The characterization of and formulation development using a novel tyre devulcanizate
- von Berg, Stuart, Hlangothi, Percy
- Authors: von Berg, Stuart , Hlangothi, Percy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rubber, Reclaimed Rubber chemicals Tires -- Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13149 , vital:27156
- Description: The amount of waste tyres being dumped is fast becoming a problem. These stockpiles take up valuable land and are an environmental and health problem. While incineration is the simplest way to recycle the used tyres it isn’t an efficient way to dispose of tyres. This research looks at developing a method for characterizing the New Reclamation Group (NRG) reclaim with the main focus on Hi-Res™ thermogravimetric analysis. Good quantification was possible using this technique. A trade off was established between resolution, sensitivity and time. While increasing the resolution allowed greater separation to be achieved the time for each experiment increased rapidly. Although kinetic models do exist for quantifying rubber components in vulcanized sample, they were not suitable for this study. When devulcanization causes significant molecular changes, such as with NRG reclaim, the decomposition profiles no longer match those of virgin materials. Formulations developed focused on mixing, rheometry, crosslink density and tensile properties. The NRG reclaim acted as a processing aid which lowered the maximum torque. This provides mixing safety as the temperature is decreased as a result of the lower torque. This effect was not seen with conventional reclaim. Rheometry tests indicated that the addition of the devulcanizates decreased the extent of cure. It was demonstrated that this could be linked to crosslink density. Testing of the 100%, 200%, 300% moduli correlated the crosslink density to the maximum torque. Although the addition of NRG reclaim reduced the tensile strength of the formulation, a link between crosslink density and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) couldn’t be made. The decrease in the UTS and increase in extension at break is possibly caused by an increase in low molecular weight material present in the formulations and decrease in crosslink density. This could possibly increase the mobility of polymer chains which could increases flexibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: von Berg, Stuart , Hlangothi, Percy
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rubber, Reclaimed Rubber chemicals Tires -- Recycling
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13149 , vital:27156
- Description: The amount of waste tyres being dumped is fast becoming a problem. These stockpiles take up valuable land and are an environmental and health problem. While incineration is the simplest way to recycle the used tyres it isn’t an efficient way to dispose of tyres. This research looks at developing a method for characterizing the New Reclamation Group (NRG) reclaim with the main focus on Hi-Res™ thermogravimetric analysis. Good quantification was possible using this technique. A trade off was established between resolution, sensitivity and time. While increasing the resolution allowed greater separation to be achieved the time for each experiment increased rapidly. Although kinetic models do exist for quantifying rubber components in vulcanized sample, they were not suitable for this study. When devulcanization causes significant molecular changes, such as with NRG reclaim, the decomposition profiles no longer match those of virgin materials. Formulations developed focused on mixing, rheometry, crosslink density and tensile properties. The NRG reclaim acted as a processing aid which lowered the maximum torque. This provides mixing safety as the temperature is decreased as a result of the lower torque. This effect was not seen with conventional reclaim. Rheometry tests indicated that the addition of the devulcanizates decreased the extent of cure. It was demonstrated that this could be linked to crosslink density. Testing of the 100%, 200%, 300% moduli correlated the crosslink density to the maximum torque. Although the addition of NRG reclaim reduced the tensile strength of the formulation, a link between crosslink density and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) couldn’t be made. The decrease in the UTS and increase in extension at break is possibly caused by an increase in low molecular weight material present in the formulations and decrease in crosslink density. This could possibly increase the mobility of polymer chains which could increases flexibility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Redress for victims of crime in South Africa: a comparison with selected Commonwealth jurisdictions
- Von Bonde, Johannes Christian
- Authors: Von Bonde, Johannes Christian
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reparation (Criminal justice) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:10268 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/640 , Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reparation (Criminal justice) -- South Africa
- Description: In terms of the Constitution every person has the right to freedom and security of the person. This includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources. The state is charged with the duty to protect the individual from such harm. While the Constitution refers to the protection of victims of crime in broad and general terms without indicating how these rights should be protected, it makes meticulous and detailed provision for the rights of arrested, detained and accused persons. This leads to the popular belief that the Constitution protects the criminal and not the victim, engendering public dissatisfaction with the status quo, which is amplified by the fact that South Africa’s current legal dispensation for victims of crime does not embody the requirements of ubuntu and African customary law, which the Constitution declares to be binding on South African courts. This study analyses the means that exist in South African law for the victim of crime to obtain redress for criminal acts and proposes effective avenues through which victims can obtain redress, should the existing machinery prove to be inadequate. The term restitution is used to indicate recompense obtained from the perpetrator, while the term compensation refers to recompense obtained from the state. A comparative study is conducted to ascertain how the legal position of victims of crime in South Africa compares with that of victims of crime in Great Britain, India and New Zealand, respectively. South Africa does not have a state-funded victim compensation scheme such as those which exist in most developed countries. The respective proposals of the South African Law Commission for a victim compensation scheme and revised legislation to deal with offender/victim restitution are considered critically, inter alia, in the light of the findings of the comparative study. Proposals are made regarding changes to the South African legal system to bring it in line with international developments regarding restitution and compensation to victims of crime, attention being given to the meaning, significance and implementation of the doctrine of restorative justice when dealing with the aftermath of criminal injury. In addition to a complete revision of South African legislation dealing with offender/victim restitution, this study recommends the consolidation of the Road Accident Fund and the Compensation Fund operating in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. These two bodies should be amalgamated to create a unified Compensation Scheme to compensate victims of crime, as well as victims of traffic and industrial injuries. General qualifying criteria for claimants would be drafted, with specific criteria applying in cases of traffic, industrial and crime related injuries, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Von Bonde, Johannes Christian
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reparation (Criminal justice) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , LLD
- Identifier: vital:10268 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/640 , Victims of crimes -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Reparation (Criminal justice) -- South Africa
- Description: In terms of the Constitution every person has the right to freedom and security of the person. This includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources. The state is charged with the duty to protect the individual from such harm. While the Constitution refers to the protection of victims of crime in broad and general terms without indicating how these rights should be protected, it makes meticulous and detailed provision for the rights of arrested, detained and accused persons. This leads to the popular belief that the Constitution protects the criminal and not the victim, engendering public dissatisfaction with the status quo, which is amplified by the fact that South Africa’s current legal dispensation for victims of crime does not embody the requirements of ubuntu and African customary law, which the Constitution declares to be binding on South African courts. This study analyses the means that exist in South African law for the victim of crime to obtain redress for criminal acts and proposes effective avenues through which victims can obtain redress, should the existing machinery prove to be inadequate. The term restitution is used to indicate recompense obtained from the perpetrator, while the term compensation refers to recompense obtained from the state. A comparative study is conducted to ascertain how the legal position of victims of crime in South Africa compares with that of victims of crime in Great Britain, India and New Zealand, respectively. South Africa does not have a state-funded victim compensation scheme such as those which exist in most developed countries. The respective proposals of the South African Law Commission for a victim compensation scheme and revised legislation to deal with offender/victim restitution are considered critically, inter alia, in the light of the findings of the comparative study. Proposals are made regarding changes to the South African legal system to bring it in line with international developments regarding restitution and compensation to victims of crime, attention being given to the meaning, significance and implementation of the doctrine of restorative justice when dealing with the aftermath of criminal injury. In addition to a complete revision of South African legislation dealing with offender/victim restitution, this study recommends the consolidation of the Road Accident Fund and the Compensation Fund operating in terms of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. These two bodies should be amalgamated to create a unified Compensation Scheme to compensate victims of crime, as well as victims of traffic and industrial injuries. General qualifying criteria for claimants would be drafted, with specific criteria applying in cases of traffic, industrial and crime related injuries, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Effects of a gymnasium-based resistance training programme on selected physical fitness components in sub-elite martial artists
- Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von der Marwitz, Reiner Keith
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Martial arts , Training , Physical fitness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10110 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020822
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore, describe and compare the impact of a 12-week intervention on selected physical fitness variables in sub-elite martial artists. The experimental group (expG) participated in a combination of alternating dojo and gymnasium-based resistance training, each bi-weekly, with the comparison group (comG) exclusively undergoing four conventional dojo training sessions weekly. The variables measured included; anthropometric measures (height, body mass and percentage body fat); functional core muscular endurance; hamstring flexibility; upper body muscular strength and endurance; lower body muscle strength; and static balance. A quasi-experimental research design was employed, with pre - and post - test assessments after a 12 week intervention period. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were employed from existing dojo’s in Port Elizabeth, with a randomised allocation of participants into two groups. The gymnasium-based training programme was designed according to the national conditioning and strength association (NCSA) principles of resistance training. The identified variables were tested at a 95% level of probability (p < 0.05). Similar trends in performance improvement were evident for both the expG and compG in of the majority of the selected physical fitness variables. One-way, two-sample and independent t-tests analysis found no statistical significant intra- group or inter-group differences in any of the selected dependant variables for both groups. Thus, the supplemental resistance training programme was not superior to that of the conventional dojo training programme in improving aforementioned variables. Despite the lack of statistical significance, these results indicate that a structured and supervised resistance training programme in a gymnasium may serve as an alternative method of intervention for improving physical fitness in sub-elite mixed martial artists. The resistance training programme should be specifically adapted according to the individual practitioner’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as to the type of martial art being practised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Intertidal patterns and processes : tracking the effects of coastline topography and settlement choice across life stages of the mussels perna perna and mytilus galloprovincialis
