literature shows that rocks of all ages from the Archaean to the early Phanerozoic host pegmatite-based mineralisation in the central and southern region of the African continent. The greatest concentrations occur in the Archaean and late Proterozoic orogenic belts, while early to middle Proterozoic granites do not, in general, host mineralisation. Pan-African mineralisation is present, but is not widespread. Some deposits previously considered to be of Pan-African have been shown to be of Proterozoic age. In common with occurrences of other regions, the deposits are closely associated with small, late- to post-tectonic granites. Therefore, preliminary assessment of the potential of granites as sources of pegmatite mineralisation should utilise satellite data or aerial photographs. The granites also tend to be alkaline and peraluminous. Thus, in the next stage, chemical analysis for selected major and trace elements should be conducted directly on granites if they occur as small plutons. For large granitic batholiths or terranes, preliminary stream-sediment surveys may be necessary to reduce the size of the target area. Subsequently, pegmatite zonation around suitable granites should be assessed as it allows attention to be focussed on areas likely to host the specific type of mineralisation being explored for.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Senzani, Freeman Elther David
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Pegmatites -- Africa, Southern , Mineralogy -- Africa, Southern , Pegmatites -- Africa, Central , Mineralogy -- Africa, Central
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006087
- Description: Review of literature shows that rocks of all ages from the Archaean to the early Phanerozoic host pegmatite-based mineralisation in the central and southern region of the African continent. The greatest concentrations occur in the Archaean and late Proterozoic orogenic belts, while early to middle Proterozoic granites do not, in general, host mineralisation. Pan-African mineralisation is present, but is not widespread. Some deposits previously considered to be of Pan-African have been shown to be of Proterozoic age. In common with occurrences of other regions, the deposits are closely associated with small, late- to post-tectonic granites. Therefore, preliminary assessment of the potential of granites as sources of pegmatite mineralisation should utilise satellite data or aerial photographs. The granites also tend to be alkaline and peraluminous. Thus, in the next stage, chemical analysis for selected major and trace elements should be conducted directly on granites if they occur as small plutons. For large granitic batholiths or terranes, preliminary stream-sediment surveys may be necessary to reduce the size of the target area. Subsequently, pegmatite zonation around suitable granites should be assessed as it allows attention to be focussed on areas likely to host the specific type of mineralisation being explored for.
- Full Text:
Phase equilibria in three component systems alcohol-hydrocarbon-water
- Authors: Siswana, Msimelelo Patrick
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004988 , Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Description: The fuel industry in many parts of the world is blending alcohols with motor fuel either to extend the fuel or to improve its octane rating or both. Unfortunately alcohols are hygroscopic and as a result, water becomes a component of the fuel. This can lead to phase separation and the formation of a water-rich layer which could have serious corrosion consequences. In an attempt to understand the phase-splitting in alcohol-petrol-water blends, phase equilibria in ternary systems (alcohol-hydrocarbon-water) have been determined by experiment. The phase equilibria in these ternary systems are also discussed in terms of modern theories of liquid mixtures and the UNIQUAC theory is applied to the "ethanol + benzene + water" ternary system. The alcohols are all the C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ alcohols, and the hydrocarbons include those typically found in petrol, e.g. cyclohexane, benzene and substituted benzenes.
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- Authors: Siswana, Msimelelo Patrick
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004988 , Chemical equilibrium , Liquid-liquid equilibrium , Alcohol as fuel , Hydrocarbons , Water chemistry
- Description: The fuel industry in many parts of the world is blending alcohols with motor fuel either to extend the fuel or to improve its octane rating or both. Unfortunately alcohols are hygroscopic and as a result, water becomes a component of the fuel. This can lead to phase separation and the formation of a water-rich layer which could have serious corrosion consequences. In an attempt to understand the phase-splitting in alcohol-petrol-water blends, phase equilibria in ternary systems (alcohol-hydrocarbon-water) have been determined by experiment. The phase equilibria in these ternary systems are also discussed in terms of modern theories of liquid mixtures and the UNIQUAC theory is applied to the "ethanol + benzene + water" ternary system. The alcohols are all the C₁, C₂, C₃ and C₄ alcohols, and the hydrocarbons include those typically found in petrol, e.g. cyclohexane, benzene and substituted benzenes.
