Unicorn: A unified communication solution for marginalized communities
- Nyathi, Okelitsi, Terzoli, Alfredo, Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Authors: Nyathi, Okelitsi , Terzoli, Alfredo , Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430666 , vital:72707 , 10.1109/ICASTech.2013.6707506
- Description: The convergence of previously distinct networks into an All-IP network has resulted in an increase in the number and diversity of devices, channels and communication networks available to users. This has increased the number commu-nication options available and is evidenced by the number of different communication devices owned and services subscribed to. How-ever, this has created complexities that call for proper methods to manage these diverse and in-compatible communication options. The objective of Unified Communication (UC) is to seamlessly integrate the dispar-ate communication channels into a device independent plat-form that can easily be managed by users. Due its focus on a largely urban and highly connected market, UC has not benefited marginalized communities. This paper discusses the design and implementation of Unicorn, a UC solution for a middleware software platform called Teleweaver which was designed to support the development of services for marginalized communities. The solution integrates services from a telecommunication container called Mobicents. It seamlessly amalgamates voice, data and video onto one device independent unified platform easily accessible by users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nyathi, Okelitsi , Terzoli, Alfredo , Tsietsi, Mosiuoa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430666 , vital:72707 , 10.1109/ICASTech.2013.6707506
- Description: The convergence of previously distinct networks into an All-IP network has resulted in an increase in the number and diversity of devices, channels and communication networks available to users. This has increased the number commu-nication options available and is evidenced by the number of different communication devices owned and services subscribed to. How-ever, this has created complexities that call for proper methods to manage these diverse and in-compatible communication options. The objective of Unified Communication (UC) is to seamlessly integrate the dispar-ate communication channels into a device independent plat-form that can easily be managed by users. Due its focus on a largely urban and highly connected market, UC has not benefited marginalized communities. This paper discusses the design and implementation of Unicorn, a UC solution for a middleware software platform called Teleweaver which was designed to support the development of services for marginalized communities. The solution integrates services from a telecommunication container called Mobicents. It seamlessly amalgamates voice, data and video onto one device independent unified platform easily accessible by users.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Unlocking the development of built environment professionals through infrastructure investment in South Africa
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mputa, Nobutyani Sinethemba
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Career development -- South Africa , Construction workers -- South Africa , Infrastructure (Economics) -- South Africa , Job security -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020049
- Description: spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Updating the ionospheric propagation factor, M(3000)F2, global model using the neural network technique and relevant geophysical input parameters
- Oronsaye, Samuel Iyen Jeffrey
- Authors: Oronsaye, Samuel Iyen Jeffrey
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionosphere , Geophysics , Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001609 , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionosphere , Geophysics , Ionosondes
- Description: This thesis presents an update to the ionospheric propagation factor, M(3000)F2, global empirical model developed by Oyeyemi et al. (2007) (NNO). An additional aim of this research was to produce the updated model in a form that could be used within the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) global model without adding to the complexity of the IRI. M(3000)F2 is the highest frequency at which a radio signal can be received over a distance of 3000 km after reflection in the ionosphere. The study employed the artificial neural network (ANN) technique using relevant geophysical input parameters which are known to influence the M(3000)F2 parameter. Ionosonde data from 135 ionospheric stations globally, including a number of equatorial stations, were available for this work. M(3000)F2 hourly values from 1976 to 2008, spanning all periods of low and high solar activity were used for model development and verification. A preliminary investigation was first carried out using a relatively small dataset to determine the appropriate input parameters for global M(3000)F2 parameter modelling. Inputs representing diurnal variation, seasonal variation, solar variation, modified dip latitude, longitude and latitude were found to be the optimum parameters for modelling the diurnal and seasonal variations of the M(3000)F2 parameter both on a temporal and spatial basis. The outcome of the preliminary study was applied to the overall dataset to develop a comprehensive ANN M(3000)F2 model which displays a remarkable improvement over the NNO model as well as the IRI version. The model shows 7.11% and 3.85% improvement over the NNO model as well as 13.04% and 10.05% over the IRI M(3000)F2 model, around high and low solar activity periods respectively. A comparison of the diurnal structure of the ANN and the IRI predicted values reveal that the ANN model is more effective in representing the diurnal structure of the M(3000)F2 values than the IRI M(3000)F2 model. The capability of the ANN model in reproducing the seasonal variation pattern of the M(3000)F2 values at 00h00UT, 06h00UT, 12h00UT, and l8h00UT more appropriately than the IRI version is illustrated in this work. A significant result obtained in this study is the ability of the ANN model in improving the post-sunset predicted values of the M(3000)F2 parameter which is known to be problematic to the IRI M(3000)F2 model in the low-latitude and the equatorial regions. The final M(3000)F2 model provides for an improved equatorial prediction and a simplified input space that allows for easy incorporation into the IRI model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Oronsaye, Samuel Iyen Jeffrey
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionosphere , Geophysics , Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5434 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001609 , Neural networks (Computer science) , Ionospheric radio wave propagation , Ionosphere , Geophysics , Ionosondes
- Description: This thesis presents an update to the ionospheric propagation factor, M(3000)F2, global empirical model developed by Oyeyemi et al. (2007) (NNO). An additional aim of this research was to produce the updated model in a form that could be used within the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) global model without adding to the complexity of the IRI. M(3000)F2 is the highest frequency at which a radio signal can be received over a distance of 3000 km after reflection in the ionosphere. The study employed the artificial neural network (ANN) technique using relevant geophysical input parameters which are known to influence the M(3000)F2 parameter. Ionosonde data from 135 ionospheric stations globally, including a number of equatorial stations, were available for this work. M(3000)F2 hourly values from 1976 to 2008, spanning all periods of low and high solar activity were used for model development and verification. A preliminary investigation was first carried out using a relatively small dataset to determine the appropriate input parameters for global M(3000)F2 parameter modelling. Inputs representing diurnal variation, seasonal variation, solar variation, modified dip latitude, longitude and latitude were found to be the optimum parameters for modelling the diurnal and seasonal variations of the M(3000)F2 parameter both on a temporal and spatial basis. The outcome of the preliminary study was applied to the overall dataset to develop a comprehensive ANN M(3000)F2 