- Von Der Meden, Charles Eric Otto
- Authors: Von Der Meden, Charles Eric Otto
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mexilhao mussel -- Behavior -- South Africa Mytilus galloprovincialis -- Behavior -- South Africa Perna -- Behavior -- South Africa Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005407
- Description: Within landscapes, spatial heterogeneity is common and specific landscape features can influence propagule dispersal by wind or water, affecting population connectivity and dynamics. Coastline topographic features, such as bays and headlands, have a variety of biophysical effects on nearshore oceanography, larval transport, retention and supply, and the processes of larval settlement and recruitment. Although this has been demonstrated in several parts of the world, engendering a perception of a general ‘bay effect’, few studies have investigated this generality in a single experiment or region, by replicating at the level of ‘bay’. The Agulhas biogeographic region of the south coast of South Africa is a useful system within which to test for such generality. Using the intertidal mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna as model organisms, patterns of adult distribution were surveyed across four large ‘halfheart’ bays and intervening stretches of open coast, providing replication at the level of ‘bay’ and duplication of ecologically similar species. In support of a general, pervasive influence of bays on intertidal populations, mussel cover was found to be greater in bays than on the open coast for both species, although the effect was strongest for M. galloprovincialis. To explain this adult distribution, settlement, post-settlement mortality and recruitment were examined over 12mo at the same sites, with the prediction that rates of each would favour larger bay populations. Contrary to this, an interaction between month and bay-status was found, with greater settlement and recruitment on the open coast than in bays reflecting extreme settlement and recruitment events at 3 westerly open coast sites during summer. Re-analysis excluding these outliers, revealed the expected effect, of greater settlement and recruitment in bays. While this indicates the broad generality of the bay effect, it highlights exceptions and the need for replication in time and space when examining landscape effects. Measuring post-settlement mortality required testing small-scale settlement behaviour on established and newly deployed settler collectors. It was found that all settlers preferred collectors with biofilm, but that primary settlers avoided conspecific settlers, while secondary settlers were attracted to them. With discrepancies in settler attraction to new and established collectors accounted for, initial (over 2d) and longer-term (over 7d) post-settlement mortality rates were found to be substantial (ca 60 %) for both species. No topographic effect on p-s mortality was evident. Finally, recruit-settler, adult-recruit and interspecies correlations were examined at regional and local scales. Synergistic (or neutral) effects maintained the initial settlement pattern in recruit and adult populations regionally, but not at local scales; striking interspecies correlations suggested the influence of common regional transport processes. Ultimately, the results emphasize the importance of the direction of effects in different life stages and at different spatial scales, and the possibility that antagonistic effects may mask even strong patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Von Der Meden, Charles Eric Otto
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mexilhao mussel -- Behavior -- South Africa Mytilus galloprovincialis -- Behavior -- South Africa Perna -- Behavior -- South Africa Mussels -- Ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005407
- Description: Within landscapes, spatial heterogeneity is common and specific landscape features can influence propagule dispersal by wind or water, affecting population connectivity and dynamics. Coastline topographic features, such as bays and headlands, have a variety of biophysical effects on nearshore oceanography, larval transport, retention and supply, and the processes of larval settlement and recruitment. Although this has been demonstrated in several parts of the world, engendering a perception of a general ‘bay effect’, few studies have investigated this generality in a single experiment or region, by replicating at the level of ‘bay’. The Agulhas biogeographic region of the south coast of South Africa is a useful system within which to test for such generality. Using the intertidal mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis and Perna perna as model organisms, patterns of adult distribution were surveyed across four large ‘halfheart’ bays and intervening stretches of open coast, providing replication at the level of ‘bay’ and duplication of ecologically similar species. In support of a general, pervasive influence of bays on intertidal populations, mussel cover was found to be greater in bays than on the open coast for both species, although the effect was strongest for M. galloprovincialis. To explain this adult distribution, settlement, post-settlement mortality and recruitment were examined over 12mo at the same sites, with the prediction that rates of each would favour larger bay populations. Contrary to this, an interaction between month and bay-status was found, with greater settlement and recruitment on the open coast than in bays reflecting extreme settlement and recruitment events at 3 westerly open coast sites during summer. Re-analysis excluding these outliers, revealed the expected effect, of greater settlement and recruitment in bays. While this indicates the broad generality of the bay effect, it highlights exceptions and the need for replication in time and space when examining landscape effects. Measuring post-settlement mortality required testing small-scale settlement behaviour on established and newly deployed settler collectors. It was found that all settlers preferred collectors with biofilm, but that primary settlers avoided conspecific settlers, while secondary settlers were attracted to them. With discrepancies in settler attraction to new and established collectors accounted for, initial (over 2d) and longer-term (over 7d) post-settlement mortality rates were found to be substantial (ca 60 %) for both species. No topographic effect on p-s mortality was evident. Finally, recruit-settler, adult-recruit and interspecies correlations were examined at regional and local scales. Synergistic (or neutral) effects maintained the initial settlement pattern in recruit and adult populations regionally, but not at local scales; striking interspecies correlations suggested the influence of common regional transport processes. Ultimately, the results emphasize the importance of the direction of effects in different life stages and at different spatial scales, and the possibility that antagonistic effects may mask even strong patterns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The influence of copreneurial relationships on the restaurant industry : a study in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Authors: Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises -- Management , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020003
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the South African economy, especially in light of the recent global recession. For family businesses, namely copreneurs in the restaurant industry, to be afforded a better opportunity to perform better and be viable and sustainable, a deeper understanding and insight into their dynamics is required. Researching and implementing strategies or recommendations to improve the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry is fundamentally important to the growth and sustainability of restaurants in the hospitality industry, in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). However, no known studies have been performed in this area of copreneurship. This study sought to present exploratory research in the rapidly expanding and critically important sector family business, namely copreneurships specifically in the restaurant industry in the NMM, in South Africa. The primary research objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry in the NMM. A phenomenological, or qualitative, research paradigm, through the use of focused one-on-one interviews, was employed to probe and analyse relational factors of copreneurial relationships. A qualifying questionnaire was constructed to determine the most effective sample for the study followed by an extensive questionnaire constructed to probe into the demographics and the specifically identified relational factors of the ten qualifying copreneurships. The collected data was then analysed and inferences were derived from the findings of the study. The findings revealed that what restaurant copreneurships perceive to be the most important relationship factors are very closely linked to the relationship factors perceived important to personally work on and improve. Of the relational factors considered for this study, namely: Commitment, communication, conflict, division of labour, emotional attachment, relationship bond, respect, spousal harmony, trust and the spousal values system, several factors stood out as those baring greatest influence on copreneurial relationships and their business. This study, from an analysis of the collected interview data and subsequent findings, determined communication to stand out above all other factors as being the most critical to copreneurial relationships. All other factors emanated as important but division of labour, values system, respect and relationship bond were revealed as extremely important, just behind communication. In light of these findings, as well as the discovery of other affecting factors, the study concluded that the viability and sustainability of restaurant copreneurships is of paramount significance. In order to facilitate this, copreneurial couples must cherish their relationships with each other, understand the dynamics of the relational factors affecting their relationships, invoke relational improvements for their viability and sustainability, not neglect family responsibilities and preservation in light of business needs and work together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises -- Management , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020003
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the South African economy, especially in light of the recent global recession. For family businesses, namely copreneurs in the restaurant industry, to be afforded a better opportunity to perform better and be viable and sustainable, a deeper understanding and insight into their dynamics is required. Researching and implementing strategies or recommendations to improve the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry is fundamentally important to the growth and sustainability of restaurants in the hospitality industry, in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). However, no known studies have been performed in this area of copreneurship. This study sought to present exploratory research in the rapidly expanding and critically important sector family business, namely copreneurships specifically in the restaurant industry in the NMM, in South Africa. The primary research objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry in the NMM. A phenomenological, or qualitative, research paradigm, through the use of focused one-on-one interviews, was employed to probe and analyse relational factors of copreneurial relationships. A qualifying questionnaire was constructed to determine the most effective sample for the study followed by an extensive questionnaire constructed to probe into the demographics and the specifically identified relational factors of the ten qualifying copreneurships. The collected data was then analysed and inferences were derived from the findings of the study. The findings revealed that what restaurant copreneurships perceive to be the most important relationship factors are very closely linked to the relationship factors perceived important to personally work on and improve. Of the relational factors considered for this study, namely: Commitment, communication, conflict, division of labour, emotional attachment, relationship bond, respect, spousal harmony, trust and the spousal values system, several factors stood out as those baring greatest influence on copreneurial relationships and their business. This study, from an analysis of the collected interview data and subsequent findings, determined communication to stand out above all other factors as being the most critical to copreneurial relationships. All other factors emanated as important but division of labour, values system, respect and relationship bond were revealed as extremely important, just behind communication. In light of these findings, as well as the discovery of other affecting factors, the study concluded that the viability and sustainability of restaurant copreneurships is of paramount significance. In order to facilitate this, copreneurial couples must cherish their relationships with each other, understand the dynamics of the relational factors affecting their relationships, invoke relational improvements for their viability and sustainability, not neglect family responsibilities and preservation in light of business needs and work together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Borderline hospitality: homestays as a commercial hospitality development project in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape
- Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/706 , vital:19983
- Description: This study started as an anthropological investigation of commercial hospitality from the point of view of the hands-on host. The chosen case study for this investigation was the Kwam eMakana Government Initiated Poverty Alleviation Project which offered homestays in the townships of Grahamstown East since 2004. Homestays are the most intimate form of commercial hospitality, one step removed from non-commercial or social hospitality. Even at the homestay level there is a conceptual conflict between poverty and (Westernized) commercial hospitality, however, Kwam homes are more middle class than poor. Later the investigation revealed the deeper-seated form of poverty of the Kwam participants being (almost) illiterate. Kwam was a development project like many others, in which huge amounts of money were spent in the name of the project but very little of the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries. Thus, as fieldwork ensued, the emphasis of research migrated from an empirical study of homestay hospitality, to actively assist with the struggle of the Kwam hostesses to maintain the project and gain autonomy for themselves. This study was from the outset reflexive, as the host’s point of view could technically only be presented by auto-ethnography. Then the investigation shifted to a form of engaged anthropology far exceeding advocacy as it is usually understood. The presentation of this can be called radical reflexivity, while it is simultaneously an ethnographical account in the sense of anthropology ‘at home’. It also implied, besides ethical concerns, revisiting literary sensibilities, such as the use of a third person narrative for the reflexive account. To conceptualize the development process of both Kwam and the research interventions Bourdieu’s ‘totality of capital’ (in which the strands of economic, symbolic, cultural and social capitals intertwine) proved most useful. By assessing the various capitals the development of the project and the power struggles central to it can be understood. This study confirms that long-term anthropological investigation is best suited to the study of development projects, if not necessary for real development to be effected. Reflexivity and ethnography are complementary methods to reveal truths which under certain research circumstances may have been very difficult or even impossible to research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/706 , vital:19983
- Description: This study started as an anthropological investigation of commercial hospitality from the point of view of the hands-on host. The chosen case study for this investigation was the Kwam eMakana Government Initiated Poverty Alleviation Project which offered homestays in the townships of Grahamstown East since 2004. Homestays are the most intimate form of commercial hospitality, one step removed from non-commercial or social hospitality. Even at the homestay level there is a conceptual conflict between poverty and (Westernized) commercial hospitality, however, Kwam homes are more middle class than poor. Later the investigation revealed the deeper-seated form of poverty of the Kwam participants being (almost) illiterate. Kwam was a development project like many others, in which huge amounts of money were spent in the name of the project but very little of the benefits reached the intended beneficiaries. Thus, as fieldwork ensued, the emphasis of research migrated from an empirical study of homestay hospitality, to actively assist with the struggle of the Kwam hostesses to maintain the project and gain autonomy for themselves. This study was from the outset reflexive, as the host’s point of view could technically only be presented by auto-ethnography. Then the investigation shifted to a form of engaged anthropology far exceeding advocacy as it is usually understood. The presentation of this can be called radical reflexivity, while it is simultaneously an ethnographical account in the sense of anthropology ‘at home’. It also implied, besides ethical concerns, revisiting literary sensibilities, such as the use of a third person narrative for the reflexive account. To conceptualize the development process of both Kwam and the research interventions Bourdieu’s ‘totality of capital’ (in which the strands of economic, symbolic, cultural and social capitals intertwine) proved most useful. By assessing the various capitals the development of the project and the power struggles central to it can be understood. This study confirms that long-term anthropological investigation is best suited to the study of development projects, if not necessary for real development to be effected. Reflexivity and ethnography are complementary methods to reveal truths which under certain research circumstances may have been very difficult or even impossible to research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The nexilitas factor: host-guest relationships in small owner managed commercial accommodation facilities in contemporary South Africa
- Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Von Lengeling, Volkher Heinrich Christoph
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa Interpersonal relations Social interaction Liminality Consumer behavior Home-based businesses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002656
- Description: The commercialization of hospitality established arguably the oldest profession. Historically small commercial hospitality establishments, known as inns in the western world, were of ill repute. Perhaps connected to their reputation, this category of accommodation facility has been seriously neglected as an area of academic inquiry, particularly from the perspective of the host. While there has been a huge growth in the interdisciplinary field of tourism studies in recent decades, little attention has been paid to the role of the host in the host-guest relationship at whatever level of analysis. This thesis seeks to redress the balance. Hospitality is a basic form of social bonding. This type of bonding, where a hierarchy between strangers is implicit (as with hosts and guests), may be termed ‘nexilitas’; nexilitas is a form of social bonding in liminal circumstances. To that extent it is comparable to ‘communitas’ which describes social bonding between equals in certain liminal circumstances. The difference is that nexilitas is a form of bonding between individuals in a complex power relationship. The host controls the hospitality space, but custom also empowers the guest with certain expectations, especially in the commercial context. The thesis identifies the various forms of hospitality – traditional ‘true’ or ‘pure’ hospitality, social hospitality, cultural hospitality and commercial hospitality – and discusses these critically in their historical and cross-cultural contexts, with emphasis on the perspective of the host. The passage of hospitality is then traced through the three phases of preliminality, liminality and post-liminality and discussed along the themes anticipation, arrival and accommodation and finally departure of the guest. While the historical and ethnographic review is mainly based on written histories and the experiences of other anthropologists as guests as well as ethnographers, the passage of hospitality draws on the multi-sited auto-anthropological experiences of the author, both as host and as ethnographer of contemporary South African hosts in small owner-managed commercial hospitality establishments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Occult forces -- lived identities: witchcraft, spirit possession and cosmology amongst the Mayeyi of Namibia's Caprivi Strip
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Emil Arthur
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Yeye (African people) , Yeye (African people) -- Namibia -- History , Occultism -- Namibia , Witchcraft -- Namibia , Spirit possession -- Namibia , Cosmology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013279
- Description: Around Africa there seems to be an increasing disillusion with 'development', seen under the rubric of teleological 'progress', which is touted by post-colonial governments as being the cure for Africa's ailments and woes. Numerous authors have pointed out that this local disillusion, and the attempt to manage the inequities that arise through development and modernity, can be seen to be understood and acted upon by local peoples through the idiom of witchcraft beliefs and fears (see Geschiere & Fisiy 2001; Geschiere 1997; Nyamnjoh 2001; Comaroff & Comaroff 1993; Ashforth 2005) and spirit possession nanatives (see Luig 1999; Gezon 1999), or more simply, occult beliefs and praxis (Moore & Sanders 2001). The majority of the Mayeyi of Namibia's Eastern Caprivi perceive that development is the only way their regiOn and people can survive and succeed in a modernising world. At ~he same time there is also a seeming reluctance to move towards perceiving witchcraft as a means of accumulation (contra Geschiere 1997). This notion of the 'witchcraft of wealth' is emerging, but for the most part witches are seen as the enemies of development, while spirit possession narratives speak to the desire for development and of the identity of the group vis-a-vis the rest of the world. The thesis presented argues that, although modernity orientated analyses enable occult belief to be used as a lens through which to 1..mderstand 'modernity's malcontents' (Comaroff & Comaroff 1993), they can only go so far in explaining the intricacies of witchcraft and spirit possession beliefs themselves. The dissertation argues that one should return to the analysis of the cosmological underpinnings of witchcraft belief and spirit possession, taken together as complementary phenomena, in seeking to understand the domain of the occult. By doing so the thesis argues that a more comprehensive anthropological understanding is obtained of occult belief and practice, the ways in which the domain of the occult is constituted and the ways in which it is a reflection or commentary on a changing world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Emil Arthur
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Yeye (African people) , Yeye (African people) -- Namibia -- History , Occultism -- Namibia , Witchcraft -- Namibia , Spirit possession -- Namibia , Cosmology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2121 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013279
- Description: Around Africa there seems to be an increasing disillusion with 'development', seen under the rubric of teleological 'progress', which is touted by post-colonial governments as being the cure for Africa's ailments and woes. Numerous authors have pointed out that this local disillusion, and the attempt to manage the inequities that arise through development and modernity, can be seen to be understood and acted upon by local peoples through the idiom of witchcraft beliefs and fears (see Geschiere & Fisiy 2001; Geschiere 1997; Nyamnjoh 2001; Comaroff & Comaroff 1993; Ashforth 2005) and spirit possession nanatives (see Luig 1999; Gezon 1999), or more simply, occult beliefs and praxis (Moore & Sanders 2001). The majority of the Mayeyi of Namibia's Eastern Caprivi perceive that development is the only way their regiOn and people can survive and succeed in a modernising world. At ~he same time there is also a seeming reluctance to move towards perceiving witchcraft as a means of accumulation (contra Geschiere 1997). This notion of the 'witchcraft of wealth' is emerging, but for the most part witches are seen as the enemies of development, while spirit possession narratives speak to the desire for development and of the identity of the group vis-a-vis the rest of the world. The thesis presented argues that, although modernity orientated analyses enable occult belief to be used as a lens through which to 1..mderstand 'modernity's malcontents' (Comaroff & Comaroff 1993), they can only go so far in explaining the intricacies of witchcraft and spirit possession beliefs themselves. The dissertation argues that one should return to the analysis of the cosmological underpinnings of witchcraft belief and spirit possession, taken together as complementary phenomena, in seeking to understand the domain of the occult. By doing so the thesis argues that a more comprehensive anthropological understanding is obtained of occult belief and practice, the ways in which the domain of the occult is constituted and the ways in which it is a reflection or commentary on a changing world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The status of the American bollworm, Heliothis armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae), on sunflower in the central Transvaal
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Emil Friedrich
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Helicoverpa armigera , Noctuidae -- South Africa -- Transvaal , Noctuidae , Sunflowers -- Diseases and pests
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005461 , Helicoverpa armigera , Noctuidae -- South Africa -- Transvaal , Noctuidae , Sunflowers -- Diseases and pests
