Comparisons of isotopic niche widths of some invasive and indigenous fauna in a South African river
- Hill, Jaclyn M, Jones, Roy W, Hill, Martin P, Weyl, Olaf L F
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn M , Jones, Roy W , Hill, Martin P , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423711 , vital:72088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.12542"
- Description: Biological invasions threaten ecosystem integrity and bio-diversity, with numerous adverse implications for native flora and fauna. Established populations of two notorious freshwater invaders, the snail Tarebia granifera and the fish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, have been reported on three continents and are frequently predicted to be in di-rect competition with native species for dietary resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Hill, Jaclyn M , Jones, Roy W , Hill, Martin P , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423711 , vital:72088 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/fwb.12542"
- Description: Biological invasions threaten ecosystem integrity and bio-diversity, with numerous adverse implications for native flora and fauna. Established populations of two notorious freshwater invaders, the snail Tarebia granifera and the fish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, have been reported on three continents and are frequently predicted to be in di-rect competition with native species for dietary resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Composition portfolio
- Richard, Paul Christian Patrice
- Authors: Richard, Paul Christian Patrice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Vocal music -- Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017548
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Richard, Paul Christian Patrice
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Composition (Music) , Vocal music -- Scores
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:2695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017548
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education
- Authors: Champion, Eunice Nomava
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Portfolios in education , Lecture method in teaching , College teaching , College teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021175
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptions of academics at the NMMU concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education. The study was guided by the following research question: What are the conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education? A case study, involving academics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), was used to answer the research question. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed to collect data from an electronic questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale type of responses and open-ended questions, followed by two focus group interviews with academics that had prior experience in the development of a teaching portfolio. Forty-five academics responded to the questionnaire sent to all the academics at the NMMU, providing a broad perspective on the conceptions of NMMU academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios. The two focus group interviews were conducted with six and eight academics respectively who was purposively chosen for their prior experience with the development of teaching portfolios. The aim of the focus group interviews were to elaborate on the data generated by the questionnaire. The quantitative data gathered by the questionnaire was statistically analysed, generating descriptive statistics of the Likert type response statements. The transcripts of the focus group interviews were thematically analysed. The conceptual framework that initially guided the formulation of the sub-research questions was amended to include the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the data, namely: the portfolio development process, the uses of and purposes for developing teaching portfolios, the attitudes of academics towards teaching portfolios, and the benefits gained from the development of teaching portfolios. The findings of the study revealed that of the participants find work overload and additional responsibilities as major constraints and collaboration among peers as the most helpful factor in the development of a teaching portfolio. The findings further revealed that the majority of the participants identified items to be included in a teaching portfolio that would enable them to use the portfolio in the development of their teaching. A mixture of attitudes towards teaching portfolios was identified. Some academics (in particular those who have prior experience in the development of portfolios) displayed a positive attitude towards teaching portfolios, while participants reported a negative attitude towards teaching portfolios by most of their colleagues (mostly those who have not developed a portfolio yet). The negative attitudes do seem to overpower the positive attitudes towards teaching portfolios. The challenge to the NMMU would therefore be to get academics to make use of the initiatives provided by the NMMU to assist them with the teaching portfolio development process. Four recommendations that may serve as guidelines to assist in the successful implementation of teaching portfolios at the NMMU were made, based on the findings of the study. Although the results of this study cannot be generalized to other higher education institutions, they do provide insights in the conception of the academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios at the NMMU that can be of benefit to other higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Champion, Eunice Nomava
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Portfolios in education , Lecture method in teaching , College teaching , College teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021175
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptions of academics at the NMMU concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education. The study was guided by the following research question: What are the conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education? A case study, involving academics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), was used to answer the research question. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed to collect data from an electronic questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale type of responses and open-ended questions, followed by two focus group interviews with academics that had prior experience in the development of a teaching portfolio. Forty-five academics responded to the questionnaire sent to all the academics at the NMMU, providing a broad perspective on the conceptions of NMMU academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios. The two focus group interviews were conducted with six and eight academics respectively who was purposively chosen for their prior experience with the development of teaching portfolios. The aim of the focus group interviews were to elaborate on the data generated by the questionnaire. The quantitative data gathered by the questionnaire was statistically analysed, generating descriptive statistics of the Likert type response statements. The transcripts of the focus group interviews were thematically analysed. The conceptual framework that initially guided the formulation of the sub-research questions was amended to include the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the data, namely: the portfolio development process, the uses of and purposes for developing teaching portfolios, the attitudes of academics towards teaching portfolios, and the benefits gained from the development of teaching portfolios. The findings of the study revealed that of the participants find work overload and additional responsibilities as major constraints and collaboration among peers as the most helpful factor in the development of a teaching portfolio. The findings further revealed that the majority of the participants identified items to be included in a teaching portfolio that would enable them to use the portfolio in the development of their teaching. A mixture of attitudes towards teaching portfolios was identified. Some academics (in particular those who have prior experience in the development of portfolios) displayed a positive attitude towards teaching portfolios, while participants reported a negative attitude towards teaching portfolios by most of their colleagues (mostly those who have not developed a portfolio yet). The negative attitudes do seem to overpower the positive attitudes towards teaching portfolios. The challenge to the NMMU would therefore be to get academics to make use of the initiatives provided by the NMMU to assist them with the teaching portfolio development process. Four recommendations that may serve as guidelines to assist in the successful implementation of teaching portfolios at the NMMU were made, based on the findings of the study. Although the results of this study cannot be generalized to other higher education institutions, they do provide insights in the conception of the academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios at the NMMU that can be of benefit to other higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Conditions enabling or constraining the exercise of agency among new academics in higher education, conducive to the social inclusion of students
- Authors: Behari-Leak, Kasturi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Social integration -- South Africa , Students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Educational change -- South Africa , College teachers -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Critical realism , Social realism , Agent (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020295
- Description: This study, which is part of a National Research Foundation project on Social Inclusion in Higher Education (HE), focuses on the exercise of agency among new academics, conducive to the social inclusion of students. Transitioning from varied entry points into higher education, new academics face numerous challenges as they embed themselves in disciplinary and institutional contexts. Given the complexity and contested nature of the current higher education landscape, new academics are especially vulnerable. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as meta-theoretical framing and Margaret Archer’s social realist theory, with its methodological focus on analytical dualism and morphogenesis, this study offers a social realist account of how new academics engage with enabling and constraining conditions at institutional, faculty, departmental and classroom levels. Through an analysis of six individual narratives of mediation, this study explicates and exemplifies the range of agential choices exercised by new academics to mediate their contested spaces. A nuanced social and critical account of the material, ideational and agential conditions in HE shows that the courses of action taken by these new academics are driven through their concerns, commitments and projects in higher education. Yet, despite the university’s espousal of embracing change, the current induction and transition of new academics is inadequate to the task of transformation in higher education. Systemic conditions in HE, conducive to critical agency and social justice, are not enabling. Bhaskar’s Seven Scalar Being, used as an analytical frame and heuristic, guides the cross-case analysis of the six narratives across seven levels of ontology. The findings highlight that, despite difficult contextual influences, the positive exercise of agency is a marked feature of new participants in HE in this study. This has immediate implications for ways in which professional and academic development, and disciplinary and departmental programmes, could create and sustain conducive conditions for the professionalisation of new academics through more sensitised practices. Using alternative research methods such as photovoice to generate its data, this doctoral study proposes that new research methodologies, located in the third space, are needed now more than ever in HE sociological research, to recognise the researcher and the research participants as independent, autonomous and causally efficacious beings. To this end, this study includes a Chapter Zero, which captures the narrative of the doctoral scholar as researcher, who, shaped and influenced by established doctoral practices and traditions in the field, exercises her own doctoral agency in particular ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Behari-Leak, Kasturi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Social integration -- South Africa , Students -- South Africa -- Social conditions , Educational change -- South Africa , College teachers -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Critical realism , Social realism , Agent (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1333 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020295