model which displays a remarkable improvement over the NNO model as well as the IRI version. The model shows 7.11% and 3.85% improvement over the NNO model as well as 13.04% and 10.05% over the IRI M(3000)F2 model, around high and low solar activity periods respectively. A comparison of the diurnal structure of the ANN and the IRI predicted values reveal that the ANN model is more effective in representing the diurnal structure of the M(3000)F2 values than the IRI M(3000)F2 model. The capability of the ANN model in reproducing the seasonal variation pattern of the M(3000)F2 values at 00h00UT, 06h00UT, 12h00UT, and l8h00UT more appropriately than the IRI version is illustrated in this work. A significant result obtained in this study is the ability of the ANN model in improving the post-sunset predicted values of the M(3000)F2 parameter which is known to be problematic to the IRI M(3000)F2 model in the low-latitude and the equatorial regions. The final M(3000)F2 model provides for an improved equatorial prediction and a simplified input space that allows for easy incorporation into the IRI model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Uphononongo ngokwesithako sobunzululwazi-sakhono kwiinoveli ezimbini zesiXhosa : (Ukhozi olunamaphiko noLwadilik' udonga)
- Authors: Jaxa, Nontembiso Patricia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa language -- Grammar , Figures of speech
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020981
- Description: Kule ngxoxo kuqwalaselwa indlela ulwimi njengesakhono olusetyenziswe ngayo kwincwadi kaSaule, ethi, Ukhozi Olumaphiko kunye nobuchule bukaBongela ekubhaleni kwincwadi yakhe ethi, Lwadilik’ Udonga, yona eluguqulelo lwencwadi kaChinua Achebe, ethi, Things Fall Apart. Kule ngxoxo akuthelekiswa aba babhali babini koko kujongwe nje kunconywa ubuchule babo ekusebenziseni ulwimi ngendlela ephakamisa umgangatho weencwadi zabo. Oko, kudandalazisa ukubaluleka kokuqatshelwa kolwimi njengesakhono, ngababhali. Injongo yolu phando kukuba, ababhali bakuthathele ingqalelo ukubaluleka kokukhulisa nokukhuthaza ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngokukubonisa oko kwiincwadi abazibhalileyo, ukuze, nakubafundi nootitshala ezikolweni, kube lula ukufunda nokufundisa ulwimi, kuphumezeke iinjongo zeNkcazelo yePolisi yeKharityhulam noHlolo (2011), yona ebethelela ukufundiswa kolwimi ngendlela ephucula nekhulisa umfundi kulwimi. Le ngxoxo ke ixhaswa ngezithako ngezithako zeengcali kwisakhono noguqulelo. Ingxoxo le yahlulwe yazizahluko ezihlanu. Isahluko sokuqala sivula ngentshayelelo, ze sidandalazise intsusamabandla yolu phando, kushukuxwe ingxubakaxaka elundululeyo, ze kwenziwe uphengululo lweencwadi zeengcali kwizithako zesakhono nezokuguqulela. Isahluko sesibini, siqwalasela indlela uSaule asebenzise ngayo iindidi zezivakalisi, kanti neendidi zezivakalisi ezidiza isakhono ngobuchule, ukuze kuphuhle amandla akhe ekubaliseni kuhlobo loncwadi alubhalileyo, nokuvakalisa iingcinga neengcamango zakhe, edlulisa nolwazi kwabo bafunda incwadi. Isahluko sesithathu, siyaqhuba nokusetyenziswa kolwimi njengesakhono sokubhala kwakwincwadi kaSaule, kodwa kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kwezifanekisozwi, izifaniso, uchongo-magama nentsingiselo kunye noburharha bombhali. Isahluko sesine sona sihlalutya isimbo sikaBongela ekubhaleni nasekuguquleleni kwincwadi yakhe ethi, Lwadilik’ udonga. Isahluko sesihlanu sesokuphetha, siyintyilazwi yeengxoxo ezikolu hlalutyo, kuxilongwa ubuzaza besithako sobunzululwazi-sakhono nokubaluleka kwaso ekuphuhliseni uncwadi jikelele. Ukusetyenziswa kolwimi kuko okungundoqo wokuphila koncwadi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jaxa, Nontembiso Patricia
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Xhosa literature -- History and criticism , Xhosa language -- Grammar , Figures of speech
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020981
- Description: Kule ngxoxo kuqwalaselwa indlela ulwimi njengesakhono olusetyenziswe ngayo kwincwadi kaSaule, ethi, Ukhozi Olumaphiko kunye nobuchule bukaBongela ekubhaleni kwincwadi yakhe ethi, Lwadilik’ Udonga, yona eluguqulelo lwencwadi kaChinua Achebe, ethi, Things Fall Apart. Kule ngxoxo akuthelekiswa aba babhali babini koko kujongwe nje kunconywa ubuchule babo ekusebenziseni ulwimi ngendlela ephakamisa umgangatho weencwadi zabo. Oko, kudandalazisa ukubaluleka kokuqatshelwa kolwimi njengesakhono, ngababhali. Injongo yolu phando kukuba, ababhali bakuthathele ingqalelo ukubaluleka kokukhulisa nokukhuthaza ukusetyenziswa kolwimi ngokukubonisa oko kwiincwadi abazibhalileyo, ukuze, nakubafundi nootitshala ezikolweni, kube lula ukufunda nokufundisa ulwimi, kuphumezeke iinjongo zeNkcazelo yePolisi yeKharityhulam noHlolo (2011), yona ebethelela ukufundiswa kolwimi ngendlela ephucula nekhulisa umfundi kulwimi. Le ngxoxo ke ixhaswa ngezithako ngezithako zeengcali kwisakhono noguqulelo. Ingxoxo le yahlulwe yazizahluko ezihlanu. Isahluko sokuqala sivula ngentshayelelo, ze sidandalazise intsusamabandla yolu phando, kushukuxwe ingxubakaxaka elundululeyo, ze kwenziwe uphengululo lweencwadi zeengcali kwizithako zesakhono nezokuguqulela. Isahluko sesibini, siqwalasela indlela uSaule asebenzise ngayo iindidi zezivakalisi, kanti neendidi zezivakalisi ezidiza isakhono ngobuchule, ukuze kuphuhle amandla akhe ekubaliseni kuhlobo loncwadi alubhalileyo, nokuvakalisa iingcinga neengcamango zakhe, edlulisa nolwazi kwabo bafunda incwadi. Isahluko sesithathu, siyaqhuba nokusetyenziswa kolwimi njengesakhono sokubhala kwakwincwadi kaSaule, kodwa kujongwe ukusetyenziswa kwezifanekisozwi, izifaniso, uchongo-magama nentsingiselo kunye noburharha bombhali. Isahluko sesine sona sihlalutya isimbo sikaBongela ekubhaleni nasekuguquleleni kwincwadi yakhe ethi, Lwadilik’ udonga. Isahluko sesihlanu sesokuphetha, siyintyilazwi yeengxoxo ezikolu hlalutyo, kuxilongwa ubuzaza besithako sobunzululwazi-sakhono nokubaluleka kwaso ekuphuhliseni uncwadi jikelele. Ukusetyenziswa kolwimi kuko okungundoqo wokuphila koncwadi.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Uphononongo nzulu lwefuthe lweentetho ntshukumo zovakalelo zabalinganiswa kwiincwadi ezichongiweyo zedrama zesixhosa
- Authors: Sehloboko, Matsiliso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Xhosa drama
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020002
- Description: Olu phando luza kucubungula ifuthe lentetho ntshukumo yovakalelo kubalinganiswa. Kuza kungqalwa kwindlela ethi intsingiselo yamkeleke ngayo kutoliko novakalelo lomphulaphuli ngokuxhomekeka kwimeko ethile yentetho. Intetho njengesenzeko esinokusetyenziswa ekuyileni nasekuchukumiseni inyaniso, nethi ngokuvakaliswa kwayo idale utshintsho kubomi babalinganiswa iza kucubungulwa kuza kugocwagocwa iincwadi zedrama yesiXhosa ezichongiweyo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sehloboko, Matsiliso
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Xhosa literature , Xhosa drama
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8478 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020002
- Description: Olu phando luza kucubungula ifuthe lentetho ntshukumo yovakalelo kubalinganiswa. Kuza kungqalwa kwindlela ethi intsingiselo yamkeleke ngayo kutoliko novakalelo lomphulaphuli ngokuxhomekeka kwimeko ethile yentetho. Intetho njengesenzeko esinokusetyenziswa ekuyileni nasekuchukumiseni inyaniso, nethi ngokuvakaliswa kwayo idale utshintsho kubomi babalinganiswa iza kucubungulwa kuza kugocwagocwa iincwadi zedrama yesiXhosa ezichongiweyo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Uptake of liposomes into bacterial cells
- Authors: Oidu, Benjamin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Liposomes , Drug carriers (Pharmacy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021010
