A case study of the goals of the business communication course at Technikon Witwatersrand
- Authors: Vongo, Mthuthuzeli Rubin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Communication in education -- South Africa Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Curriculum change -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003949
- Description: At Technikon Witwatersrand, Business Communication is offered as a service subject, which is compulsory for a variety of diplomas and the majority of students are obligated to do the course. Its broad intention is to assist students in developing their proficiency in English, enabling them to cope with studying at Technikon and preparing them for the workplace. Despite the fact that the course is designed to assist them, many students question why they have to do the course and whether it is simply a repetition of high school work. The study attempts to examine the implicit and explicit goals of Business Communication, to explore the process through which the goals have been developed and changed over the years (i.e. how the goals have been constructed), and to elicit and compare the perspectives of the different stakeholder groups as to the goals. Both a qualitative and a quantitative approach are used in the research design. Interviews with four fulltime lecturers were conducted and a self-designed questionnaire was administered to students. These were the main means of data collection. The data reveals that the goals of Business Communication are implied rather than explicit. Despite this, students and lecturers see the course as important. Recommendations are made to help the Department of Business Communication to reflect on their practice with particular emphasis given to material development and the application of OBE principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Vongo, Mthuthuzeli Rubin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Communication in education -- South Africa Communication -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Curriculum change -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1316 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003949
- Description: At Technikon Witwatersrand, Business Communication is offered as a service subject, which is compulsory for a variety of diplomas and the majority of students are obligated to do the course. Its broad intention is to assist students in developing their proficiency in English, enabling them to cope with studying at Technikon and preparing them for the workplace. Despite the fact that the course is designed to assist them, many students question why they have to do the course and whether it is simply a repetition of high school work. The study attempts to examine the implicit and explicit goals of Business Communication, to explore the process through which the goals have been developed and changed over the years (i.e. how the goals have been constructed), and to elicit and compare the perspectives of the different stakeholder groups as to the goals. Both a qualitative and a quantitative approach are used in the research design. Interviews with four fulltime lecturers were conducted and a self-designed questionnaire was administered to students. These were the main means of data collection. The data reveals that the goals of Business Communication are implied rather than explicit. Despite this, students and lecturers see the course as important. Recommendations are made to help the Department of Business Communication to reflect on their practice with particular emphasis given to material development and the application of OBE principles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
The role of intergovernmental relations in municipal integrated development planning: case of Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Vongwe, Pumla Patricia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1213 , vital:26536
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to assess the role of intergovernmental relations structures in municipal integrated development planning in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. There are three spheres of government in South Africa, which include the national, provincial and local governments. These spheres are modelled to co-operate and support each other through the structures of intergovernmental relations (hereafter referred to as “IGR”). The IGR structures were given an institutional and statutory expression through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005. The IGR structures are a set of formal and informal processes through which bilateral and multi-lateral co-operation can be achieved, thereby ensuring the existence of the three spheres of government. The study asserts that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality lacks the co-ordination of integrated development planning (IDP) activities to promote proper and efficient service delivery. Section 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) (as amended), states that co-operation must establish or provide structures and institutions to promote and facilitate intergovernmental relations, and to provide for appropriate mechanisms and procedures to facilitate the settlement of intergovernmental disputes. The study adopted a mixed-method of research paradigms, in which both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms were utilized to assess the challenges facing the IGR structures at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (hereafter referred to as “the municipality and BCMM”). The data were collected from a sample of 30 respondents – by carefully using judgmental and snowball sampling. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary analysis were used as the sources of the data collection. The findings were analyzed, according to the same data collection techniques. The study found that there is legislation and structures to assist the municipality in directing integrated development planning (IDP) activities within the BCMM. The IDP involves a wide range of role players – from both inside and outside the municipality. The IGR structures are in existence; but they are non-performing, according to Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 (2005) (hereafter referred to as “IGRFA”). There is a lack of political commitment in establishing the IGR structures, and a lack of information-sharing, and so forth. The study thus recommends that the BCMM should establish permanent and contractual positions; improve communication and information flow; establish a hierarchy of monitoring and evaluation systems and processes; and forge a strong partnership with the community-based organizations (hereafter referred to as “CBOs”) and the non-governmental organizations (hereafter referred to as “NGOs”). This would ensure that the IDP processes are linked to the councillors’ wards, and that the actions of programmes are known by the role players; thus this would focus on the participation and the co-ordination of the IGR structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Vongwe, Pumla Patricia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1213 , vital:26536
- Description: The primary aim of this study was to assess the role of intergovernmental relations structures in municipal integrated development planning in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. There are three spheres of government in South Africa, which include the national, provincial and local governments. These spheres are modelled to co-operate and support each other through the structures of intergovernmental relations (hereafter referred to as “IGR”). The IGR structures were given an institutional and statutory expression through the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005. The IGR structures are a set of formal and informal processes through which bilateral and multi-lateral co-operation can be achieved, thereby ensuring the existence of the three spheres of government. The study asserts that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality lacks the co-ordination of integrated development planning (IDP) activities to promote proper and efficient service delivery. Section 41 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) (as amended), states that co-operation must establish or provide structures and institutions to promote and facilitate intergovernmental relations, and to provide for appropriate mechanisms and procedures to facilitate the settlement of intergovernmental disputes. The study adopted a mixed-method of research paradigms, in which both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms were utilized to assess the challenges facing the IGR structures at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (hereafter referred to as “the municipality and BCMM”). The data were collected from a sample of 30 respondents – by carefully using judgmental and snowball sampling. Questionnaires, interviews, and documentary analysis were used as the sources of the data collection. The findings were analyzed, according to the same data collection techniques. The study found that there is legislation and structures to assist the municipality in directing integrated development planning (IDP) activities within the BCMM. The IDP involves a wide range of role players – from both inside and outside the municipality. The IGR structures are in existence; but they are non-performing, according to Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 (2005) (hereafter referred to as “IGRFA”). There is a lack of political commitment in establishing the IGR structures, and a lack of information-sharing, and so forth. The study thus recommends that the BCMM should establish permanent and contractual positions; improve communication and information flow; establish a hierarchy of monitoring and evaluation systems and processes; and forge a strong partnership with the community-based organizations (hereafter referred to as “CBOs”) and the non-governmental organizations (hereafter referred to as “NGOs”). This would ensure that the IDP processes are linked to the councillors’ wards, and that the actions of programmes are known by the role players; thus this would focus on the participation and the co-ordination of the IGR structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Dietary aspects of establishing a mainland-based colony of the endangered African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) in St Francis Bay, South Africa
- Authors: Voogt, Nina Margaret
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: African penguin -- South Africa -- Cape Saint Francis , African penguin -- Food -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , African penguin -- Habitat suitability index models -- South Africa -- Cape Saint Francis , Stable isotopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5875 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013115