- Description: Sunflower production in South Africa has increased four fold since the 1970's. This study was done to elucidate the pest status of Heliothis armigera (Hiibner) on sunflower. Field studies were undertaken at Warmbaths, Brits and Delmas during the summer seasons of 1988/89 to 1990/91. The infestations at the latter two areas were negligible throughout the study period and their statistics have not been included in this thesis. Plant development and oviposition by natural H. armigera populations were found to be correlated as, regardless of planting date, oviposition started at six to seven weeks after planting; when the flowering stage began. A peak in egg numbers was reached by the tenth week with an average for the three seasons at two eggs per plant. The eggs were laid singly on the bracts and bases of the flower buds. A peak in larval numbers was reached at the thirteenth week after planting with the average for the three seasons of 0,4 larvae per plant. The preferred feeding sites were on, between and under the bracts from where the larvae burrow into the pithy tissue of the receptacle. Only six percent of the larvae were found feeding directly on the achenes. Eggs and larvae collected were reared to determine the degree of parasitism. Overall, 19% of the eggs were parasitised; 18% by Telenomus ullyetti Nixon (Scelionidae) and one percent by Trichogrammatoidea lutea (Trichogrammatidae). Larval parasitism at Warmbaths was 23% in 1988/89, 27% in 1989/90 and 34% in 1990/91. Of the parasitised larvae, 44% succumbed to Palexorista prob. laxa (Tachinidae). The remainder were unidentified Braconidae and Ichneumonidae. Predators, such as chrysopids, were observed during the study but their effect on egg and larvae numbers was not studied in detail. A polyhedral virus occurred late in the seasons and caused mortality of the larvae. The low numbers of H. armigera on sunflower, the slight damage to the crop and the reasonably high rate of parasitism, all seem to indicate that H. armigera is not an economica1ly important pest of sunflower and that additional control methods are not justified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Emil Friedrich
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Helicoverpa armigera , Noctuidae -- South Africa -- Transvaal , Noctuidae , Sunflowers -- Diseases and pests
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5773 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005461 , Helicoverpa armigera , Noctuidae -- South Africa -- Transvaal , Noctuidae , Sunflowers -- Diseases and pests
- Description: Sunflower production in South Africa has increased four fold since the 1970's. This study was done to elucidate the pest status of Heliothis armigera (Hiibner) on sunflower. Field studies were undertaken at Warmbaths, Brits and Delmas during the summer seasons of 1988/89 to 1990/91. The infestations at the latter two areas were negligible throughout the study period and their statistics have not been included in this thesis. Plant development and oviposition by natural H. armigera populations were found to be correlated as, regardless of planting date, oviposition started at six to seven weeks after planting; when the flowering stage began. A peak in egg numbers was reached by the tenth week with an average for the three seasons at two eggs per plant. The eggs were laid singly on the bracts and bases of the flower buds. A peak in larval numbers was reached at the thirteenth week after planting with the average for the three seasons of 0,4 larvae per plant. The preferred feeding sites were on, between and under the bracts from where the larvae burrow into the pithy tissue of the receptacle. Only six percent of the larvae were found feeding directly on the achenes. Eggs and larvae collected were reared to determine the degree of parasitism. Overall, 19% of the eggs were parasitised; 18% by Telenomus ullyetti Nixon (Scelionidae) and one percent by Trichogrammatoidea lutea (Trichogrammatidae). Larval parasitism at Warmbaths was 23% in 1988/89, 27% in 1989/90 and 34% in 1990/91. Of the parasitised larvae, 44% succumbed to Palexorista prob. laxa (Tachinidae). The remainder were unidentified Braconidae and Ichneumonidae. Predators, such as chrysopids, were observed during the study but their effect on egg and larvae numbers was not studied in detail. A polyhedral virus occurred late in the seasons and caused mortality of the larvae. The low numbers of H. armigera on sunflower, the slight damage to the crop and the reasonably high rate of parasitism, all seem to indicate that H. armigera is not an economica1ly important pest of sunflower and that additional control methods are not justified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Biofuel, land-use tradeoffs and livelihoods in Southern Africa
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Graham Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Biomass energy -- Climatic factors -- Africa, Southern , Land use -- Environmental aspects , Jatropha -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021005
- Description: The rapid expansion of biofuel projects in southern Africa creates an opportune issue against which to examine land-use tradeoffs within the areas of customary land tenure. For this an ecosystems services approach is used. Jatropha curcas (L), a perennial oilseed plant which has been the key focus of most of the region’s biofuel expansion to date is used as the focus biofuel crop for which case study data were obtained from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa. Despite the initial enthusiasm for jatropha, most projects have proven less successful than hoped, and many have collapsed. A few are, however, still showing signs of possible success and it is two of these that form the basis of the case studies. Hugely complex tradeoffs are involved when considering biofuel as a land-use option for communal areas. They range from global impacts such as biodiversity and global climate forcing, through national concerns of rural development, national food security and national fuel security, to local household concerns around improving livelihoods. Land that is converted to biofuel needs to be removed from some previous use, and in the southern African case it is typically woodlands and the multitude of services they provide, that suffer. The nature of the tradeoffs and the people affected change over the scale under consideration. For the local farmer it is only the local issues that are of concern, but national and global forces will change the policy environment and lead to new types of development such as biofuels. Change is inevitable, and in all developments there are likely to be both winners and losers. It is clear that the impacts arising from biofuel are situation dependent, and each community and location has unique social and environmental considerations that need to be taken into account. In the case of jatropha the final realised yield and the economic returns that this can generate, will be of critical importance and remain one of the main uncertainties. There are promising signs that under certain circumstances the balance of benefits from jatropha biofuel may be positive, but if implemented incorrectly or in the wrong place, there is extensive evidence of total project failure. It is clear that evidence-based data and assessment tools are needed to assist communities, developers and government departments to make sound decisions around biofuel (or other land-use based) development. A number of such tools are suggested in the thesis. Both the use of large-scale plantations or small-scale farmer centred projects have their advantages and disadvantages. It is probable that in the correct circumstances either can work. However, large-scale plantations can have huge negative social and environmental consequences if poorly implemented. Small-scale projects, though improving livelihoods, are unlikely to take the farmers out of poverty. Tradeoffs from any land-use change are inevitable. Empirical data on biofuel impacts on the environment and society are needed for the development of sound policy. A favourable policy environment can ensure that positive benefits from biofuel are obtained, whilst minimising negative impacts. To develop this policy means that southern African countries will have to clearly understand what they wish to achieve from biofuel, as well as having a clear understanding of impacts from biofuel implementation. Sound scientific knowledge needs to underpin this process. For instance governments may wish to increase the ratio of small-scale to large-scale plantation to increase the developmental benefits, ensure biofuel is used to promote national fuel security rather than being exported, or develop a medium-scale farming sector which can help move farmers out of poverty and assist in developing a market surplus of agricultural commodities. Analysing impacts from biofuel expansion is a complex and multi-dimensional problem and as such will require multi-criteria analysis tools to develop solutions. Global, national and local tradeoffs must all be considered. In addition a wide range of stakeholders are involved and participatory processes may be needed to capture their inputs. Tools to better analyse impacts, specifically at the local level are needed. These local results need to feed into national level economic assessments. The cost of biofuel introduction should be considered against the costs of not implementing biofuel, realising that doing nothing also has a cost and long-term impact. Third-party certification provides a useful tool for shifting costs of ensuring compliance with social and environmental legislation, from the state to biofuel companies. In addition ongoing monitoring and evaluation of existing projects is needed to learn from successes and failures, to identify unintended consequences, and to increase the resilience of projects, community livelihoods and the national economy. This will have to be supplemented with additional focused and ongoing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Von Maltitz, Graham Paul
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Biomass energy -- Climatic factors -- Africa, Southern , Land use -- Environmental aspects , Jatropha -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10643 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021005
- Description: The rapid expansion of biofuel projects in southern Africa creates an opportune issue against which to examine land-use tradeoffs within the areas of customary land tenure. For this an ecosystems services approach is used. Jatropha curcas (L), a perennial oilseed plant which has been the key focus of most of the region’s biofuel expansion to date is used as the focus biofuel crop for which case study data were obtained from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa. Despite the initial enthusiasm for jatropha, most projects have proven less successful than hoped, and many have collapsed. A few are, however, still showing signs of possible success and it is two of these that form the basis of the case studies. Hugely complex tradeoffs are involved when considering biofuel as a land-use option for communal areas. They range from global impacts such as biodiversity and global climate forcing, through national concerns of rural development, national food security and national fuel security, to local household concerns around improving livelihoods. Land that is converted to biofuel needs to be removed from some previous use, and in the southern African case it is typically woodlands and the multitude of services they provide, that suffer. The nature of the tradeoffs and the people affected change over the scale under consideration. For the local farmer it is only the local issues that are of concern, but national and global forces will change the policy environment and lead to new types of development such as biofuels. Change is inevitable, and in all developments there are likely to be both winners and losers. It is clear that the impacts arising from biofuel are situation dependent, and each community and location has unique social and environmental considerations that need to be taken into account. In the case of jatropha the final realised yield and the economic returns that this can generate, will be of critical importance and remain one of the main uncertainties. There are promising signs that under certain circumstances the balance of benefits from jatropha biofuel may be positive, but if implemented incorrectly or in the wrong place, there is extensive evidence of total project failure. It is clear that evidence-based data and assessment tools are needed to assist communities, developers and government departments to make sound decisions around biofuel (or other land-use based) development. A number of such tools are suggested in the thesis. Both the use of large-scale plantations or small-scale farmer centred projects have their advantages and disadvantages. It is probable that in the correct circumstances either can work. However, large-scale plantations can have huge negative social and environmental consequences if poorly implemented. Small-scale projects, though improving livelihoods, are unlikely to take the farmers out of poverty. Tradeoffs from any land-use change are inevitable. Empirical data on biofuel impacts on the environment and society are needed for the development of sound policy. A favourable policy environment can ensure that positive benefits from biofuel are obtained, whilst minimising negative impacts. To develop this policy means that southern African countries will have to clearly understand what they wish to achieve from biofuel, as well as having a clear understanding of impacts from biofuel implementation. Sound scientific knowledge needs to underpin this process. For instance governments may wish to increase the ratio of small-scale to large-scale plantation to increase the developmental benefits, ensure biofuel is used to promote national fuel security rather than being exported, or develop a medium-scale farming sector which can help move farmers out of poverty and assist in developing a market surplus of agricultural commodities. Analysing impacts from biofuel expansion is a complex and multi-dimensional problem and as such will require multi-criteria analysis tools to develop solutions. Global, national and local tradeoffs must all be considered. In addition a wide range of stakeholders are involved and participatory processes may be needed to capture their inputs. Tools to better analyse impacts, specifically at the local level are needed. These local results need to feed into national level economic assessments. The cost of biofuel introduction should be considered against the costs of not implementing biofuel, realising that doing nothing also has a cost and long-term impact. Third-party certification provides a useful tool for shifting costs of ensuring compliance with social and environmental legislation, from the state to biofuel companies. In addition ongoing monitoring and evaluation of existing projects is needed to learn from successes and failures, to identify unintended consequences, and to increase the resilience of projects, community livelihoods and the national economy. This will have to be supplemented with additional focused and ongoing research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A systematic review of intervention effectiveness for problem anger in an adult outpatient population