- Description: Liposomes are small phospholipid vesicles that have been widely investigated as drug carriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents. A variety of liposome formulations are presently under clinical trial exploration, while others have already been approved for clinical use. The aim of this study was to optimize liposome uptake into bacterial cells. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were used in the study as well as Candida albicans.Response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD) model was used to optimize liposomal formulations of carboxyfluorescien (CF) for each of the three microbes, and also the three microbes in combination namely; Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), Escherichia coli (Ec) and Candida albicans (Ca). Percentage of CF encapsulated and CF increase in Uptake were investigated with respect to two independent variables that were, cholesterol (CHOL) and stearylamine (SA) content. Design Expert 8 was used for the purpose of finding the combination of independent variables that would yield an optimal formulation for each microbe and the three microbes in combination. The model selected by the software managed to reasonably correlate the predicted models to the experimental data. Encapsulation of carboxyfluorescien (CF) into a liposome formulation enhanced its uptake by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as well as Candida albicans. This was evident in the increase in CF uptake when the uptake rate of free CF was compared with that of liposomal CF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Oidu, Benjamin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Liposomes , Drug carriers (Pharmacy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021010
- Description: Liposomes are small phospholipid vesicles that have been widely investigated as drug carriers for the delivery of therapeutic agents. A variety of liposome formulations are presently under clinical trial exploration, while others have already been approved for clinical use. The aim of this study was to optimize liposome uptake into bacterial cells. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were used in the study as well as Candida albicans.Response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD) model was used to optimize liposomal formulations of carboxyfluorescien (CF) for each of the three microbes, and also the three microbes in combination namely; Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), Escherichia coli (Ec) and Candida albicans (Ca). Percentage of CF encapsulated and CF increase in Uptake were investigated with respect to two independent variables that were, cholesterol (CHOL) and stearylamine (SA) content. Design Expert 8 was used for the purpose of finding the combination of independent variables that would yield an optimal formulation for each microbe and the three microbes in combination. The model selected by the software managed to reasonably correlate the predicted models to the experimental data. Encapsulation of carboxyfluorescien (CF) into a liposome formulation enhanced its uptake by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as well as Candida albicans. This was evident in the increase in CF uptake when the uptake rate of free CF was compared with that of liposomal CF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Use of bioindicators and biomarkers to assess aquatic environmental contamination in selected urban wetlands in Uganda
- Authors: Naigaga, Irene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Indicators (Biology) Biochemical markers Environmental monitoring -- Uganda Water quality biological assessment -- Uganda Water -- Pollution -- Uganda Wetlands -- Monitoring -- Uganda Wetland management -- Uganda Aquatic resources -- Uganda Aquatic resources conservation -- Uganda Aquatic resources -- Management -- Uganda Fishes -- Histopathaology -- Uganda Urban ecology (Biology) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002603
- Description: Pollution of aquatic resources in Uganda is on the increase and the trends are expected to increase with increase in population size and urbanisation. Assessment and mitigation of the environmental impacts on water quality and biodiversity have now become necessary. The aim of the study was to integrate invertebrate and fish as bioindicators and fish histopathology as a biomarker in the assessment of water quality deterioration in urban wetlands in Uganda. The integration harnesses the advantages and counteracts the shortcomings of each method and thus builds a more robust diagnostic tool that gives a better view of the impacts to the entire ecosystem. Four endpoints which included, physicochemical variables, benthic macroinvertebrate bioindicators, fish bioindicators and fish histopathology biomarkers were compared between varied effluent-impacted wetlands (Murchison Bay in Kampala, and Kirinya, Masese and Winday Bay in Jinja) and a non-impacted reference wetland (Lwanika in Mayuge). Results from the effluent-impacted sites differed from the less impacted reference site. The two sampling locations at Murchison Bay (inshore and offshore) and one sampling location at Kirinya (inshore), that were highly impacted with urban effluent, showed elevated nutrient levels, low pH, dissolved oxygen and secchi depth readings. This corresponded with low invertebrate taxa and fish species diversity and richness; and severe histopathological responses in liver, gonads and gills of O. niloticus. Sensitive taxa such as ephemeroptera and trichoptera were completely absent while pollution tolerant taxa Chironomus sp, Corbicula and Oligochaeta were present. Also notable was the absence of many native haplochromines and presence of mainly Brycinus sadleri, Oreochromis niloticus and leucostictus. The organs manifested high prevalence of severe inflammatory and regressive changes and higher organ indices that fell within the pathological category. These sites were consistently classified as highly polluted under the four endpoints. The reference site was classified as least polluted while Masese and Winday Bay were moderately polluted. Results suggested that the approach of using invertebrate and fish as bioindicators and the fish histopathology as a biomarker, in relation to water quality physicochemical variables was a useful tool in highlighting the spatial differences in environmental quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Naigaga, Irene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Indicators (Biology) Biochemical markers Environmental monitoring -- Uganda Water quality biological assessment -- Uganda Water -- Pollution -- Uganda Wetlands -- Monitoring -- Uganda Wetland management -- Uganda Aquatic resources -- Uganda Aquatic resources conservation -- Uganda Aquatic resources -- Management -- Uganda Fishes -- Histopathaology -- Uganda Urban ecology (Biology) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5198 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002603
- Description: Pollution of aquatic resources in Uganda is on the increase and the trends are expected to increase with increase in population size and urbanisation. Assessment and mitigation of the environmental impacts on water quality and biodiversity have now become necessary. The aim of the study was to integrate invertebrate and fish as bioindicators and fish histopathology as a biomarker in the assessment of water quality deterioration in urban wetlands in Uganda. The integration harnesses the advantages and counteracts the shortcomings of each method and thus builds a more robust diagnostic tool that gives a better view of the impacts to the entire ecosystem. Four endpoints which included, physicochemical variables, benthic macroinvertebrate bioindicators, fish bioindicators and fish histopathology biomarkers were compared between varied effluent-impacted wetlands (Murchison Bay in Kampala, and Kirinya, Masese and Winday Bay in Jinja) and a non-impacted reference wetland (Lwanika in Mayuge). Results from the effluent-impacted sites differed from the less impacted reference site. The two sampling locations at Murchison Bay (inshore and offshore) and one sampling location at Kirinya (inshore), that were highly impacted with urban effluent, showed elevated nutrient levels, low pH, dissolved oxygen and secchi depth readings. This corresponded with low invertebrate taxa and fish species diversity and richness; and severe histopathological responses in liver, gonads and gills of O. niloticus. Sensitive taxa such as ephemeroptera and trichoptera were completely absent while pollution tolerant taxa Chironomus sp, Corbicula and Oligochaeta were present. Also notable was the absence of many native haplochromines and presence of mainly Brycinus sadleri, Oreochromis niloticus and leucostictus. The organs manifested high prevalence of severe inflammatory and regressive changes and higher organ indices that fell within the pathological category. These sites were consistently classified as highly polluted under the four endpoints. The reference site was classified as least polluted while Masese and Winday Bay were moderately polluted. Results suggested that the approach of using invertebrate and fish as bioindicators and the fish histopathology as a biomarker, in relation to water quality physicochemical variables was a useful tool in highlighting the spatial differences in environmental quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