- Description: This study, which is part of a National Research Foundation project on Social Inclusion in Higher Education (HE), focuses on the exercise of agency among new academics, conducive to the social inclusion of students. Transitioning from varied entry points into higher education, new academics face numerous challenges as they embed themselves in disciplinary and institutional contexts. Given the complexity and contested nature of the current higher education landscape, new academics are especially vulnerable. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as meta-theoretical framing and Margaret Archer’s social realist theory, with its methodological focus on analytical dualism and morphogenesis, this study offers a social realist account of how new academics engage with enabling and constraining conditions at institutional, faculty, departmental and classroom levels. Through an analysis of six individual narratives of mediation, this study explicates and exemplifies the range of agential choices exercised by new academics to mediate their contested spaces. A nuanced social and critical account of the material, ideational and agential conditions in HE shows that the courses of action taken by these new academics are driven through their concerns, commitments and projects in higher education. Yet, despite the university’s espousal of embracing change, the current induction and transition of new academics is inadequate to the task of transformation in higher education. Systemic conditions in HE, conducive to critical agency and social justice, are not enabling. Bhaskar’s Seven Scalar Being, used as an analytical frame and heuristic, guides the cross-case analysis of the six narratives across seven levels of ontology. The findings highlight that, despite difficult contextual influences, the positive exercise of agency is a marked feature of new participants in HE in this study. This has immediate implications for ways in which professional and academic development, and disciplinary and departmental programmes, could create and sustain conducive conditions for the professionalisation of new academics through more sensitised practices. Using alternative research methods such as photovoice to generate its data, this doctoral study proposes that new research methodologies, located in the third space, are needed now more than ever in HE sociological research, to recognise the researcher and the research participants as independent, autonomous and causally efficacious beings. To this end, this study includes a Chapter Zero, which captures the narrative of the doctoral scholar as researcher, who, shaped and influenced by established doctoral practices and traditions in the field, exercises her own doctoral agency in particular ways.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Condoms in pockets and HIV-free certificates: mother-daughter communication about sex and risk in a time of AIDS epidemic in South Africa
- Authors: Wilbraham, Lindy
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143693 , vital:38274 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Responsive to the perceived high risks of sexual coercion, unwanted pregnancy and HIV-infection of girls in particular, several South African sexual health promotion campaigns have used media targeting parents (mothers in particular) to instruct them on how sex should be talked about with young people to ‘risk-proof’ them. Such an instrumentalist public health discourse posits this intergenerational communication as an ‘ongoing discussion’ of events, feelings, issues and risk-safe practices around heterosexual sex negotiation. A Foucauldian view finds these conversational imperatives pitched against much-talked-about resistances to talking about sex; and the saturation with risk of ambivalent mothers and silent daughters. Mother-daughter communication about sex and sexualities – as an uneasy western ideal of attachment parenting – has tangled roots in psychoanalytic theory and feminisms where sex as the core of modern subjectivity is normalized, capacities for intimacy are trained, and affiliative sexuality is modelled in ways that balance the rights and responsibilities of sexual agency/citizenship. This paper begins with two narrative fragments from a sexual health campaign that addressed mothers and daughters, and recounts how these ‘stories’ produced derisive laughter when introduced into group discussions with young/older women. The paper follows two lines of exploration. Firstly, is western idealized fabrication of inter-subjectivity between mothers and daughters desirable and feasible in post-apartheid conditions of epidemic in South Africa? And secondly, what if the narratives of lives and experiences we offer by way of health education materials provoke uncertainties, gaps and interrogations about sex, mothering and communication, instead of offering homilies and solutions?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Wilbraham, Lindy
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143693 , vital:38274 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Responsive to the perceived high risks of sexual coercion, unwanted pregnancy and HIV-infection of girls in particular, several South African sexual health promotion campaigns have used media targeting parents (mothers in particular) to instruct them on how sex should be talked about with young people to ‘risk-proof’ them. Such an instrumentalist public health discourse posits this intergenerational communication as an ‘ongoing discussion’ of events, feelings, issues and risk-safe practices around heterosexual sex negotiation. A Foucauldian view finds these conversational imperatives pitched against much-talked-about resistances to talking about sex; and the saturation with risk of ambivalent mothers and silent daughters. Mother-daughter communication about sex and sexualities – as an uneasy western ideal of attachment parenting – has tangled roots in psychoanalytic theory and feminisms where sex as the core of modern subjectivity is normalized, capacities for intimacy are trained, and affiliative sexuality is modelled in ways that balance the rights and responsibilities of sexual agency/citizenship. This paper begins with two narrative fragments from a sexual health campaign that addressed mothers and daughters, and recounts how these ‘stories’ produced derisive laughter when introduced into group discussions with young/older women. The paper follows two lines of exploration. Firstly, is western idealized fabrication of inter-subjectivity between mothers and daughters desirable and feasible in post-apartheid conditions of epidemic in South Africa? And secondly, what if the narratives of lives and experiences we offer by way of health education materials provoke uncertainties, gaps and interrogations about sex, mothering and communication, instead of offering homilies and solutions?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Connectivity through allochthony: Reciprocal links between adjacent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa
- Richoux, Nicole B, Moyo, Sydney, Chari, Lenin D, Bergamino, Leandro, Carassou, Laure, Dalu, Tatenda, Hean, Jeff W, Sikutshwa, Likho, Gininda, Simphiwe, Magoro, Mandla, Perhar, Gurbir, Ni, Felicity, Villet, Martin H, Whitfield, Alan K, Parker, Daniel M, Froneman, P William, Arhonditsis, George, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeff W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeff W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Conscientious objection and South African medical practitioners' constructions of termination of pregnancy and emergency contraception
- Authors: Chiwandire, Desire
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Abortion -- South Africa , Abortion -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Emergency contraceptives -- South Africa , Contraception -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Medical personnel -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Women's rights -- South Africa , Liberty of conscience
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017863
- Description: Aim: The 1996 Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act decriminalized abortion in South Africa and the South African Medicines Control Council in 2000 approved the dispensing of emergency contraceptive methods by pharmacists to women without a doctor's prescription. This legislation has been hailed as among the most progressive in the world with respect to women's reproductive justice. However the realisation of these rights in practice has not always met expectations in part due to medical practitioners' ethical objections to termination of pregnancy and the provision of related services. The aim of this study was to interpret the varying ways in which medical practitioners frame termination of pregnancy and emergency contraceptive services, their own professional identities and that of their patients/clients. Methods: Sample of 58 doctors and 59 pharmacists drawn from all nine provinces of South Africa. Data collected using an anonymous confidential internet-based self-administered questionnaire. Participants were randomly recruited from online listings of South African doctors and pharmacists practicing in both private and public sectors. Data were analysed using theoretically derived qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants drew on eight frames to justify their willingness or unwillingness to provide termination-of-pregnancy related services: the foetal life frame, the women's rights frame, the balancing frame, the social justice frame, the do no harm frame, the legal and professional obligation frame, the consequences frame and the moral absolutist frame. Conclusion: Health professionals' willingness or unwillingness to provide termination of pregnancy related services is highly dependent on how they frame or understand termination of pregnancy, and how they understand their own professional identities and those of their patients/clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Chiwandire, Desire
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Abortion -- South Africa , Abortion -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Emergency contraceptives -- South Africa , Contraception -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Medical personnel -- Attitudes -- South Africa , Patients -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reproductive rights -- South Africa , Women's rights -- South Africa , Liberty of conscience
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2888 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017863
