A survey of organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company
- Authors: Dom, Veliswa Virginia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Factories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Analysis of variance , Shift systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competing Values Framework (CVF)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61861 , vital:28069
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company. This company supplies metal products to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, where the quality and quantity of parts produced is of paramount importance, since the buyers of these products are quality conscious. The organization has three production shifts that rotate each week. Anecdotal observations are that irrespective of the time that a shift operates over the course of the month, the different shifts tend to perform at different levels in terms of quality and quantity of output. This study therefore sought to investigate if these differences between shifts are statistically significant, and if so, whether these shifts also have differences in organizational culture. Components of organizational culture include values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles and expectations that give the organization a unique personality and differentiate it from other organizations. While the literature indicates that qualitative or quantitative approaches can be used in organizational culture research, this research adopted the quantitative approach, making use of the Competing Values Framework (CVF). The CVF is a four-category organizational culture typology established by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The framework is based on two dimensions: stability or flexibility of the organization, and external or internal focus. In this research, the CVF was used as a measurement tool to evaluate organizational culture. In order to determine differences in organizational culture between shifts, a survey was undertaken (N=138) which measured employee perceptions pertaining to the existing organizational culture of each of the three production shifts at the company. Secondly, differences in performance between the shifts were examined by using the performance data for a three-month period for each shift in terms of quantity and quality. This data was obtained from the management of the production process at the company. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA to analyse the differences between the shifts. The findings indicated that the dominant existing organizational culture at the company under investigation is a clan culture. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the cultures of all the three shifts at the manufacturing company. The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the quantity and quality of production between the three shifts. In conclusion, the research indicated there are differences in culture and in performance, but given the nature of the data, it was not possible to statistically analyse the relationship between shift culture and performance. However, it is conceivable that cultural differences between shifts may be contributing to performance differences. With regards to further research, it is recommended that this research be extended to other branches of the manufacturing company in other regions, in order to determine whether there are any significant differences in culture and performance between these branches and their shifts. Research could also be extended to other South African organizations to create a sufficiently large sample of shift and/or business units, so as to be able to do statistical analysis of the relationship between culture and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dom, Veliswa Virginia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Factories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Analysis of variance , Shift systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competing Values Framework (CVF)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61861 , vital:28069
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company. This company supplies metal products to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, where the quality and quantity of parts produced is of paramount importance, since the buyers of these products are quality conscious. The organization has three production shifts that rotate each week. Anecdotal observations are that irrespective of the time that a shift operates over the course of the month, the different shifts tend to perform at different levels in terms of quality and quantity of output. This study therefore sought to investigate if these differences between shifts are statistically significant, and if so, whether these shifts also have differences in organizational culture. Components of organizational culture include values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles and expectations that give the organization a unique personality and differentiate it from other organizations. While the literature indicates that qualitative or quantitative approaches can be used in organizational culture research, this research adopted the quantitative approach, making use of the Competing Values Framework (CVF). The CVF is a four-category organizational culture typology established by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The framework is based on two dimensions: stability or flexibility of the organization, and external or internal focus. In this research, the CVF was used as a measurement tool to evaluate organizational culture. In order to determine differences in organizational culture between shifts, a survey was undertaken (N=138) which measured employee perceptions pertaining to the existing organizational culture of each of the three production shifts at the company. Secondly, differences in performance between the shifts were examined by using the performance data for a three-month period for each shift in terms of quantity and quality. This data was obtained from the management of the production process at the company. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA to analyse the differences between the shifts. The findings indicated that the dominant existing organizational culture at the company under investigation is a clan culture. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the cultures of all the three shifts at the manufacturing company. The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the quantity and quality of production between the three shifts. In conclusion, the research indicated there are differences in culture and in performance, but given the nature of the data, it was not possible to statistically analyse the relationship between shift culture and performance. However, it is conceivable that cultural differences between shifts may be contributing to performance differences. With regards to further research, it is recommended that this research be extended to other branches of the manufacturing company in other regions, in order to determine whether there are any significant differences in culture and performance between these branches and their shifts. Research could also be extended to other South African organizations to create a sufficiently large sample of shift and/or business units, so as to be able to do statistical analysis of the relationship between culture and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
NetwIOC: a framework for the automated generation of network-based IOCS for malware information sharing and defence
- Authors: Rudman, Lauren Lynne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Malware (Computer software) , Computer networks Security measures , Computer security , Python (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60639 , vital:27809
- Description: With the substantial number of new malware variants found each day, it is useful to have an efficient way to retrieve Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the malware in a format suitable for sharing and detection. In the past, these indicators were manually created after inspection of binary samples and network traffic. The Cuckoo Sandbox, is an existing dynamic malware analysis system which meets the requirements for the proposed framework and was extended by adding a few custom modules. This research explored a way to automate the generation of detailed network-based IOCs in a popular format which can be used for sharing. This was done through careful filtering and analysis of the PCAP hie generated by the sandbox, and placing these values into the correct type of STIX objects using Python, Through several evaluations, analysis of what type of network traffic can be expected for the creation of IOCs was conducted, including a brief ease study that examined the effect of analysis time on the number of IOCs created. Using the automatically generated IOCs to create defence and detection mechanisms for the network was evaluated and proved successful, A proof of concept sharing platform developed for the STIX IOCs is showcased at the end of the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rudman, Lauren Lynne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Malware (Computer software) , Computer networks Security measures , Computer security , Python (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60639 , vital:27809
- Description: With the substantial number of new malware variants found each day, it is useful to have an efficient way to retrieve Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the malware in a format suitable for sharing and detection. In the past, these indicators were manually created after inspection of binary samples and network traffic. The Cuckoo Sandbox, is an existing dynamic malware analysis system which meets the requirements for the proposed framework and was extended by adding a few custom modules. This research explored a way to automate the generation of detailed network-based IOCs in a popular format which can be used for sharing. This was done through careful filtering and analysis of the PCAP hie generated by the sandbox, and placing these values into the correct type of STIX objects using Python, Through several evaluations, analysis of what type of network traffic can be expected for the creation of IOCs was conducted, including a brief ease study that examined the effect of analysis time on the number of IOCs created. Using the automatically generated IOCs to create defence and detection mechanisms for the network was evaluated and proved successful, A proof of concept sharing platform developed for the STIX IOCs is showcased at the end of the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards a collection of cost-effective technologies in support of the NIST cybersecurity framework
- Shackleton, Bruce Michael Stuart
- Authors: Shackleton, Bruce Michael Stuart
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.) , Computer security , Computer networks Security measures , Small business Information technology Cost effectiveness , Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62494 , vital:28199
