Writing the aerial dancing body a preliminary choreological investigation of the aesthetics and kinetics of the aerial dancing body
- Authors: Acker, Shaun Albert
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- 19th century Dance -- 20th century Dance -- 21st century Aerialists Movement, Aesthetics of Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) Movement notation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002361
- Description: This mini-thesis investigates some of the nineteenth century socio-cultural ideals that have structured a connection between virtuosic aerial skill and bodily aesthetics. It views the emergence of a style of aerial kineticism that is structured from the gender ideologies of the period. It investigates the continual recurrence of this nineteenth century style amongst contemporary aerial dance works and outlines the possible frictions between this Victorian style of kineticism and contemporary aerial explorations. From this observation, a possible catalyst may be observed with which to relocate and inspire a study of aerial kinetics sans the nineteenth century aesthetic component. This kinesiological catalyst may be viewed in conjunction with the theories of ground-based kinetic theorist, Rudolph Laban’s choreutic study of the body in space. Thus, it may be possible to suggest and introduce a possible practical dance scholarship for aerial dance. This mini-thesis includes an introductory choreological investigation that draws on and integrates the disciplines of kinesiology; choreutic theory; existing aerial kinetic technique; musicology; and the physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Acker, Shaun Albert
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dance -- 19th century Dance -- 20th century Dance -- 21st century Aerialists Movement, Aesthetics of Feminine beauty (Aesthetics) Movement notation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2129 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002361
- Description: This mini-thesis investigates some of the nineteenth century socio-cultural ideals that have structured a connection between virtuosic aerial skill and bodily aesthetics. It views the emergence of a style of aerial kineticism that is structured from the gender ideologies of the period. It investigates the continual recurrence of this nineteenth century style amongst contemporary aerial dance works and outlines the possible frictions between this Victorian style of kineticism and contemporary aerial explorations. From this observation, a possible catalyst may be observed with which to relocate and inspire a study of aerial kinetics sans the nineteenth century aesthetic component. This kinesiological catalyst may be viewed in conjunction with the theories of ground-based kinetic theorist, Rudolph Laban’s choreutic study of the body in space. Thus, it may be possible to suggest and introduce a possible practical dance scholarship for aerial dance. This mini-thesis includes an introductory choreological investigation that draws on and integrates the disciplines of kinesiology; choreutic theory; existing aerial kinetic technique; musicology; and the physical sciences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Deliberating the Dialogues: a critical examination of the nature and purpose of a Daily Dispatch public journalism project
- Authors: Amner, Roderick John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Daily Dispatch (East London, South Africa) Journalism -- South Africa -- East London Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002870
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of a series of four town-hall-like meetings, the Community Dialogues, held in the townships and suburbs of East London, South Africa, in 2009. They were undertaken by a mainstream, commercial newspaper, the Daily Dispatch, under the banner of the worldwide public journalism movement. Following Christians et al (2009), the thesis sets out a normative framework of media performance in a democracy, including a detailed and critical normative theory of the ‘facilitative role’ proposed and developed by Haas (2007), one of the public journalism movement’s key advocate-theorists. It also draws on a variety of theoretical frameworks and perspectives in the fields of Political Studies and Media Studies to provide an analytical overview of the complex matrix of political and media contexts – at the macro (global), meso (national) and micro (local) levels – that have helped give impetus to the Community Dialogues and also shaped their ongoing operation as a public journalism strategy in the South African context. Following a critical realist case study design, the thesis goes on to provide a narrative account of the Dialogues based on in-depth interviews exploring the motivations, self-understandings and perceptions of those journalists who originated, directed and participated in this project, as well as observation of a Community Dialogue, and an examination of some of the journalistic texts related to the Dialogues. This primary data is then critically evaluated against normative theories of press performance, especially Haas’s ‘public philosophy’ of public journalism. The thesis found that apart from their undoubted success in generating a more comprehensive and representative news agenda for the newspaper, the Dialogues often fell short of Habermas’s (1989) proceduralist-discursive notion of the ‘deliberating public’, which sees citizens share a commitment to engage in common deliberation and public problem solving. This can be attributed to a number of problems, including some important theoretical/conceptual weaknesses in the Community Dialogues’ project design, the relative immaturity of the project, the domination of civil society by political society in the South African political context, and a number of organisational constraints at the Daily Dispatch. On the other hand, the newspaper’s editorial leadership has shown clear commitment to the idea of expanding the project in the future, establishing a more a more structured programme of community engagement, and nurturing a more sustainable public sphere, including the building of a more dialectical relationship between the Dialogues and civil society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Amner, Roderick John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Daily Dispatch (East London, South Africa) Journalism -- South Africa -- East London Citizen journalism -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3417 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002870
- Description: This thesis critically examines the nature and purpose of a series of four town-hall-like meetings, the Community Dialogues, held in the townships and suburbs of East London, South Africa, in 2009. They were undertaken by a mainstream, commercial newspaper, the Daily Dispatch, under the banner of the worldwide public journalism movement. Following Christians et al (2009), the thesis sets out a normative framework of media performance in a democracy, including a detailed and critical normative theory of the ‘facilitative role’ proposed and developed by Haas (2007), one of the public journalism movement’s key advocate-theorists. It also draws on a variety of theoretical frameworks and perspectives in the fields of Political Studies and Media Studies to provide an analytical overview of the complex matrix of political and media contexts – at the macro (global), meso (national) and micro (local) levels – that have helped give impetus to the Community Dialogues and also shaped their ongoing operation as a public journalism strategy in the South African context. Following a critical realist case study design, the thesis goes on to provide a narrative account of the Dialogues based on in-depth interviews exploring the motivations, self-understandings and perceptions of those journalists who originated, directed and participated in this project, as well as observation of a Community Dialogue, and an examination of some of the journalistic texts related to the Dialogues. This primary data is then critically evaluated against normative theories of press performance, especially Haas’s ‘public philosophy’ of public journalism. The thesis found that apart from their undoubted success in generating a more comprehensive and representative news agenda for the newspaper, the Dialogues often fell short of Habermas’s (1989) proceduralist-discursive notion of the ‘deliberating public’, which sees citizens share a commitment to engage in common deliberation and public problem solving. This can be attributed to a number of problems, including some important theoretical/conceptual weaknesses in the Community Dialogues’ project design, the relative immaturity of the project, the domination of civil society by political society in the South African political context, and a number of organisational constraints at the Daily Dispatch. On the other hand, the newspaper’s editorial leadership has shown clear commitment to the idea of expanding the project in the future, establishing a more a more structured programme of community engagement, and nurturing a more sustainable public sphere, including the building of a more dialectical relationship between the Dialogues and civil society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The advent of the 'Festivore' an exploration of South African audience attendance in the performing arts at the National Arts Festival
- Authors: Antrobus, Richard Roy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Arts -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Arts audiences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002362
- Description: In South Africa, the performing arts have contributed to enhancing national identity and distinctiveness despite coming up against weak legislation, policy and infrastructure to support their growth and proliferation (Fredericks, 2005: 9). Coupled with a decline in both government and consumer support and the contradictory disparity between valuing the arts and the funding of the arts, theatre companies can no longer rely on the comfort of external subsidies and financial support. In order to be economically viable and sustainable to ensure their survival, there is an increasing demand for theatre companies to look to novel ways of increasing audience demand for theatre and improving audience attendance. However, instead of risking artistic integrity and the performance product to satisfy the market, this research suggests that promotion and development of theatre at arts festivals provides a platform to access a wider theatre-going public, which therefore facilitates a change in the market focus toward appreciation of the product (production). It explores leading arguments pertaining to the attendance of arts and cultural events, namely, Peterson and Simkus (1992), later updated by Peterson‟s (2005)„omnivore-univore‟ argument. The argument purports cultural consumption as binary in nature: either significant and diverse or limited, if not absent altogether. Supported by a number of case-studies, including Chan and Goldthorpe (2005) and Montgomery and Robinson (2008) and Snowball et al. (2009), the investigation challenges Bourdieu‟s (1984) theory on cultural distinction as well as the homology and individualisation argument. In determining the factors that influence cultural taste and consumer behaviour, including motivators and inhibitors of attendance and a predominant emphasis on audience risk and information asymmetry, the research was placed in a local context, providing an overview of the socio-economic theatre environment in South Africa. It investigated the nature, structure and impact of local festivals (as events) in changing audience demand and theatre attendance. With specific reference to the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) the research notes the effects of Hauptfleisch‟s „eventification‟ phenomenon on univore attenders and therefore expands the omnivore-univore theory to include a new breed of attender: the “Festivore”. A case study explored the “Festivore” hypothesis through empirical research, surveys and face-to-face qualitative interviews and on-seat questionnaire responses by festival attenders. Personal interviews and communication was also carried out with leading experts in the field. The data was then analysed using SPSS 13 electronic statistical analysis programme to determine the socio-demographics and the factors that affect theatre attendance of existing, as well as potential target, theatre audiences at the National Arts Festival The study concluded that South African theatre attenders are generally omnivorous consumers and that, more importantly, there seems to be a shift towards „festivorous‟ consumption. Furthermore, evidence supports the development and proliferation of festivals as a means not only to support and promote the arts in South Africa but, more importantly, to generate new theatre audiences and entrench theatre attendance into South African culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Antrobus, Richard Roy