- Description: Aim: The 1996 Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act decriminalized abortion in South Africa and the South African Medicines Control Council in 2000 approved the dispensing of emergency contraceptive methods by pharmacists to women without a doctor's prescription. This legislation has been hailed as among the most progressive in the world with respect to women's reproductive justice. However the realisation of these rights in practice has not always met expectations in part due to medical practitioners' ethical objections to termination of pregnancy and the provision of related services. The aim of this study was to interpret the varying ways in which medical practitioners frame termination of pregnancy and emergency contraceptive services, their own professional identities and that of their patients/clients. Methods: Sample of 58 doctors and 59 pharmacists drawn from all nine provinces of South Africa. Data collected using an anonymous confidential internet-based self-administered questionnaire. Participants were randomly recruited from online listings of South African doctors and pharmacists practicing in both private and public sectors. Data were analysed using theoretically derived qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants drew on eight frames to justify their willingness or unwillingness to provide termination-of-pregnancy related services: the foetal life frame, the women's rights frame, the balancing frame, the social justice frame, the do no harm frame, the legal and professional obligation frame, the consequences frame and the moral absolutist frame. Conclusion: Health professionals' willingness or unwillingness to provide termination of pregnancy related services is highly dependent on how they frame or understand termination of pregnancy, and how they understand their own professional identities and those of their patients/clients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Constructing sexualities: a critical overview of articles published in Feminism and Psychology
- Marx, Jacqueline, Donaldson, Natalie
- Authors: Marx, Jacqueline , Donaldson, Natalie
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142040 , vital:38044 , DOI: 10.1177/0959353515572704
- Description: How have sexualities been dealt with in articles published in Feminism and Psychology since the inception of the journal in 1991? The idea for this overview arose from our experience of designing a critical sexualities course for graduate students in psychology. The articles featured in this overview form part of a Virtual Special Issue that can be located on the Feminism and Psychology website. Virtual Special Issues (VSI) are collections of previously published articles, which have been compiled by guest editors who are experts in the field. VSIs provide readers with an overview of feminist thought about a topic or theme, as well as an easy way to locate pertinent articles. Scholars who are approaching a new topic may find a VSI especially useful, as will instructors who are preparing course syllabi. This article introduces the Constructing Sexualities VSI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Marx, Jacqueline , Donaldson, Natalie
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142040 , vital:38044 , DOI: 10.1177/0959353515572704
- Description: How have sexualities been dealt with in articles published in Feminism and Psychology since the inception of the journal in 1991? The idea for this overview arose from our experience of designing a critical sexualities course for graduate students in psychology. The articles featured in this overview form part of a Virtual Special Issue that can be located on the Feminism and Psychology website. Virtual Special Issues (VSI) are collections of previously published articles, which have been compiled by guest editors who are experts in the field. VSIs provide readers with an overview of feminist thought about a topic or theme, as well as an easy way to locate pertinent articles. Scholars who are approaching a new topic may find a VSI especially useful, as will instructors who are preparing course syllabi. This article introduces the Constructing Sexualities VSI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Consumer perceptions and values on beef quality: implications on beef markets
- Authors: Mabhera, Sunungukai.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Beef -- Quality -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Handling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020173 , Beef -- Quality -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Handling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Beef constitutes an important part of many consumers’ diets. Beef is the most consumed red meat in South Africa. Consumer perceptions can affect the whole supply or value chain of beef. Recently there has been increased interest in food safety; greater concern for environmental and animal welfare issues, increased importance of eating quality and healthy food as well as the greater role of food services. The demand for beef is no longer limited to economic factors alone but to non-economic factors as well. Consumers of beef in Alice have become more concerned about meat-borne risks and personal health. This research prioritized the exploration of the beef consumers’ (i) self-perception (ii) price perception (iii) benefit perception [in the form of – (a) value perception and (b) quality perception]. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province specifically in Alice town and the surrounding rural areas (Ntselamanzi, Gaga, Hillcrest, Gqumashe, and Dyamala) of the Nkonkobe municipality. Anyone who admitted to eating beef and at the point of data collection bought beef for their own consumption or family consumption was deemed as a unit of analysis. Non – probabilistic sampling techniques which included accidental and random sampling were used to collect data from 100 interviewees. A semi structured questionnaire was used to analyse the perceptions and attitudes of beef consumers. The respondents were asked to indicate their agreement or disagreement with 47 statements or items presented on either five alternatives in a Likert scale scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) or a six Likert scale ranging from 1 (very low) through 5 (very high) to 6 (I do not know).The data was analysed using SPSS. It was discovered that beef consumers did not consider either intrinsic or extrinsic cues in isolation when purchasing beef but rather all characteristics contribute to the final perception. The Alice consumer market is heterogeneous and consists of different races with different cultures and market segments with varying needs and preferences. The results showed that five factors were extracted from forty seven items Factor 1: Information reliance and quality indication; Factor 2: convenience; Factor 3: Traceability and animal Welfare; Factor 4: Health and safety Conscious and Factor 5: Price and Branding. Furthermore, four main consumer segments emerged as - Segment 1: Informed buyers; Segment 2: Elite buyers; Segment 3: Health & safety conscious buyers and Segment 4: Apathetic buyers. The cluster analysis shows that quality is a subjective concept that is informed by a consumer’s personal taste and preferences. Taste and preferences inform the consumer’s effective demand which in retrospect is informed by the consumer’s socioeconomic status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mabhera, Sunungukai.
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Beef -- Quality -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Handling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11224 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020173 , Beef -- Quality -- Health aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Livestock -- Handling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef cattle -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Beef constitutes an important part of many consumers’ diets. Beef is the most consumed red meat in South Africa. Consumer perceptions can affect the whole supply or value chain of beef. Recently there has been increased interest in food safety; greater concern for environmental and animal welfare issues, increased importance of eating quality and healthy food as well as the greater role of food services. The demand for beef is no longer limited to economic factors alone but to non-economic factors as well. Consumers of beef in Alice have become more concerned about meat-borne risks and personal health. This research prioritized the exploration of the beef consumers’ (i) self-perception (ii) price perception (iii) benefit perception [in the form of – (a) value perception and (b) quality perception]. The study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province specifically in Alice town and the surrounding rural areas (Ntselamanzi, Gaga, Hillcrest, Gqumashe, and Dyamala) of the Nkonkobe municipality. Anyone who admitted to eating beef and at the point of data collection bought beef for their own consumption or family consumption was deemed as a unit of analysis. Non – probabilistic sampling techniques which included accidental and random sampling were used to collect data from 100 interviewees. A semi structured questionnaire was used to analyse the perceptions and attitudes of beef consumers. The respondents were asked to indicate their agreement or disagreement with 47 statements or items presented on either five alternatives in a Likert scale scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) or a six Likert scale ranging from 1 (very low) through 5 (very high) to 6 (I do not know).The data was analysed using SPSS. It was discovered that beef consumers did not consider either intrinsic or extrinsic cues in isolation when purchasing beef but rather all characteristics contribute to the final perception. The Alice consumer market is heterogeneous and consists of different races with different cultures and market segments with varying needs and preferences. The results showed that five factors were extracted from forty seven items Factor 1: Information reliance and quality indication; Factor 2: convenience; Factor 3: Traceability and animal Welfare; Factor 4: Health and safety Conscious and Factor 5: Price and Branding. Furthermore, four main consumer segments emerged as - Segment 1: Informed buyers; Segment 2: Elite buyers; Segment 3: Health & safety conscious buyers and Segment 4: Apathetic buyers. The cluster analysis shows that quality is a subjective concept that is informed by a consumer’s personal taste and preferences. Taste and preferences inform the consumer’s effective demand which in retrospect is informed by the consumer’s socioeconomic status.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Consuming pasts : imaging food as Identity and (post)memory in post-apartheid South Africa
- Authors: Garisch, Margaret Isabel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Searle, Berni -- Criticism and interpretation , Madikida, Churchill -- Criticism and interpretation , Food in art , Memory in art , Postcolonialism and the arts , Art -- Themes, motives , Art, Modern -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018556
- Description: This mini-thesis interprets the convergence of food and memory and explores dialectical processes associating food, identity and (post)memory, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Considering works by prominent South African Artists Berni Searle and Churchill Madikida as well as my own artistic practise and usage of food as conceptual medium, this study considers the converging effects of food, identity and memory, together with the materiality of food, from a fine arts perspective, as particularly rich and developing arena for memory work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Garisch, Margaret Isabel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Searle, Berni -- Criticism and interpretation , Madikida, Churchill -- Criticism and interpretation , Food in art , Memory in art , Postcolonialism and the arts , Art -- Themes, motives , Art, Modern -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2508 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018556
- Description: This mini-thesis interprets the convergence of food and memory and explores dialectical processes associating food, identity and (post)memory, particularly in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. Considering works by prominent South African Artists Berni Searle and Churchill Madikida as well as my own artistic practise and usage of food as conceptual medium, this study considers the converging effects of food, identity and memory, together with the materiality of food, from a fine arts perspective, as particularly rich and developing arena for memory work
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Contextualising work-family conflict, social support and gender ideologies of professional/registered nurses in the Cacadu District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Koeberg, Richenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nursing -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017884