- Authors: von Ruben, Adriana
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Anger , Anger -- Treatment , Rational emotive behavior therapy , Personality assessment , Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36059 , vital:33886
- Description: Increasing levels of anger are becoming one of the major social problems of modern society, yet anger is one of the least understood emotions. Given the long-term consequences and the seriousness of the negative outcomes associated with anger, there is a pressing need for effective anger management interventions targeted at different populations experiencing various types of problem anger.The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct a systematic review of current qualitative and quantitative research regarding the status of anger reducing interventions within outpatient populations. The aim was to explore the efficacy of various psychological approaches utilised to reduce problem anger. Eligibility criteria included studies with samples that had problem anger defined psychometrically. The search of available literature revealed 16 relevant reports containing 15 studies. All located studies utilised intervention modalities derived from cognitive and behavioural approaches. Results indicated large to moderate improvements in problem anger for the participants receiving the treatment. Cognitive and behavioural anger interventions were found to produce reductions in trait anger, general anger, the negative expression and suppression of anger, anger related physiological arousal, and increased the positive, controlled anger experience. More large-scale studies are needed implementing other psychological approaches to test their effectiveness in reducing maladaptive anger. The dearth of anger research conducted within outpatient populations is discussed in the context of the emerged themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: von Ruben, Adriana
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Anger , Anger -- Treatment , Rational emotive behavior therapy , Personality assessment , Social psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36059 , vital:33886
- Description: Increasing levels of anger are becoming one of the major social problems of modern society, yet anger is one of the least understood emotions. Given the long-term consequences and the seriousness of the negative outcomes associated with anger, there is a pressing need for effective anger management interventions targeted at different populations experiencing various types of problem anger.The purpose of this dissertation was to conduct a systematic review of current qualitative and quantitative research regarding the status of anger reducing interventions within outpatient populations. The aim was to explore the efficacy of various psychological approaches utilised to reduce problem anger. Eligibility criteria included studies with samples that had problem anger defined psychometrically. The search of available literature revealed 16 relevant reports containing 15 studies. All located studies utilised intervention modalities derived from cognitive and behavioural approaches. Results indicated large to moderate improvements in problem anger for the participants receiving the treatment. Cognitive and behavioural anger interventions were found to produce reductions in trait anger, general anger, the negative expression and suppression of anger, anger related physiological arousal, and increased the positive, controlled anger experience. More large-scale studies are needed implementing other psychological approaches to test their effectiveness in reducing maladaptive anger. The dearth of anger research conducted within outpatient populations is discussed in the context of the emerged themes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Guidelines for the analysis of student web usage in support of primary educational objectives
- Authors: Von Schoultz, Dean John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information behavior , Searching behavior , Internet in higher education , World Wide Web , Educational technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4965 , vital:20772
- Description: The Internet and World Wide Web provides huge amounts of information to individuals with access to it. Information is an important driving factor of education and higher education has experienced massive adoption rates of information and communication technologies, and accessing the Web is not an uncommon practice within a higher educational institution. The Web provides numerous benefits and many students rely on the Web for information, communication and technical support. However, the immense amount of information available on the Web has brought about some negative side effects associated with abundant information. Whether the Web is a positive influence on students’ academic well-being within higher education is a difficult question to answer. To understand how the Web is used by students within a higher education institution is not an easy task. However, there are ways to understand the Web usage behaviour of students. Using established methods for gathering useful information from data produced by an institution, Web usage behaviours of students within a higher education institution could be analysed and presented. This dissertation presents guidance for analysing Web traffic within a higher educational institution in order to gain insight into the Web usage behaviours of students. This insight can provide educators with valuable information to bolster their decision-making capacity towards achieving their educational goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Von Schoultz, Dean John
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Information behavior , Searching behavior , Internet in higher education , World Wide Web , Educational technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4965 , vital:20772
- Description: The Internet and World Wide Web provides huge amounts of information to individuals with access to it. Information is an important driving factor of education and higher education has experienced massive adoption rates of information and communication technologies, and accessing the Web is not an uncommon practice within a higher educational institution. The Web provides numerous benefits and many students rely on the Web for information, communication and technical support. However, the immense amount of information available on the Web has brought about some negative side effects associated with abundant information. Whether the Web is a positive influence on students’ academic well-being within higher education is a difficult question to answer. To understand how the Web is used by students within a higher education institution is not an easy task. However, there are ways to understand the Web usage behaviour of students. Using established methods for gathering useful information from data produced by an institution, Web usage behaviours of students within a higher education institution could be analysed and presented. This dissertation presents guidance for analysing Web traffic within a higher educational institution in order to gain insight into the Web usage behaviours of students. This insight can provide educators with valuable information to bolster their decision-making capacity towards achieving their educational goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the genetic diversity and origin of the invasive weed Chromolaena Odorata (L.) King and Robinson in South Africa
- Authors: Von Senger, Inge
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003802 , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa
- Description: Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson is an alien invasive weed to most of the Old World tropical regions of the earth, including South Africa where it is morphologically distinct from most other C. odorata plants examined from both its native and invasive range. It is thought that these morphological differences are related to difficulties encountered in successful establishment of biological control agents on the South African population of C. odorata. It has been postulated that the source population of the South African population will harbour potential biocontrol agents that will be suited to successful establishment on the South African plants. Several morphological, cytological and isozyme studies have been attempted to identify the source population of the South African population, but these have failed to identify the origin of the South African population. In this dissertation two PCR-based methods were attempted, in an investigation into whether the morphological differences and difficulties in establishment of biocontrol agents have a genetic basis. The two techniques attempted were: Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplification, and DNA sequencing. Results could not be obtained using the ISSR method, and the reason for this was not discovered despite extensive trials. The internal transcribed spacer region and the external transcribed spacer region sequences were obtained from five samples, and compared. It was found that the ETS region gave more phylogenetic signal at the intraspecific level than the ITS region. However, due to difficulties in amplification of the external transcribed spacer region, work here focussed on obtaining Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences for 61 samples. Each of the samples sequenced had a unique ITS sequence, displaying a high level of intraspecific genetic diversity. The degree of this diversity is discussed with reference to the possible influences of polyploidy and concerted evolution on genetic structure. The ITS data indicated that some of the physical traits used to define ‘morphotypes’ of C. odorata were not correlated to genotype. From discussion and comparison of morphological character distributions and the ITS-based phylogeography it is suggested that the geographical origin of the South African population is Greater Antilelan, rather than from the continents of North and South America, which is where the Australasian, West African and Mauritian infestations are suggested to have originated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Von Senger, Inge
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003802 , Biodiversity -- South Africa , Chromolaena odorata -- Biological control -- South Africa
- Description: Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson is an alien invasive weed to most of the Old World tropical regions of the earth, including South Africa where it is morphologically distinct from most other C. odorata plants examined from both its native and invasive range. It is thought that these morphological differences are related to difficulties encountered in successful establishment of biological control agents on the South African population of C. odorata. It has been postulated that the source population of the South African population will harbour potential biocontrol agents that will be suited to successful establishment on the South African plants. Several morphological, cytological and isozyme studies have been attempted to identify the source population of the South African population, but these have failed to identify the origin of the South African population. In this dissertation two PCR-based methods were attempted, in an investigation into whether the morphological differences and difficulties in establishment of biocontrol agents have a genetic basis. The two techniques attempted were: Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplification, and DNA sequencing. Results could not be obtained using the ISSR method, and the reason for this was not discovered despite extensive trials. The internal transcribed spacer region and the external transcribed spacer region sequences were obtained from five samples, and compared. It was found that the ETS region gave more phylogenetic signal at the intraspecific level than the ITS region. However, due to difficulties in amplification of the external transcribed spacer region, work here focussed on obtaining Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences for 61 samples. Each of the samples sequenced had a unique ITS sequence, displaying a high level of intraspecific genetic diversity. The degree of this diversity is discussed with reference to the possible influences of polyploidy and concerted evolution on genetic structure. The ITS data indicated that some of the physical traits used to define ‘morphotypes’ of C. odorata were not correlated to genotype. From discussion and comparison of morphological character distributions and the ITS-based phylogeography it is suggested that the geographical origin of the South African population is Greater Antilelan, rather than from the continents of North and South America, which is where the Australasian, West African and Mauritian infestations are suggested to have originated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Utilizing geocaching to reduce obesity and increase tourism