- Description: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a specific risk and cybersecurity framework. It provides guidance on controls that can be implemented to help improve an organisation’s cybersecurity risk posture. The CSF Functions consist of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Like most Information Technology (IT) frameworks, there are elements of people, processes, and technology. The same elements are required to successfully implement the NIST CSF. This research specifically focuses on the technology element. While there are many commercial technologies available for a small to medium sized business, the costs can be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, this research investigates cost-effective technologies and assesses their alignment to the NIST CSF. The assessment was made against the NIST CSF subcategories. Each subcategory was analysed to identify where a technology would likely be required. The framework provides a list of Informative References. These Informative References were used to create high- level technology categories, as well as identify the technical controls against which the technologies were measured. The technologies tested were either open source or proprietary. All open source technologies tested were free to use, or have a free community edition. Proprietary technologies would be free to use, or considered generally available to most organisations, such as components contained within Microsoft platforms. The results from the experimentation demonstrated that there are multiple cost-effective technologies that can support the NIST CSF. Once all technologies were tested, the NIST CSF was extended. Two new columns were added, namely high-level technology category, and tested technology. The columns were populated with output from the research. This extended framework begins an initial collection of cost-effective technologies in support of the NIST CSF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Shackleton, Bruce Michael Stuart
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.) , Computer security , Computer networks Security measures , Small business Information technology Cost effectiveness , Open source software
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62494 , vital:28199
- Description: The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a specific risk and cybersecurity framework. It provides guidance on controls that can be implemented to help improve an organisation’s cybersecurity risk posture. The CSF Functions consist of Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. Like most Information Technology (IT) frameworks, there are elements of people, processes, and technology. The same elements are required to successfully implement the NIST CSF. This research specifically focuses on the technology element. While there are many commercial technologies available for a small to medium sized business, the costs can be prohibitively expensive. Therefore, this research investigates cost-effective technologies and assesses their alignment to the NIST CSF. The assessment was made against the NIST CSF subcategories. Each subcategory was analysed to identify where a technology would likely be required. The framework provides a list of Informative References. These Informative References were used to create high- level technology categories, as well as identify the technical controls against which the technologies were measured. The technologies tested were either open source or proprietary. All open source technologies tested were free to use, or have a free community edition. Proprietary technologies would be free to use, or considered generally available to most organisations, such as components contained within Microsoft platforms. The results from the experimentation demonstrated that there are multiple cost-effective technologies that can support the NIST CSF. Once all technologies were tested, the NIST CSF was extended. Two new columns were added, namely high-level technology category, and tested technology. The columns were populated with output from the research. This extended framework begins an initial collection of cost-effective technologies in support of the NIST CSF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Development and optimisation of a novel Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90-Hop interaction assay
- Authors: Wambua, Lynn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Heat shock proteins , Protein-protein interactions , Antimalarials
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62626 , vital:28216
- Description: Protein-protein interactions are involved in a range of disease processes and thus have become the focus of many drug discovery programs. Widespread drug resistance to all currently used antimalarial drugs drives the search for alternative drug targets with novel mechanisms of action that offer new therapeutic options. Molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins facilitate protein folding, play a role in protein trafficking and prevent protein misfolding in cells under stress. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a well-studied chaperone that has been the focus of cancer drug development with moderate success. In Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), heat shock proteins are thought to play a vital role in parasite survival of the physiologically diverse habitats of the parasite lifecycle and because Hsp90 is prominently expressed in P. falciparum, the chaperone is considered a potentially ideal drug target. Hsp90 function in cells is regulated by interactions with co-chaperones, which includes Heat shock protein 70-Heat shock protein 90 organising protein (Hop). As opposed to directly inhibiting Hsp90 activity, targeting Hsp90 interaction with Hop has recently been suggested as an alternative method of Hsp90 inhibition that has not been explored in P. falciparum. The aim of this research project was to demonstrate PfHsp90 and PfHop robustly interact in vitro and to facilitate high-throughput screening of PfHsp90-PfHop inhibitors by developing and optimising a novel plate capture Hsp90-Hop interaction assay. To establish the assay, the respective domains of the proteins that mediate Hsp90-Hop interaction were used (Hsp90 C- terminal domain and Hop TPR2A domain). The human Hsp90 C-terminal domain and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) coding sequences were cloned into pET-28a(+) and murine and P. falciparum TPR2A sequences into pGEX-4T-1 plasmids to enable expression of histidine-tagged and GST fusion proteins, respectively, in Escherichia coli. The P. falciparum Hsp90 C-terminal domain sequence cloned into pET-28a(+) was supplied by GenScript. The constructs were transformed into T7 Express lysYcompetent E. coli cells and subsequent small- scale expression studies showed the recombinant proteins were expressed in a soluble form allowing for subsequent protein purification. Purification of the recombinant proteins was achieved using nickel-NTA and glutathione affinity chromatography for the His-tagged (Hsp90 C-terminal domains and GST) and GST fusion proteins (TPR2A domains), respectively. The purified proteins were used to establish and optimise mammalian and P. falciparum Hsp90- Hop interaction assays on nickel-coated plates by immobilising the His-tagged C-terminal domains on the plates and detecting the binding of the GST-TPR2A domains using a colorimetric GST enzyme assay. Z’-factor values above 0.5 were observed for both assays indicating good separation between the protein interaction signals and negative control background signals, although relatively high background signals were observed for the mammalian interaction due to non-specific binding of murine TPR2A to the plate. Designed human and P. falciparum TPR peptides were observed to be effective inhibitors of the mammalian and P. falciparum interactions, demonstrating the assay’s ability to respond to inhibitor compounds. Comparison of assay performance using GST assay kit reagents and lab- prepared reagents showed the assay was more efficient using lab-prepared reagents, however, lower GST signals were observed when comparing assay performance using a custom prepared Ni-NTA plate to a purchased Ni-NTA plate. The Hsp90-Hop interaction assays were also performed using an alternative assay format in which the GST-TPR2A fusion proteins were immobilised on glutathione-coated plates and binding of the His-tagged C-terminal domains detected with a nickel-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate and a colorimetric HRP substrate. The assay showed higher interaction signals for the P. falciparum proteins but comparatively low signals for the mammalian proteins. Z’-factor values for the assay were above 0.8 for both protein sets, suggesting this assay format is superior to the GST assay. However, further optimisation of this assay format is required. This study demonstrated direct binding of PfHsp90-PfHop in vitro and established a novel and robust PfHsp90-PfHop interaction assay format that can be used in future screening campaigns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Wambua, Lynn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum , Molecular chaperones , Heat shock proteins , Protein-protein interactions , Antimalarials
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62626 , vital:28216
- Description: Protein-protein interactions are involved in a range of disease processes and thus have become the focus of many drug discovery programs. Widespread drug resistance to all currently used antimalarial drugs drives the search for alternative drug targets with novel mechanisms of action that offer new therapeutic options. Molecular chaperones such as heat shock proteins facilitate protein folding, play a role in protein trafficking and prevent protein misfolding in cells under stress. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a well-studied chaperone that has been the focus of cancer drug development with moderate success. In Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum), heat shock proteins are thought to play a vital role in parasite survival of the physiologically diverse habitats of the parasite lifecycle and because Hsp90 is prominently expressed in P. falciparum, the chaperone is considered a potentially ideal drug target. Hsp90 function in cells is regulated by interactions with co-chaperones, which includes Heat shock protein 70-Heat shock protein 90 organising protein (Hop). As opposed to directly inhibiting Hsp90 activity, targeting Hsp90 interaction with Hop has recently been suggested as an alternative method of Hsp90 inhibition that has not been explored in P. falciparum. The aim of this research project was to demonstrate PfHsp90 and PfHop robustly interact in vitro and to facilitate high-throughput screening of PfHsp90-PfHop inhibitors by developing and optimising a novel plate capture Hsp90-Hop interaction assay. To establish the assay, the respective domains of the proteins that mediate Hsp90-Hop interaction were used (Hsp90 C- terminal domain and Hop TPR2A domain). The human Hsp90 C-terminal domain