- Description: Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape, has been identified as one of four potential sites for establishing a mainland-based African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colony. This thesis comprises three main components: a verification of a preparation method for stable isotope samples from penguin feathers; a dietary analysis of the penguins on Bird Island, Algoa Bay, though stable isotope analysis of whole blood and feathers (2012 and 2013); and an estimation of available fish surplus that could potentially support a colony of penguins at Cape St Francis. Each component contributes towards the next, all building towards answering the main research question: Will there be enough food around St Francis Bay to support a colony of penguins and sustain the already established fisheries industry within the bay? Stable isotope analysis of whole blood and feathers from breeding adults and whole blood from juveniles provided insight into the variability of African penguins’ diets at different stages in their life history. Stable isotope mixing models indicated that the predicted proportions that each prey species could potentially contribute to diet conflicted with published stomach sample data. This might arise from inaccurate trophic enrichment factors used in the model, or from systematic biases in the published stomach sampling techniques, or both. Dietary sexual dimorphism was not demonstrated by the isotope signatures of breeding penguins. Based on official catch data, the fisheries activity on the south coast, and especially around the potential colony site at St Francis, is much lower than around the west coast’s penguin colonies. The model provided a first-order estimate for fish supply around the potential colony site at St Francis both at a large coastal scale and a local small scale. At both scales the estimate indicated an ample availability of fish at current fishing levels. The model in Chapter 4 can also be applied to refining the assessments of other potential colony sites on the south coast. In conclusion, the south coast is a promising area for a new colony of penguins in terms of food availability. There is relatively low fishing activity in the area and, as suggested by the large-scale model in Chapter 4, an ample fish resource. The final chapter briefly discusses factors that need to be considered before attempting to establish a mainland-based colony of African penguins.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Voogt, Nina Margaret
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: African penguin -- South Africa -- Cape Saint Francis , African penguin -- Food -- South Africa -- Algoa Bay , African penguin -- Habitat suitability index models -- South Africa -- Cape Saint Francis , Stable isotopes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5875 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013115
- Description: Cape St Francis, Eastern Cape, has been identified as one of four potential sites for establishing a mainland-based African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) colony. This thesis comprises three main components: a verification of a preparation method for stable isotope samples from penguin feathers; a dietary analysis of the penguins on Bird Island, Algoa Bay, though stable isotope analysis of whole blood and feathers (2012 and 2013); and an estimation of available fish surplus that could potentially support a colony of penguins at Cape St Francis. Each component contributes towards the next, all building towards answering the main research question: Will there be enough food around St Francis Bay to support a colony of penguins and sustain the already established fisheries industry within the bay? Stable isotope analysis of whole blood and feathers from breeding adults and whole blood from juveniles provided insight into the variability of African penguins’ diets at different stages in their life history. Stable isotope mixing models indicated that the predicted proportions that each prey species could potentially contribute to diet conflicted with published stomach sample data. This might arise from inaccurate trophic enrichment factors used in the model, or from systematic biases in the published stomach sampling techniques, or both. Dietary sexual dimorphism was not demonstrated by the isotope signatures of breeding penguins. Based on official catch data, the fisheries activity on the south coast, and especially around the potential colony site at St Francis, is much lower than around the west coast’s penguin colonies. The model provided a first-order estimate for fish supply around the potential colony site at St Francis both at a large coastal scale and a local small scale. At both scales the estimate indicated an ample availability of fish at current fishing levels. The model in Chapter 4 can also be applied to refining the assessments of other potential colony sites on the south coast. In conclusion, the south coast is a promising area for a new colony of penguins in terms of food availability. There is relatively low fishing activity in the area and, as suggested by the large-scale model in Chapter 4, an ample fish resource. The final chapter briefly discusses factors that need to be considered before attempting to establish a mainland-based colony of African penguins.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Ecological role of estuarine brachyuran crabs in mangrove and salt marsh estuaries, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Vorsatz, Jeanne Pauline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1108 , Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Description: Crabs are conspicuous inhabitants of temperate salt marshes and tropical mangroves and interact with their environment through several processes. However, detailed information on crab community processes is absent for most South African estuaries and nearshore coastal regions. This study evaluated the primary producers supporting crab species in the salt marsh dominated Swartkops estuary and the mangrove Mngazana estuary. Various methods estimating crab abundances were also assessed in different microhabitats and the larval distribution of crabs in the coastal zone was also investigated. Various methods for estimating crab abundance have been employed in the past, each with its inherent biases. The microhabitat of a mangrove forest in Australia was structurally altered by the manipulation of the litter, pneumatophores and the associated algae. These alterations did not affect the behavioural activity or the numbers of crabs recorded in any of the experimental treatments by either visual counts or pitfall traps. However, the number of crabs caught in the pitfall traps differed between the sites. Species-specific behaviour which was not investigated in this study may bias crab abundance estimates when using pitfall traps and therefore requires further investigation. Benthic consumers inhabiting shallow coastal environments may ultimately have the origin of their nutrition in a number of possible sources. Isotopic and gut content analysis of Thalamita crenata and juvenile Scylla serrata in the Mngazana estuary in South Africa revealed that these two portunids are able to share a habitat by resource partitioning. Differences were noted for species-specific utilization of primary producers not only between seasons within a site, but also between sites. This highlighted the use of locally produced primary producers sustaining food webs in estuaries. Mangrove production in the Mngazana estuary is very important and contributes to most of the carbon in the underlying sediments in the mangrove forest. However, the relatively large number of species and biomass encountered in this estuary may also be attributed to the fact that the different species are able to exploit of a number of different resources. The variation in stable isotope analysis of the different crab species throughout the estuary indicated that these crabs able to occupy the same habitat by feeding on a number of different resources and may preferentially select for a specific primary producer. A stable isotope of crabs in the salt marsh Swartkops estuary indicated that the dominant primary producer sustaining crab communities may even take place on a relatively smallscale. Sesarma catenata found at the inner marsh site recorded more depleted carbon signatures than those encountered in the other sites approximately 100 m away, and reflected signatures similar to the locally-encountered inner marsh plants. The relatively enriched nitrogen signatures of the anthropogenically-impacted Swartkops estuary is an indication of extensive inputs due to urbanization and industrialization, in contrast to the relatively pristine Mngazana estuary which exhibited low nitrogen signatures. Emphasis has been placed on the abiotic component of the exchange of nutrients and energy, although living organisms may also be transported, both actively and passively, between ecosystems. Little variation in either species composition or abundance was found between seasons for the larval distribution of brachyuran crabs on the east coast of South Africa. Due to the lack of published larval descriptions, larvae could not be identified to species level and it was therefore not possible to identify whether the larvae were hatched or spawned in an estuary or in a marine environment, or whether the larvae originated in the northern tropical regions. Frequent wind-reversals which are common in this region may retain larvae close inshore and supply the southern temperate locations with larvae from the northern locations. In conclusion, this study has shown that in highly productive systems with a number of potential primary producers, the crabs that inhabit the estuary show a marked diversity in resource utilization which could potentially allow a number of closely related species to occupy different trophic levels. This study also highlights the importance of locally produced sources in an estuary, which may occur on very small scales and this needs to be factored in with the design of any future stable isotope studies of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Vorsatz, Jeanne Pauline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1108 , Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Description: Crabs are conspicuous inhabitants of temperate salt marshes and tropical mangroves and interact with their environment through several processes. However, detailed information on crab community processes is absent for most South African estuaries and nearshore coastal regions. This study evaluated the primary producers supporting crab species in the salt marsh dominated Swartkops estuary and the mangrove Mngazana estuary. Various methods estimating crab abundances were also assessed in different microhabitats and the larval distribution of crabs in the coastal zone was also investigated. Various methods for estimating crab abundance have been employed in the past, each with its inherent biases. The microhabitat of a mangrove forest in Australia was structurally altered by the manipulation of the litter, pneumatophores and the associated algae. These alterations did not affect the behavioural activity or the numbers of crabs recorded in any of the experimental treatments by either visual counts or pitfall traps. However, the number of crabs caught in the pitfall traps differed between the sites. Species-specific behaviour which was not investigated in this study may bias crab abundance estimates when using pitfall traps and therefore requires further investigation. Benthic consumers inhabiting shallow coastal environments may ultimately have the origin of their nutrition in a number of possible sources. Isotopic and gut content analysis of Thalamita crenata and juvenile Scylla serrata in the Mngazana estuary in South Africa revealed that these two portunids are able to share a habitat by resource partitioning. Differences were noted for species-specific utilization of primary producers not only between seasons within a site, but also between sites. This highlighted the use of locally produced primary producers sustaining food webs in estuaries. Mangrove production in the Mngazana estuary is very important and contributes to most of the carbon in