- Description: The focus of this study was to investigate work-family conflict, social support and gender ideologies of professional/registered nurses in the South African context, specifically within the Cacadu District (Eastern Cape). The study had four aims: (a) to investigate the construct validity of the measuring instrument, (b) to investigate the relationship between social support provided by family and family interference with work (FIW), (c) to ascertain the influence of shift work on perceived work-family conflict, and lastly, (d) to determine whether there is a difference between the number of children in households and nurses’ perceptions of work-family conflict. A quantitative research design was used in the study. The sample (N = 106) was taken from five district hospitals in the Cacadu District, Eastern Cape. The measuring instrument consisted of three scales, namely the Multi-dimensional Work-Family Conflict Scale (Carlson, Kacmar, & Williams, 2000), the Social Support Questionnaire (Sarason, Sarason, Shearin, & Pierce, 1987), and an adapted Gender Ideology Scale (Tsai, 2008). The results indicated that the construct validity of the Multi-dimensional Work-Family Conflict scale was satisfactory. However, analysis of the Social Support Questionnaire and Gender Ideology scales both suggested that these scales have not been validated for use with diverse samples outside the contexts in which they were developed. The results also indicated that there is a relationship between social support provided by families and behaviour-based family interference with work. Additionally, there appeared to be a difference between the shifts worked by nurses and their perceived work-family conflict, except for strain-based work interference with family. And lastly, the only significant difference between the number of children in the household and work-family conflict was reported for strain-based work interference with family. The implications of the results for future research suggest the importance of developing and validating work-family conflict, social support and gender ideology scales that are dependent on the context of the research. In so doing, the constructs of the scale are made meaningful. Additionally, the findings provide preliminary evidence of tailoring work-family initiatives that address the needs of the nursing profession and the context of healthcare institutions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Koeberg, Richenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Nursing -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nurses -- Job stress -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work and family
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3261 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017884
- Description: The focus of this study was to investigate work-family conflict, social support and gender ideologies of professional/registered nurses in the South African context, specifically within the Cacadu District (Eastern Cape). The study had four aims: (a) to investigate the construct validity of the measuring instrument, (b) to investigate the relationship between social support provided by family and family interference with work (FIW), (c) to ascertain the influence of shift work on perceived work-family conflict, and lastly, (d) to determine whether there is a difference between the number of children in households and nurses’ perceptions of work-family conflict. A quantitative research design was used in the study. The sample (N = 106) was taken from five district hospitals in the Cacadu District, Eastern Cape. The measuring instrument consisted of three scales, namely the Multi-dimensional Work-Family Conflict Scale (Carlson, Kacmar, & Williams, 2000), the Social Support Questionnaire (Sarason, Sarason, Shearin, & Pierce, 1987), and an adapted Gender Ideology Scale (Tsai, 2008). The results indicated that the construct validity of the Multi-dimensional Work-Family Conflict scale was satisfactory. However, analysis of the Social Support Questionnaire and Gender Ideology scales both suggested that these scales have not been validated for use with diverse samples outside the contexts in which they were developed. The results also indicated that there is a relationship between social support provided by families and behaviour-based family interference with work. Additionally, there appeared to be a difference between the shifts worked by nurses and their perceived work-family conflict, except for strain-based work interference with family. And lastly, the only significant difference between the number of children in the household and work-family conflict was reported for strain-based work interference with family. The implications of the results for future research suggest the importance of developing and validating work-family conflict, social support and gender ideology scales that are dependent on the context of the research. In so doing, the constructs of the scale are made meaningful. Additionally, the findings provide preliminary evidence of tailoring work-family initiatives that address the needs of the nursing profession and the context of healthcare institutions
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Contrasting signals of genetic diversity and historical demography between two recently diverged marine and estuarine fish species
- von Der Heyden, Sophie, Toms, Jessica A, Teske, Peter R, Lamberth, Stephen J, Holleman, Wouter
- Authors: von Der Heyden, Sophie , Toms, Jessica A , Teske, Peter R , Lamberth, Stephen J , Holleman, Wouter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445611 , vital:74407 , https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11191
- Description: Estuaries, at the confluence of marine and freshwater systems, are mostly of geologically recent origin and as such make excellent models for understanding recent speciation events. Using molecular approaches, we compared genetic diversity and demographic histories in 2 closely related southern African klipfish species, the marine Clinus superciliosus and the estuarine C. spatulatus. Strong genetic differentiation was identified using both mtDNA control region and nDNA S7 sequencing, despite some haplotype sharing. Coalescent-based modelling suggests that species divergence occurred during the Late Pleistocene or, more likely, during the Early Holocene, when present-day estuaries formed. Analyses of population demography suggest that C. superciliosus has undergone historical population expansion, whereas C. spatulatus is characterized by a population decline, potentially driven by repeated cycles of population crashes linked to the opening and closing of estuarine systems. This is also reflected in values of genetic diversity, which are almost an order of magnitude lower in the estuarine than in the marine species. Given the unique evolutionary history of C. spatulatus, a species that is restricted to only 2 South African estuaries, we highlight the need for a better understanding of the processes that have shaped the evolution of estuarine populations. The identification of unique genetic lineages in estuaries can help to better guide conservation and management efforts for some of South Africa’s most fragile habitats.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: von Der Heyden, Sophie , Toms, Jessica A , Teske, Peter R , Lamberth, Stephen J , Holleman, Wouter
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/445611 , vital:74407 , https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11191
- Description: Estuaries, at the confluence of marine and freshwater systems, are mostly of geologically recent origin and as such make excellent models for understanding recent speciation events. Using molecular approaches, we compared genetic diversity and demographic histories in 2 closely related southern African klipfish species, the marine Clinus superciliosus and the estuarine C. spatulatus. Strong genetic differentiation was identified using both mtDNA control region and nDNA S7 sequencing, despite some haplotype sharing. Coalescent-based modelling suggests that species divergence occurred during the Late Pleistocene or, more likely, during the Early Holocene, when present-day estuaries formed. Analyses of population demography suggest that C. superciliosus has undergone historical population expansion, whereas C. spatulatus is characterized by a population decline, potentially driven by repeated cycles of population crashes linked to the opening and closing of estuarine systems. This is also reflected in values of genetic diversity, which are almost an order of magnitude lower in the estuarine than in the marine species. Given the unique evolutionary history of C. spatulatus, a species that is restricted to only 2 South African estuaries, we highlight the need for a better understanding of the processes that have shaped the evolution of estuarine populations. The identification of unique genetic lineages in estuaries can help to better guide conservation and management efforts for some of South Africa’s most fragile habitats.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Contribution of an income-generating project: the case of Ngwanya village in Mbhashe Municipality
- Authors: Nyengule, Sivuyile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5274 , vital:20834
- Description: Income generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Economic Development to alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of an income-generation project in Ngwanya Village, Dutywa in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A sample of fifteen respondents was drawn from one income-generating project funded by the Department of Economic Development. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data for analysis and interpretation was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Relevant literature that focuses on income-generating projects for poverty alleviation has been reviewed. Following analysis of the data gathered and interpretation of the study, conclusions are arrived at and various recommendations made. The research findings indicate clearly that the strategies being used by the Department of Economic Development were not sufficiently effective to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nyengule, Sivuyile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5274 , vital:20834
- Description: Income generating projects represent one strategy adopted by the Department of Economic Development to alleviate poverty. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of an income-generation project in Ngwanya Village, Dutywa in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A sample of fifteen respondents was drawn from one income-generating project funded by the Department of Economic Development. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data for analysis and interpretation was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Relevant literature that focuses on income-generating projects for poverty alleviation has been reviewed. Following analysis of the data gathered and interpretation of the study, conclusions are arrived at and various recommendations made. The research findings indicate clearly that the strategies being used by the Department of Economic Development were not sufficiently effective to achieve the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Contributions to the study of a class of optimal control problems on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4)
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64826 , vital:28608