and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) coding sequences were cloned into pET-28a(+) and murine and P. falciparum TPR2A sequences into pGEX-4T-1 plasmids to enable expression of histidine-tagged and GST fusion proteins, respectively, in Escherichia coli. The P. falciparum Hsp90 C-terminal domain sequence cloned into pET-28a(+) was supplied by GenScript. The constructs were transformed into T7 Express lysYcompetent E. coli cells and subsequent small- scale expression studies showed the recombinant proteins were expressed in a soluble form allowing for subsequent protein purification. Purification of the recombinant proteins was achieved using nickel-NTA and glutathione affinity chromatography for the His-tagged (Hsp90 C-terminal domains and GST) and GST fusion proteins (TPR2A domains), respectively. The purified proteins were used to establish and optimise mammalian and P. falciparum Hsp90- Hop interaction assays on nickel-coated plates by immobilising the His-tagged C-terminal domains on the plates and detecting the binding of the GST-TPR2A domains using a colorimetric GST enzyme assay. Z’-factor values above 0.5 were observed for both assays indicating good separation between the protein interaction signals and negative control background signals, although relatively high background signals were observed for the mammalian interaction due to non-specific binding of murine TPR2A to the plate. Designed human and P. falciparum TPR peptides were observed to be effective inhibitors of the mammalian and P. falciparum interactions, demonstrating the assay’s ability to respond to inhibitor compounds. Comparison of assay performance using GST assay kit reagents and lab- prepared reagents showed the assay was more efficient using lab-prepared reagents, however, lower GST signals were observed when comparing assay performance using a custom prepared Ni-NTA plate to a purchased Ni-NTA plate. The Hsp90-Hop interaction assays were also performed using an alternative assay format in which the GST-TPR2A fusion proteins were immobilised on glutathione-coated plates and binding of the His-tagged C-terminal domains detected with a nickel-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate and a colorimetric HRP substrate. The assay showed higher interaction signals for the P. falciparum proteins but comparatively low signals for the mammalian proteins. Z’-factor values for the assay were above 0.8 for both protein sets, suggesting this assay format is superior to the GST assay. However, further optimisation of this assay format is required. This study demonstrated direct binding of PfHsp90-PfHop in vitro and established a novel and robust PfHsp90-PfHop interaction assay format that can be used in future screening campaigns.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Investigating the viability and performance of a pilot scale Fly Ash/Lime Filter Tower (FLFT) for greywater treatment and the fate of Triclosan post treatment
- Authors: Nondlazi, Sinoyolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63704 , vital:28473
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nondlazi, Sinoyolo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63704 , vital:28473
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
I won’t be long
- Mhlambi, Ntombi Kayise Millicent
- Authors: Mhlambi, Ntombi Kayise Millicent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- South Africa , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63603 , vital:28446
- Description: My thesis is a weave of short stories, flash fiction and vignettes of prose-poetry. It uses lyrical, scenic and explorative modes to explore the stories of women, past, present and future, from all walks of life. These women, young and old, struggle to find their way within a ‘world’ characterised as Salithambo (the pink castle) whose structures and survival preys on their bodies. The stories explore the themes of girlhood and maturation, violence (specifically against women), animality, scatology, time, gender roles and expectations, and their rejection. I draw inspiration, stylistically, from Irenosen Okojie’s depiction of beauty and terror in the same sentence; Selah Saterstrom’s fragmented plot and directorial stroke; Taban Lo Liyong & Amos Tutuola’s avant-gardism and amplification of language; Adania Shibli’s sensorial and spare prose, Lyudmila Petrushevskaya, Lily Hoang & Carol Oates’ normalized magic spell, Athena Villaverde & Espido Freire’s imaginative overload of childhood; Shelley Jackson & Chevisa Woods’ construction of body parts as bearing texts or as texts themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mhlambi, Ntombi Kayise Millicent
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- South Africa , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , South African poetry (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63603 , vital:28446
- Description: My thesis is a weave of short stories, flash fiction and vignettes of prose-poetry. It uses lyrical, scenic and explorative modes to explore the stories of women, past, present and future, from all walks of life. These women, young and old, struggle to find their way within a ‘world’ characterised as Salithambo (the pink castle) whose structures and survival preys on their bodies. The stories explore the themes of girlhood and maturation, violence (specifically against women), animality, scatology, time, gender roles and expectations, and their rejection. I draw inspiration, stylistically, from Irenosen Okojie’s depiction of beauty and terror in the same sentence; Selah Saterstrom’s fragmented plot and directorial stroke; Taban Lo Liyong & Amos Tutuola’s avant-gardism and amplification of language; Adania Shibli’s sensorial and spare prose, Lyudmila Petrushevskaya, Lily Hoang & Carol Oates’ normalized magic spell, Athena Villaverde & Espido Freire’s imaginative overload of childhood; Shelley Jackson & Chevisa Woods’ construction of body parts as bearing texts or as texts themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Quantification of pre-competitive sleep/wake behaviour in a sample of South African cyclists