the underlying sediments in the mangrove forest. However, the relatively large number of species and biomass encountered in this estuary may also be attributed to the fact that the different species are able to exploit of a number of different resources. The variation in stable isotope analysis of the different crab species throughout the estuary indicated that these crabs able to occupy the same habitat by feeding on a number of different resources and may preferentially select for a specific primary producer. A stable isotope of crabs in the salt marsh Swartkops estuary indicated that the dominant primary producer sustaining crab communities may even take place on a relatively smallscale. Sesarma catenata found at the inner marsh site recorded more depleted carbon signatures than those encountered in the other sites approximately 100 m away, and reflected signatures similar to the locally-encountered inner marsh plants. The relatively enriched nitrogen signatures of the anthropogenically-impacted Swartkops estuary is an indication of extensive inputs due to urbanization and industrialization, in contrast to the relatively pristine Mngazana estuary which exhibited low nitrogen signatures. Emphasis has been placed on the abiotic component of the exchange of nutrients and energy, although living organisms may also be transported, both actively and passively, between ecosystems. Little variation in either species composition or abundance was found between seasons for the larval distribution of brachyuran crabs on the east coast of South Africa. Due to the lack of published larval descriptions, larvae could not be identified to species level and it was therefore not possible to identify whether the larvae were hatched or spawned in an estuary or in a marine environment, or whether the larvae originated in the northern tropical regions. Frequent wind-reversals which are common in this region may retain larvae close inshore and supply the southern temperate locations with larvae from the northern locations. In conclusion, this study has shown that in highly productive systems with a number of potential primary producers, the crabs that inhabit the estuary show a marked diversity in resource utilization which could potentially allow a number of closely related species to occupy different trophic levels. This study also highlights the importance of locally produced sources in an estuary, which may occur on very small scales and this needs to be factored in with the design of any future stable isotope studies of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The role of microhabitats within mangroves: an invertebrate and fish larval perspective
- Authors: Vorsatz, Lyle Dennis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology -- South Africa , Mangrove forests -- South Africa , Niche (Ecology) , Rhizophora mucronata , Acanthaceae , Rhizophoraceae , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167644 , vital:41499
- Description: Microhabitats provided through structural complexity are central for the diversity, productivity, connectivity and niche differentiation within and among ecosystems. Mangrove forests afford juvenile fish and invertebrates with nursery and recruitment habitats, facilitated by the fine scale configuration of their specialised root systems. Although the importance of mangroves for resident and transient juveniles is well recognised, the roles that mangrove microhabitats play for larvae is not yet comprehensively understood. This study aimed to determine how microhabitats with varying degrees of complexity influence the composition, abundance and distribution of larval communities that inhabit mangrove forests and the physiological responses of larvae to acute temperature variations in relation to ontogenetic stage and microenvironment exposure. Two relatively pristine study sites were selected to represent a warm temperate and subtropical mangrove system in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa, respectively. The differences in complexity among the root systems of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorhiza were assessed using 3D scanning and the computed 3D models were then analysed using four complexity metrics. Results indicated that A. marina is the most complex in terms of surface-volume ratio, R. mucronata has the most interstitial space among its roots and B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata differ in their fractal dimensions. Larvae collected in each microhabitat at each site using light traps showed that, despite temperature and salinity homogeneity across microenvironments, spatio-temporal differences occurred in both fish and invertebrate assemblages. This trend suggests that microhabitat structural complexity exerts an influence on larval community composition by acting as a microscape of available habitat, which ensures ecological linkages within and among the mangrove forest and adjacent ecosystems. In addition, the oxygen consumption rates of mangrove-associated brachyuran larvae varied according to mangrove microhabitat, whereby larvae collected at less complex environments had the highest metabolic rates at increased temperatures. Moreover, ontogenetic shifts in physiology were prevalent as older brachyuran larvae were more eurythermal than earlier stages, suggesting that thermally stressful events will have a greater impact on recently spawned larvae. Overall, the interstitial spaces within individual root systems are the most important complexity measure, as utilisation of these mangrove microhabitats is scale-dependent, and larvae will most likely occupy spaces inaccessible to large predators. Likewise, microscale variation in the environmental conditions and ontogenetic stage of brachyuran larvae within the mangrove microscape, can amplify the physiological responses to rapid temperature variations. Results suggest that early stage larvae are the most vulnerable to mass-mortality, and if thermally stressful events increase in frequency, duration and magnitude, the larval supply for the successful recruitment into adult populations could be under threat. Through linking how mangrove microhabitat complexity influences larvae in terms of community metrics and physiology, this study paves the way for further advancement of our understanding of how microscale processes emerge into meso- and macroscale patterns and influence the stability and functioning of highly productive ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Vorsatz, Lyle Dennis
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mangrove ecology -- South Africa , Mangrove forests -- South Africa , Niche (Ecology) , Rhizophora mucronata , Acanthaceae , Rhizophoraceae , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Aquatic ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167644 , vital:41499
- Description: Microhabitats provided through structural complexity are central for the diversity, productivity, connectivity and niche differentiation within and among ecosystems. Mangrove forests afford juvenile fish and invertebrates with nursery and recruitment habitats, facilitated by the fine scale configuration of their specialised root systems. Although the importance of mangroves for resident and transient juveniles is well recognised, the roles that mangrove microhabitats play for larvae is not yet comprehensively understood. This study aimed to determine how microhabitats with varying degrees of complexity influence the composition, abundance and distribution of larval communities that inhabit mangrove forests and the physiological responses of larvae to acute temperature variations in relation to ontogenetic stage and microenvironment exposure. Two relatively pristine study sites were selected to represent a warm temperate and subtropical mangrove system in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa, respectively. The differences in complexity among the root systems of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorhiza were assessed using 3D scanning and the computed 3D models were then analysed using four complexity metrics. Results indicated that A. marina is the most complex in terms of surface-volume ratio, R. mucronata has the most interstitial space among its roots and B. gymnorhiza and R. mucronata differ in their fractal dimensions. Larvae collected in each microhabitat at each site using light traps showed that, despite temperature and salinity homogeneity across microenvironments, spatio-temporal differences occurred in both fish and invertebrate assemblages. This trend suggests that microhabitat structural complexity exerts an influence on larval community composition by acting as a microscape of available habitat, which ensures ecological linkages within and among the mangrove forest and adjacent ecosystems. In addition, the oxygen consumption rates of mangrove-associated brachyuran larvae varied according to mangrove microhabitat, whereby larvae collected at less complex environments had the highest metabolic rates at increased temperatures. Moreover, ontogenetic shifts in physiology were prevalent as older brachyuran larvae were more eurythermal than earlier stages, suggesting that thermally stressful events will have a greater impact on recently spawned larvae. Overall, the interstitial spaces within individual root systems are the most important complexity measure, as utilisation of these mangrove microhabitats is scale-dependent, and larvae will most likely occupy spaces inaccessible to large predators. Likewise, microscale variation in the environmental conditions and ontogenetic stage of brachyuran larvae within the mangrove microscape, can amplify the physiological responses to rapid temperature variations. Results suggest that early stage larvae are the most vulnerable to mass-mortality, and if thermally stressful events increase in frequency, duration and magnitude, the larval supply for the successful recruitment into adult populations could be under threat. Through linking how mangrove microhabitat complexity influences larvae in terms of community metrics and physiology, this study paves the way for further advancement of our understanding of how microscale processes emerge into meso- and macroscale patterns and influence the stability and functioning of highly productive ecosystems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A.k.a. Breyten Breytenbach : critical approaches to his writings and paintings, J.L. Coullie and J.U. Jacobs, eds. : book review
- Authors: Vorster, A F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012399
- Description: a.k.a. Breyten Breytenbach brings together a collection of 14 essays by 12 scholars on the work of this remarkable South African writer, poet and painter. Designating Breytenbach as ‘South African’ is, of course, already a highly contentious act. It relates directly to the central concern of this volume (and one of the central concerns of Breytenbach’s work), namely the question of identity. The title characterises the artist’s proper name as but one in a series of constantly shifting and interchanging personas adopted in his art (and in his life, e.g. when working underground in the 1970s to contribute to the overthrow of the apartheid regime). The painting on the cover further explores the theme of the mask, with the white male figure’s face covered by a book-like object (although his eyes are partially visible through the object), and the presence of a burning hat floating in the air next to him serves as an additional link with many of his other paintings where headgear is associated with shifting identities, as pointed out by Marilet Sienaert in her essay, “The I of the Beholder: Identity and Place in the Art and Writing.” Like several of the other authors, Sienaert places great emphasis on the notion of movement or transformation as critical to Breytenbach’s thinking and creative practice. It is virtually unavoidable, given his background, that he should grapple with “the contemporary notion of ‘home’ being both everywhere and nowhere”, and that travel and nomadism should have become two of the most prominent themes in his poetry as well as his prose. Identity and creativity are both dependent upon the ability to constantly renew oneself and to “keep moving”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Vorster, A F