- Description: In this thesis we investigate a class of invariant optimal control problems, and their associated quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems, on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4). Specifically, we are concerned with the class of left-invariant control affine systems. We begin by classifying all cost-extended systems on SO(3) under cost equivalence. (Cost-extended systems are closely related to optimal control problems.) A classification of all quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the (minus) Lie-Poisson space so(3)*, under affine equivalence, is also obtained. For the normal forms obtained in our classification (of Hamilton-Poisson systems) we investigate the (Lyapunov) stability nature of the equilibria using spectral and energy-Casimir methods. For a subclass of these systems, we obtain analytic expressions for the integral curves of the associated Hamiltonian vector fields in terms of (basic) Jacobi elliptic functions. The explicit relationship between the classification of cost-extended systems on SO(3) and the classification of quadratic Hamilton- Poisson systems on so(3)* is provided. On SO(4), a classification of all left-invariant control affine systems under L-equivalence is obtained. We then determine which of these representatives are controllable, thus obtaining a classification under detached feedback equivalence. We also obtain a partial classification of quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the Lie-Poisson space so(4)*. An investigation of the stability nature of the equilibria for a subclass of these systems is also done. Several illustrative examples of optimal control problems on the orthogonal group SO(3) are provided. More specifically, we consider an optimal control problem corresponding to a representative of our classification (of cost-extended system) for each possible number of control inputs. For each of these problems, we obtain explicit expressions for the extremal trajectories on the homogeneous space S2 by projecting the extremal trajectories on the group SO(3). The examples provided show how our classifications of cost-extended systems and Hamilton-Poisson systems can be used to obtain the optimal controls and the extremal trajectories corresponding to a large class of optimal control problems on SO(3). An example of a four-input optimal control problem on SO(4) is also provided. This example is provided to show how the solutions of certain problems on SO(4) can be related to the solutions of certain optimal control problems on SO(3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Adams, Ross Montague
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64826 , vital:28608
- Description: In this thesis we investigate a class of invariant optimal control problems, and their associated quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems, on the orthogonal groups SO(3) and SO(4). Specifically, we are concerned with the class of left-invariant control affine systems. We begin by classifying all cost-extended systems on SO(3) under cost equivalence. (Cost-extended systems are closely related to optimal control problems.) A classification of all quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the (minus) Lie-Poisson space so(3)*, under affine equivalence, is also obtained. For the normal forms obtained in our classification (of Hamilton-Poisson systems) we investigate the (Lyapunov) stability nature of the equilibria using spectral and energy-Casimir methods. For a subclass of these systems, we obtain analytic expressions for the integral curves of the associated Hamiltonian vector fields in terms of (basic) Jacobi elliptic functions. The explicit relationship between the classification of cost-extended systems on SO(3) and the classification of quadratic Hamilton- Poisson systems on so(3)* is provided. On SO(4), a classification of all left-invariant control affine systems under L-equivalence is obtained. We then determine which of these representatives are controllable, thus obtaining a classification under detached feedback equivalence. We also obtain a partial classification of quadratic Hamilton-Poisson systems on the Lie-Poisson space so(4)*. An investigation of the stability nature of the equilibria for a subclass of these systems is also done. Several illustrative examples of optimal control problems on the orthogonal group SO(3) are provided. More specifically, we consider an optimal control problem corresponding to a representative of our classification (of cost-extended system) for each possible number of control inputs. For each of these problems, we obtain explicit expressions for the extremal trajectories on the homogeneous space S2 by projecting the extremal trajectories on the group SO(3). The examples provided show how our classifications of cost-extended systems and Hamilton-Poisson systems can be used to obtain the optimal controls and the extremal trajectories corresponding to a large class of optimal control problems on SO(3). An example of a four-input optimal control problem on SO(4) is also provided. This example is provided to show how the solutions of certain problems on SO(4) can be related to the solutions of certain optimal control problems on SO(3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Control and vulnerability : reflections on the nature of human agency and personhood
- Authors: Paphitis, Sharli Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Self-control , Vulnerability (Personality trait) , Self (Philosophy) , Social psychology , Cognitive science , Frankfurt, Harry G., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation , Watson, Gary, 1943- -- Criticism and interpretation , Mele, Alfred R., 1951- -- Criticism and interpretation , Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018671
- Description: Following the writings of philosophers such as Harry Frankfurt, Gary Watson, and Alfred Mele, in this thesis I defend some central claims of the self-control view of human agency. However, I not only defend, but also supplement this view in the following two ways. First, drawing on work by Mary Midgley and Sigmund Freud I advance the claim that self-control requires the experience of internal conflict between an agent’s motivations and intentions. Second, drawing on insights from Simone de Beauvoir and Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as recent research in social psychology and cognitive science, I will argue in this thesis that self-control and vulnerability are inextricably intertwined with one another, and that as a result both are to be seen as constitutive of human agency. While it is the capacity for self-control that marks us out as human agents, I argue that it is also our uniquely human vulnerability which distinguishes our agency from the kind of agency which we might attribute to other potential or actual forms of sentience. Further, while the concepts of human agency and personhood are typically conflated in the analytic tradition of philosophy, in this thesis I will show that there are good reasons for understanding these two concepts as subtly distinct from one another. The term personhood, I will argue, can fruitfully be understood in substantive rather than purely formal terms. A person, in the superlative sense, is to be understood as someone who exercises their agency well; and, as such, persons are answerable to a number of normative prescriptions. Following Midgley, Nietzsche and Martha Nussbaum, I argue against Frankfurt’s normative prescription for personhood in the form of what he calls ‘wholeheartedness’, and offer four normative prescriptions for personhood of my own.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Paphitis, Sharli Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Self-control , Vulnerability (Personality trait) , Self (Philosophy) , Social psychology , Cognitive science , Frankfurt, Harry G., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation , Watson, Gary, 1943- -- Criticism and interpretation , Mele, Alfred R., 1951- -- Criticism and interpretation , Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm, 1844-1900 -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018671
- Description: Following the writings of philosophers such as Harry Frankfurt, Gary Watson, and Alfred Mele, in this thesis I defend some central claims of the self-control view of human agency. However, I not only defend, but also supplement this view in the following two ways. First, drawing on work by Mary Midgley and Sigmund Freud I advance the claim that self-control requires the experience of internal conflict between an agent’s motivations and intentions. Second, drawing on insights from Simone de Beauvoir and Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as recent research in social psychology and cognitive science, I will argue in this thesis that self-control and vulnerability are inextricably intertwined with one another, and that as a result both are to be seen as constitutive of human agency. While it is the capacity for self-control that marks us out as human agents, I argue that it is also our uniquely human vulnerability which distinguishes our agency from the kind of agency which we might attribute to other potential or actual forms of sentience. Further, while the concepts of human agency and personhood are typically conflated in the analytic tradition of philosophy, in this thesis I will show that there are good reasons for understanding these two concepts as subtly distinct from one another. The term personhood, I will argue, can fruitfully be understood in substantive rather than purely formal terms. A person, in the superlative sense, is to be understood as someone who exercises their agency well; and, as such, persons are answerable to a number of normative prescriptions. Following Midgley, Nietzsche and Martha Nussbaum, I argue against Frankfurt’s normative prescription for personhood in the form of what he calls ‘wholeheartedness’, and offer four normative prescriptions for personhood of my own.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Counsellors’ constructions of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and their interventions with women suffering such IPV:
- Fleischack, Anne, Macleod, Catriona I, Böhmke, Werner
- Authors: Fleischack, Anne , Macleod, Catriona I , Böhmke, Werner
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143716 , vital:38276 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: South African research reveals a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) yet little research exists regarding IPV during pregnancy. In this paper we present data collected through narrative interviews with eight counsellors from two NGOs working with women experiencing IPV during pregnancy. Using a narrative-discursive analytical lens, attention was given to the construction of subject positions and power relations between the men and women in the counsellors’ narratives. Men were largely positioned as subscribing to violent patriarchal behaviour whilst women were mostly positioned as nurturing, and as victims. The counsellors saw IPV during pregnancy as occurring for a variety of reasons, including conflicts around abortion, and male partners finding the women physically unattractive. It was noted that IPV during pregnancy is managed by women in complex ways. Counsellors’ emphasis on individual counselling and leaving the IPV relationship suggests that women are ultimately responsible for their own wellbeing and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fleischack, Anne , Macleod, Catriona I , Böhmke, Werner
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143716 , vital:38276 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: South African research reveals a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) yet little research exists regarding IPV during pregnancy. In this paper we present data collected through narrative interviews with eight counsellors from two NGOs working with women experiencing IPV during pregnancy. Using a narrative-discursive analytical lens, attention was given to the construction of subject positions and power relations between the men and women in the counsellors’ narratives. Men were largely positioned as subscribing to violent patriarchal behaviour whilst women were mostly positioned as nurturing, and as victims. The counsellors saw IPV during pregnancy as occurring for a variety of reasons, including conflicts around abortion, and male partners finding the women physically unattractive. It was noted that IPV during pregnancy is managed by women in complex ways. Counsellors’ emphasis on individual counselling and leaving the IPV relationship suggests that women are ultimately responsible for their own wellbeing and success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Counsellors’ talk about their understanding of, and practices in response to, intimate partner violence during pregnancy: a narrative-discursive analytic study.