- Authors: Steenekamp, Travis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sleep deprivation , Cyclists Health and hygiene South Africa , Sleep Physiological aspects , Performance , Performance anxiety
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59015 , vital:27408
- Description: The quantification of athlete pre-competitive sleep behaviour is of interest owing to the possibility that sleep loss may have a negative effect on health and performance. The purpose of this study was to monitor and quantify the sleep/wake patterns of South African cyclists prior to competitive races. A total of 336 cyclists, male and female and of differing competition levels, cycling in either the 2015 Tsogo Sun Amashova or the 2016 Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge completed an altered version of the Competitive Sports and Sleep Questionnaire. The questionnaire asked cyclists to report on precompetitive sleep over the past year. A subset of 92 cyclists also recorded a Core Consensus Sleep Diary for the three nights leading up to the races. The questionnaire showed that 67% of the cyclists reported worsened sleep at least once prior to competition within the past 12 months. The sleep diary found that the cyclists’ average sleep duration the night before the races was 6h19min (±1h38min), which was significantly less than two and three nights prior to the races. Sleep quality was also shown to deteriorate significantly the night before the races. The contributing factors leading to worsened pre-competitive sleep were the time the cyclists had to wake-up as well as perceived increases in sleep latency and awakenings after sleep onset. Anxiety was found to be the major cause of sleep disturbances. While females were found to be significantly more likely to report having experienced poorer sleep before competition in the past year, the sleep diary showed no difference in sleep the night before the races between the sexes. Females were significantly more likely to report instances of unpleasant dreams and waking up during the night. Again, the sleep diary data did not corroborate these findings. Females were also found to report significantly more accounts of nervousness or thoughts about competition as being the cause of sleep problems. There was no difference in sleep loss the night before competition when comparing competition-level groups. The only significant difference was that recreational cyclists were more likely to report sleeping in foreign environments as a cause of sleep disturbances. Despite a large percentage of cyclists experiencing pre-competitive sleep loss, over half (55%) perceived sleep loss to have no impact on their performance. Analysis of pre-sleep behaviour also revealed that the cyclists engaged in several practices that may have a negative effect on subsequent sleep. The vast majority of the cyclists (61%) indicated having no specific strategy to help them sleep the night before competition. Fifteen percent of cyclists reporting using media devices to help them fall asleep, a practice that has been shown to disrupt sleep. In conclusion, most cyclists, regardless of sex and level of competition experience precompetitive sleep loss attributed largely to anxiety but with the perception that this loss in sleep does not negatively impact their performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Steenekamp, Travis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sleep deprivation , Cyclists Health and hygiene South Africa , Sleep Physiological aspects , Performance , Performance anxiety
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59015 , vital:27408
- Description: The quantification of athlete pre-competitive sleep behaviour is of interest owing to the possibility that sleep loss may have a negative effect on health and performance. The purpose of this study was to monitor and quantify the sleep/wake patterns of South African cyclists prior to competitive races. A total of 336 cyclists, male and female and of differing competition levels, cycling in either the 2015 Tsogo Sun Amashova or the 2016 Telkom 94.7 Cycle Challenge completed an altered version of the Competitive Sports and Sleep Questionnaire. The questionnaire asked cyclists to report on precompetitive sleep over the past year. A subset of 92 cyclists also recorded a Core Consensus Sleep Diary for the three nights leading up to the races. The questionnaire showed that 67% of the cyclists reported worsened sleep at least once prior to competition within the past 12 months. The sleep diary found that the cyclists’ average sleep duration the night before the races was 6h19min (±1h38min), which was significantly less than two and three nights prior to the races. Sleep quality was also shown to deteriorate significantly the night before the races. The contributing factors leading to worsened pre-competitive sleep were the time the cyclists had to wake-up as well as perceived increases in sleep latency and awakenings after sleep onset. Anxiety was found to be the major cause of sleep disturbances. While females were found to be