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012399
- Description: a.k.a. Breyten Breytenbach brings together a collection of 14 essays by 12 scholars on the work of this remarkable South African writer, poet and painter. Designating Breytenbach as ‘South African’ is, of course, already a highly contentious act. It relates directly to the central concern of this volume (and one of the central concerns of Breytenbach’s work), namely the question of identity. The title characterises the artist’s proper name as but one in a series of constantly shifting and interchanging personas adopted in his art (and in his life, e.g. when working underground in the 1970s to contribute to the overthrow of the apartheid regime). The painting on the cover further explores the theme of the mask, with the white male figure’s face covered by a book-like object (although his eyes are partially visible through the object), and the presence of a burning hat floating in the air next to him serves as an additional link with many of his other paintings where headgear is associated with shifting identities, as pointed out by Marilet Sienaert in her essay, “The I of the Beholder: Identity and Place in the Art and Writing.” Like several of the other authors, Sienaert places great emphasis on the notion of movement or transformation as critical to Breytenbach’s thinking and creative practice. It is virtually unavoidable, given his background, that he should grapple with “the contemporary notion of ‘home’ being both everywhere and nowhere”, and that travel and nomadism should have become two of the most prominent themes in his poetry as well as his prose. Identity and creativity are both dependent upon the ability to constantly renew oneself and to “keep moving”.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
'n Dekonstruksie van 'n teks uit Die ongedanste dans van Breyten Breytenbach
- Authors: Vorster, Anton Ferreira
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Breytenbach, Breyten -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002095 , Breytenbach, Breyten -- Criticism and interpretation
- Description: The thesis provides an interpretation of the poem ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ (Lewendood, p.143) by employing deconstruction theory, particularly as it has been developed by Jacques Derrida. The main assumption is that the text is not a self-sufficient entity, but finds itself in a continually changing relationship with other texts, a relationship described by deconstructionists as intertextuality. This relationship, as it has been described by Julia Kristeva, does not only involve literary works, but also the world-as- text. In chapter one this point of view is illustrated in a discussion around the title of the poem. It is postulated that the title is not a neutral description of a period in the history of the development of the Afrikaans language. Rather, it represents an ideological concept which can be interpreted in various ways. The poem clearly lends itself to an interpretation of "the struggle for the Taal" as a struggle which has manifested itself in many different areas and historical periods within the South African context. In chapter two the discussion of the relationship between language, history and ideology is continued. It is shown how the ʺofficialʺ history represents a one-sided view of Afrikaans as a ʺEuropeanʺ language, greatly ignoring its African component. This representation relies on a logocentric approach to the relationship between language and writing. Breytenbach's poetry, like the writings of Derrida, can be regarded as a "deconstruction" of this approach. The ʺdisseminationʺ of meaning in ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ is illustrated in terms of the poem's intertextual relationship with Breytenbachʾs ʺPlease don't feed the animalsʺ and Krigeʾs ʺLied van die Fascistiese bomwerpersʺ. Chapter three sets ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ within the current debate surrounding Afrikaner survival. It is shown how the Afrikaner power base has been established and strengthened by way of legislation, the system of Christian National Education, as well as the creation of a nationalist-orientated history. This power base is currently in a state of crisis, in which different political groupings are continuing the ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
- Authors: Vorster, Anton Ferreira
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: Breytenbach, Breyten -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3572 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002095 , Breytenbach, Breyten -- Criticism and interpretation
- Description: The thesis provides an interpretation of the poem ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ (Lewendood, p.143) by employing deconstruction theory, particularly as it has been developed by Jacques Derrida. The main assumption is that the text is not a self-sufficient entity, but finds itself in a continually changing relationship with other texts, a relationship described by deconstructionists as intertextuality. This relationship, as it has been described by Julia Kristeva, does not only involve literary works, but also the world-as- text. In chapter one this point of view is illustrated in a discussion around the title of the poem. It is postulated that the title is not a neutral description of a period in the history of the development of the Afrikaans language. Rather, it represents an ideological concept which can be interpreted in various ways. The poem clearly lends itself to an interpretation of "the struggle for the Taal" as a struggle which has manifested itself in many different areas and historical periods within the South African context. In chapter two the discussion of the relationship between language, history and ideology is continued. It is shown how the ʺofficialʺ history represents a one-sided view of Afrikaans as a ʺEuropeanʺ language, greatly ignoring its African component. This representation relies on a logocentric approach to the relationship between language and writing. Breytenbach's poetry, like the writings of Derrida, can be regarded as a "deconstruction" of this approach. The ʺdisseminationʺ of meaning in ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ is illustrated in terms of the poem's intertextual relationship with Breytenbachʾs ʺPlease don't feed the animalsʺ and Krigeʾs ʺLied van die Fascistiese bomwerpersʺ. Chapter three sets ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ within the current debate surrounding Afrikaner survival. It is shown how the Afrikaner power base has been established and strengthened by way of legislation, the system of Christian National Education, as well as the creation of a nationalist-orientated history. This power base is currently in a state of crisis, in which different political groupings are continuing the ʺ(Taalstryd)ʺ
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988
On the characterization of photovoltaic devices for concentrator purposes
- Authors: Vorster, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Photovoltaic cells , Image processing , Solar cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/639 , Photovoltaic cells , Image processing , Solar cells
- Description: This study originated from an evaluation of the performance of a commercially available high concentration point focus concentrator PV system. The effect of module design flaws was studied by using current-voltage (I-V) curves obtained from each module in the array. The position of reverse bias steps revealed the severity of mismatch in a string of series-connected cells. By understanding the effects of the various types of mismatch, power losses and damage to the solar cells resulting from hot spot formation can be minimized and several recommendations for improving the basic performance of similar systems were made. Concern over the extent and type of defect failure of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells prompted an investigation into the use of a light beam induced current (LBIC) technique to investigate the spatial distribution of defects. An overview of current and developing LBIC techniques revealed that the original standard LBIC techniques have found widespread application, and that far-reaching and important developments of the technique have taken place over the years. These developments are driven by natural progression as well as the availability of newly developed advanced measurement equipment. Several techniques such as Lock-in hermography and the use of infrared cameras have developed as complementary techniques to advanced LBIC techniques. As an accurate contactless evaluation tool that is able to image spatially distributed defects in cell material, the basis of this method seemed promising for the evaluation of concentrator cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Vorster, Frederick Jacobus
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Photovoltaic cells , Image processing , Solar cells
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10530 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/639 , Photovoltaic cells , Image processing , Solar cells
- Description: This study originated from an evaluation of the performance of a commercially available high concentration point focus concentrator PV system. The effect of module design flaws was studied by using current-voltage (I-V) curves obtained from each module in the array. The position of reverse bias steps revealed the severity of mismatch in a string of series-connected cells. By understanding the effects of the various types of mismatch, power losses and damage to the solar cells resulting from hot spot formation can be minimized and several recommendations for improving the basic performance of similar systems were made. Concern over the extent and type of defect failure of the concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) cells prompted an investigation into the use of a light beam induced current (LBIC) technique to investigate the spatial distribution of defects. An overview of current and developing LBIC techniques revealed that the original standard LBIC techniques have found widespread application, and that far-reaching and important developments of the technique have taken place over the years. These developments are driven by natural progression as well as the availability of newly developed advanced measurement equipment. Several techniques such as Lock-in hermography and the use of infrared cameras have developed as complementary techniques to advanced LBIC techniques. As an accurate contactless evaluation tool that is able to image spatially distributed defects in cell material, the basis of this method seemed promising for the evaluation of concentrator cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The ‘decolonial turn’: what does it mean for academic staff development?