- Authors: Fleischack, Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Intimate partner violence -- Psychological aspects , Abused women -- Counseling of , Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Abuse of , Pregnant women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016391
- Description: South Africa is a very violent society, where violence is often used as a social resource to maintain control and establish authority. Global and local research suggests that there is a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), a facet of this violence, although little research has been conducted into the effects of IPV during pregnancy in the South African non-governmental organisation (NGO) context. NGOs globally and in South Africa have attempted to address IPV and IPV during pregnancy by providing services that aim to assist (largely female) clients emotionally and logistically. In light of this phenomenon, this qualitative study presents data generated through the use of a lightly-structured narrative interview schedule. The interviews were conducted over three sessions with eight counsellors, all based at two NGOs in South Africa and experienced in counselling women who have suffered IPV and IPV during pregnancy. This study used Taylor and Littleton’s (2006) narrative-discursive analytical lens, infused with theoretical insights from Foucault about power, discourse and narrative in order to identify the discursive resources that shape the narratives that the counsellors shared in the interviews and how these translate into subject positions and (gendered) power relations of the men and women about whom they speak. Six discursive resources emerged from the narratives, namely a discourse of ‘traditional “African” culture’, ‘patriarchal masculinity’, ‘nurturing femininity’, ‘female victimhood’, ‘female survivorhood’ and ‘human rights’. These informed the three main narratives that emerged: narratives about IPV in general, IPV during pregnancy, and the counsellors’ narratives about their intervention strategies. Within these narratives (and the micro-narratives which comprised them), men were largely positioned as subscribing to violent patriarchal behaviour whilst women were mostly positioned as nurturing and victims of this violence. The counsellors also constructed women as largely ignorant of their options about IPV and IPV during pregnancy; they constructed these phenomena as problems that require intervention and identified a number of factors that indicate what successful IPV interventions should entail. In reflecting upon this analysis, this study also aimed to address the questions of what is achieved or gained by using these narratives and discursive resources, what the significance or consequences are of constructing and using these particular narratives and discourses and whether different narratives or discourses would have been possible. Recommendations for further research includes incorporating more sites as well as interviewing perpetrators and IPV survivors themselves, perhaps in their home language where relevant rather than English, to gain a broader and more faceted understanding of the dynamics surrounding IPV during pregnancy. A recommendation for practice in intervention against IPV during pregnancy is to introduce more holistic/systemic intervention strategies and working with communities to address this issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fleischack, Anne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Intimate partner violence -- South Africa , Intimate partner violence -- Psychological aspects , Abused women -- Counseling of , Pregnant women -- South Africa -- Abuse of , Pregnant women -- Counseling of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3255 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016391
- Description: South Africa is a very violent society, where violence is often used as a social resource to maintain control and establish authority. Global and local research suggests that there is a high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV), a facet of this violence, although little research has been conducted into the effects of IPV during pregnancy in the South African non-governmental organisation (NGO) context. NGOs globally and in South Africa have attempted to address IPV and IPV during pregnancy by providing services that aim to assist (largely female) clients emotionally and logistically. In light of this phenomenon, this qualitative study presents data generated through the use of a lightly-structured narrative interview schedule. The interviews were conducted over three sessions with eight counsellors, all based at two NGOs in South Africa and experienced in counselling women who have suffered IPV and IPV during pregnancy. This study used Taylor and Littleton’s (2006) narrative-discursive analytical lens, infused with theoretical insights from Foucault about power, discourse and narrative in order to identify the discursive resources that shape the narratives that the counsellors shared in the interviews and how these translate into subject positions and (gendered) power relations of the men and women about whom they speak. Six discursive resources emerged from the narratives, namely a discourse of ‘traditional “African” culture’, ‘patriarchal masculinity’, ‘nurturing femininity’, ‘female victimhood’, ‘female survivorhood’ and ‘human rights’. These informed the three main narratives that emerged: narratives about IPV in general, IPV during pregnancy, and the counsellors’ narratives about their intervention strategies. Within these narratives (and the micro-narratives which comprised them), men were largely positioned as subscribing to violent patriarchal behaviour whilst women were mostly positioned as nurturing and victims of this violence. The counsellors also constructed women as largely ignorant of their options about IPV and IPV during pregnancy; they constructed these phenomena as problems that require intervention and identified a number of factors that indicate what successful IPV interventions should entail. In reflecting upon this analysis, this study also aimed to address the questions of what is achieved or gained by using these narratives and discursive resources, what the significance or consequences are of constructing and using these particular narratives and discourses and whether different narratives or discourses would have been possible. Recommendations for further research includes incorporating more sites as well as interviewing perpetrators and IPV survivors themselves, perhaps in their home language where relevant rather than English, to gain a broader and more faceted understanding of the dynamics surrounding IPV during pregnancy. A recommendation for practice in intervention against IPV during pregnancy is to introduce more holistic/systemic intervention strategies and working with communities to address this issue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Countertrade as a development tool: a comparative analytical approach
- Authors: Van Dyk, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Countertrade , Countertrade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5054 , vital:20795
- Description: This study explores the consequences of defence countertrade arrangements for national development based on the South African experience in comparative perspective. Although defence countertrade has been controversial in many contexts, it is concluded that it may play a positive developmental role. This is premised on the central role governments can play in ensuring that countertrade's role in national economic development – global pressures and neo-liberalism notwithstanding – remains an important tool through which active industrial policy may be pursued. This can include developing and maintaining a defence industrial base (DIB) in those countries that have such capabilities. Countertrade occurs under two kinds of market conditions. The one is where there is a natural need for trading but it is constrained in some way, for example, by an absence of currency or an oversupply. Under these conditions countries can resort to bartering, which involves a commodity for commodity exchange and no money. The second market condition is one where countertrade is purposefully structured to secure reciprocal benefits as a condition of a commercial sales transaction - defence or civil in nature. This is referred to as leveraged procurement and manifests primarily as defence offsets involving the defence industrial base, which is the concern of this study. Around 40 per cent of countries, including South Africa, use various purposely structured government procurement programmes when procuring goods and services abroad. These programmes apply the principle of reciprocity through the use of internationally accepted countertrade practices that manifest in many diverse ways. Although „countertrade‘ is the collective term, it is regularly referred to as „offsets‘. Procurement leverage is used to secure some reciprocal benefit from the foreign seller (benefits sought vary from country to country). Countertrade-related practices occur widely despite the fact that the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA6) rules out the use of offsets. Their use is viewed as a discriminatory procurement practice that interferes with free trade. However, the WTO allows for exceptions in the case of developing countries and also for national security and public health contracts. It is important to note that countertrade (and offset) practices, valued in billions of US Dollars, are applicable mostly to defence contracts, although becoming increasingly relevant in non-defence (i.e. civil) government procurements. This research systematically interrogated and investigated issues surrounding the origins and subsequent popular and increased use of countertrade since the 1980s. The purported negative impact of defence-related offsets on the defence industrial base (i.e. the loss or gain of jobs, technology and market share) of both the exporting and receiving countries is of particular concern to the US government and the European Union (EU). My exploratory mixed method research, together with practitioner (insider) and reflexive research approaches, culminated in a primarily descriptive, qualitative, analytical narrative. The research is further founded on structured survey questionnaires. These specific research approaches are known to be subjective and biased and I thus needed to take extra care to prevent emotive subjectivities, primarily through triangulating my findings against a variety of other views and arguments pertaining to the research question. This was done to provide for a holistic overview, and in consideration of the case study, in particular. It must be noted that South Africa has two sets of industrial participation policies and practices. One is Defence Industrial Participation (DIP) managed exclusively by