User requirements framework for mobile government in the Western Cape
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Using a unified invasion framework to characterize Africa’s first loricariid catfish invasion
- Jones, Roy W, Weyl, Olaf L F, Hill, Martin P, Swartz, Ernst R
- Authors: Jones, Roy W , Weyl, Olaf L F , Hill, Martin P , Swartz, Ernst R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418081 , vital:71507 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0438-7"
- Description: This paper presents evidence of establishment of a loricariid population in the Nseleni River in South Africa and uses a unified framework to determine its invasion stage. Specimens were identified morphologically as Pterygioplichthys disjunctivus (Weber 1991), but genetic barcoding results indicated close association with specimens that may have a hybrid history. The species was introduced into South Africa via the pet trade and the first record of introduction into the wild was in 2004. Samples collected in 2011 and 2012 demonstrated that there were multiple length cohorts in the population including juveniles (12–130 mm total length TL) and large (>300 mm TL) adult fish. Gonadal assessment of adults demonstrated the presence of reproduction capable specimens. The concurrent occurrence of mature adults and juvenile fish demonstrated establishment. Locality records indicate that P. disjunctivus has already spread between two rivers through an inter basin water transfer. Using a unified framework for invasions this invasion was categorized as a self-sustaining population in the wild with individuals surviving and reproducing a significant distance from their original point of introduction. Containment is suggested as potential management strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jones, Roy W , Weyl, Olaf L F , Hill, Martin P , Swartz, Ernst R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/418081 , vital:71507 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0438-7"
- Description: This paper presents evidence of establishment of a loricariid population in the Nseleni River in South Africa and uses a unified framework to determine its invasion stage. Specimens were identified morphologically as Pterygioplichthys disjunctivus (Weber 1991), but genetic barcoding results indicated close association with specimens that may have a hybrid history. The species was introduced into South Africa via the pet trade and the first record of introduction into the wild was in 2004. Samples collected in 2011 and 2012 demonstrated that there were multiple length cohorts in the population including juveniles (12–130 mm total length TL) and large (>300 mm TL) adult fish. Gonadal assessment of adults demonstrated the presence of reproduction capable specimens. The concurrent occurrence of mature adults and juvenile fish demonstrated establishment. Locality records indicate that P. disjunctivus has already spread between two rivers through an inter basin water transfer. Using a unified framework for invasions this invasion was categorized as a self-sustaining population in the wild with individuals surviving and reproducing a significant distance from their original point of introduction. Containment is suggested as potential management strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Using assessment strategically to gestate a student thesis
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281164 , vital:55698 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC153523"
- Description: In the context of higher education in South Africa and drawing on the author's experience as a lecturer in two higher education institutions (HEIs), this article presents her attempts to bring together - and into balance - teaching, supervision and research in an endeavour to offer a transformative learning experience for her post graduate students. It does this by foregrounding student assessment in the Master of Education (MEd) degree in the field of Educational Leadership and Management (ELM) where the development of a half thesis, underpinned by research, stands as the evidence of success. The author suggests that the MEd (ELM) degree be conceptualised differently in order that the half thesis be permitted to gestate over a two-year period. Within this conceptualisation, she argues that inspired teaching and meaningful research is best attained through a community of learning approach which seeks to foreground participatory learning, the advancement of scholarly discourse and the development of student agency. Through the use of a case study, the author provides evidence to suggest that a range of authentic assessment strategies which are purposeful and in alignment with the teaching strategies, the content and the intended outcomes of the qualification being taught are essential. She further argues that well-crafted, formative, recursive and sustainable feedback is an essential part of the gestation process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281164 , vital:55698 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC153523"
- Description: In the context of higher education in South Africa and drawing on the author's experience as a lecturer in two higher education institutions (HEIs), this article presents her attempts to bring together - and into balance - teaching, supervision and research in an endeavour to offer a transformative learning experience for her post graduate students. It does this by foregrounding student assessment in the Master of Education (MEd) degree in the field of Educational Leadership and Management (ELM) where the development of a half thesis, underpinned by research, stands as the evidence of success. The author suggests that the MEd (ELM) degree be conceptualised differently in order that the half thesis be permitted to gestate over a two-year period. Within this conceptualisation, she argues that inspired teaching and meaningful research is best attained through a community of learning approach which seeks to foreground participatory learning, the advancement of scholarly discourse and the development of student agency. Through the use of a case study, the author provides evidence to suggest that a range of authentic assessment strategies which are purposeful and in alignment with the teaching strategies, the content and the intended outcomes of the qualification being taught are essential. She further argues that well-crafted, formative, recursive and sustainable feedback is an essential part of the gestation process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Utilisation of print and electronic media by students at zamukulungisa campus of the Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Nkaule, Nomnqweno Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Print resources -- Electronic media , Print and online resources -- Library
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:18431 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007152