- Vorster, Jo-Anne, Quinn, Lynn
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66612 , vital:28971 , https://doi.org/10.17159/1947-9417/2017/853
- Description: publisher version , It has become increasingly evident that the discourse of transformation that has shaped the democratising of higher education institutions over the first two decades of the democratic dispensation in South Africa has now run its course. Over the past few years, and particularly during the tumultuous student protests of 2015 and 2016, students and some academics have been calling for the decolonisation of university structures and cultures, including curricula. Using concepts from Margaret Archer’s social realism we consider the failure of the discourse of transformation to lead to real change and examine a constellation of new discourses related to the decolonisation of universities that have emerged in South Africa recently. Furthermore, we critique the discourses that have underpinned our own practices as academic developers over the past two decades and then explore the implications of what could be termed a ‘decolonial turn’ 1 for academic developers and by implication for the academics with whom they work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66612 , vital:28971 , https://doi.org/10.17159/1947-9417/2017/853
- Description: publisher version , It has become increasingly evident that the discourse of transformation that has shaped the democratising of higher education institutions over the first two decades of the democratic dispensation in South Africa has now run its course. Over the past few years, and particularly during the tumultuous student protests of 2015 and 2016, students and some academics have been calling for the decolonisation of university structures and cultures, including curricula. Using concepts from Margaret Archer’s social realism we consider the failure of the discourse of transformation to lead to real change and examine a constellation of new discourses related to the decolonisation of universities that have emerged in South Africa recently. Furthermore, we critique the discourses that have underpinned our own practices as academic developers over the past two decades and then explore the implications of what could be termed a ‘decolonial turn’ 1 for academic developers and by implication for the academics with whom they work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Towards shaping the field: theorising the knowledge in a formal course for academic developers
- Vorster, Jo-Anne, Quinn, Lynn
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66578 , vital:28966 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1070126
- Description: publisher version , In recent years there have been calls both for building the knowledge base of academic development (AD) and for systematic induction of newcomers to the field if AD is to advance as a professional and an academic field. Despite the importance and complexity of AD, induction of novice academic developers remains mostly informal and predominantly focuses on the practices of the field. We argue that more-experienced academic developers have an obligation to provide formal and systematic routes into the field and its knowledge base than is currently the case. One way of doing this is through offering a formal course for growing the next generation of academic developers. Such a course could equip newcomers with a more solid and shared knowledge base, thus contributing to shaping the epistemic spine of AD. In this paper, using Maton's Legitimation Code Theory, we offer an analysis of an existing course aimed at equipping novices with the theoretical and practical knowledge to enable them to solve some of the problems in higher education. From this analysis have emerged general principles that could inform the selection, sequencing and pacing of knowledge in a formal course for academic developers.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66578 , vital:28966 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1070126
- Description: publisher version , In recent years there have been calls both for building the knowledge base of academic development (AD) and for systematic induction of newcomers to the field if AD is to advance as a professional and an academic field. Despite the importance and complexity of AD, induction of novice academic developers remains mostly informal and predominantly focuses on the practices of the field. We argue that more-experienced academic developers have an obligation to provide formal and systematic routes into the field and its knowledge base than is currently the case. One way of doing this is through offering a formal course for growing the next generation of academic developers. Such a course could equip newcomers with a more solid and shared knowledge base, thus contributing to shaping the epistemic spine of AD. In this paper, using Maton's Legitimation Code Theory, we offer an analysis of an existing course aimed at equipping novices with the theoretical and practical knowledge to enable them to solve some of the problems in higher education. From this analysis have emerged general principles that could inform the selection, sequencing and pacing of knowledge in a formal course for academic developers.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
A social realist analysis of collaborative curriculum development processes in an academic department at a South African university
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Curricula Journalism -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004314
- Description: This study reports on a social-realist analysis of collaborative curriculum development in a journalism and media studies (JMS) department at a South African university. Archer's social-realist meta-theoretical framework is used to theorise about mechanisms that influence collaborative curriculum development within the context of the JMS Department. The thesis examines the cultural, structural and agential conditions that influenced the process of developing a JMS curriculum that aimed to integrate theory and practice. Bernstein's theories of knowledge recontextualisation and disciplinary knowledge structures are used in the analysis. Bernstein argues that knowledge recontextualisation constitutes a site of struggle. This thesis is an examination of the "struggles" for the epistemic-pedagogic device (Maton's elaboration of Bernstein's epistemic device) during the recontextualisation process that aimed to integrate media studies (MS) and media production (MP) in the JMS curriculum. Traditionally academic work has been an individual endeavour. However, given the growing need to work in disciplinary and inter-disciplinary teams, it is imperative to develop knowledge of the mechanisms that influence such practices. This thesis is a contribution to knowledge of collaborative processes at the level of an academic department in a university. It contributes to knowledge of cultural, structural and agential mechanisms that enable or constrain collaborative curriculum development within a particular kind of context. In addition it contributes to knowledge of the nature of leadership that may be necessary to facilitate productive collaborative relationships and practices in such a context. The curriculum development project reported on in this thesis was initiated in 2003; however, data collection for the study was conducted in 2006 when the curriculum for the fourth year (JMS 4) of the Bachelor of Journalism degree was developed. Since the JMS course prepares students to work as journalists or media workers it is necessary for the curriculum and pedagogy to be oriented both towards the academy and towards the media industries. The aim of the JMS degree is to develop students who will be critically reflexive journalists or media workers. As such the course is both theoretical (MS) and practical (MP). One of the findings of this research project is that the integration of MS and MP is a complex project given that the knowledge of the two disciplines is structured differently. MS is concept-dependent and some aspects of it can be applied to journalism and media practice, while MP is practical and thus context-dependent, though underpinned by theory. A further finding is that both the collaborative work and the integration project required different identity shifts from the lecturers in the JMS Department. Some were more able to make the shifts than others. The thesis shows that the knowledge recontextualisation struggles in the curriculum development processes of the Department of JMS centred around, inter alia, the setting of boundaries between the department and the media and journalism industries, between MS and MP and between MS theory and journalism theory. In addition, existing boundaries between MS and MP lecturers had to be traversed. These boundaries were circumscribed by, amongst other things, unequal power relations emanating from the higher status traditionally accorded to theoretical knowledge by universities, the tensions around the nature of journalism education and training and the differential properties and powers of the various lecturers within the department. The existence of a strong regulative discourse was found to be an important unifying mechanism in a tension-ridden context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Curricula Journalism -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3339 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004314
- Description: This study reports on a social-realist analysis of collaborative curriculum development in a journalism and media studies (JMS) department at a South African university. Archer's social-realist meta-theoretical framework is used to theorise about mechanisms that influence collaborative curriculum development within the context of the JMS Department. The thesis examines the cultural, structural and agential conditions that influenced the process of developing a JMS curriculum that aimed to integrate theory and practice. Bernstein's theories of knowledge recontextualisation and disciplinary knowledge structures are used in the analysis. Bernstein argues that knowledge recontextualisation constitutes a site of struggle. This thesis is an examination of the "struggles" for the epistemic-pedagogic device (Maton's elaboration of Bernstein's epistemic device) during the recontextualisation process that aimed to integrate media studies (MS) and media production (MP) in the JMS curriculum. Traditionally academic work has been an individual endeavour. However, given the growing need to work in disciplinary and inter-disciplinary teams, it is imperative to develop knowledge of the mechanisms that influence such practices. This thesis is a contribution to knowledge of collaborative processes at the level of an academic department in a university. It contributes to knowledge of cultural, structural and agential mechanisms that enable or constrain collaborative curriculum development within a particular kind of context. In addition it contributes to knowledge of the nature of leadership that may be necessary to facilitate productive collaborative relationships and practices in such a context. The curriculum development project reported on in this thesis was initiated