Armscor, South Africa's acquisition agency, which favours pursuing defence industry development objectives. The other is the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), managed independently by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The NIPP is primarily focused on the civil industry with a bias towards manufacturing, investments and exports. The DIP is the focus of the case study element of this research. Since its inception in 1968, Armscor has been tasked with establishing a DIB. Until the late 1980s, this DIB made huge strides in developing unique defence equipment to cater for the harsh Southern African environment and its military operational conditions. The DIB's development was enhanced further by the various UN embargoes imposed on the former South African apartheid government. Owing to these embargoes, Armscor dealt with all its defence imports (and exports) in a clandestine manner. Armscor was the only government entity that applied countertrade from around 1988 until 1996 when the DTI introduced NIPP. During the latter part of 1996, Armscor redrafted its countertrade policy with the new DIP policy approved in early 1997. This policy was applied during the biggest arms transaction in South Africa‟s history, namely, the Strategic Defence Package (SDP). A DIP commitment of circa R15 billion resulted from the equipment bought under the SDP. This study investigated how the DIP manifested in practice from 2000 to 2012 within the DIB that involved numerous South African Defence Industry (SADI) entities. The study considered the DIB, its growth and decline, and to what extent the DIP assisted it to retain its capabilities and capacities, including the retention of jobs. Hence, parts of the case study cover issues related to the South African military complex and the SDP‟s selection process. Subsequent investigations into alleged acts of misconduct and maladministration in the selection process, fraud and corruption are also covered, although not in detail, since this matter is sub judice the outcome of the 2011 presidential appointed Arms Procurement Commission (APC) of inquiry that is anticipating completing its investigations in 2015. Although there are many derivative views on the actual defence equipment needs of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the study did not endeavour to analyse these views in depth as they are adequately covered in the 1996 Defence Review. Similarly, there are views expressed that South Africa paid much more for its equipment compared with similar types of equipment bought by other countries. A cost comparative analysis was not performed as the exact configuration of each type of equipment can differ substantially due to the unique operational needs of the various defence forces – the exact configuration of such equipment is not in the public domain, since it is a sovereign security concern. Despite many opposing views, it is concluded that DIP (also referred to as defence offsets) has worked for South Africa: in many ways the South African DIP practice compares favourably with internationally accepted best practices. The research‟s postulation that countertrade can be used as a possible development mechanism is therefore supported by the findings of this study that showed that DIP had a positive retention impact on the DIB, and jobs, and made a positive contribution to Gross National Product (GNP7). The study found that the 1997 DIP policy needed to be much better aligned with the broader strategic national industrial development aims and objectives, including better corroboration with the NIPP. In this respect critical inferences are made that the DIP policy primarily focused on the SADI and its capabilities, without considering its wider application in a broader industrial sense. However, in the context of the Armscor legal mandate (i.t.o. Act 57 of 1968) ensuring the establishment of a DIB in South Africa, the DIP policy was clear in its intent to specifically further the interests of only the SADI. However, the 2014 Defence Review recommends that the DIP policy should be much more focused and even prescriptive when considering specific strategic defence needs. Although DIP policy directives contain requirements for establishing strategic local capabilities and capacities that could adequately cater for logistic support, repair and maintenance of foreign produced defence equipment, this aspect was not well contracted in the 1999 SDP. There is also general consensus that foreign obligors should in future not be allowed the freedoms of choice evident in the SDP‟s DIP process, which resulted in numerous smaller companies not benefitting as was generally anticipated. Future defence contracts should not be signed without an appropriate DIP business plan. Hence, all indications are that the DIP regime in South Africa is set to become much more stringent in its application and subsequent discharge administration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Van Dyk, Johannes Jacobus
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Countertrade , Countertrade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5054 , vital:20795
- Description: This study explores the consequences of defence countertrade arrangements for national development based on the South African experience in comparative perspective. Although defence countertrade has been controversial in many contexts, it is concluded that it may play a positive developmental role. This is premised on the central role governments can play in ensuring that countertrade's role in national economic development – global pressures and neo-liberalism notwithstanding – remains an important tool through which active industrial policy may be pursued. This can include developing and maintaining a defence industrial base (DIB) in those countries that have such capabilities. Countertrade occurs under two kinds of market conditions. The one is where there is a natural need for trading but it is constrained in some way, for example, by an absence of currency or an oversupply. Under these conditions countries can resort to bartering, which involves a commodity for commodity exchange and no money. The second market condition is one where countertrade is purposefully structured to secure reciprocal benefits as a condition of a commercial sales transaction - defence or civil in nature. This is referred to as leveraged procurement and manifests primarily as defence offsets involving the defence industrial base, which is the concern of this study. Around 40 per cent of countries, including South Africa, use various purposely structured government procurement programmes when procuring goods and services abroad. These programmes apply the principle of reciprocity through the use of internationally accepted countertrade practices that manifest in many diverse ways. Although „countertrade‘ is the collective term, it is regularly referred to as „offsets‘. Procurement leverage is used to secure some reciprocal benefit from the foreign seller (benefits sought vary from country to country). Countertrade-related practices occur widely despite the fact that the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA6) rules out the use of offsets. Their use is viewed as a discriminatory procurement practice that interferes with free trade. However, the WTO allows for exceptions in the case of developing countries and also for national security and public health contracts. It is important to note that countertrade (and offset) practices, valued in billions of US Dollars, are applicable mostly to defence contracts, although becoming increasingly relevant in non-defence (i.e. civil) government procurements. This research systematically interrogated and investigated issues surrounding the origins and subsequent popular and increased use of countertrade since the 1980s. The purported negative impact of defence-related offsets on the defence industrial base (i.e. the loss or gain of jobs, technology and market share) of both the exporting and receiving countries is of particular concern to the US government and the European Union (EU). My exploratory mixed method research, together with practitioner (insider) and reflexive research approaches, culminated in a primarily descriptive, qualitative, analytical narrative. The research is further founded on structured survey questionnaires. These specific research approaches are known to be subjective and biased and I thus needed to take extra care to prevent emotive subjectivities, primarily through triangulating my findings against a variety of other views and arguments pertaining to the research question. This was done to provide for a holistic overview, and in consideration of the case study, in particular. It must be noted that South Africa has two sets of industrial participation policies and practices. One is Defence Industrial Participation (DIP) managed exclusively by Armscor, South Africa's acquisition agency, which favours pursuing defence industry development objectives. The other is the National Industrial Participation Programme (NIPP), managed independently by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The NIPP is primarily focused on the civil industry with a bias towards manufacturing, investments and exports. The DIP is the focus of the case study element of this research. Since its inception in 1968, Armscor has been tasked with establishing a DIB. Until the late 1980s, this DIB made huge strides in developing unique defence equipment to cater for the harsh Southern African environment and its military operational conditions. The DIB's development was enhanced further by the various UN embargoes imposed on the former South African apartheid government. Owing to these embargoes, Armscor dealt with all its defence imports (and exports) in a clandestine manner. Armscor was the only government entity that applied countertrade from around 1988 until 1996 when the DTI introduced NIPP. During the latter part of 1996, Armscor redrafted its countertrade policy with the new DIP policy approved in early 1997. This policy was applied during the biggest arms transaction in South Africa‟s history, namely, the Strategic Defence Package (SDP). A DIP commitment of circa R15 billion resulted from the equipment bought under the SDP. This study investigated how the DIP manifested in practice from 2000 to 2012 within the DIB that involved numerous South African Defence Industry (SADI) entities. The study considered the DIB, its growth and decline, and to what extent the DIP assisted it to retain its capabilities and capacities, including the retention of jobs. Hence, parts of the case study cover issues related to the South African military complex and the SDP‟s selection process. Subsequent investigations into alleged acts of misconduct and maladministration in the selection process, fraud and corruption are also covered, although not in detail, since this matter is sub judice the outcome of the 2011 