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival -- Economic aspects , Arts -- Economic aspects , Performing arts festivals -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Arts -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Arts -- South Africa -- Finance , Arts -- South Africa -- Political aspects , Arts audiences -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002362
- Description: In South Africa, the performing arts have contributed to enhancing national identity and distinctiveness despite coming up against weak legislation, policy and infrastructure to support their growth and proliferation (Fredericks, 2005: 9). Coupled with a decline in both government and consumer support and the contradictory disparity between valuing the arts and the funding of the arts, theatre companies can no longer rely on the comfort of external subsidies and financial support. In order to be economically viable and sustainable to ensure their survival, there is an increasing demand for theatre companies to look to novel ways of increasing audience demand for theatre and improving audience attendance. However, instead of risking artistic integrity and the performance product to satisfy the market, this research suggests that promotion and development of theatre at arts festivals provides a platform to access a wider theatre-going public, which therefore facilitates a change in the market focus toward appreciation of the product (production). It explores leading arguments pertaining to the attendance of arts and cultural events, namely, Peterson and Simkus (1992), later updated by Peterson‟s (2005)„omnivore-univore‟ argument. The argument purports cultural consumption as binary in nature: either significant and diverse or limited, if not absent altogether. Supported by a number of case-studies, including Chan and Goldthorpe (2005) and Montgomery and Robinson (2008) and Snowball et al. (2009), the investigation challenges Bourdieu‟s (1984) theory on cultural distinction as well as the homology and individualisation argument. In determining the factors that influence cultural taste and consumer behaviour, including motivators and inhibitors of attendance and a predominant emphasis on audience risk and information asymmetry, the research was placed in a local context, providing an overview of the socio-economic theatre environment in South Africa. It investigated the nature, structure and impact of local festivals (as events) in changing audience demand and theatre attendance. With specific reference to the South African National Arts Festival (NAF) the research notes the effects of Hauptfleisch‟s „eventification‟ phenomenon on univore attenders and therefore expands the omnivore-univore theory to include a new breed of attender: the “Festivore”. A case study explored the “Festivore” hypothesis through empirical research, surveys and face-to-face qualitative interviews and on-seat questionnaire responses by festival attenders. Personal interviews and communication was also carried out with leading experts in the field. The data was then analysed using SPSS 13 electronic statistical analysis programme to determine the socio-demographics and the factors that affect theatre attendance of existing, as well as potential target, theatre audiences at the National Arts Festival The study concluded that South African theatre attenders are generally omnivorous consumers and that, more importantly, there seems to be a shift towards „festivorous‟ consumption. Furthermore, evidence supports the development and proliferation of festivals as a means not only to support and promote the arts in South Africa but, more importantly, to generate new theatre audiences and entrench theatre attendance into South African culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Hippocampus: seahorse; brain-structure; spatial map; concept
- Authors: Armstrong, Beth Diane
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hippocampus (Brain) Sea horses -- Symbolic representation Meaning (Philosophy) Deleuze, Gilles, 1925-1995 Escher, M C (Maurits Cornelis), 1898-1972 Visual perception Space perception Optical art Art -- Themes, motives
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2427 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002224
- Description: Through an exploration of both sculptural and thought processes undertaken in making my Masters exhibition, ‘Hippocampus’, I unpack some possibilities, instabilities, and limitations inherent in representation and visual perception. This thesis explores the Hippocampus as image (seahorse) and concept (brain-structure involved in cognitive mapping of space). Looking at Gilles Deleuze’s writings on representation, I will expand on the notion of the map as being that which does not define and fix a structure or meaning, but rather is open, extendable and experimental. I explore the becoming, rather than the being, of image and concept. The emphasis here is on process, non-representation, and fluidity of meaning. This is supportive of my personal affirmation of the practice and process of art-making as research. I will refer to the graphic prints of Maurits Cornelis Escher as a means to elucidate a visual contextualization of my practical work, particularly with regard to the play with two- and three-dimensional space perception. Through precisely calculated ‘experiments’ that show up the partiality of our visual perception of space, Escher alludes to things that either cannot actually exist as spatial objects or do exist, but resist representation. Similarly I will explore how my own sculptures, although existing in space resist a fixed representation and suggest ideas of other spaces, non-spaces; an in-between space that does not pin itself down and become fixed to any particular image, idea, objector representation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Armstrong, Beth Diane
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Hippocampus (Brain) Sea horses -- Symbolic representation Meaning (Philosophy) Deleuze, Gilles, 1925-1995 Escher, M C (Maurits Cornelis), 1898-1972 Visual perception Space perception Optical art Art -- Themes, motives
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2427 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002224
- Description: Through an exploration of both sculptural and thought processes undertaken in making my Masters exhibition, ‘Hippocampus’, I unpack some possibilities, instabilities, and limitations inherent in representation and visual perception. This thesis explores the Hippocampus as image (seahorse) and concept (brain-structure involved in cognitive mapping of space). Looking at Gilles Deleuze’s writings on representation, I will expand on the notion of the map as being that which does not define and fix a structure or meaning, but rather is open, extendable and experimental. I explore the becoming, rather than the being, of image and concept. The emphasis here is on process, non-representation, and fluidity of meaning. This is supportive of my personal affirmation of the practice and process of art-making as research. I will refer to the graphic prints of Maurits Cornelis Escher as a means to elucidate a visual contextualization of my practical work, particularly with regard to the play with two- and three-dimensional space perception. Through precisely calculated ‘experiments’ that show up the partiality of our visual perception of space, Escher alludes to things that either cannot actually exist as spatial objects or do exist, but resist representation. Similarly I will explore how my own sculptures, although existing in space resist a fixed representation and suggest ideas of other spaces, non-spaces; an in-between space that does not pin itself down and become fixed to any particular image, idea, objector representation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Investigations of the bioavailability/bioequivalence of topical corticosteroid formulations containing clobetasol propionate using the human skin blanching assay, tape stripping and microdialysis
- Authors: Au, Wai Ling
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Adrenocortical hormones -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Therapeutic equivalency , Adrenocortical hormones -- Effectiveness , Adrenocortical hormones -- Testing , Adrenocortical hormones -- Side effects , Transdermal medication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003221 , Adrenocortical hormones -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Therapeutic equivalency , Adrenocortical hormones -- Effectiveness , Adrenocortical hormones -- Testing , Adrenocortical hormones -- Side effects , Transdermal medication