in 2003; however, data collection for the study was conducted in 2006 when the curriculum for the fourth year (JMS 4) of the Bachelor of Journalism degree was developed. Since the JMS course prepares students to work as journalists or media workers it is necessary for the curriculum and pedagogy to be oriented both towards the academy and towards the media industries. The aim of the JMS degree is to develop students who will be critically reflexive journalists or media workers. As such the course is both theoretical (MS) and practical (MP). One of the findings of this research project is that the integration of MS and MP is a complex project given that the knowledge of the two disciplines is structured differently. MS is concept-dependent and some aspects of it can be applied to journalism and media practice, while MP is practical and thus context-dependent, though underpinned by theory. A further finding is that both the collaborative work and the integration project required different identity shifts from the lecturers in the JMS Department. Some were more able to make the shifts than others. The thesis shows that the knowledge recontextualisation struggles in the curriculum development processes of the Department of JMS centred around, inter alia, the setting of boundaries between the department and the media and journalism industries, between MS and MP and between MS theory and journalism theory. In addition, existing boundaries between MS and MP lecturers had to be traversed. These boundaries were circumscribed by, amongst other things, unequal power relations emanating from the higher status traditionally accorded to theoretical knowledge by universities, the tensions around the nature of journalism education and training and the differential properties and powers of the various lecturers within the department. The existence of a strong regulative discourse was found to be an important unifying mechanism in a tension-ridden context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Re-framing academic staff development
- Vorster, Jo-Anne, Quinn, Lynn
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66535 , vital:28960 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-983-6_8
- Description: publisher version , Globally higher education is situated in a supercomplex world (Barnett, 2000) that is constantly in a state of flux and subject to multiple pressures. This situation has been exacerbated in South African higher education that has been characterised by student protests in the last two years (2015–2016). One of the major causes for the recents protests, particularly in our institutional context, has been students’ anger that despite the official demise of apartheid and the end of colonial rule, some universities in South Africa are still attempting to be copies of Oxford and Harvard.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66535 , vital:28960 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-983-6_8
- Description: publisher version , Globally higher education is situated in a supercomplex world (Barnett, 2000) that is constantly in a state of flux and subject to multiple pressures. This situation has been exacerbated in South African higher education that has been characterised by student protests in the last two years (2015–2016). One of the major causes for the recents protests, particularly in our institutional context, has been students’ anger that despite the official demise of apartheid and the end of colonial rule, some universities in South Africa are still attempting to be copies of Oxford and Harvard.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2017
Wearing two hats:
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159427 , vital:40296 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC139349
- Description: In an attempt to find out, I sat in on the weekly meetings of Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) academics who were developing a curriculum for a fourth year course in 2006. My interest as an academic development practitioner is in collaborative development of professional or vocational curricula. What the meeting transcripts and interviews with these and other academics in the journalism school uncover is a complex process that underpins the curriculum development of professional courses - particularly, those professions that are not regulated by a professional board.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159427 , vital:40296 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC139349
- Description: In an attempt to find out, I sat in on the weekly meetings of Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) academics who were developing a curriculum for a fourth year course in 2006. My interest as an academic development practitioner is in collaborative development of professional or vocational curricula. What the meeting transcripts and interviews with these and other academics in the journalism school uncover is a complex process that underpins the curriculum development of professional courses - particularly, those professions that are not regulated by a professional board.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Poësie in 'n Grensland-situasie : verkenning van die ontwikkeling van 'n tema en 'n houding in die Afrikaanse digkuns
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 1963
- Subjects: Afrikaans poetry -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013452
- Description: From Introduction. In hierdie studie word 'n poging aangewend om 'n sekere aspek van, en 'n sekere ontwikkeling binne die Afrikaanse Poesie toe te lig. Onder Afrikaanse Poësie verstaan ons enige digwerk in Afrikaans, sy dit epies, liries of dramaties. Omdat ons o.m. belangstel in 'n sekere ontwikkeling, is ons uiteraard op 'n chronologiese indeling aangewys. Verskeie faktore (geskiedenis, kwaliteit van digwerk of gebrek aan kwaliteit, ens.) het daartoe bygedra dat ons in die Afrikaanse Poësie vyf groot periodes het wat vrywel onbestrede aanvaar word: die tydperk van die Genootskappers (vóór 1900); die tydperk van die Driemanskap (tussen 1900 en 1920); die insinking van die twintigerjare (1920 tot 1934); die vernuwing van Dertig (1934 tot 1945); die jongste tydperk (tot 1962). Hierdie algemeen aanvaarde indeling dien ons doel. Dit is egter noodsaaklik om dit onomwonde te stel dat die geesteshouding van die digter, soos ons dit uit die gedig leer ken, van groter belang is by ons studie as die ontstaansdatum van die gedig.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1963
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne
- Date: 1963
- Subjects: Afrikaans poetry -- History and criticism
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013452
- Description: From Introduction. In hierdie studie word 'n poging aangewend om 'n sekere aspek van, en 'n sekere ontwikkeling binne die Afrikaanse Poesie toe te lig. Onder Afrikaanse Poësie verstaan ons enige digwerk in Afrikaans, sy dit epies, liries of dramaties. Omdat ons o.m. belangstel in 'n sekere ontwikkeling, is ons uiteraard op 'n chronologiese indeling aangewys. Verskeie faktore (geskiedenis, kwaliteit van digwerk of gebrek aan kwaliteit, ens.) het daartoe bygedra dat ons in die Afrikaanse Poësie vyf groot periodes het wat vrywel onbestrede aanvaar word: die tydperk van die Genootskappers (vóór 1900); die tydperk van die Driemanskap (tussen 1900 en 1920); die insinking van die twintigerjare (1920 tot 1934); die vernuwing van Dertig (1934 tot 1945); die jongste tydperk (tot 1962). Hierdie algemeen aanvaarde indeling dien ons doel. Dit is egter noodsaaklik om dit onomwonde te stel dat die geesteshouding van die digter, soos ons dit uit die gedig leer ken, van groter belang is by ons studie as die ontstaansdatum van die gedig.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1963
The process of learning and teaching in supplemental instruction groups at Rhodes University
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne Elizabeth
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Group work in education , Team learning approach in education , College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002590 , Group work in education , Team learning approach in education , College teaching -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis investigates the process of peer collaborative learning in three Supplemental Instruction (SI) groups at Rhodes University. The roles of the SI leader, the students and the task in the peer-collaborative learning-teaching process were researched. The research is rooted in sociocultural theories of learning and development. The notion of activity is thus central to this investigation. The tasks, goals and interactions in the SI sessions were analysed in order to arrive at an understanding of the process of learning-teaching in each of the three SI sessions. A method of analysis devised by Van Vlaenderen to study the process of everyday cognition in the problem solving activities of community activists (1997) was adapted for this study. The method of analysis was used to study the interaction processes of participants in the SI groups. Each interaction between the SI participants was broken into its constituent parts and labeled in terms of the goals of the interactions in relation to the preceding interaction or operation, the task or subtask under discussion, and the SI session as a whole. Data from the analysis of the activity were quantified in order to assess the quality of the learning-teaching process. A qualitative analysis of the patterns of mediation was used in conjunction with the quantified data of interaction patterns to draw conclusions about the nature of the peer collaborative learning-teaching process in the three SI sessions. The research findings indicate that the nature of the SI task is crucial; students in SI need to be able and willing to participate; and the facilitation style of the SI leader plays a role in determining the quality of the activity in the SI session. The thesis explicates learning-teaching activity that results in higher order learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne Elizabeth
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Group work in education , Team learning approach in education , College teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3081 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002590 , Group work in education , Team learning approach in education , College teaching -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis investigates the process of peer collaborative learning in three Supplemental Instruction (SI) groups at Rhodes University. The roles of the SI leader, the students and the task in the peer-collaborative learning-teaching process were researched. The research is rooted in sociocultural theories of learning and development. The notion of activity is thus central to this investigation. The tasks, goals and interactions in the SI sessions were analysed in order to arrive at an understanding of the process of learning-teaching in each of the three SI sessions. A method of analysis devised by Van Vlaenderen to study the process of everyday cognition in the problem solving activities of community activists (1997) was adapted for this study. The method of analysis was used to study the interaction processes of participants in the SI groups. Each interaction between the SI participants was broken into its constituent parts and labeled in terms of the goals of the interactions in relation to the preceding interaction or operation, the task or subtask under discussion, and the SI session as a whole. Data from the analysis of the activity were quantified in order to assess the quality of the learning-teaching process. A qualitative analysis of the patterns of mediation was used in conjunction with the quantified data of interaction patterns to draw conclusions about the nature of the peer collaborative learning-teaching process in the three SI sessions. The research findings indicate that the nature of the SI task is crucial; students in SI need to be able and willing to participate; and the facilitation style of the SI leader plays a role in determining the quality of the activity in the SI session. The thesis explicates learning-teaching activity that results in higher order learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