presidential appointed Arms Procurement Commission (APC) of inquiry that is anticipating completing its investigations in 2015. Although there are many derivative views on the actual defence equipment needs of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the study did not endeavour to analyse these views in depth as they are adequately covered in the 1996 Defence Review. Similarly, there are views expressed that South Africa paid much more for its equipment compared with similar types of equipment bought by other countries. A cost comparative analysis was not performed as the exact configuration of each type of equipment can differ substantially due to the unique operational needs of the various defence forces – the exact configuration of such equipment is not in the public domain, since it is a sovereign security concern. Despite many opposing views, it is concluded that DIP (also referred to as defence offsets) has worked for South Africa: in many ways the South African DIP practice compares favourably with internationally accepted best practices. The research‟s postulation that countertrade can be used as a possible development mechanism is therefore supported by the findings of this study that showed that DIP had a positive retention impact on the DIB, and jobs, and made a positive contribution to Gross National Product (GNP7). The study found that the 1997 DIP policy needed to be much better aligned with the broader strategic national industrial development aims and objectives, including better corroboration with the NIPP. In this respect critical inferences are made that the DIP policy primarily focused on the SADI and its capabilities, without considering its wider application in a broader industrial sense. However, in the context of the Armscor legal mandate (i.t.o. Act 57 of 1968) ensuring the establishment of a DIB in South Africa, the DIP policy was clear in its intent to specifically further the interests of only the SADI. However, the 2014 Defence Review recommends that the DIP policy should be much more focused and even prescriptive when considering specific strategic defence needs. Although DIP policy directives contain requirements for establishing strategic local capabilities and capacities that could adequately cater for logistic support, repair and maintenance of foreign produced defence equipment, this aspect was not well contracted in the 1999 SDP. There is also general consensus that foreign obligors should in future not be allowed the freedoms of choice evident in the SDP‟s DIP process, which resulted in numerous smaller companies not benefitting as was generally anticipated. Future defence contracts should not be signed without an appropriate DIP business plan. Hence, all indications are that the DIP regime in South Africa is set to become much more stringent in its application and subsequent discharge administration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Counting of finite fuzzy subsets with applications to fuzzy recognition and selection strategies
- Authors: Talwanga, Matiki
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Möbius transformations , Fuzzy sets , Functions, Zeta , Partitions (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5431 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018186
- Description: The counting of fuzzy subsets of a finite set is of great interest in both practical and theoretical contexts in Mathematics. We have used some counting techniques such as the principle of Inclusion-Exclusion and the Mõbius Inversion to enumerate the fuzzy subsets of a finite set satisfying different conditions. These two techniques are interdependent with the M¨obius inversion generalizing the principle of Inclusion-Exclusion. The enumeration is carried out each time we redefine new conditions on the set. In this study one of our aims is the recognition and identification of fuzzy subsets with same features, characteristics or conditions. To facilitate such a study, we use some ideas such as the Hamming distance, mid-point between two fuzzy subsets and cardinality of fuzzy subsets. Finally we introduce the fuzzy scanner of elements of a finite set. This is used to identify elements and fuzzy subsets of a set. The scanning process of identification and recognition facilitates the choice of entities with specified properties. We develop a procedure of selection under the fuzzy environment. This allows us a framework to resolve conflicting issues in the market place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Talwanga, Matiki
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Möbius transformations , Fuzzy sets , Functions, Zeta , Partitions (Mathematics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5431 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018186
- Description: The counting of fuzzy subsets of a finite set is of great interest in both practical and theoretical contexts in Mathematics. We have used some counting techniques such as the principle of Inclusion-Exclusion and the Mõbius Inversion to enumerate the fuzzy subsets of a finite set satisfying different conditions. These two techniques are interdependent with the M¨obius inversion generalizing the principle of Inclusion-Exclusion. The enumeration is carried out each time we redefine new conditions on the set. In this study one of our aims is the recognition and identification of fuzzy subsets with same features, characteristics or conditions. To facilitate such a study, we use some ideas such as the Hamming distance, mid-point between two fuzzy subsets and cardinality of fuzzy subsets. Finally we introduce the fuzzy scanner of elements of a finite set. This is used to identify elements and fuzzy subsets of a set. The scanning process of identification and recognition facilitates the choice of entities with specified properties. We develop a procedure of selection under the fuzzy environment. This allows us a framework to resolve conflicting issues in the market place.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Creating a safe learning environment in two schools in the Butterworth District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Vokozela, Zandile
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Msc (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021297
- Description: This study focuses on the creation of a safe learning environment at two schools in the Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The two schools are Ndabankulu Senior Secondary School and Butterworth High School. The study is of a comparative design and aims to assist the communities of Ndabankulu Senior Secondary School, and Butterworth High School to improve health, safety and security issues of their children by reducing their exposure to environmental risks while attending school. An ethnographic study was used to collect data and the study employed questionnaires, document analysis and interviews as methods of collecting data. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the school is still a safe place for learning and teaching to take place without fear and harm so that both learners and teachers can attain growth and development. Physical risks were assessed through observation and document analysis. Interviews were conducted with the senior members of staff while questionnaires were issued to eighty learners and were all returned back for analysis. The content analysis and interpretation yielded findings that suggests that hazards that may harm the development of learners at Ndabankulu S.S.S. and Butterworth High school exist. The study concludes that it is crucial that strategies and necessary interventions be set up and implemented to ensure that all stakeholders perceive school safety as an important aspect, both for the benefit of the school and that of the wider society. The barriers to school safety, specifically to both schools in this study need to be attended to. The study has presented findings that are consistent with those of other studies which emphasized that if barriers to school safety are identified, confronted and tackled, the schools could benefit positively from effects of involving everyone to create a safe learning environment. The conditions under which learners receive education in South Africa have to be closely and constantly monitored by Departmental officials. Teachers and managers need to be trained in their duties so that schools become places where learners are safe and enjoy reaching their future goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Vokozela, Zandile
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Msc (Environmental Studies)
- Identifier: vital:11881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021297
- Description: This study focuses on the creation of a safe learning environment at two schools in the Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The two schools are Ndabankulu Senior Secondary School and Butterworth High School. The study is of a comparative design and aims to assist the communities of Ndabankulu Senior Secondary School, and Butterworth High School to improve health, safety and security issues of their children by reducing their exposure to environmental risks while attending school. An ethnographic study was used to collect data and the study employed questionnaires, document analysis and interviews as methods of collecting data. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether the school is still a safe place for learning and teaching to take place without fear and harm so that both learners and teachers can attain growth and development. Physical risks were assessed through observation and document analysis. Interviews were conducted with the senior members of staff while questionnaires were issued to eighty learners and were all returned back for analysis. The content analysis and interpretation yielded findings that suggests that hazards that may harm the development of learners at Ndabankulu S.S.S. and Butterworth High school exist. The study concludes that it is crucial that strategies and necessary interventions be set up and implemented to ensure that all stakeholders perceive school safety as an important aspect, both for the benefit of the school and that of the wider society. The barriers to school safety, specifically to both schools in this study need to be attended to. The study has presented findings that are consistent with those of other studies which emphasized that if barriers to school safety are identified, confronted and tackled, the schools could benefit positively from effects of involving everyone to create a safe learning environment. The conditions under which learners receive education in South Africa have to be closely and constantly monitored by Departmental officials. Teachers and managers need to be trained in their duties so that schools become places where learners are safe and enjoy reaching their future goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015