- Description: Currently, clinical trials in patients are required by most regulatory authorities for the assessment of bioequivalence of topical products where the drug is not intended for systemic absorption. Hence there is a dire need for suitable methods for the assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence of such products since clinical safety and efficacy studies are expensive, time-consuming and require very large numbers of patients. Except for topical corticosteroid products where the human skin blanching assay/vasoconstrictor assay has been approved by the US FDA for bioequivalence assessment of those products, no other method has been “officially” approved for use in those investigations. However, a few alternative methods such as tape stripping and microdialysis have been pursued and considered to have the potential for use in ioequivalence/bioavailability studies. The human skin blanching assay was used to assess the bioequivalence of commercially available topical products containing 0.05% clobetasol propionate. Both visual and chromameter data were obtained and a commercially available topical corticosteroid product, Dermovate® cream was used as both the “Test” and the “Reference” product. The results indicated that both visual and chromametric assessments were comparable to each other and that either could be used for the assessment of the bioequivalence of topical products containing clobetasol propionate. The screening procedure was optimized to identify potential “detectors” for inclusion in the bioequivalence studies. This resulted in fewer subjects being required in a bioequivalence pivotal study, still having the necessary power to confirm bioequivalence using the human skin blanching assay. Another objective of this research was to re-visit tape stripping and other possible alternative methods such as dermal microdialysis and to optimize these procedures for bioequivalence assessment of topical formulations where the drug is not intended for systemic absorption. In the past few decades, tape stripping has been used to investigate bioavailability/bioequivalence of various topical formulations. This technique involves the removal of the stratum corneum to assess drug penetration through the skin. A draft FDA guidance for tape stripping was initially published but was subsequently withdrawn due to high variability and poor reproducibility. This research project used an optimized tape stripping procedure to determine bioavailability and establish bioequivalence between three commercially available formulations containing 0.05 % m/m clobetasol propionate. Furthermore, tape stripping was validated by undertaking a study to assess the bioequivalence of a 0.05% topical cream formulation (Dermovate® cream) using the same cream as both the “Test” and “Reference” product, in which bioequivalence was confirmed. The findings highlight the potential of tape stripping as an alternative method for the assessment of bioequivalence of clobetasol propionate formulations and may possibly be extended for use in other topical products. Microdialysis is another useful technique that can assess the penetration of topically applied substances which diffuses through the stratum corneum and into the dermis. Microdialysis has previously been successfully used for in vivo bioavailability and bioequivalence assessments of topical formulations. However, the drugs which were under investigation were all hydrophilic in nature. A major problem with the use of microdialysis for the assessment of lipophilic substances is the binding/adherence of the substance to the membrane and other components of the microdialysis system. As a result, this necessitates the development of a microdialysis system which can be used to assess lipophilic drugs. Intralipid® 20% was investigated and successfully utilized as a perfusate to recover a lipophilic topical corticosteroid, clobetasol propionate, in microdialysis studies. Hence, the bioavailability of clobetasol propionate from an extemporaneous preparation was determined in healthy human volunteers using microdialysis. These findings indicate that in vivo microdialysis can be used to assess lipophilic drug penetration through the skin. A novel approach to investigate drug release from topical formulations containing 0.05% clobetasol propionate using in vitro microdialysis was also undertaken. The in vitro findings were found to be in agreement with the results obtained using tape stripping to assess bioequivalence of the same commercially available products, namely Dermovate® cream, Dovate® Cream and Dermovate® ointment. These results indicate the potential to correlate in vitro with in vivo data for bioequivalence assessment of such topical dosage forms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Au, Wai Ling
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Adrenocortical hormones -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Therapeutic equivalency , Adrenocortical hormones -- Effectiveness , Adrenocortical hormones -- Testing , Adrenocortical hormones -- Side effects , Transdermal medication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003221 , Adrenocortical hormones -- Bioavailability , Drugs -- Therapeutic equivalency , Adrenocortical hormones -- Effectiveness , Adrenocortical hormones -- Testing , Adrenocortical hormones -- Side effects , Transdermal medication
- Description: Currently, clinical trials in patients are required by most regulatory authorities for the assessment of bioequivalence of topical products where the drug is not intended for systemic absorption. Hence there is a dire need for suitable methods for the assessment of bioavailability and bioequivalence of such products since clinical safety and efficacy studies are expensive, time-consuming and require very large numbers of patients. Except for topical corticosteroid products where the human skin blanching assay/vasoconstrictor assay has been approved by the US FDA for bioequivalence assessment of those products, no other method has been “officially” approved for use in those investigations. However, a few alternative methods such as tape stripping and microdialysis have been pursued and considered to have the potential for use in ioequivalence/bioavailability studies. The human skin blanching assay was used to assess the bioequivalence of commercially available topical products containing 0.05% clobetasol propionate. Both visual and chromameter data were obtained and a commercially available topical corticosteroid product, Dermovate® cream was used as both the “Test” and the “Reference” product. The results indicated that both visual and chromametric assessments were comparable to each other and that either could be used for the assessment of the bioequivalence of topical products containing clobetasol propionate. The screening procedure was optimized to identify potential “detectors” for inclusion in the bioequivalence studies. This resulted in fewer subjects being required in a bioequivalence pivotal study, still having the necessary power to confirm bioequivalence using the human skin blanching assay. Another objective of this research was to re-visit tape stripping and other possible alternative methods such as dermal microdialysis and to optimize these procedures for bioequivalence assessment of topical formulations where the drug is not intended for systemic absorption. In the past few decades, tape stripping has been used to investigate bioavailability/bioequivalence of various topical formulations. This technique involves the removal of the stratum corneum to assess drug penetration through the skin. A draft FDA guidance for tape stripping was initially published but was subsequently withdrawn due to high variability and poor reproducibility. This research project used an optimized tape stripping procedure to determine bioavailability and establish bioequivalence between three commercially available formulations containing 0.05 % m/m clobetasol propionate. Furthermore, tape stripping was validated by undertaking a study to assess the bioequivalence of a 0.05% topical cream formulation (Dermovate® cream) using the same cream as both the “Test” and “Reference” product, in which bioequivalence was confirmed. The findings highlight the potential of tape stripping as an alternative method for the assessment of bioequivalence of clobetasol propionate formulations and may possibly be extended for use in other topical products. Microdialysis is another useful technique that can assess the penetration of topically applied substances which diffuses through the stratum corneum and into the dermis. Microdialysis has previously been successfully used for in vivo bioavailability and bioequivalence assessments of topical formulations. However, the drugs which were under investigation were all hydrophilic in nature. A major problem with the use of microdialysis for the assessment of lipophilic substances is the binding/adherence of the substance to the membrane and other components of the microdialysis system. As a result, this necessitates the development of a microdialysis system which can be used to assess lipophilic drugs. Intralipid® 20% was investigated and successfully utilized as a perfusate to recover a lipophilic topical corticosteroid, clobetasol propionate, in microdialysis studies. Hence, the bioavailability of clobetasol propionate from an extemporaneous preparation was determined in healthy human volunteers using microdialysis. These findings indicate that in vivo microdialysis can be used to assess lipophilic drug penetration through the skin. A novel approach to investigate drug release from topical formulations containing 0.05% clobetasol propionate using in vitro microdialysis was also undertaken. The in vitro findings were found to be in agreement with the results obtained using tape stripping to assess bioequivalence of the same commercially available products, namely Dermovate® cream, Dovate® Cream and Dermovate® ointment. These results indicate the potential to correlate in vitro with in vivo data for bioequivalence assessment of such topical dosage forms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An investigation into the organisational culture at an academically successful secondary school in Namibia
- Authors: Awarab, Erwin Ronald
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- Namibia -- Case studies Organizational behavior -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003494
- Description: The appreciation by leadership of the culture of an organisation plays an important role in the success of that organisation. Leadership and organisation culture are an inextricable part of the life of an organisation. The shared assumptions and beliefs of the individual within an organisation shape its culture. My study investigates the aspects of school culture and, further, looks at its link to the success of an organisation, and at the leadership style that influences such an organisation. My research, conducted in the interpretive paradigm, is a case study which was carried out at a public secondary school in the capital city of Windhoek, in Namibia. Since the school was built during South African rule, it was intended mainly for white children. Since independence, it has undergone transformation and is currently integrated, accommodating learners from different cultural backgrounds. It is a successful school, with a good reputation for its discipline and academic excellence. I chose this school deliberately, for those reasons. My findings are that there are aspects of culture which maintain its creation and perpetuate the existence of a particular culture at the school. This school’s culture is embedded within the Christian faith, and there are deliberate rituals and ceremonies put in place to enhance the creation and maintenance of the values that inform its culture, and the school leadership, management, teachers and student council members have a central role in this regard. My study shows that the creation, understanding and appreciation of beliefs and values of the individual within the organisation enable the consequent creation of the shared vision and values that ultimately lead to the foundation and maintenance of a strong culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Awarab, Erwin Ronald
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- Namibia -- Case studies Organizational behavior -- Namibia -- Case studies School management and organization -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1612 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003494