- Authors: Von Solms, Woudi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sports and tourism , Obesity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011157 , Sports and tourism , Obesity
- Description: Tourism has social and economic benefits. Economic benefits are received through tourists visiting tourist attractions. Social benefits related to benefits tourists receive personally when visiting tourist attractions. The number of individuals that are obese are constantly increasing and leads to hazardous medical conditions. The aim of this research study was to determine the extent to which geocaching can be used to increase tourism and decrease obesity. Geocaching is similar to a treasure hunt where participant use clues and a Global Positioning System device to find a treasure that are called a cache. The cache is filled with trinkets that are exchanged by participants that find the cache. Students of the second avenue campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University were used as respondents and given information on what geocaching involve. Three geocaches were hidden in The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The respondents met at The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World where a clue and map was provided. After finding the cache the respondents was asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. The results were calculated and conclusions and recommendations were made. The primary research process was conducted over too short a period of time to conclude whether it can lead to a reduction in obesity. However geocaching experience by respondents did show that the process of geocaching involves physical exercise, which is needed for losing weight. Research also indicated that respondents would like to geocache with family and friends. Geocaching with family and friends involves support which secondary research have also proven is important to losing weight and decreasing obesity. Respondents indicated that they enjoyed geocaching and would like to geocache in their free time. The indication of enjoying geocaching, participating in geocaching during free time allows travelling for leisure purposes as to geocache travelling is necessary and the majority of geocaches is hidden at tourist attractions. The combination of travelling to tourist attractions, enjoying the experience and partaking in physical exercise with family and friends involve two of the three main aspects seen as helping to reduce obesity: enjoyable physical activity and support from family and friends. The conclusion is therefore that geocaching can be utilised to increase tourism and reduce obesity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Von Solms, Woudi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sports and tourism , Obesity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011157 , Sports and tourism , Obesity
- Description: Tourism has social and economic benefits. Economic benefits are received through tourists visiting tourist attractions. Social benefits related to benefits tourists receive personally when visiting tourist attractions. The number of individuals that are obese are constantly increasing and leads to hazardous medical conditions. The aim of this research study was to determine the extent to which geocaching can be used to increase tourism and decrease obesity. Geocaching is similar to a treasure hunt where participant use clues and a Global Positioning System device to find a treasure that are called a cache. The cache is filled with trinkets that are exchanged by participants that find the cache. Students of the second avenue campus of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University were used as respondents and given information on what geocaching involve. Three geocaches were hidden in The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth. The respondents met at The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World where a clue and map was provided. After finding the cache the respondents was asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire. The results were calculated and conclusions and recommendations were made. The primary research process was conducted over too short a period of time to conclude whether it can lead to a reduction in obesity. However geocaching experience by respondents did show that the process of geocaching involves physical exercise, which is needed for losing weight. Research also indicated that respondents would like to geocache with family and friends. Geocaching with family and friends involves support which secondary research have also proven is important to losing weight and decreasing obesity. Respondents indicated that they enjoyed geocaching and would like to geocache in their free time. The indication of enjoying geocaching, participating in geocaching during free time allows travelling for leisure purposes as to geocache travelling is necessary and the majority of geocaches is hidden at tourist attractions. The combination of travelling to tourist attractions, enjoying the experience and partaking in physical exercise with family and friends involve two of the three main aspects seen as helping to reduce obesity: enjoyable physical activity and support from family and friends. The conclusion is therefore that geocaching can be utilised to increase tourism and reduce obesity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Business school creativity amongst MBA students at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Von Solms, Woudi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Creative ability in business , Creative thinking , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4255 , vital:20574
- Description: Innovation allows for competitive advantage. Competitive advantage and innovation lead to economic growth. For innovation to occur, creativity is necessary. All individuals are creative, but continuous practice is necessary to be creative. The process from creativity to innovation and competitive advantage and economic growth involves three stages. The first stage involves educating primary and secondary school children to be creative across different domains. Current school systems focus on mathematical and linguistic skills. Examples of domains are linguistic, performance, mechanicalscientific and artistic. These creative domains can be taught through encouraging children to use their imagination and different methods. In primary and secondary education little-c creativity and mini-c creativity are developed. Little-c creativity involves developing problem solving skills. Mini-c creativity involves the ability to recognise personal creative events, not necessarily recognised by others. Tertiary education involves students gaining knowledge in a specific domain. While studying to gain knowledge and conduct research on a specific domain, practicing creativity is still important. Upon completion of tertiary education the second stage in creating economic growth through creativity and innovation commences. This second stage involves organisations hiring creative employees that have knowledge within a domain similar to the organisation‟s industry. Creative employees develop creative ideas. The creative ideas allow for innovative products to be developed. Innovative products satisfy customer needs and lead to competitive advantage. Managers should encourage employees to be innovative. Employees that are motivated and encouraged to take risks develop a talent within the domain that they are employed in. The ability to be creative and innovative leads to pro-creativity and big-c creativity. Pro-c creativity refers to a talent being developed over approximately ten years. Big-c creativity involves creating products that benefits society positively. Upon creating products that benefit society, competitive advantage is created that allows for the third stage of creating economic growth to commence. This third stage involves economic growth that stems from innovation and creative individuals. Countries currently focus on stage two where they aim to encourage innovation amongst organisations. There is a realisation that to be innovative,creativity is necessarily and that creativity must be taught by means of education. This research study will use a questionnaire by Kaufman (2009, 2012, 2013) to determine how creative students perceive they are and whether they are capable of recognising different levels of creativity. A similar study was conducted in Germany and Mexico. Professor Alexander Brem was asked for the questionnaire. The questionnaire was translated from German to English. The objective is to determine whether students perceive themselves to be creative, thus being innovative within their organisations and indirectly allowing for competitive advantage and economic growth. Kaufmans‟ questionnaire was distributed to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Masters in Business Administration students. Ethics clearance was granted and answering the questionnaire was optional.To draw conclusions an Exploratory Factor Analysis was done on creative domains and the levels of creativity students are able to recognise. The first Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed performance creativity as the first factor, mechanicalscientific creativity as the second factor, scholarly creativity as the third factor and artistic creativity as the fourth factor. The second Exploratory Factor Analysis grouped pro-c creativity, big-c creativity and little-c creativity as the first factor, not being able to recognise creativity as the second factor and mini-c creativity as the third factor. The individual results from each factor were discussed. Each factor was further analysed by comparing gender, age, year‟s work experience and type of students to the type and level of creativity. The results show three trends. Firstly, results indicated that respondents perceived themselves to be predominantly scholarly and mathematical-scientific creative. This result is synonymous with secondary research that states that educational institutions focus on enhancing linguistic and mathematical skills amongst students and that developing skills in other domains are seen as less important. Secondly, the ability of students to recognise different levels of creativity decreases from big-creativity to pro-c creativity; pro-c creativity to little-c creativity and little-c creativity to mini-c creativity. Students are therefore better able to recognise large inventions than smaller inventions. Thirdly, results indicated that creativity levels do not differ when gender, age, year‟s work experience and type of students are compared. In this research study the above statements will be discussed in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Von Solms, Woudi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Creative ability in business , Creative thinking , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4255 , vital:20574