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Photosynthetic gas exchange responses to light, temperature, carbon dioxide and water stress, and changes in photosynthetic pigments to light and water stress in two cultivars of Hordeum vulgare L
- Logie, Malcolme Ronald Ruxton
- Authors: Logie, Malcolme Ronald Ruxton
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Plants -- Photorespiration , Plants -- Transpiration , Botanical chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003779
- Description: The gas exchange responses of two cultivars of Hordeum vulgare L., to light, temperature, CO₂ and water stress were investigated in the laboratory. The optimum temperature for net CO₂ assimilation was found to be 25°C and 22.5°C for cv. Clipper and cv. Dayan respectively. Net CO₂ assimilation was reduced at 30°C in cv. Dayan. At low light intensity the highest quantum yield efficiency was 0.051 mol.mol⁻¹ at 30°C for cv. Clipper, and 0.066 mol.mol⁻¹ at 20°C for cv. Dayan. At the same temperature, cv. Clipper had a higher water use efficiency than cv. Dayan, but stomatal conductance for cv. Dayan was higher than cv. Clipper. Stomatal limitation to CO₂ was lowest at the optimum temperature for CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars. Stomata limited CO₂ assimilation in cv. Clipper to a larger degree than in cv. Dayan. Relative stomatal limitation for cv. Clipper at 25°C was 0.280 ± 0.010, and for cv. Dayan at 22.5°C was 0.028 ± 0.011. Short-term exposure to elevated CO₂ concentrations increased CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars, but more so for cv. Clipper. Transpiration rate at elevated CO₂ partial pressures were higher in cv. Dayan than in cv. Clipper. At very high CO₂ (860 μmol.m⁻²s⁻¹) partial pressure water use efficiency in cv. Clipper was higher than cv. Dayan, but at low CO₂ partial pressures water use efficiency in cv. Dayan was higher than cv. Clipper. Water stress reduced the relative leaf water content and net CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars. Cultivar Dayan was more tolerant to water stress, and CO₂ assimilation in this cultivar was less affected by water stress. In both cultivars water stress increased the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll a+b. The chlorophyll a:b ratio remained relatively constant throughout the stress period. No correlation between relative leaf water content and total carotenoid concentration was observed.
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- Authors: Logie, Malcolme Ronald Ruxton
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Plants -- Photorespiration , Plants -- Transpiration , Botanical chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4210 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003779
- Description: The gas exchange responses of two cultivars of Hordeum vulgare L., to light, temperature, CO₂ and water stress were investigated in the laboratory. The optimum temperature for net CO₂ assimilation was found to be 25°C and 22.5°C for cv. Clipper and cv. Dayan respectively. Net CO₂ assimilation was reduced at 30°C in cv. Dayan. At low light intensity the highest quantum yield efficiency was 0.051 mol.mol⁻¹ at 30°C for cv. Clipper, and 0.066 mol.mol⁻¹ at 20°C for cv. Dayan. At the same temperature, cv. Clipper had a higher water use efficiency than cv. Dayan, but stomatal conductance for cv. Dayan was higher than cv. Clipper. Stomatal limitation to CO₂ was lowest at the optimum temperature for CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars. Stomata limited CO₂ assimilation in cv. Clipper to a larger degree than in cv. Dayan. Relative stomatal limitation for cv. Clipper at 25°C was 0.280 ± 0.010, and for cv. Dayan at 22.5°C was 0.028 ± 0.011. Short-term exposure to elevated CO₂ concentrations increased CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars, but more so for cv. Clipper. Transpiration rate at elevated CO₂ partial pressures were higher in cv. Dayan than in cv. Clipper. At very high CO₂ (860 μmol.m⁻²s⁻¹) partial pressure water use efficiency in cv. Clipper was higher than cv. Dayan, but at low CO₂ partial pressures water use efficiency in cv. Dayan was higher than cv. Clipper. Water stress reduced the relative leaf water content and net CO₂ assimilation in both cultivars. Cultivar Dayan was more tolerant to water stress, and CO₂ assimilation in this cultivar was less affected by water stress. In both cultivars water stress increased the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and chlorophyll a+b. The chlorophyll a:b ratio remained relatively constant throughout the stress period. No correlation between relative leaf water content and total carotenoid concentration was observed.