- Description: The appreciation by leadership of the culture of an organisation plays an important role in the success of that organisation. Leadership and organisation culture are an inextricable part of the life of an organisation. The shared assumptions and beliefs of the individual within an organisation shape its culture. My study investigates the aspects of school culture and, further, looks at its link to the success of an organisation, and at the leadership style that influences such an organisation. My research, conducted in the interpretive paradigm, is a case study which was carried out at a public secondary school in the capital city of Windhoek, in Namibia. Since the school was built during South African rule, it was intended mainly for white children. Since independence, it has undergone transformation and is currently integrated, accommodating learners from different cultural backgrounds. It is a successful school, with a good reputation for its discipline and academic excellence. I chose this school deliberately, for those reasons. My findings are that there are aspects of culture which maintain its creation and perpetuate the existence of a particular culture at the school. This school’s culture is embedded within the Christian faith, and there are deliberate rituals and ceremonies put in place to enhance the creation and maintenance of the values that inform its culture, and the school leadership, management, teachers and student council members have a central role in this regard. My study shows that the creation, understanding and appreciation of beliefs and values of the individual within the organisation enable the consequent creation of the shared vision and values that ultimately lead to the foundation and maintenance of a strong culture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The migration of the term "civil war" : a social constructivist explanation
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bailie, Lawrence Craig
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Civil Wars United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 Iraq -- History -- Civil War, 1991
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006022 , DOI http://doi.org/10.21504/10962/d1006022
- Description: Although the occurrence of wars between states has been in decline, the same cannot be said of conflict within states – especially when considering the innumerable ‘Civil Wars’ said to have occurred since the end of the Cold War. In this context the use of the word ‘innumerable’ is qualified more by the variance in how ‘Civil War’ is understood as a concept (leading to different claims as to how many conflicts of this kind may have occurred over a period of time) and less by their large number. Claims regarding the occurrence of ‘Civil War’ suggest this type of conflict to be the dominant form at least since the end of World War Two. This prevalence in the face of a decline in inter-state warfare has afforded greater interest to ‘Civil War’ as a topic of inquiry. The understanding that ‘Civil Wars’ have with time increased in their occurrence and changed in their nature comes under investigation in this thesis and is seen as problematic in that the means by which a phenomenon is measured (i.e. through its nature) must be fixed so as to measure the frequency of that phenomenon. Using Social Constructivism as a theoretical lens of inquiry, sense is made of this understanding and, furthermore, the true meaning behind the claim that ‘Civil War’ has changed is revealed. The empirical evidence that accompanies this theoretical work exists in the American Civil War of 1861–1865 and the debate over the conflict in Iraq following the U.S. invasion in 2003. This debate is used as a means by which to bring the contestation over the notion of ‘Civil War’ to the fore, while a comparison of this conflict with the quintessential American Civil War reveals the migration of the term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An empirical phenomenological investigation of procrastinating behaviour
- Authors: Barratt, Neal Anthony
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Procrastination Self-actualization (Psychology) Cognitive psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002438
- Description: A qualitative empirical phenomenological study was undertaken to determine the self-experience of procrastinating behaviour. Five students each gave an account of an occasion when they procrastinated. The resultant protocols were analysed and the Situated Structure of each individual’s experience was reported. From these, the General Structure of procrastinating behaviour was determined. A further, novel step was added to the standard methodology, whereby ‘themes’ were extracted from participant protocols and a ‘Composite Reality’ of everyday-life procrastination was rendered. Participants’ accounts suggest they are concerned the results of intellectual tasks they undertake will be seen as equivalent to their quality of being-as-an-individual: poor work results will be interpreted by important-others as evidence of participants’ poor quality of self – which is to be avoided. This study suggests that procrastination is a ploy used by individuals to avoid criticism, by deflecting assessment of their capacity to complete a task well, to instead, what they are capable of when only a limited time is available. Conclusions drawn by the important-others of participants’ true ability are thereby confounded. The results achieved in the phenomenological study were compared with others originating from various quantitative studies, and considerable overlap was found. The experiential richness of the phenomenological results point to a worthwhile methodological strategy for future procrastination research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Barratt, Neal Anthony
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Procrastination Self-actualization (Psychology) Cognitive psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002438
- Description: A qualitative empirical phenomenological study was undertaken to determine the self-experience of procrastinating behaviour. Five students each gave an account of an occasion when they procrastinated. The resultant protocols were analysed and the Situated Structure of each individual’s experience was reported. From these, the General Structure of procrastinating behaviour was determined. A further, novel step was added to the standard methodology, whereby ‘themes’ were extracted from participant protocols and a ‘Composite Reality’ of everyday-life procrastination was rendered. Participants’ accounts suggest they are concerned the results of intellectual tasks they undertake will be seen as equivalent to their quality of being-as-an-individual: poor work results will be interpreted by important-others as evidence of participants’ poor quality of self – which is to be avoided. This study suggests that procrastination is a ploy used by individuals to avoid criticism, by deflecting assessment of their capacity to complete a task well, to instead, what they are capable of when only a limited time is available. Conclusions drawn by the important-others of participants’ true ability are thereby confounded. The results achieved in the phenomenological study were compared with others originating from various quantitative studies, and considerable overlap was found. The experiential richness of the phenomenological results point to a worthwhile methodological strategy for future procrastination research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Comparison of A₄ neutrino mass models
- Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An ion imprinted polymer for the selective extraction of mercury (II) ions in aqueous media
- Authors: Batlokwa, Bareki Shima
- Date: 2010 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Mercury , Metal ions , Imprinted polymers , Polymerization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004541 , Mercury , Metal ions , Imprinted polymers , Polymerization
- Description: This thesis presents the application of an imprinted mercury(lI) polymer that we synthesized by copolymerizing the functional and cross-linking monomers, N'-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl] diethylenetriamine (TPET) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of mercury (II) ions as template. A bulk polymerization method following a double-imprinting procedure and employing hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), as a second template to improve the efficiency of the polymer was employed in the synthesis. The imprinted polymer particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their average size determined by screen analysis using standard test sieves. The relative selective coefficients (k') of the imprinted polymer evaluated from selective binding studies between Hg ²⁺and Cu²⁺ or Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺, were 10588 and 3147, respectively. These values indicated highly favored Hg²⁺ extractions over the two competing ions. Application of the polymer to various real water samples (tap, sea, river, pulverized coal solution, treated and untreated sewerage from the vicinity of Grahamstown in South Africa) showed high extraction efficiencies (EEs) of Hg²⁺ ions; (over 84% in all cases) as evaluated from the detected unextracted Hg²⁺ ions by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The limit of detection (LOD, 3ơ) of the method was evaluated to be 0.036 ng ml⁻¹ and generally the data (n=10) had percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) of less than 4%. These findings indicate that the double-imprinted polymer has potential to be used as an efficient extraction material for the selective pre-concentration of mercury(lI) ions in aqueous environments. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Batlokwa, Bareki Shima
- Date: 2010 , 2013-07-18
- Subjects: Mercury , Metal ions , Imprinted polymers , Polymerization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4294 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004541 , Mercury , Metal ions , Imprinted polymers , Polymerization
- Description: This thesis presents the application of an imprinted mercury(lI) polymer that we synthesized by copolymerizing the functional and cross-linking monomers, N'-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl] diethylenetriamine (TPET) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) in the presence of mercury (II) ions as template. A bulk polymerization method following a double-imprinting procedure and employing hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), as a second template to improve the efficiency of the polymer was employed in the synthesis. The imprinted polymer particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their average size determined by screen analysis using standard test sieves. The relative selective coefficients (k') of the imprinted polymer evaluated from selective binding studies between Hg ²⁺and Cu²⁺ or Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺, were 10588 and 3147, respectively. These values indicated highly favored Hg²⁺ extractions over the two competing ions. Application of the polymer to various real water samples (tap, sea, river, pulverized coal solution, treated and untreated sewerage from the vicinity of Grahamstown in South Africa) showed high extraction efficiencies (EEs) of Hg²⁺ ions; (over 84% in all cases) as evaluated from the detected unextracted Hg²⁺ ions by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The limit of detection (LOD, 3ơ) of the method was evaluated to be 0.036 ng ml⁻¹ and generally the data (n=10) had percentage relative standard deviation (%RSD) of less than 4%. These findings indicate that the double-imprinted polymer has potential to be used as an efficient extraction material for the selective pre-concentration of mercury(lI) ions in aqueous environments. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Messages from the deep : water divinities, dreams and diviners in Southern Africa