- Description: The study looks at how the library users at Zamukulungisa Campus of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape in South Africa perceive the print media versus electronic media as sources of information for their requirements. The study is aimed at investigating the extent of use of these media by the users of the institution under study and their reaction to print versus electronic media. It is understood that the Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU users come from different backgrounds. Some come from underdeveloped rural areas where there are no basic amenities available such as running water, toilets, telephones or even electricity and libraries. These types of users depended on information from text books and from their teachers only. The rationale for the study is to examine the students‟ use of print and electronic materials available in the library of the institution under study with the view to identifying the gaps that need to be addressed in order to make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the service provision of information to the users by the librarians. With this purpose in mind, the study looks at: the frequency of library use; the nature of the media available in the library; the tools utilized by the users to access the media in the library; the preference of the library users for media usage; the users‟ perceptions and reactions to print and electronic media; the effects on users and; the background to the use of print and electronic media. A questionnaire was used to collect data for this research study from sampled students at Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU. The findings may lead to potential solutions based on the users‟ reactions to the recommendations of their use of the print and electronic media. The references used are shown in the bibliography. Keywords: print media, electronic media, library users, different backgrounds, underdeveloped rural areas, basic needs, recommendation of the use of print and electronic media, service provision, provision of information, media usage, users‟ perceptions, users‟ reactions, study operations, presentation of findings, analysis of data, discussion of results, levels of study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nkaule, Nomnqweno Princess
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Print resources -- Electronic media , Print and online resources -- Library
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:18431 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007152
- Description: The study looks at how the library users at Zamukulungisa Campus of the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape in South Africa perceive the print media versus electronic media as sources of information for their requirements. The study is aimed at investigating the extent of use of these media by the users of the institution under study and their reaction to print versus electronic media. It is understood that the Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU users come from different backgrounds. Some come from underdeveloped rural areas where there are no basic amenities available such as running water, toilets, telephones or even electricity and libraries. These types of users depended on information from text books and from their teachers only. The rationale for the study is to examine the students‟ use of print and electronic materials available in the library of the institution under study with the view to identifying the gaps that need to be addressed in order to make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the service provision of information to the users by the librarians. With this purpose in mind, the study looks at: the frequency of library use; the nature of the media available in the library; the tools utilized by the users to access the media in the library; the preference of the library users for media usage; the users‟ perceptions and reactions to print and electronic media; the effects on users and; the background to the use of print and electronic media. A questionnaire was used to collect data for this research study from sampled students at Zamukulungisa Campus of the WSU. The findings may lead to potential solutions based on the users‟ reactions to the recommendations of their use of the print and electronic media. The references used are shown in the bibliography. Keywords: print media, electronic media, library users, different backgrounds, underdeveloped rural areas, basic needs, recommendation of the use of print and electronic media, service provision, provision of information, media usage, users‟ perceptions, users‟ reactions, study operations, presentation of findings, analysis of data, discussion of results, levels of study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Valerie Møller: a pioneer in South African Quality of Life Research
- Authors: Moller, Valerie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67205 , vital:29059 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-013-9249-3
- Description: publisher version , Professor Valerie Møller is Professor Emeritus of Quality of Life Studies at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. Before that she was director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at Rhodes University (1998–2006) and headed the Quality of Life Research Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, in the 1990s. She completed her primary school education in North Carolina, USA, and her secondary and tertiary education in Zürich, Switzerland. She earned Lic. Phil and DPhil degrees from the University of Zürich, majoring in sociology. She has lived and worked in Southern Africa since 1972. Together with the late Professor Lawrence Schlemmer she developed the first survey instruments to measure objective and subjective well-being among South Africans from all walks of life. The South African Quality of Life Trends Study has tracked happiness and life satisfaction from apartheid to the transition to democracy (1983–2012).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Moller, Valerie
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67205 , vital:29059 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-013-9249-3
- Description: publisher version , Professor Valerie Møller is Professor Emeritus of Quality of Life Studies at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. Before that she was director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research at Rhodes University (1998–2006) and headed the Quality of Life Research Unit at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa, in the 1990s. She completed her primary school education in North Carolina, USA, and her secondary and tertiary education in Zürich, Switzerland. She earned Lic. Phil and DPhil degrees from the University of Zürich, majoring in sociology. She has lived and worked in Southern Africa since 1972. Together with the late Professor Lawrence Schlemmer she developed the first survey instruments to measure objective and subjective well-being among South Africans from all walks of life. The South African Quality of Life Trends Study has tracked happiness and life satisfaction from apartheid to the transition to democracy (1983–2012).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
Valuation of internet-based businesses
- Authors: Krüger, Janine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9280 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008187 , Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Description: This study investigates the valuation of Internet-based businesses. In particular the influence of the implementation of an e-business strategy on the value of a business by focussing on its financial performance, will be determined. Although the valuation of businesses in general has been researched extensively, research on the valuation of Internet-based businesses produced contradictory findings. No consensus could be reached regarding the most appropriate valuation approach to be used. Some research findings indicated that the discounted cash flow approach was the most appropriate while others stipulated that a new valuation approach should be developed. Many authors state that the move to include an e-business strategy is natural, and that businesses cannot afford not to include some form of e-business strategy. Previous research has also shown that by including an e-business strategy, it is possible to improve efficiency of the business and ultimately increase profitability. However, there was no emphasis on how the e-business strategy will influence the business valuation. In order to establish whether an e-business strategy will create value for a business, an empirical investigation was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Krüger, Janine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9280 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008187 , Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Description: This study investigates the valuation of Internet-based businesses. In particular the influence of the implementation of an e-business strategy on the value of a business by focussing on its financial performance, will be determined. Although the valuation of businesses in general has been researched extensively, research on the valuation of Internet-based businesses produced contradictory findings. No consensus could be reached regarding the most appropriate valuation approach to be used. Some research findings indicated that the discounted cash flow approach was the most appropriate while others stipulated that a new valuation approach should be developed. Many authors state that the move to include an e-business strategy is natural, and that businesses cannot afford not to include some form of e-business strategy. Previous research has also shown that by including an e-business strategy, it is possible to improve efficiency of the business and ultimately increase profitability. However, there was no emphasis on how the e-business strategy will influence the business valuation. In order to establish whether an e-business strategy will create value for a business, an empirical investigation was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Value and size investment strategies: evidence from the cross-section of returns in the South African equity market