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Project water (Grahamstown) : a case study of the development of an environmental education project
- Authors: Ashwell, Alice Nicola
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa Water quality -- Measurement Water conservation -- South Africa Water-supply -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Global Rivers Environmental Education Network Project Water (Grahamstown) Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003599
- Description: Environmental education is an approach to education which emphasises the interrelatedness of people and their human and non-human environments and seeks to encourage environmental awareness, concern and action. This case study documents the implementation and development of Project WATER, Grahamstown, a practical environmental education project dealing with catchment conservation and water quality monitoring. The Grahamstown project is one of a number of local water quality monitoring initiatives affiliated to GREEN (the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network). Participants in the project included student teachers from the Department of Education at Rhodes University and pupils and teachers from three farm schools in the district and four high schools in the town. Project WATER, Grahamstown developed as an Action Research and Community Problem-Solving project. The study focuses on fragmentalist and holistic approaches to education, people's responses to Project WATER and the choice of action research as the research method.
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- Authors: Ashwell, Alice Nicola
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Environmental education -- Activity programs -- South Africa Water quality -- Measurement Water conservation -- South Africa Water-supply -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Global Rivers Environmental Education Network Project Water (Grahamstown) Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects Water -- Pollution -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Schools -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003599
- Description: Environmental education is an approach to education which emphasises the interrelatedness of people and their human and non-human environments and seeks to encourage environmental awareness, concern and action. This case study documents the implementation and development of Project WATER, Grahamstown, a practical environmental education project dealing with catchment conservation and water quality monitoring. The Grahamstown project is one of a number of local water quality monitoring initiatives affiliated to GREEN (the Global Rivers Environmental Education Network). Participants in the project included student teachers from the Department of Education at Rhodes University and pupils and teachers from three farm schools in the district and four high schools in the town. Project WATER, Grahamstown developed as an Action Research and Community Problem-Solving project. The study focuses on fragmentalist and holistic approaches to education, people's responses to Project WATER and the choice of action research as the research method.
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Public relations in community work : a public relations programme for direct service organisations
- Carmichael-Kathan, Averil Margaret
- Authors: Carmichael-Kathan, Averil Margaret
- Date: 1992 , 2012-11-28
- Subjects: Social service -- Public relations -- Research , Community organization -- Research , Social service -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006375 , Social service -- Public relations -- Research , Community organization -- Research , Social service -- Research
- Description: The community work method of social work is a method requiring creativity, application of specialised skills and knowledge, sound planning and administration and a persuasiveness to reach the various sectors of the community in order to accomplish broad based goals. Public relations is an occupation that has a sound body of literature and theory, a code of ethics or conduct, a host of tools and methods and also requires sound planning and administration, bound together with persuasiveness to reach the various publics in order to accomplish goals affecting image, quality of service rendering and marketing of services. The present study was concerned with identifying the commonalities and the differences between the profession of community work and the occupation of public relations in order to enhance the content of community work theory for practical application by community workers. The differences between the two would, in fact, teach content to community work. It was hypothesised that public relations has a necessary function and is an occupation that can be internalised with and applied to community work for the effective marketing of organisational services. A model for incorporating public relations into community work was designed and implemented in a direct service welfare organisation with positive results. This design is applicable to other direct service welfare organisations with innovative and flexible management teams. The results of an empirical research study, making use of random sampling and questionnaires, was analysed. The results indicated that public relations and community work were comparable entities with reference to knowledge bases, values, skills, tools, methods, techniques, ethics and programmes. A third group of respondents emerged in this study - community workers practising public relations firmly within the realm of community work. This group advocated the use of marketing and communication strategies in applying the community work method effectively. The primary difference to emerge from the work research was one of emphasis in applying methods and subsequently, community work can learn a great deal from these differences which will enhance service rendering correspondingly. The culmination of this study led to several highly relevant conclusions and recommendations for welfare organisations in a Post-apartheid South Africa. The most worthwhile conclusion was that community work has a great deal to learn from public relations, and that they are combinable entities at every level. , KMBT_223
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- Authors: Carmichael-Kathan, Averil Margaret
- Date: 1992 , 2012-11-28
- Subjects: Social service -- Public relations -- Research , Community organization -- Research , Social service -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006375 , Social service -- Public relations -- Research , Community organization -- Research , Social service -- Research