- Authors: Bernard, Penelope Susan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dreams -- Religious aspects , Zulu (African people) -- Religion , Xhosa (African people) -- Religion , Shamanism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2112 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007644 , Dreams -- Religious aspects , Zulu (African people) -- Religion , Xhosa (African people) -- Religion , Shamanism -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis is a comparative regional study of a complex of beliefs and practices regarding the water divinities in southern Africa. These snake and mermaid-like divinities, which are said to work in conjunction with one's ancestors, are believed to be responsible for the calling and training of certain diviner-healers by taking them underwater for periods of time. In addition to granting healing knowledge, these divinities are associated with fertility, water and rain, and the origins of humanity. The research combines comparative ethnography with the anthropology of extraordinary experience (AEE), and focuses particularly on the Zulu, Cape Nguni, Shona and Khoisan groups. The use of the 'radical participation' method, as recommended by AEE, was facilitated by the author being identified as having a ' calling' from these water divinities, which subsequently resulted in her initiation under the guidance of a Zulu isangoma (diviner-healer) who had reputedly been taken underwater. The research details the rituals that were performed and how dreams are used to guide the training process of izangoma. This resulted in the research process being largely dream-directed, in that the author traces how the izangoma responded to various dreams she had and how these responses opened new avenues for understanding the phenomenon of the water divinities. The comparative study thus combines literature sources, field research and dream-directed experiences, and reveals a complex of recurring themes, symbols and norms pertaining to the water divinities across the selected groups. In seeking to explain both the commonalities and differences between these groups, the author argues for a four-level explanatory model that combines both conventional anthropological theory and extraordinary experience. Responses to the author's dream-led experiences are used to throw light on the conflicting discourses of morality regarding traditional healers and the water divinities in the context of political-economic transformations relating to capitalism and the moral economy; to illuminate the blending of ideas and practices between Zulu Zionists and diviner-healer traditions; and to link up with certain issues relating to San rock art, rain-making and healing rituals, which contribute to the debates regarding trance-induced rock art in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bernard, Penelope Susan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dreams -- Religious aspects , Zulu (African people) -- Religion , Xhosa (African people) -- Religion , Shamanism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2112 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007644 , Dreams -- Religious aspects , Zulu (African people) -- Religion , Xhosa (African people) -- Religion , Shamanism -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis is a comparative regional study of a complex of beliefs and practices regarding the water divinities in southern Africa. These snake and mermaid-like divinities, which are said to work in conjunction with one's ancestors, are believed to be responsible for the calling and training of certain diviner-healers by taking them underwater for periods of time. In addition to granting healing knowledge, these divinities are associated with fertility, water and rain, and the origins of humanity. The research combines comparative ethnography with the anthropology of extraordinary experience (AEE), and focuses particularly on the Zulu, Cape Nguni, Shona and Khoisan groups. The use of the 'radical participation' method, as recommended by AEE, was facilitated by the author being identified as having a ' calling' from these water divinities, which subsequently resulted in her initiation under the guidance of a Zulu isangoma (diviner-healer) who had reputedly been taken underwater. The research details the rituals that were performed and how dreams are used to guide the training process of izangoma. This resulted in the research process being largely dream-directed, in that the author traces how the izangoma responded to various dreams she had and how these responses opened new avenues for understanding the phenomenon of the water divinities. The comparative study thus combines literature sources, field research and dream-directed experiences, and reveals a complex of recurring themes, symbols and norms pertaining to the water divinities across the selected groups. In seeking to explain both the commonalities and differences between these groups, the author argues for a four-level explanatory model that combines both conventional anthropological theory and extraordinary experience. Responses to the author's dream-led experiences are used to throw light on the conflicting discourses of morality regarding traditional healers and the water divinities in the context of political-economic transformations relating to capitalism and the moral economy; to illuminate the blending of ideas and practices between Zulu Zionists and diviner-healer traditions; and to link up with certain issues relating to San rock art, rain-making and healing rituals, which contribute to the debates regarding trance-induced rock art in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The ichthyofauna and piscivorous avifauna in a small temporarily open/closed Eastern Cape estuary, South Africa
- Authors: Blake, Justin David
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bird populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuarine animals -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Birds -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Riet River Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005395 , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bird populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuarine animals -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Birds -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Riet River Estuary (South Africa)
- Description: The spatial and temporal patterns in selected components of the ichthyofauna and piscivorous avifauna in the small temporarily open/closed Riet River Estuary located on the eastern seaboard of southern Africa was investigated monthly over the period August 2005 to July 2006. The ichthyofauna within the littoral zone of the estuary was sampled using a 5 m seine net (8 stations) while a 30 m seine net (4 stations) was employed to sample the fish in the channel. Bird counts were made along repeat transects along the length of the estuary. Total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass ranged between 1.60 and 8.67 individuals m⁻² and 0.45 to 21.76 g wwt m⁻² within the littoral zone, and between 0.08 and 0.44 individuals m⁻² and 0.58 and 36.52 g wwt m⁻² in the channel of the estuary. The highest values were generally recorded during the summer months. Results of the numerical analysis indicated that the breaching events recorded over the study period did not lead to a common trend in the ichthyofaunal community. In the absence of a link to the marine environment, the ichthyofaunal community in the littoral zone was numerically dominated by the estuarine resident species, Gilchristella aestuaria and to a lesser extent by Glossogobius callidus, which collectively accounted for ca. 54% of the total ichthyofauna sampled. The establishment of a link to the marine environment coincided with increased numbers of marine breeding species including Atherina breviceps and Rhabdosargus holubi to total fish counts within the estuary. Hierarchical cluster analysis did not identify any spatial patterns in the community structure of the ichthyofauna in the littoral zone or channel zone of the estuary, which could likely be linked to the absence of any distinct horizontal patterns in salinity and temperature within the system. A total of thirteen piscivorous bird species was recorded over the study period. Of the recorded species, six species were wading piscivores, four species were aerial divers and the remaining three species were pursuit swimmers. There were no significant correlations between the estimates of the ichthyofaunal abundance and biomass and bird numbers evident during the study (P> 0.05 in both cases). The Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) was the dominant species throughout the study, with a mean of 8.25 (SD ± 7.90) individuals per count. Mean values of the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) and Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maximus) were 3.42 (SD ± 1.20) and 1.17 (SD ± 0.60) individuals per count, respectively. The remaining species revealed mean values < 0.5 individuals per count. The highest bird numbers were recorded in winter reflecting the migration of large numbers of the Reed Cormorant into the system. Breaching events were associated with a decrease in total bird numbers, which was most likely due to loss of potential foraging habitat (littoral zone) for waders resulting from reduced water levels. Monthly food consumption by all piscivorous birds revealed large temporal variability, ranging from 26.35 to 140.58 kg per month. The observed variability could be linked to mouth phase and bird numbers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Blake, Justin David
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bird populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuarine animals -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Birds -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Riet River Estuary (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005395 , Estuarine fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Bird populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Estuarine animals -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Birds -- South Africa -- Riet River Estuary , Riet River Estuary (South Africa)