- Authors: Barnard, Kevin John
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Financial risk -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Investments -- Psychological aspects , Investments -- Decision making , Value premium , Size effect , Rational finance , Behavioural finance , South African equity markets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001606 , Financial risk -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Investments -- Psychological aspects , Investments -- Decision making
- Description: Value and size related equity investment strategies are supported by a large body of empirical research that shows a persistent premium, both longitudinally and crosssectionally. However, the competing rational and behavioural finance explanations for the success of these strategies are a subject of debate. The rational explanation is that the premium earned on value shares or shares of small companies can be attributed to higher risk. Behaviouralists argue that such shares are not riskier and attribute the premium to cognitive errors and biases in human decision making. The purpose of this study is to determine, firstly, whether the value and size premium exist in South Africa during the period July 2006 to June 2012, which includes one of the worst equity market crises in history. Secondly, this study sets out to determine whether the premium earned on value and size strategies are adequately explained by the principles of rational finance theory. To provide evidence regarding the existence of the value premium and size effect, returns are analysed, cross-sectionally, on portfolios of shares sorted by value and size. For evidence of a rational explanation, returns are regressed on value and size variables, and the relative riskiness of value and small companies is analysed. The results show evidence of a value premium in portfolios of small companies, but not big companies. The size effect is found not to be statistically significant. While regressions do show significant relationships between value and size variables and returns, these variables are found not to be associated with higher levels of risk. The conclusion is that the evidence does not support a rational, risk based explanation of the returns
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Barnard, Kevin John
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Financial risk -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Investments -- Psychological aspects , Investments -- Decision making , Value premium , Size effect , Rational finance , Behavioural finance , South African equity markets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001606 , Financial risk -- South Africa , Saving and investment -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Investments -- Psychological aspects , Investments -- Decision making
- Description: Value and size related equity investment strategies are supported by a large body of empirical research that shows a persistent premium, both longitudinally and crosssectionally. However, the competing rational and behavioural finance explanations for the success of these strategies are a subject of debate. The rational explanation is that the premium earned on value shares or shares of small companies can be attributed to higher risk. Behaviouralists argue that such shares are not riskier and attribute the premium to cognitive errors and biases in human decision making. The purpose of this study is to determine, firstly, whether the value and size premium exist in South Africa during the period July 2006 to June 2012, which includes one of the worst equity market crises in history. Secondly, this study sets out to determine whether the premium earned on value and size strategies are adequately explained by the principles of rational finance theory. To provide evidence regarding the existence of the value premium and size effect, returns are analysed, cross-sectionally, on portfolios of shares sorted by value and size. For evidence of a rational explanation, returns are regressed on value and size variables, and the relative riskiness of value and small companies is analysed. The results show evidence of a value premium in portfolios of small companies, but not big companies. The size effect is found not to be statistically significant. While regressions do show significant relationships between value and size variables and returns, these variables are found not to be associated with higher levels of risk. The conclusion is that the evidence does not support a rational, risk based explanation of the returns
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Vegetation and soil characteristics around water points under three land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Simanga, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015795 , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the vegetation and soil characteristics in relation to distance from water points under different land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of South Africa. Six study sites, two each from communal grazing, commercial farming and game reserves were selected. Two watering points were selected in each study site. Two 500 m transects were laid from the selected watering points. Each transect was divided into sub-transects at 25 m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 500m from water points. A 100 m2 plot was marked in each sub-transect to record grass biomas, species composition, structure and distribution of woody vegetation and physical and chemical soil properties. Data were collected for two seasons 2012/13 (winter and summer). Thirty and 41 grass and woody species respectively were identified in all study areas. The most common and dominating grass species include Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis obtusa, Setaria sphacelata and Sporobolus fimbriatus. Cynodon dactylon and S. sphacelata occurred more abundantly (p < 0.05) in the game reserves than in the other land management catergories. All the grass species had similar (p > 0.05) abundance along distance gradient from water points. Grass dry matter (GDM) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between and within land management systems. However, GDM was not significantly affected by season, location of water point within each farm or reserve and distance along water points. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Ehretia rigida were the most dominant woody species. Tree equivalent (TE) density of all encroaching woody plants combined was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on the communal area (1732 TE ha-1) than the commercial ranches (1136 TE ha-1) and game reserves (857 TE ha-1), but with no marked variations along distance from water points under all the land management systems. The electric conductivity (EC) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in game reserves than in communal grazing areas and ranches. Soil organic matter percentage showed greatest and lowest values in the game reserves and commercial respectively. Soil pH and bulk density did not vary but soil organic matter (SOM), EC, bulk density and soil compaction were significant different with no increasing or decreasing trends. Soil properties were affected by herbivore pressure and trampling around water points with inconsistence magnitude and direction. In conclusion, grass species composition and GDM did not respond to distance from water points because either grazing gradient was absent or the length of transects was not enough to explain the absence or presence of gradients. High proportion of A. karoo and high densities of seedlings and saplings would seem as very good indicators of the woody vegetation changes in the different land management systems and distance from water points. The soil quality indicators around the water-points showed that livestock and game affected soil parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Simanga, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11584 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015795 , Livestock -- Effect of water quality on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Range ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the vegetation and soil characteristics in relation to distance from water points under different land management systems in semi-arid rangelands of South Africa. Six study sites, two each from communal grazing, commercial farming and game reserves were selected. Two watering points were selected in each study site. Two 500 m transects were laid from the selected watering points. Each transect was divided into sub-transects at 25 m, 50m, 100m, 200m, 300m and 500m from water points. A 100 m2 plot was marked in each sub-transect to record grass biomas, species composition, structure and distribution of woody vegetation and physical and chemical soil properties. Data were collected for two seasons 2012/13 (winter and summer). Thirty and 41 grass and woody species respectively were identified in all study areas. The most common and dominating grass species include Cynodon dactylon, Digitaria eriantha, Eragrostis obtusa, Setaria sphacelata and Sporobolus fimbriatus. Cynodon dactylon and S. sphacelata occurred more abundantly (p < 0.05) in the game reserves than in the other land management catergories. All the grass species had similar (p > 0.05) abundance along distance gradient from water points. Grass dry matter (GDM) showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between and within land management systems. However, GDM was not significantly affected by season, location of water point within each farm or reserve and distance along water points. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Ehretia rigida were the most dominant woody species. Tree equivalent (TE) density of all encroaching woody plants combined was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on the communal area (1732 TE ha-1) than the commercial ranches (1136 TE ha-1) and game reserves (857 TE ha-1), but with no marked variations along distance from water points under all the land management systems. The electric conductivity (EC) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in game reserves than in communal grazing areas and ranches. Soil organic matter percentage showed greatest and lowest values in the game reserves and commercial respectively. Soil pH and bulk density did not vary but soil organic matter (SOM), EC, bulk density and soil compaction were significant different with no increasing or decreasing trends. Soil properties were affected by herbivore pressure and trampling around water points with inconsistence magnitude and direction. In conclusion, grass species composition and GDM did not respond to distance from water points because either grazing gradient was absent or the length of transects was not enough to explain the absence or presence of gradients. High proportion of A. karoo and high densities of seedlings and saplings would seem as very good indicators of the woody vegetation changes in the different land management systems and distance from water points. The soil quality indicators around the water-points showed that livestock and game affected soil parameters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Veracity, transparency and inclusivity plus engagement and empowerment: regulations, ethics, accountability
- Authors: Dugmore, Harry , Smith, Jade
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158564 , vital:40207 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC141577
- Description: As a centre with a brief to encourage "more and better" health journalism in South Africa, we've had to think hard about definitional issues and about balancing subjective and objective gauges of quality. We've developed an initial appraisal of health journalism, locally and internationally, and we've created a normative framework that we hope will enable journalists and educators to have better discussions about what is meant by quality in health journalism. This framework will hopefully inform what kind of journalism education - degrees, short courses, topic guides, symposia - might promote higher levels of quality in reporting on medical science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Dugmore, Harry , Smith, Jade
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158564 , vital:40207 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC141577
- Description: As a centre with a brief to encourage "more and better" health journalism in South Africa, we've had to think hard about definitional issues and about balancing subjective and objective gauges of quality. We've developed an initial appraisal of health journalism, locally and internationally, and we've created a normative framework that we hope will enable journalists and educators to have better discussions about what is meant by quality in health journalism. This framework will hopefully inform what kind of journalism education - degrees, short courses, topic guides, symposia - might promote higher levels of quality in reporting on medical science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Versions of hospitality in recent writing on the fiction of JM Coetzee:
- Authors: Marais, Mike
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144039 , vital:38305 , DOI: 10.4314/eia.v40i1.8
- Description: In one of the interviews in Summertime, Martin, a former colleague, claims that he and the deceased John Coetzee felt their "presence" in South Africa "was legal but illegitimate," that it "was grounded in a crime, namely colonial conquest," which rendered them "sojourners, temporary residents, and to that extent without a home, without a homeland" (209-10). With this statement in mind, Maria J. Lopez argues that a sense of unbelonging underlies J. M. Coetzee's entire oeuvre, including the Australian fiction, and forms a kind of "imaginative and intellectual masterplot" (xii). ). It is this "narrative" that she traces in her monograph, starting with the early fiction and concluding with chapters on the fictionalised autobiographies and Australian fiction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marais, Mike
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144039 , vital:38305 , DOI: 10.4314/eia.v40i1.8
- Description: In one of the interviews in Summertime, Martin, a former colleague, claims that he and the deceased John Coetzee felt their "presence" in South Africa "was legal but illegitimate," that it "was grounded in a crime, namely colonial conquest," which rendered them "sojourners, temporary residents, and to that extent without a home, without a homeland" (209-10). With this statement in mind, Maria J. Lopez argues that a sense of unbelonging underlies J. M. Coetzee's entire oeuvre, including the Australian fiction, and forms a kind of "imaginative and intellectual masterplot" (xii). ). It is this "narrative" that she traces in her monograph, starting with the early fiction and concluding with chapters on the fictionalised autobiographies and Australian fiction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Victimisation in the lives of lesbian-identified women in South Africa : implications for clinical assessment and treatment
- Padmanabhanunni, Anita, Edwards, David J A
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007787
- Description: Few clinical studies have examined victimisation in the lives of lesbian women in South Africa and whether there are distinct implications for psychological treatment. This paper presents the assessment and treatment of a lesbian-identified South African survivor of childhood sexual abuse who, as an adult, was raped and later gang raped. Her victimisation in adulthood represented ‘corrective rape’ motivated by the prejudiced assumption that the sexuality of lesbian women is pathological and should be ‘corrected’ through rape. This paper lends insights into the role of heterosexism in shaping vulnerability to victimisation and the process of recovery. It provides recommendations for work with sexual minority clients and highlights the implications when there is an absence of safety and support in the external environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6237 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007787