- Description: Innovation allows for competitive advantage. Competitive advantage and innovation lead to economic growth. For innovation to occur, creativity is necessary. All individuals are creative, but continuous practice is necessary to be creative. The process from creativity to innovation and competitive advantage and economic growth involves three stages. The first stage involves educating primary and secondary school children to be creative across different domains. Current school systems focus on mathematical and linguistic skills. Examples of domains are linguistic, performance, mechanicalscientific and artistic. These creative domains can be taught through encouraging children to use their imagination and different methods. In primary and secondary education little-c creativity and mini-c creativity are developed. Little-c creativity involves developing problem solving skills. Mini-c creativity involves the ability to recognise personal creative events, not necessarily recognised by others. Tertiary education involves students gaining knowledge in a specific domain. While studying to gain knowledge and conduct research on a specific domain, practicing creativity is still important. Upon completion of tertiary education the second stage in creating economic growth through creativity and innovation commences. This second stage involves organisations hiring creative employees that have knowledge within a domain similar to the organisation‟s industry. Creative employees develop creative ideas. The creative ideas allow for innovative products to be developed. Innovative products satisfy customer needs and lead to competitive advantage. Managers should encourage employees to be innovative. Employees that are motivated and encouraged to take risks develop a talent within the domain that they are employed in. The ability to be creative and innovative leads to pro-creativity and big-c creativity. Pro-c creativity refers to a talent being developed over approximately ten years. Big-c creativity involves creating products that benefits society positively. Upon creating products that benefit society, competitive advantage is created that allows for the third stage of creating economic growth to commence. This third stage involves economic growth that stems from innovation and creative individuals. Countries currently focus on stage two where they aim to encourage innovation amongst organisations. There is a realisation that to be innovative,creativity is necessarily and that creativity must be taught by means of education. This research study will use a questionnaire by Kaufman (2009, 2012, 2013) to determine how creative students perceive they are and whether they are capable of recognising different levels of creativity. A similar study was conducted in Germany and Mexico. Professor Alexander Brem was asked for the questionnaire. The questionnaire was translated from German to English. The objective is to determine whether students perceive themselves to be creative, thus being innovative within their organisations and indirectly allowing for competitive advantage and economic growth. Kaufmans‟ questionnaire was distributed to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Masters in Business Administration students. Ethics clearance was granted and answering the questionnaire was optional.To draw conclusions an Exploratory Factor Analysis was done on creative domains and the levels of creativity students are able to recognise. The first Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed performance creativity as the first factor, mechanicalscientific creativity as the second factor, scholarly creativity as the third factor and artistic creativity as the fourth factor. The second Exploratory Factor Analysis grouped pro-c creativity, big-c creativity and little-c creativity as the first factor, not being able to recognise creativity as the second factor and mini-c creativity as the third factor. The individual results from each factor were discussed. Each factor was further analysed by comparing gender, age, year‟s work experience and type of students to the type and level of creativity. The results show three trends. Firstly, results indicated that respondents perceived themselves to be predominantly scholarly and mathematical-scientific creative. This result is synonymous with secondary research that states that educational institutions focus on enhancing linguistic and mathematical skills amongst students and that developing skills in other domains are seen as less important. Secondly, the ability of students to recognise different levels of creativity decreases from big-creativity to pro-c creativity; pro-c creativity to little-c creativity and little-c creativity to mini-c creativity. Students are therefore better able to recognise large inventions than smaller inventions. Thirdly, results indicated that creativity levels do not differ when gender, age, year‟s work experience and type of students are compared. In this research study the above statements will be discussed in detail.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the effectiveness of area-based conservation interventions in avoiding biodiversity loss in South Africa
- Authors: Von Staden, Lize
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Environmental policy , Conservation of natural resources -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61115 , vital:69762
- Description: Counterfactual impact evaluation studies form an important evidence base for the effectiveness of conservation projects, programs, and policies (collectively referred to as conservation interventions). In South Africa, counterfactual impact evaluation methods have rarely been applied to local conservation interventions, and therefore evidence for the effectiveness of key strategic national conservation approaches is lacking. This study evaluated three area-based interventions that together aim to avoid the loss of areas most important for the persistence of biodiversity in the terrestrial realm as evidence towards the effectiveness of South Africa’s landscape approach to biodiversity conservation. The first intervention, South Africa’s National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES), set ambitious targets to double the extent of South Africa’s protected area network while ensuring that the expansion preferentially occurs in areas of under-represented biodiversity. The strategy was evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in guiding protected area expansion towards more equitable representation of South Africa’s biodiversity through an assessment of changes in indicators of protected area expansion decision-making before and after the implementation of the strategy. The second intervention is the use of maps of biodiversity priorities to guide land use change decisions outside protected areas. Impact was evaluated as avoided loss of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), which need to remain in a natural condition to meet in situ conservation targets for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Avoided loss in CBAs was benchmarked against avoided loss in protected areas, to contextualize the effectiveness of land use planning as a conservation intervention. Lastly, the effectiveness of stricter land use regulations for threatened ecosystems to reduce land conversion pressure on these ecosystems was evaluated. Key findings were that protected areas are highly effective conservation interventions where they can be implemented, but their capacity for conservation impact is limited by severe constraints on strategic expansion. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Von Staden, Lize
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Environmental policy , Conservation of natural resources -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61115 , vital:69762
- Description: Counterfactual impact evaluation studies form an important evidence base for the effectiveness of conservation projects, programs, and policies (collectively referred to as conservation interventions). In South Africa, counterfactual impact evaluation methods have rarely been applied to local conservation interventions, and therefore evidence for the effectiveness of key strategic national conservation approaches is lacking. This study evaluated three area-based interventions that together aim to avoid the loss of areas most important for the persistence of biodiversity in the terrestrial realm as evidence towards the effectiveness of South Africa’s landscape approach to biodiversity conservation. The first intervention, South Africa’s National Protected Area Expansion Strategy (NPAES), set ambitious targets to double the extent of South Africa’s protected area network while ensuring that the expansion preferentially occurs in areas of under-represented biodiversity. The strategy was evaluated in terms of its effectiveness in guiding protected area expansion towards more equitable representation of South Africa’s biodiversity through an assessment of changes in indicators of protected area expansion decision-making before and after the implementation of the strategy. The second intervention is the use of maps of biodiversity priorities to guide land use change decisions outside protected areas. Impact was evaluated as avoided loss of Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs), which need to remain in a natural condition to meet in situ conservation targets for species, ecosystems, and ecological processes. Avoided loss in CBAs was benchmarked against avoided loss in protected areas, to contextualize the effectiveness of land use planning as a conservation intervention. Lastly, the effectiveness of stricter land use regulations for threatened ecosystems to reduce land conversion pressure on these ecosystems was evaluated. Key findings were that protected areas are highly effective conservation interventions where they can be implemented, but their capacity for conservation impact is limited by severe constraints on strategic expansion. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Transgressive Christian iconography in post-apartheid South African art
- Authors: Von Veh, Karen Elaine
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Art -- South Africa -- 20th century Art -- South Africa -- 21st century Christian art and symbolism Apartheid in art Art and society -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century Art and society -- South Africa -- History -- 21st century Parody in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002220
- Description: In this study I propose that transgressive interpretations of Christian iconography provide a valuable strategy for contemporary artists to engage with perceived social inequalities in postapartheid South Africa. Working in light of Michel Foucault’s idea of an “ontology of the present”, I investigate the ways in which religious iconography has been implicated in the regulation of society. Parodic reworking of Christian imagery in the selected examples is investigated as a strategy to expose these controls and offer a critique of mechanisms which produce normative ‘truths’. I also consider how such imagery has been received and the factors accounting for that reception. The study is contextualized by a brief, literary based, historical overview of Christian religious imagery to explain the strength of feeling evinced by religious images. This includes a review of the conflation of religion and state control of the masses, an analysis of the sovereign controls and disciplinary powers that they wield, and an explication of their illustration in religious iconography. I also identify reasons why such imagery may have seemed compelling to artists working in a post-apartheid context. By locating recent works in terms of those made elsewhere or South African examples prior to the period that is my focus, the works discussed are explored in terms of broader orientations in post-apartheid South African art. Artworks that respond to specific Christian iconography are discussed, including Adam and Eve, The Virgin Mary, Christ, and various saints and sinners. The selected artists whose works form the focus of this study are Diane Victor, Christine Dixie, Majak Bredell, Tracey Rose, Wim Botha, Conrad Botes, Johannes Phokela and Lawrence Lemaoana. Through transgressive depictions of Christian icons these artists address current inequalities in society. The content of their works analysed here includes (among others): the construction of both female and male identities; sexual roles, social roles, and racial identity; the social expectations of contemporary motherhood; repressive role models; Afrikaner heritage; political and social change and its effects; colonial power; sacrifice; murder, rape, and violence in South Africa; abuses of power by role models and politicians; rugby; heroism; and patricide. Christian iconography is a useful communicative tool because it has permeated many cultures over centuries, and the meanings it carries are thus accessible to large numbers of people. Religious imagery is often held sacred or is regarded with a degree of reverence, thus ensuring an emotive response when iconoclasm or transgression of any sort is identified. This study argues that by parodying sacred imagery these artists are able to disturb complacent viewing and encourage viewers to engage critically with some of its underlying implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von Veh, Karen Elaine
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Art -- South Africa -- 20th century Art -- South Africa -- 21st century Christian art and symbolism Apartheid in art Art and society -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century Art and society -- South Africa -- History -- 21st century Parody in art
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2424 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002220