- Description: The spatial and temporal patterns in selected components of the ichthyofauna and piscivorous avifauna in the small temporarily open/closed Riet River Estuary located on the eastern seaboard of southern Africa was investigated monthly over the period August 2005 to July 2006. The ichthyofauna within the littoral zone of the estuary was sampled using a 5 m seine net (8 stations) while a 30 m seine net (4 stations) was employed to sample the fish in the channel. Bird counts were made along repeat transects along the length of the estuary. Total ichthyofaunal abundances and biomass ranged between 1.60 and 8.67 individuals m⁻² and 0.45 to 21.76 g wwt m⁻² within the littoral zone, and between 0.08 and 0.44 individuals m⁻² and 0.58 and 36.52 g wwt m⁻² in the channel of the estuary. The highest values were generally recorded during the summer months. Results of the numerical analysis indicated that the breaching events recorded over the study period did not lead to a common trend in the ichthyofaunal community. In the absence of a link to the marine environment, the ichthyofaunal community in the littoral zone was numerically dominated by the estuarine resident species, Gilchristella aestuaria and to a lesser extent by Glossogobius callidus, which collectively accounted for ca. 54% of the total ichthyofauna sampled. The establishment of a link to the marine environment coincided with increased numbers of marine breeding species including Atherina breviceps and Rhabdosargus holubi to total fish counts within the estuary. Hierarchical cluster analysis did not identify any spatial patterns in the community structure of the ichthyofauna in the littoral zone or channel zone of the estuary, which could likely be linked to the absence of any distinct horizontal patterns in salinity and temperature within the system. A total of thirteen piscivorous bird species was recorded over the study period. Of the recorded species, six species were wading piscivores, four species were aerial divers and the remaining three species were pursuit swimmers. There were no significant correlations between the estimates of the ichthyofaunal abundance and biomass and bird numbers evident during the study (P> 0.05 in both cases). The Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) was the dominant species throughout the study, with a mean of 8.25 (SD ± 7.90) individuals per count. Mean values of the Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) and Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maximus) were 3.42 (SD ± 1.20) and 1.17 (SD ± 0.60) individuals per count, respectively. The remaining species revealed mean values < 0.5 individuals per count. The highest bird numbers were recorded in winter reflecting the migration of large numbers of the Reed Cormorant into the system. Breaching events were associated with a decrease in total bird numbers, which was most likely due to loss of potential foraging habitat (littoral zone) for waders resulting from reduced water levels. Monthly food consumption by all piscivorous birds revealed large temporal variability, ranging from 26.35 to 140.58 kg per month. The observed variability could be linked to mouth phase and bird numbers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Collaborative monitoring in ecosystem management in South Africa's communal lands
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Gender and racial stereotyping in rape coverage: an analysis of rape coverage in Grocott's Mail
- Authors: Bonnes, Stephanie Marie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) Rape in mass media Rape -- South Africa Stereotypes (Social psychology) in mass media Sexism in mass media Racism in mass media Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa Violence in mass media Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa Journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002972
- Description: This thesis analyzes rape coverage in a Grahamstown newspaper, Grocott’s Mail. Critical discourse analysis is used to discuss and analyze articles about rape that appear in Grocott’s Mail between October 14th 2008 and October 29th 2009. Drawing on existing literature on ‘rape myths’ in media coverage of rape, this thesis argues that Grocott’s Mail perpetuates racial and gender stereotypes through the way in which it reports on rape. While not all of the articles included in the analysis use rape myths, most use one or more when discussing rape incidents. Specifically, Grocott’s Mail tends to use rape myths that blame the victim for the rape and de-emphasize the role of the perpetrator in the rape. This is problematic as it sustains existing racial and gender inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bonnes, Stephanie Marie
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Grocott's Mail (Grahamstown, South Africa) Rape in mass media Rape -- South Africa Stereotypes (Social psychology) in mass media Sexism in mass media Racism in mass media Women -- Crimes against -- South Africa Violence in mass media Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa Journalism -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2762 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002972
- Description: This thesis analyzes rape coverage in a Grahamstown newspaper, Grocott’s Mail. Critical discourse analysis is used to discuss and analyze articles about rape that appear in Grocott’s Mail between October 14th 2008 and October 29th 2009. Drawing on existing literature on ‘rape myths’ in media coverage of rape, this thesis argues that Grocott’s Mail perpetuates racial and gender stereotypes through the way in which it reports on rape. While not all of the articles included in the analysis use rape myths, most use one or more when discussing rape incidents. Specifically, Grocott’s Mail tends to use rape myths that blame the victim for the rape and de-emphasize the role of the perpetrator in the rape. This is problematic as it sustains existing racial and gender inequalities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Photophysical studies of zinc and indium tetraaminophthalocyanines in the presence of CdTe quantum dots
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Indium , Zinc , Quantum dots , Phthalocyanines , Photochemotherapy , Nonlinear optics , Nanocrystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4332 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004993 , Indium , Zinc , Quantum dots , Phthalocyanines , Photochemotherapy , Nonlinear optics , Nanocrystals
- Description: CdTe QDs capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) were covalently linked to zinc and indium tetraaminophthalocyanines (TAPcs) using N-ethyl-N(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the coupling agents. The results presented give evidence in favour of formation of an amide bond between the MTAPc and CdTe QDs. Both the linked ZnTAPc–QD complexes and the mixture of QDs and ZnTAPc (without chemical linking) showed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), though the linked showed less FRET, whereas the QD interactions with InTAPc yielded no evidence of FRET. Both MTAPcs quenched the QDs emission, with quenching constants of the order of 103–104M−1, binding constants of the order of 108-1010M-1 and the number of binding sites for the MTAPc upon the QD being 2. High energy transfer efficiencies were obtained (in some cases as high as 93%), due to the low donor to acceptor distances. Lastly, both MTAPc were shown to be poor optical limiters because their imaginary third-order susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]) was of the order of 10-17-10-16 (optimal range is 10-9-10-11), the hyperpolarizability (γ) of the order of 10-37-10-36 (optimal range is 10-29-10-34) and the k values were above one but below ten.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Indium , Zinc , Quantum dots , Phthalocyanines , Photochemotherapy , Nonlinear optics , Nanocrystals
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4332 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004993 , Indium , Zinc , Quantum dots , Phthalocyanines , Photochemotherapy , Nonlinear optics , Nanocrystals
- Description: CdTe QDs capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and thioglycolic acid (TGA) were covalently linked to zinc and indium tetraaminophthalocyanines (TAPcs) using N-ethyl-N(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) as the coupling agents. The results presented give evidence in favour of formation of an amide bond between the MTAPc and CdTe QDs. Both the linked ZnTAPc–QD complexes and the mixture of QDs and ZnTAPc (without chemical linking) showed Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), though the linked showed less FRET, whereas the QD interactions with InTAPc yielded no evidence of FRET. Both MTAPcs quenched the QDs emission, with quenching constants of the order of 103–104M−1, binding constants of the order of 108-1010M-1 and the number of binding sites for the MTAPc upon the QD being 2. High energy transfer efficiencies were obtained (in some cases as high as 93%), due to the low donor to acceptor distances. Lastly, both MTAPc were shown to be poor optical limiters because their imaginary third-order susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]) was of the order of 10-17-10-16 (optimal range is 10-9-10-11), the hyperpolarizability (γ) of the order of 10-37-10-36 (optimal range is 10-29-10-34) and the k values were above one but below ten.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Effect of repeated eccentric demands placed on the lower limb musculature during simulated Rugby Union play
- Authors: Brown, Lisa Gill
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192 , Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Brown, Lisa Gill
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005192 , Sports injuries , Muscles -- Wounds and injuries , Tendons -- Wounds and injuries , Muscles -- Examination , Rugby football injuries , Rugby Union football players
- Description: Epidemiological studies consistently report that muscular strains are a primary injury type in rugby union with the majority of the strains occurring to the quadricep and hamstring musculature. Recently it has been suggested that poor eccentric muscular strength is a precursor to hamstring and quadriceps strains during intermittent sports that require rapid acceleration and deceleration. Despite the high incidence of these muscle injuries in Rugby Union there has been little research into the possible mechanisms involved. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the physiological and perceptual responses during a simulated Rugby Union laboratory protocol and further, to identify changes in muscle recruitment patterns and muscle strength over time by comparing this protocol to a continuous, constant load protocol covering the same distance. The experimental condition (EXP) required university level players to perform 80 minutes of simulated rugby union play in a laboratory setting (on a walkway of 22m) which was compared to that of a control condition (CON) which involved subjects covering the same distance, at a constant speed of 4.2km.h-1 on a treadmill. Physiological, biophysical and perceptual responses were measured pre-, at half-time and post-protocol. Heart rate was significantly (p<0.01) greater as a result of EXP in comparison to the CON. Electromyography (EMG) of the vastus medialis was significantly (p<0.01) greater during the CON protocol. The EXP condition elicited higher iEMG activity in the hamstring musculature at all time intervals. In addition the iEMG of the semitendinosus decreased significantly (p<0.01) as a result of the EXP protocol. Peak eccentric knee extensors (EXT) (-13.19%) and flexors (FLEX) (-12.81%) torque decreased significantly during the experimental protocol. After passive half-time (236.67 + 56.27Nm (EXT) and 173.89 + 33.3NM (FLEX)) and at the end of the protocol (220.39 + 55.16Nm and 162.89 + 30.66Nm) reduced relative to pre protocol (253.89 + 54.54Nm and 186.83 + 33.3Nm). Peak eccentric knee extensors did not change during the control protocol. „Central‟ and ‟Local” Rating of Perceived Exertion values were significantly (P<0.01) greater during the EXP protocol with an increased incidence of hamstring discomfort and perceived pain (5 out of 10). The EXP protocol resulted in significantly (p<0.01) increased incidence of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In conclusion, a stop-start laboratory protocol elicited increased heart rate, negatively impacted on muscle activity of the hamstrings, decreased eccentric strength in the lower limb musculature, resulted in increased ratings of „Central‟ and „Local‟ exertion and increased pain perception and increased incidence of DOMS. Thus, a stop-start rugby specific laboratory protocol has a negative impact on performance. Due to the specificity of the protocol being designed to match the demands of competitive match play it is expected that these changes in heart rate, muscle activity and strength, particularly eccentric strength, will impact negativity on performance during rugby match play and increase the likelihood of injury