significantly more likely to report having experienced poorer sleep before competition in the past year, the sleep diary showed no difference in sleep the night before the races between the sexes. Females were significantly more likely to report instances of unpleasant dreams and waking up during the night. Again, the sleep diary data did not corroborate these findings. Females were also found to report significantly more accounts of nervousness or thoughts about competition as being the cause of sleep problems. There was no difference in sleep loss the night before competition when comparing competition-level groups. The only significant difference was that recreational cyclists were more likely to report sleeping in foreign environments as a cause of sleep disturbances. Despite a large percentage of cyclists experiencing pre-competitive sleep loss, over half (55%) perceived sleep loss to have no impact on their performance. Analysis of pre-sleep behaviour also revealed that the cyclists engaged in several practices that may have a negative effect on subsequent sleep. The vast majority of the cyclists (61%) indicated having no specific strategy to help them sleep the night before competition. Fifteen percent of cyclists reporting using media devices to help them fall asleep, a practice that has been shown to disrupt sleep. In conclusion, most cyclists, regardless of sex and level of competition experience precompetitive sleep loss attributed largely to anxiety but with the perception that this loss in sleep does not negatively impact their performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A psychosocial reading of novice clinical psychologists’ talk about whiteness
- Authors: Kennedy, Brink
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Clinical psychology Practice South Africa , White people Race identity South Africa , White privilege (Social structure) South Africa , White people Race identity Psychological aspects , Intercultural communication , Psychoanalysis and racism South Africa , Mentalization Based Therapy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60212 , vital:27751
- Description: This research presents a case study report of interview encounters with two novice white South African clinical psychologists. A psychosocial research methodology is employed to examine the discursive strategies that participants engage in when speaking about whiteness in the context of their professional identity and practice, as well as to examine the ways in which these discursive strategies support or constrain ‘mentalizing’ in relation to raced experience. One case study highlights an individualistic discourse of ‘racial innocence’, which constructs the speaker as being free of racial enculturation and consciousness, eliding a broader social context. I argue that this discourse closes down mentalizing in relation to more difficult, intractable aspects of raced experience in clinical work, relating to differences in positionality as well as issues of inequality. I also propose that this discourse may be understood in terms of a ‘pretend’ mode of thought, where aspects of the wider social context and of race in particular are experienced as being unrelated to intimate personal experience. The other case study highlights a discourse of ‘uneasy whiteness’ that involves awareness of white positionality, and that is grounded in a constructionist sensibility. This positions the speaker as being inevitably implicated in white privilege and racism in ways that she may be ignorant of. I argue that the discourse facilitates a particular type of mentalizing that is sensitive to the interpellation of intimate personal experience with a wider social context that encompasses a range of discourses and practices. It closes down mentalizing, however, in so far as it allows a reified construction of whiteness. I find the concept of psychic equivalence, which equates external (concrete, factual) reality and internal (subjective, symbolic) reality, useful in terms of understanding this reification. Overall the research highlights the tension between constructionist and individualistic modes of thinking within clinical psychology research and practice in the South African context. At the level of methodology, it presents an example of how these modes may be integrated within research. At the level of content, it explores differences between constructionist and individualistic talk in relation to race and psychological practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kennedy, Brink
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Clinical psychology Practice South Africa , White people Race identity South Africa , White privilege (Social structure) South Africa , White people Race identity Psychological aspects , Intercultural communication , Psychoanalysis and racism South Africa , Mentalization Based Therapy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60212 , vital:27751