- Description: In this study I propose that transgressive interpretations of Christian iconography provide a valuable strategy for contemporary artists to engage with perceived social inequalities in postapartheid South Africa. Working in light of Michel Foucault’s idea of an “ontology of the present”, I investigate the ways in which religious iconography has been implicated in the regulation of society. Parodic reworking of Christian imagery in the selected examples is investigated as a strategy to expose these controls and offer a critique of mechanisms which produce normative ‘truths’. I also consider how such imagery has been received and the factors accounting for that reception. The study is contextualized by a brief, literary based, historical overview of Christian religious imagery to explain the strength of feeling evinced by religious images. This includes a review of the conflation of religion and state control of the masses, an analysis of the sovereign controls and disciplinary powers that they wield, and an explication of their illustration in religious iconography. I also identify reasons why such imagery may have seemed compelling to artists working in a post-apartheid context. By locating recent works in terms of those made elsewhere or South African examples prior to the period that is my focus, the works discussed are explored in terms of broader orientations in post-apartheid South African art. Artworks that respond to specific Christian iconography are discussed, including Adam and Eve, The Virgin Mary, Christ, and various saints and sinners. The selected artists whose works form the focus of this study are Diane Victor, Christine Dixie, Majak Bredell, Tracey Rose, Wim Botha, Conrad Botes, Johannes Phokela and Lawrence Lemaoana. Through transgressive depictions of Christian icons these artists address current inequalities in society. The content of their works analysed here includes (among others): the construction of both female and male identities; sexual roles, social roles, and racial identity; the social expectations of contemporary motherhood; repressive role models; Afrikaner heritage; political and social change and its effects; colonial power; sacrifice; murder, rape, and violence in South Africa; abuses of power by role models and politicians; rugby; heroism; and patricide. Christian iconography is a useful communicative tool because it has permeated many cultures over centuries, and the meanings it carries are thus accessible to large numbers of people. Religious imagery is often held sacred or is regarded with a degree of reverence, thus ensuring an emotive response when iconoclasm or transgression of any sort is identified. This study argues that by parodying sacred imagery these artists are able to disturb complacent viewing and encourage viewers to engage critically with some of its underlying implications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Characterizing the influence of process variables in laser cladding Al-20WT%Si onto an Aluminium Substrate
- Authors: Von Wielligh, Louis George
- Subjects: Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/721 , Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Description: The research investigated the application of continuous coaxial laser cladding by powder injection as a surface treatment or coating process. The investigation aimed to establish the relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of an Al-20wt-Si single pass clad layer formed on an Al 1370-F substrate using a Nd:YAG laser. The main process variables considered were: laser power, laser scanning velocity and the powder feed rate. The relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of the clad layer was established by statistically analysing the variation in the process response with a change in the main laser cladding process variables. The process variables were varied based on a full-factorial, experimentally optimized test matrix. The clad geometry which is mainly defined by: the clad height, width, clad aspect ratio, depth of alloy penetration, and the clad root angle/wetting angle was investigated. In addition to the clad geometry several clad characteristics were investigated such as the dilution of the clad layer in the substrate material, the Vickers microhardness and microstructure of the clad crosssection, the powder efficiency of the process and the amount of visible defects. The study successfully established the relationship between the main laser cladding process variables and the clad geometry and characteristics. The secondary objective of establishing a suitable processing window by considering the relationship mentioned above was only partially met since it is believed that further refinement of the experimental cladding test setup and therefore also the experimental variable test levels is required.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Wielligh, Louis George
- Subjects: Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/721 , Lasers -- Industrial applications , Metal cladding
- Description: The research investigated the application of continuous coaxial laser cladding by powder injection as a surface treatment or coating process. The investigation aimed to establish the relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of an Al-20wt-Si single pass clad layer formed on an Al 1370-F substrate using a Nd:YAG laser. The main process variables considered were: laser power, laser scanning velocity and the powder feed rate. The relationship between a change in the main laser cladding process variables and the geometry and characteristics of the clad layer was established by statistically analysing the variation in the process response with a change in the main laser cladding process variables. The process variables were varied based on a full-factorial, experimentally optimized test matrix. The clad geometry which is mainly defined by: the clad height, width, clad aspect ratio, depth of alloy penetration, and the clad root angle/wetting angle was investigated. In addition to the clad geometry several clad characteristics were investigated such as the dilution of the clad layer in the substrate material, the Vickers microhardness and microstructure of the clad crosssection, the powder efficiency of the process and the amount of visible defects. The study successfully established the relationship between the main laser cladding process variables and the clad geometry and characteristics. The secondary objective of establishing a suitable processing window by considering the relationship mentioned above was only partially met since it is believed that further refinement of the experimental cladding test setup and therefore also the experimental variable test levels is required.
- Full Text:
Philosophies that inform discipline strategies among teachers
- Authors: Von Wildemann, Amy-Rose
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1302 , School discipline -- South Africa
- Description: Numerous teachers in South Africa are experiencing ill‐discipline within the classroom environment. They are not receiving the necessary support and guidance from the relevant departments, and thus, rely on their own reactive measures to manage the disruptive behaviour present in the classroom. Previous studies have shown that the South African Education Department has not provided all teachers with the necessary training needed to implement the new discipline strategies proposed by the Department of Education. Therefore, teachers rely on what they perceive to be effective in maintaining discipline, which is an indication of their personal teaching philosophy, as they base their own knowledge on what they have experienced and learnt in the past. This study followed a qualitative enquiry, which is descriptive and explorative. The data generation tools that were utilised for the study were, ‘drawing’ and ‘photo album’, both of which represent visual methodology activities. Furthermore, the primary aim of the study is to determine the underlying teaching philosophies that inform selected township teachers’ approaches to discipline in their classrooms. However, the findings indicated that the use of corporal punishment is still visibly prevalent in this township school. Even though it was revealed that the prominent teaching philosophy was not that of fundamental pedagogics, but featured somewhere in between the humanising pedagogy and Noddings’ theory of caring, the effects of teaching during Apartheid under the principles of fundamental pedagogics is still existent in the township.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Von Wildemann, Amy-Rose
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1302 , School discipline -- South Africa
- Description: Numerous teachers in South Africa are experiencing ill‐discipline within the classroom environment. They are not receiving the necessary support and guidance from the relevant departments, and thus, rely on their own reactive measures to manage the disruptive behaviour present in the classroom. Previous studies have shown that the South African Education Department has not provided all teachers with the necessary training needed to implement the new discipline strategies proposed by the Department of Education. Therefore, teachers rely on what they perceive to be effective in maintaining discipline, which is an indication of their personal teaching philosophy, as they base their own knowledge on what they have experienced and learnt in the past. This study followed a qualitative enquiry, which is descriptive and explorative. The data generation tools that were utilised for the study were, ‘drawing’ and ‘photo album’, both of which represent visual methodology activities. Furthermore, the primary aim of the study is to determine the underlying teaching philosophies that inform selected township teachers’ approaches to discipline in their classrooms. However, the findings indicated that the use of corporal punishment is still visibly prevalent in this township school. Even though it was revealed that the prominent teaching philosophy was not that of fundamental pedagogics, but featured somewhere in between the humanising pedagogy and Noddings’ theory of caring, the effects of teaching during Apartheid under the principles of fundamental pedagogics is still existent in the township.
- Full Text:
Codeswitching online: a case study of a bilingual online maths programme for grade 7 learners in Diepsloot, Johannesburg
- Authors: von Witt, Nathalia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3983 , vital:20577
- Description: There is an education crisis in South Africa. Mathematics and literacy are at the forefront of the problem, as particularly evidenced by Annual National Assessment results (Department of Basic Education, 2014; Spaull, 2014). This research is motivated by the unequal access to quality learning which stems from learners learning through a poorly-understood second language with little to no cognitive academic language proficiency. The vast majority of South African learners learn through their second language, English, from Grade 4 onwards. English is the language of South Africa’s political economy and is a global lingua franca; however, the understanding of concepts and content learnt at school is vital if one is to have any hope of putting one’s English to good use. This research aimed to find a way to equip learners both with English proficiency and mathematical understanding simultaneously. This was done by implementing and evaluating an experimental bilingual course in an existing mathematics programme in the township of Diepsloot in Johannesburg, South Africa. This research used design-based research methodology, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This methodology was chosen as it allows theory and practice to intersect in a real-life setting, and for the successes and shortcomings of this intersection to be evaluated. This study encompasses both the evaluation and creation of the bilingual online mathematics course. The course is made bilingual through the creation of bilingual videos with the use of translanguaging and the creation of a bilingual glossary of terms. The videos were created using a translanguaging ‘model’ informed by theories of basic interpersonal communication skills and cognitive academic language proficiency (Cummins, 1981), common underlying proficiency (Cummins, 1991), codeswitching (Setati, 1998; Ncoko et al., 2000) and translanguaging (Makalela 2015; Creese and Blackledge, 2010a). The aim of this research was to create a successful translanguaging model which facilitates learners’ ability to conceptualise in their first language and then discuss and understand the concept in their second language.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: von Witt, Nathalia
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3983 , vital:20577
- Description: There is an education crisis in South Africa. Mathematics and literacy are at the forefront of the problem, as particularly evidenced by Annual National Assessment results (Department of Basic Education, 2014; Spaull, 2014). This research is motivated by the unequal access to quality learning which stems from learners learning through a poorly-understood second language with little to no cognitive academic language proficiency. The vast majority of South African learners learn through their second language, English, from Grade 4 onwards. English is the language of South Africa’s political economy and is a global lingua franca; however, the understanding of concepts and content learnt at school is vital if one is to have any hope of putting one’s English to good use. This research aimed to find a way to equip learners both with English proficiency and mathematical understanding simultaneously. This was done by implementing and evaluating an experimental bilingual course in an existing mathematics programme in the township of Diepsloot in Johannesburg, South Africa. This research used design-based research methodology, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This methodology was chosen as it allows theory and practice to intersect in a real-life setting, and for the successes and shortcomings of this intersection to be evaluated. This study encompasses both the evaluation and creation of the bilingual online mathematics course. The course is made bilingual through the creation of bilingual videos with the use of translanguaging and the creation of a bilingual glossary of terms. The videos were created using a translanguaging ‘model’ informed by theories of basic interpersonal communication skills and cognitive academic language proficiency (Cummins, 1981), common underlying proficiency (Cummins, 1991), codeswitching (Setati, 1998; Ncoko et al., 2000) and translanguaging (Makalela 2015; Creese and Blackledge, 2010a). The aim of this research was to create a successful translanguaging model which facilitates learners’ ability to conceptualise in their first language and then discuss and understand the concept in their second language.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016