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The E.coli RNA degradosome analysis of molecular chaperones and enolase
- Authors: Burger, Adélle
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Molecular chaperones , Escherichia coli -- Biotechnology , Polyphosphates , Polyphosphates -- Biotechnology , RNA-protein interactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004009 , Molecular chaperones , Escherichia coli -- Biotechnology , Polyphosphates , Polyphosphates -- Biotechnology , RNA-protein interactions
- Description: Normal mRNA turnover is essential for genetic regulation within cells. The E. coli RNA degradosome, a large multi-component protein complex which originates through specific protein interactions, has been referred to as the “RNA decay machine” and is responsible for mRNA turnover. The degradosome functions to process RNA and its key components have been identified. The scaffold protein is RNase E and it tethers the degradosome to the cytoplasmic membrane. Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), ATP-dependent RNA helicase (RhlB helicase) and the glycolytic enzyme enolase associate with RNase E to form the degradosome. Polyphosphate kinase associates with the degradosome in substoichiometric amounts, as do the molecular chaperones DnaK and GroEL. The role of DnaK as well as that of enolase in the RNA degradosome is unknown. Very limited research has been conducted on the components of the RNA degradosome under conditions of stress. The aim of this study was to understand the role played by enolase in the assembly of the degradosome under conditions of stress, as well as investigating the protein levels of molecular chaperones under these conditions. The RNA degradosome was successfully purified through its scaffold protein using nickel-affinity chromatography. In vivo studies were performed to investigate the protein levels of DnaK and GroEL present in the degradosome under conditions of heat stress, and whether GroEL could functionally replace DnaK in the degradosome. To investigate the recruitment of enolase to the degradosome under heat stress, a subcellular fractionation was performed to determine the localization of enolase upon heat shock in vivo. The elevated temperature resulted in an increased concentration of enolase in the membrane fraction. To determine whether there is an interaction between enolase and DnaK, enolase activity assays were conducted in vitro. The effect of DnaK on enolase activity was measured upon quantifying DnaK and adding it to the enolase assays. For the first time it was observed that the activity of enolase increased with the addition of substoichiometric amounts of DnaK. This indicates that DnaK may be interacting with the RNA degradosome via enolase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Burger, Adélle
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Molecular chaperones , Escherichia coli -- Biotechnology , Polyphosphates , Polyphosphates -- Biotechnology , RNA-protein interactions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3950 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004009 , Molecular chaperones , Escherichia coli -- Biotechnology , Polyphosphates , Polyphosphates -- Biotechnology , RNA-protein interactions
- Description: Normal mRNA turnover is essential for genetic regulation within cells. The E. coli RNA degradosome, a large multi-component protein complex which originates through specific protein interactions, has been referred to as the “RNA decay machine” and is responsible for mRNA turnover. The degradosome functions to process RNA and its key components have been identified. The scaffold protein is RNase E and it tethers the degradosome to the cytoplasmic membrane. Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase), ATP-dependent RNA helicase (RhlB helicase) and the glycolytic enzyme enolase associate with RNase E to form the degradosome. Polyphosphate kinase associates with the degradosome in substoichiometric amounts, as do the molecular chaperones DnaK and GroEL. The role of DnaK as well as that of enolase in the RNA degradosome is unknown. Very limited research has been conducted on the components of the RNA degradosome under conditions of stress. The aim of this study was to understand the role played by enolase in the assembly of the degradosome under conditions of stress, as well as investigating the protein levels of molecular chaperones under these conditions. The RNA degradosome was successfully purified through its scaffold protein using nickel-affinity chromatography. In vivo studies were performed to investigate the protein levels of DnaK and GroEL present in the degradosome under conditions of heat stress, and whether GroEL could functionally replace DnaK in the degradosome. To investigate the recruitment of enolase to the degradosome under heat stress, a subcellular fractionation was performed to determine the localization of enolase upon heat shock in vivo. The elevated temperature resulted in an increased concentration of enolase in the membrane fraction. To determine whether there is an interaction between enolase and DnaK, enolase activity assays were conducted in vitro. The effect of DnaK on enolase activity was measured upon quantifying DnaK and adding it to the enolase assays. For the first time it was observed that the activity of enolase increased with the addition of substoichiometric amounts of DnaK. This indicates that DnaK may be interacting with the RNA degradosome via enolase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Goat production in the Northern Cape: what are the impacts of farmer training?
- Authors: Burgess, Roberta
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Northern Cape (South Africa) Animal culture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management Animal culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Goat farmers -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:747 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003868
- Description: The main millennium development goal is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in the world by 2015. South Africa is one of the countries that signed this pledge at the millennium summit in 2000. The Department of Agriculture, has initiated a number of projects to assist farmers and communities with reaching this goal. In the Northern Cape, the commercialization of goats is one such anchor project. The major activities of this project is to train farmers in applied and appropriate production practices, assist them with accessing markets and supporting them with improved livestock. The main aim of this research was to evaluate whether the project has achieved its outcome and whether this outcome, is having an impact on the livelihoods of the farmers involved in the project. After reviewing the literature on evaluation research and programme evaluation across time, the different paradigms and approaches, participatory methodology was used in this study. A case study approach was applied to evaluate the outcomes and effects of the training received by farmers, as part of the commercialization of goats programme. The results of the study proved that the training received by members of the Campbell Agricultural Co-operative Enterprises, changed their goat production practices. The training also had a secondary impact. Trained farmers were imparting (technology transfer) their acquired knowledge to other members of the co-operative. This appeared very effective as all members of the cooperative were farming more scientifically. These changes to the production practices had a positive impact on the livelihoods of the farmers, as their animals were of a better quality and they were able to sell their animals at different markets and for better prices. This has however not commercialized their farming operations as they are still faced with many challenges. These challenges are the lack of a proper marketing structure, access to financial assistance, proper infrastructure and adequate transport for the animals to mention a few. If the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs is serious about assisting these farmers to move from the status of “emerging farmer” to “commercial farmer” they will have to look at addressing the problems experienced with financial access and access to adequate and appropriate transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Burgess, Roberta
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Northern Cape (South Africa) Animal culture -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management Animal culture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Goat farmers -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:747 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003868
- Description: The main millennium development goal is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger in the world by 2015. South Africa is one of the countries that signed this pledge at the millennium summit in 2000. The Department of Agriculture, has initiated a number of projects to assist farmers and communities with reaching this goal. In the Northern Cape, the commercialization of goats is one such anchor project. The major activities of this project is to train farmers in applied and appropriate production practices, assist them with accessing markets and supporting them with improved livestock. The main aim of this research was to evaluate whether the project has achieved its outcome and whether this outcome, is having an impact on the livelihoods of the farmers involved in the project. After reviewing the literature on evaluation research and programme evaluation across time, the different paradigms and approaches, participatory methodology was used in this study. A case study approach was applied to evaluate the outcomes and effects of the training received by farmers, as part of the commercialization of goats programme. The results of the study proved that the training received by members of the Campbell Agricultural Co-operative Enterprises, changed their goat production practices. The training also had a secondary impact. Trained farmers were imparting (technology transfer) their acquired knowledge to other members of the co-operative. This appeared very effective as all members of the cooperative were farming more scientifically. These changes to the production practices had a positive impact on the livelihoods of the farmers, as their animals were of a better quality and they were able to sell their animals at different markets and for better prices. This has however not commercialized their farming operations as they are still faced with many challenges. These challenges are the lack of a proper marketing structure, access to financial assistance, proper infrastructure and adequate transport for the animals to mention a few. If the Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs is serious about assisting these farmers to move from the status of “emerging farmer” to “commercial farmer” they will have to look at addressing the problems experienced with financial access and access to adequate and appropriate transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The use of response surface methodology and artificial neural networks for the establishment of a design space for a sustained release salbutamol sulphate formulation