- Description: Few clinical studies have examined victimisation in the lives of lesbian women in South Africa and whether there are distinct implications for psychological treatment. This paper presents the assessment and treatment of a lesbian-identified South African survivor of childhood sexual abuse who, as an adult, was raped and later gang raped. Her victimisation in adulthood represented ‘corrective rape’ motivated by the prejudiced assumption that the sexuality of lesbian women is pathological and should be ‘corrected’ through rape. This paper lends insights into the role of heterosexism in shaping vulnerability to victimisation and the process of recovery. It provides recommendations for work with sexual minority clients and highlights the implications when there is an absence of safety and support in the external environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Visualization of a data leak
- Swart, Ignus, Grobler, Marthie, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Swart, Ignus , Grobler, Marthie , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428584 , vital:72522 , 10.1109/ISSA.2013.6641046
- Description: The potential impact that data leakage can have on a country, both on a national level as well as on an individual level, can be wide reaching and potentially catastrophic. In January 2013, several South African companies became the target of a hack attack, resulting in the breach of security measures and the leaking of a claimed 700000 records. The affected companies are spread across a number of domains, thus making the leak a very wide impact area. The aim of this paper is to analyze the data released from the South African breach and to visualize the extent of the loss by the companies affected. The value of this work lies in its connection to and interpretation of related South African legislation. The data extracted during the analysis is primarily personally identifiable information, such as defined by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002 and the Protection of Personal Information Bill of 2009.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Swart, Ignus , Grobler, Marthie , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/428584 , vital:72522 , 10.1109/ISSA.2013.6641046
- Description: The potential impact that data leakage can have on a country, both on a national level as well as on an individual level, can be wide reaching and potentially catastrophic. In January 2013, several South African companies became the target of a hack attack, resulting in the breach of security measures and the leaking of a claimed 700000 records. The affected companies are spread across a number of domains, thus making the leak a very wide impact area. The aim of this paper is to analyze the data released from the South African breach and to visualize the extent of the loss by the companies affected. The value of this work lies in its connection to and interpretation of related South African legislation. The data extracted during the analysis is primarily personally identifiable information, such as defined by the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2002 and the Protection of Personal Information Bill of 2009.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Vital threats to human security in Southern Africa : the regional ramifications of the public health crisis in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mtero, Shingirai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Human security -- Africa, Southern , Communicable diseases -- Africa, Southern , Public health -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018251
- Description: The southern African region is beset with numerous security concerns: pervasive poverty, deepening inequality, starvation, contamination of essential natural resources, violent crime and state oppression. However, the most vital of the region’s security concerns in the 21st century is the spread of infectious disease. The region shoulders a disproportionate amount of the continent’s infectious disease burden, with diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria claiming more lives every year than any other factor. The nature of these diseases and their propensity to spread, coupled with inadequate regional public health structures pose a significant threat to regional security and stability. The study asserts that southern Africa’s security concerns are most appropriately characterised under the paradigm of Human Security. It further asserts that if such vital threats to human security are not adequately managed they have the ability to permeate across state borders, spelling numerous negative ramifications for the region. To this end, the study details the public health crisis in Zimbabwe and its effects on regional security and stability in southern Africa. An enduring political and economic collapse in Zimbabwe led to the dramatic deterioration of its public health sector, the concomitant mass migration of Zimbabwean nationals across the region presented a unique and complex challenge to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its member states. As the premier regional governance institution, SADC has failed to adequately mobilise its structures and member states to respond to the challenges resulting from the public health crisis in Zimbabwe. The study explores the factors accounting for this regional inertia, and asserts that while infectious diseases are at present the most vital of the human security threats, similar threats to human security have the potential to affect the region if SADC fails to recognise and prioritise threats to human security as legitimate regional security concerns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mtero, Shingirai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Human security -- Africa, Southern , Communicable diseases -- Africa, Southern , Public health -- Zimbabwe , Poverty -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018251
- Description: The southern African region is beset with numerous security concerns: pervasive poverty, deepening inequality, starvation, contamination of essential natural resources, violent crime and state oppression. However, the most vital of the region’s security concerns in the 21st century is the spread of infectious disease. The region shoulders a disproportionate amount of the continent’s infectious disease burden, with diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria claiming more lives every year than any other factor. The nature of these diseases and their propensity to spread, coupled with inadequate regional public health structures pose a significant threat to regional security and stability. The study asserts that southern Africa’s security concerns are most appropriately characterised under the paradigm of Human Security. It further asserts that if such vital threats to human security are not adequately managed they have the ability to permeate across state borders, spelling numerous negative ramifications for the region. To this end, the study details the public health crisis in Zimbabwe and its effects on regional security and stability in southern Africa. An enduring political and economic collapse in Zimbabwe led to the dramatic deterioration of its public health sector, the concomitant mass migration of Zimbabwean nationals across the region presented a unique and complex challenge to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its member states. As the premier regional governance institution, SADC has failed to adequately mobilise its structures and member states to respond to the challenges resulting from the public health crisis in Zimbabwe. The study explores the factors accounting for this regional inertia, and asserts that while infectious diseases are at present the most vital of the human security threats, similar threats to human security have the potential to affect the region if SADC fails to recognise and prioritise threats to human security as legitimate regional security concerns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013