The pattern-richness of graphical passwords
- Vorster, Johannes, Van Heerden, Renier, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Vorster, Johannes , Van Heerden, Renier , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68322 , vital:29238 , https://doi.org/10.1109/ISSA.2016.7802931
- Description: Publisher version , Conventional (text-based) passwords have shown patterns such as variations on the username, or known passwords such as “password”, “admin” or “12345”. Patterns may similarly be detected in the use of Graphical passwords (GPs). The most significant such pattern - reported by many researchers - is hotspot clustering. This paper qualitatively analyses more than 200 graphical passwords for patterns other than the classically reported hotspots. The qualitative analysis finds that a significant percentage of passwords fall into a small set of patterns; patterns that can be used to form attack models against GPs. In counter action, these patterns can also be used to educate users so that future password selection is more secure. It is the hope that the outcome from this research will lead to improved behaviour and an enhancement in graphical password security.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Vorster, Johannes , Van Heerden, Renier , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68322 , vital:29238 , https://doi.org/10.1109/ISSA.2016.7802931
- Description: Publisher version , Conventional (text-based) passwords have shown patterns such as variations on the username, or known passwords such as “password”, “admin” or “12345”. Patterns may similarly be detected in the use of Graphical passwords (GPs). The most significant such pattern - reported by many researchers - is hotspot clustering. This paper qualitatively analyses more than 200 graphical passwords for patterns other than the classically reported hotspots. The qualitative analysis finds that a significant percentage of passwords fall into a small set of patterns; patterns that can be used to form attack models against GPs. In counter action, these patterns can also be used to educate users so that future password selection is more secure. It is the hope that the outcome from this research will lead to improved behaviour and an enhancement in graphical password security.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
How technology can be applied to support change management best practices in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Vorster, Malcolm William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Information technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4265 , vital:20576
- Description: Organisations within the South African automotive industry (SAAI) are always seeking innovative ways to remain globally competitive. In order to keep costs as low as possible, existing facilities are often adapted to either cater for a wider variety of products or, alternatively, to produce larger volumes than they were originally designed to produce. In every instance, some form of change needs to take place. When the change management processes are defined within the system, quick wins need to be identified. These quick wins may include the elimination of non-valueadding time that is spent moving paper work between offices or ensuring the correct checks are in place to prevent the process from moving to the next step until all the requirements for the current steps have been completed. Technology has been identified as a suitable support mechanism that would be able to integrate into the complex system that comprises processes to be followed in an order that can be predefined. Every organisation faces its own unique challenges when technology is introduced. These can include a lack of computer literacy and the unwillingness to accept that change can in fact benefit the organisation. Getting the users to take ownership of the new systems through comprehensive training initiatives will be shown to be the most effective manner in which to ensure that the systems are effective and used to their full potential. This treatise will investigate the change management systems currently being used in the SAAI and compare the most important factors against the perceived best practices of the resources that are involved in change management. Organisations that operate at various levels within the SAAI will be researched. A literature review of the best practices in change management systems combined with an investigation into how technology can assist in supporting these best practices will be conducted. The findings will then be summarised and recommendations based on the collected data and information will be formulated and put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Vorster, Malcolm William
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Information technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4265 , vital:20576
- Description: Organisations within the South African automotive industry (SAAI) are always seeking innovative ways to remain globally competitive. In order to keep costs as low as possible, existing facilities are often adapted to either cater for a wider variety of products or, alternatively, to produce larger volumes than they were originally designed to produce. In every instance, some form of change needs to take place. When the change management processes are defined within the system, quick wins need to be identified. These quick wins may include the elimination of non-valueadding time that is spent moving paper work between offices or ensuring the correct checks are in place to prevent the process from moving to the next step until all the requirements for the current steps have been completed. Technology has been identified as a suitable support mechanism that would be able to integrate into the complex system that comprises processes to be followed in an order that can be predefined. Every organisation faces its own unique challenges when technology is introduced. These can include a lack of computer literacy and the unwillingness to accept that change can in fact benefit the organisation. Getting the users to take ownership of the new systems through comprehensive training initiatives will be shown to be the most effective manner in which to ensure that the systems are effective and used to their full potential. This treatise will investigate the change management systems currently being used in the SAAI and compare the most important factors against the perceived best practices of the resources that are involved in change management. Organisations that operate at various levels within the SAAI will be researched. A literature review of the best practices in change management systems combined with an investigation into how technology can assist in supporting these best practices will be conducted. The findings will then be summarised and recommendations based on the collected data and information will be formulated and put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A preliminary investigation into the patterns of performance on a computerized adaptive test battery implications for admissions and placement
- Authors: Vorster, Marlene
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Admission , Advanced placement programs (Education) , Computer adaptive testing , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/285 , Universities and colleges -- Admission , Advanced placement programs (Education) , Computer adaptive testing , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements
- Description: The fallibility of human judgment in the making of decisions requires the use of tests to enhance decision-making processes. Although testing is surrounded with issues of bias and fairness, it remains the best means of facilitating decisions over more subjective alternatives. As a country in transition, all facets of South African society are being transformed. The changes taking place within the tertiary education system to redress the legacy of Apartheid, coincide with an international trend of transforming higher education. One important area that is being transformed relates to university entrance requirements and admissions procedures. In South Africa, these were traditionally based on matriculation performance, which has been found to be a more variable predictor of academic success for historically disadvantaged students. Alternative or revised admissions procedures have been implemented at universities throughout the country, in conjunction with academic development programmes. However, it is argued in this dissertation that a paradigm shift is necessary to conceptualise admissions and placement assessment in a developmentally oriented way. Furthermore, it is motivated that it is important to keep abreast of advances in theory, such as item response theory (IRT) and technology, such as computerized adaptive testing (CAT), in test development to enhance the effectiveness of selecting and placing learners in tertiary programmes. This study focuses on investigating the use of the Accuplacer Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), an adaptive test battery that was developed in the USA, to facilitate unbiased and fair admissions, placement and development decisions in the transforming South African context. The battery has been implemented at a university in the Eastern Cape and its usefulness was investigated for 193 participants, divided into two groups of degree programmes, depending on whether or not admission to the degree required mathematics as a matriculation subject. Mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 125) wrote three and non-mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 68) wrote two tests of the Accuplacer test battery. Correlations were computed between the Accuplacer scores and matriculation performance, and between the Accuplacer scores, matriculation performance and academic results. All yielded significant positive relationships excepting for the one subtest of the Accuplacer with academic performance for the non-mathematics based degree group. Multiple correlations for both groups indicated that the Accuplacer scores and matriculation results contribute unique information about academic performance. Cluster analysis for both groups yielded three underlying patterns of performance in the data sets. An attempt was made to validate the cluster groups internally through a MANOVA and single-factor ANOVAs. It was found that Accuplacer subtests and matriculation results do discriminate to an extent among clusters of learners in both groups of degree programmes investigated. Clusters were described in terms of demographic information and it was determined that the factors of culture and home language and how they relate to cluster group membership need further investigation. The main suggestion flowing from these findings is that an attempt be made to confirm the results with a larger sample size and for different cultural and language groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Vorster, Marlene