- Authors: Chaibva, Faith Anesu
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Salbutamol sulphate Artificial intelligence -- Medical applications Neural networks (Computer science) Response surfaces (Statistics) Pharmaceutical biotechnology -- Quality contro Drugs -- Design Pharmacokinetics Drugs -- Dosage forms Drugs -- Controlled release
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010432
- Description: Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach that has been recommended as suitable for the development of quality pharmaceutical products. The QbD approach commences with the definition of a quality target drug profile and predetermined objectives that are then used to direct the formulation development process with an emphasis on understanding the pharmaceutical science and manufacturing principles that apply to a product. The design space is directly linked to the use of QbD for formulation development and is a multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide an assurance of quality. The objective of these studies was to apply the principles of QbD as a framework for the optimisation of a sustained release (SR) formulation of salbutamol sulphate (SBS), and for the establishment of a design space using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). SBS is a short-acting ♭₂ agonist that is used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of a SR formulation of SBS may provide clinical benefits in the management of these respiratory disorders. Ashtalin®8 ER (Cipla Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) was selected as a reference formulation for use in these studies. An Ishikawa or Cause and Effect diagram was used to determine the impact of formulation and process factors that have the potential to affect product quality. Key areas of concern that must be monitored include the raw materials, the manufacturing equipment and processes, and the analytical and assessment methods employed. The conditions in the laboratory and manufacturing processes were carefully monitored and recorded for any deviation from protocol, and equipment for assessment of dosage form performance, including dissolution equipment, balances and hardness testers, underwent regular maintenance. Preliminary studies to assess the potential utility of Methocel® Kl OOM, alone and in combination with other matrix forming polymers, revealed that the combination of this polymer with xanthan gum and Carbopol® has the potential to modulate the release of SBS at a specific rate, for a period of 12 hr. A central composite design using Methocel® KlOOM, xanthan gum, Carbopol® 974P and Surelease® as the granulating fluid was constructed to fully evaluate the impact of these formulation variables on the rate and extent of SBS release from manufactured formulations. The results revealed that although Methocel® KlOOM and xanthan gum had the greatest retardant effect on drug release, interactions between the polymers used in the study were also important determinants of the measureable responses. An ANN model was trained for optimisation using the data generated from a central composite study. The efficiency of the network was optimised by assessing the impact of the number of nodes in the hidden layer using a three layer Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). The results revealed that a network with nine nodes in the hidden layer had the best predictive ability, suitable for application to formulation optimisation studies. Pharmaceutical optimisation was conducted using both the RSM and the trained ANN models. The results from the two optimisation procedures yielded two different formulation compositions that were subjected to in vitro dissolution testing using USP Apparatus 3. The results revealed that, although the formulation compositions that were derived from the optimisation procedures were different, both solutions gave reproducible results for which the dissolution profiles were indeed similar to that of the reference formulation. RSM and ANN were further investigated as possible means of establishing a design space for formulation compositions that would result in dosage forms that have similar in vitro release test profiles comparable to the reference product. Constraint plots were used to determine the bounds of the formulation variables that would result in the manufacture of dosage forms with the desired release profile. ANN simulations with hypothetical formulations that were generated within a small region of the experimental domain were investigated as a means of understanding the impact of varying the composition of the formulation on resultant dissolution profiles. Although both methods were suitable for the establishment of a design space, the use of ANN may be better suited for this purpose because of the manner in which ANN handles data. As more information about the behaviour of a formulation and its processes is generated during the product Iifecycle, ANN may be used to evaluate the impact of formulation and process variables on measureable responses. It is recommended that ANN may be suitable for the optimisation of pharmaceutical formulations and establishment of a design space in line with ICH Pharmaceutical Development [1], Quality Risk Management [2] and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems [3]
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chaibva, Faith Anesu
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Salbutamol sulphate Artificial intelligence -- Medical applications Neural networks (Computer science) Response surfaces (Statistics) Pharmaceutical biotechnology -- Quality contro Drugs -- Design Pharmacokinetics Drugs -- Dosage forms Drugs -- Controlled release
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010432
- Description: Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach that has been recommended as suitable for the development of quality pharmaceutical products. The QbD approach commences with the definition of a quality target drug profile and predetermined objectives that are then used to direct the formulation development process with an emphasis on understanding the pharmaceutical science and manufacturing principles that apply to a product. The design space is directly linked to the use of QbD for formulation development and is a multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide an assurance of quality. The objective of these studies was to apply the principles of QbD as a framework for the optimisation of a sustained release (SR) formulation of salbutamol sulphate (SBS), and for the establishment of a design space using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). SBS is a short-acting ♭₂ agonist that is used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of a SR formulation of SBS may provide clinical benefits in the management of these respiratory disorders. Ashtalin®8 ER (Cipla Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) was selected as a reference formulation for use in these studies. An Ishikawa or Cause and Effect diagram was used to determine the impact of formulation and process factors that have the potential to affect product quality. Key areas of concern that must be monitored include the raw materials, the manufacturing equipment and processes, and the analytical and assessment methods employed. The conditions in the laboratory and manufacturing processes were carefully monitored and recorded for any deviation from protocol, and equipment for assessment of dosage form performance, including dissolution equipment, balances and hardness testers, underwent regular maintenance. Preliminary studies to assess the potential utility of Methocel® Kl OOM, alone and in combination with other matrix forming polymers, revealed that the combination of this polymer with xanthan gum and Carbopol® has the potential to modulate the release of SBS at a specific rate, for a period of 12 hr. A central composite design using Methocel® KlOOM, xanthan gum, Carbopol® 974P and Surelease® as the granulating fluid was constructed to fully evaluate the impact of these formulation variables on the rate and extent of SBS release from manufactured formulations. The results revealed that although Methocel® KlOOM and xanthan gum had the greatest retardant effect on drug release, interactions between the polymers used in the study were also important determinants of the measureable responses. An ANN model was trained for optimisation using the data generated from a central composite study. The efficiency of the network was optimised by assessing the impact of the number of nodes in the hidden layer using a three layer Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). The results revealed that a network with nine nodes in the hidden layer had the best predictive ability, suitable for application to formulation optimisation studies. Pharmaceutical optimisation was conducted using both the RSM and the trained ANN models. The results from the two optimisation procedures yielded two different formulation compositions that were subjected to in vitro dissolution testing using USP Apparatus 3. The results revealed that, although the formulation compositions that were derived from the optimisation procedures were different, both solutions gave reproducible results for which the dissolution profiles were indeed similar to that of the reference formulation. RSM and ANN were further investigated as possible means of establishing a design space for formulation compositions that would result in dosage forms that have similar in vitro release test profiles comparable to the reference product. Constraint plots were used to determine the bounds of the formulation variables that would result in the manufacture of dosage forms with the desired release profile. ANN simulations with hypothetical formulations that were generated within a small region of the experimental domain were investigated as a means of understanding the impact of varying the composition of the formulation on resultant dissolution profiles. Although both methods were suitable for the establishment of a design space, the use of ANN may be better suited for this purpose because of the manner in which ANN handles data. As more information about the behaviour of a formulation and its processes is generated during the product Iifecycle, ANN may be used to evaluate the impact of formulation and process variables on measureable responses. It is recommended that ANN may be suitable for the optimisation of pharmaceutical formulations and establishment of a design space in line with ICH Pharmaceutical Development [1], Quality Risk Management [2] and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems [3]
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The value of a Rhodes University degree and securing employment
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010