- Description: The community work method of social work is a method requiring creativity, application of specialised skills and knowledge, sound planning and administration and a persuasiveness to reach the various sectors of the community in order to accomplish broad based goals. Public relations is an occupation that has a sound body of literature and theory, a code of ethics or conduct, a host of tools and methods and also requires sound planning and administration, bound together with persuasiveness to reach the various publics in order to accomplish goals affecting image, quality of service rendering and marketing of services. The present study was concerned with identifying the commonalities and the differences between the profession of community work and the occupation of public relations in order to enhance the content of community work theory for practical application by community workers. The differences between the two would, in fact, teach content to community work. It was hypothesised that public relations has a necessary function and is an occupation that can be internalised with and applied to community work for the effective marketing of organisational services. A model for incorporating public relations into community work was designed and implemented in a direct service welfare organisation with positive results. This design is applicable to other direct service welfare organisations with innovative and flexible management teams. The results of an empirical research study, making use of random sampling and questionnaires, was analysed. The results indicated that public relations and community work were comparable entities with reference to knowledge bases, values, skills, tools, methods, techniques, ethics and programmes. A third group of respondents emerged in this study - community workers practising public relations firmly within the realm of community work. This group advocated the use of marketing and communication strategies in applying the community work method effectively. The primary difference to emerge from the work research was one of emphasis in applying methods and subsequently, community work can learn a great deal from these differences which will enhance service rendering correspondingly. The culmination of this study led to several highly relevant conclusions and recommendations for welfare organisations in a Post-apartheid South Africa. The most worthwhile conclusion was that community work has a great deal to learn from public relations, and that they are combinable entities at every level. , KMBT_223
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Pushing out towards the limits, and finding the centre: the mystical vision in the work of Ursula K. Le Guin
- Authors: Hoyle, Gisela Beate
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- Criticism and interpretation , Mysticism in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2243 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002286 , Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- Criticism and interpretation , Mysticism in literature
- Description: This thesis explores the major novels of science fiction and fantasy writer, Ursula K. Le Guin: it follows her journey from her first imaginary country, Orsinia, through the inner lands of Earthsea and the outer spaces of the Hainish Ekumen to her Yin utopia in a future California and an Earthsea revisited. In each of these worlds she moves towards an experience of an inner, unified truth which is comparable to the ecstatic experience of the religious mystics and that of which T.S Eliot writes in his Four Quartets. Through her reading of the Taoist sages and the discovery of their perception of Life as a constant and ongoing process rather than as a series of isolated events or states, whether mystical or mundane, these worlds and planets become symbols of a way of life instead of static objects. In her medium, narrative, this way is embodied in the story: the movement towards that moment of enlightenment, which is revealed as the heart, the life-giving centre of each world. It is the home to which each journey returns. "True voyage is return' (The Dispossessed). Owing to this perception of the immanent (w)holiness of life, of the many, different realities, she moves from a serene Taoist equilibrium to an angry feminist rejection of the masculine, dualist, Western civilisation, in which Man has largely been perceived as a creature apart; apart from nature, a guest on this planet, belonging to another world. In her anarchist and feminist utopias she seeks a new spititual home, a less alienated identity for humankind. Despite this apparent "development", at the heart of aU her books there is that same joy in this, mortal life, the search for which she sees as the most essential of aU human pursuits. That, ultimately, is both source and subject of Le Guin's work; and each new world explored is a different manifestation of the joyful Tao, a celebration of life.
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- Authors: Hoyle, Gisela Beate
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- Criticism and interpretation , Mysticism in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2243 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002286 , Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- Criticism and interpretation , Mysticism in literature
- Description: This thesis explores the major novels of science fiction and fantasy writer, Ursula K. Le Guin: it follows her journey from her first imaginary country, Orsinia, through the inner lands of Earthsea and the outer spaces of the Hainish Ekumen to her Yin utopia in a future California and an Earthsea revisited. In each of these worlds she moves towards an experience of an inner, unified truth which is comparable to the ecstatic experience of the religious mystics and that of which T.S Eliot writes in his Four Quartets. Through her reading of the Taoist sages and the discovery of their perception of Life as a constant and ongoing process rather than as a series of isolated events or states, whether mystical or mundane, these worlds and planets become symbols of a way of life instead of static objects. In her medium, narrative, this way is embodied in the story: the movement towards that moment of enlightenment, which is revealed as the heart, the life-giving centre of each world. It is the home to which each journey returns. "True voyage is return' (The Dispossessed). Owing to this perception of the immanent (w)holiness of life, of the many, different realities, she moves from a serene Taoist equilibrium to an angry feminist rejection of the masculine, dualist, Western civilisation, in which Man has largely been perceived as a creature apart; apart from nature, a guest on this planet, belonging to another world. In her anarchist and feminist utopias she seeks a new spititual home, a less alienated identity for humankind. Despite this apparent "development", at the heart of aU her books there is that same joy in this, mortal life, the search for which she sees as the most essential of aU human pursuits. That, ultimately, is both source and subject of Le Guin's work; and each new world explored is a different manifestation of the joyful Tao, a celebration of life.
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