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Admission , Advanced placement programs (Education) , Computer adaptive testing , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:11030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/285 , Universities and colleges -- Admission , Advanced placement programs (Education) , Computer adaptive testing , Universities and colleges -- Entrance requirements
- Description: The fallibility of human judgment in the making of decisions requires the use of tests to enhance decision-making processes. Although testing is surrounded with issues of bias and fairness, it remains the best means of facilitating decisions over more subjective alternatives. As a country in transition, all facets of South African society are being transformed. The changes taking place within the tertiary education system to redress the legacy of Apartheid, coincide with an international trend of transforming higher education. One important area that is being transformed relates to university entrance requirements and admissions procedures. In South Africa, these were traditionally based on matriculation performance, which has been found to be a more variable predictor of academic success for historically disadvantaged students. Alternative or revised admissions procedures have been implemented at universities throughout the country, in conjunction with academic development programmes. However, it is argued in this dissertation that a paradigm shift is necessary to conceptualise admissions and placement assessment in a developmentally oriented way. Furthermore, it is motivated that it is important to keep abreast of advances in theory, such as item response theory (IRT) and technology, such as computerized adaptive testing (CAT), in test development to enhance the effectiveness of selecting and placing learners in tertiary programmes. This study focuses on investigating the use of the Accuplacer Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), an adaptive test battery that was developed in the USA, to facilitate unbiased and fair admissions, placement and development decisions in the transforming South African context. The battery has been implemented at a university in the Eastern Cape and its usefulness was investigated for 193 participants, divided into two groups of degree programmes, depending on whether or not admission to the degree required mathematics as a matriculation subject. Mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 125) wrote three and non-mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 68) wrote two tests of the Accuplacer test battery. Correlations were computed between the Accuplacer scores and matriculation performance, and between the Accuplacer scores, matriculation performance and academic results. All yielded significant positive relationships excepting for the one subtest of the Accuplacer with academic performance for the non-mathematics based degree group. Multiple correlations for both groups indicated that the Accuplacer scores and matriculation results contribute unique information about academic performance. Cluster analysis for both groups yielded three underlying patterns of performance in the data sets. An attempt was made to validate the cluster groups internally through a MANOVA and single-factor ANOVAs. It was found that Accuplacer subtests and matriculation results do discriminate to an extent among clusters of learners in both groups of degree programmes investigated. Clusters were described in terms of demographic information and it was determined that the factors of culture and home language and how they relate to cluster group membership need further investigation. The main suggestion flowing from these findings is that an attempt be made to confirm the results with a larger sample size and for different cultural and language groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
The feeding and spatial ecology of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and lions (Panthera leo) in the Little Karoo, South Africa
- Authors: Vorster, Paul Hendrik
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379 , Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
- Description: The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Vorster, Paul Hendrik
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005379 , Sanbona Wildlife Reserve , Cheetah -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Cheetah -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Lion -- Food -- South Africa -- Little Karoo , Spatial behavior in animals , Predation (Biology) , Game reserves -- Management
- Description: The re-introduction of large carnivores into relatively small conservation areas that fall within the historic distribution range of the species is becoming an increasingly common occurrence. The success of such re-introductions depends very much on the quality of the information that is available to guide management decisions, but in many cases, little information is available. The re-introduction of lions and cheetahs to Sanbona created the opportunity to monitor the behaviour of re-introduced predators to a relatively large system that was characterised by a low ungulate stocking density and little standing water. The broad aims were to study the feeding and spatial ecologies of the lions and cheetahs, to collect standard base-line data, and to examine the effects of the low prey density and limited standing water on habitat selection, range size and diet. The diet (data collected from direct observation and faecal analysis) was similar to that reported in previous studies, and lions and cheetahs preferred greater kudu, black wildebeest and springbok. Lions preferred medium to large prey items, and cheetahs preferred medium to small prey items. The hilly and mountainous terrain of much of the reserve meant that only 50% of the total space was available to the predators. Home ranges of most of the predators were focused around the single large body of standing water. This is likely to have been a response to the water, the vegetation, and the prey that was attracted to these. Habitat selection was also influenced by inter and intra-specific interactions at least for a solitary male lion and female cheetahs. Range sizes were larger than on some other reserves and it is suggested that this was a result of the low prey density. These results form the basis for management recommendations including the importance of continuing to monitor the system and opening up additional parts of the reserve to the predators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A survey of selected Eastern Cape estuaries with particular reference to the ichthyofauna
- Vorwerk, Paul D, Whitfield, Alan K, Cowley, Paul D, Paterson, Angus W
- Authors: Vorwerk, Paul D , Whitfield, Alan K , Cowley, Paul D , Paterson, Angus W
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019908 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 72
- Description: The physical environment and ichthyofauna of 10 estuaries, the East Kleinemonde, Klein Palmiet, Great Fish, Mtati, Mpekweni, Mgwalana, Bira, Gqutywa, Ngculura and Keiskamma, was sampled over a four year period. The ichthyofauna of each estuary was sampled once during winter and once during summer in that period, with the physical environment being sampled on two occasions per season. This investigation provides baseline ichthyofaunal and physical information for these estuaries, the majority of which have never been studied before. The fish data presented for these systems includes species composition, relative abundance, richness and diversity, longitudinal distributions and length frequency data. Descriptions of the physical environment within each estuary are also presented. The permanently open estuaries had a greater proportion of marine and freshwater species relative to the temporarily open/closed systems which were dominated by marine species dependent on estuaries and estuarine resident species. The permanently open estuaries had a higher Margalef's species richness index relative to the temporarily open/closed systems but the Shannon-Wiener species diversity index did not follow any discernible trend. There were minor longitudinal distribution trends when analysing the community as a whole, with patterns for individual species being more pronounced. The length frequency histograms for estuarine resident species differed between estuary types, while those for the marine migrant species were similar in the different estuary types.\ , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Vorwerk, Paul D , Whitfield, Alan K , Cowley, Paul D , Paterson, Angus W
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:15032 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1019908 , ISSN 0073-4381 , Ichthyological Bulletin J.L.B. Smith Institute of Ichthyology; No. 72
- Description: The physical environment and ichthyofauna of 10 estuaries, the East Kleinemonde, Klein Palmiet, Great Fish, Mtati, Mpekweni, Mgwalana, Bira, Gqutywa, Ngculura and Keiskamma, was sampled over a four year period. The ichthyofauna of each estuary was sampled once during winter and once during summer in that period, with the physical environment being sampled on two occasions per season. This investigation provides baseline ichthyofaunal and physical information for these estuaries, the majority of which have never been studied before. The fish data presented for these systems includes species composition, relative abundance, richness and diversity, longitudinal distributions and length frequency data. Descriptions of the physical environment within each estuary are also presented. The permanently open estuaries had a greater proportion of marine and freshwater species relative to the temporarily open/closed systems which were dominated by marine species dependent on estuaries and estuarine resident species. The permanently open estuaries had a higher Margalef's species richness index relative to the temporarily open/closed systems but the Shannon-Wiener species diversity index did not follow any discernible trend. There were minor longitudinal distribution trends when analysing the community as a whole, with patterns for individual species being more pronounced. The length frequency histograms for estuarine resident species differed between estuary types, while those for the marine migrant species were similar in the different estuary types.\ , Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001