- Description: This research presents a case study report of interview encounters with two novice white South African clinical psychologists. A psychosocial research methodology is employed to examine the discursive strategies that participants engage in when speaking about whiteness in the context of their professional identity and practice, as well as to examine the ways in which these discursive strategies support or constrain ‘mentalizing’ in relation to raced experience. One case study highlights an individualistic discourse of ‘racial innocence’, which constructs the speaker as being free of racial enculturation and consciousness, eliding a broader social context. I argue that this discourse closes down mentalizing in relation to more difficult, intractable aspects of raced experience in clinical work, relating to differences in positionality as well as issues of inequality. I also propose that this discourse may be understood in terms of a ‘pretend’ mode of thought, where aspects of the wider social context and of race in particular are experienced as being unrelated to intimate personal experience. The other case study highlights a discourse of ‘uneasy whiteness’ that involves awareness of white positionality, and that is grounded in a constructionist sensibility. This positions the speaker as being inevitably implicated in white privilege and racism in ways that she may be ignorant of. I argue that the discourse facilitates a particular type of mentalizing that is sensitive to the interpellation of intimate personal experience with a wider social context that encompasses a range of discourses and practices. It closes down mentalizing, however, in so far as it allows a reified construction of whiteness. I find the concept of psychic equivalence, which equates external (concrete, factual) reality and internal (subjective, symbolic) reality, useful in terms of understanding this reification. Overall the research highlights the tension between constructionist and individualistic modes of thinking within clinical psychology research and practice in the South African context. At the level of methodology, it presents an example of how these modes may be integrated within research. At the level of content, it explores differences between constructionist and individualistic talk in relation to race and psychological practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The English East India Company and the British Crown: c. 1795-1803, the first occupation at the Cape of Good Hope
- Authors: Jordan, Calvin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: East India Company , East India Company -- Influence , Cape of Good Hope (Colony) , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- History -- 1795-1872 , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 1795-1872 , British -- South Africa -- History -- 19th century , Great Britain -- Colonies -- Commerce , Great Britain -- Colonies -- Administration -- History -- 19th century , Merchant marine -- Great Britain -- History
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63164 , vital:28369
- Description: My thesis aims to investigate the relationship between the English East India Company (EEIC) and the British colonial administration at the Cape of Good Hope during the first British occupation (1795 to 1803). Studies and literature that concern the EEIC have rarely gone beyond the surface, detailing the presence of the EEIC at the Cape, and neglecting the Company’s involvement in the administration thereof. My thesis draws on prior works but attempts to address both temporal and spatial gaps in this literature on the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, and the history of the EEIC. This study takes note of the seaborne related activity around the ports, bays and islands at the Cape – including the regulation of these spaces and issues related to securing British trade and colonial possessions more generally. I question the framing of the Cape primarily as a constituent of a national unit by locating the colony within a broader global and maritime context. A key interest is to determine the degree to which the EEIC influenced and participated in the British governance of the Cape, particularly by exploring the maritime dimensions of the relationship between the EEIC and colonial governance during this particular period. This involves understanding the embeddedness of the Cape in British (Crown and Company) networks and the constitution of a ‘British maritime zone’. This study uses archival sources drawn from the British colonial government records, Company records, and the private diaries and letters of Lady Anne Barnard that relate to the Cape. It is shown that a uniquely configured governance convention was constituted to secure the mutual commercial and imperial interests of both Crown and Company. By keeping the Cape secure, the British sought to keep their greater seaborne Empire secure. This study reveals that the EEIC was significantly involved in and influenced the way the British administration governed the Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jordan, Calvin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: East India Company , East India Company -- Influence , Cape of Good Hope (Colony) , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- History -- 1795-1872 , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Politics and government -- 1795-1872 , British -- South Africa -- History -- 19th century , Great Britain -- Colonies -- Commerce , Great Britain -- Colonies -- Administration -- History -- 19th century , Merchant marine -- Great Britain -- History
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63164 , vital:28369
- Description: My thesis aims to investigate the relationship between the English East India Company (EEIC) and the British colonial administration at the Cape of Good Hope during the first British occupation (1795 to 1803). Studies and literature that concern the EEIC have rarely gone beyond the surface, detailing the presence of the EEIC at the Cape, and neglecting the Company’s involvement in the administration thereof. My thesis draws on prior works but attempts to address both temporal and spatial gaps in this literature on the Atlantic and Indian Ocean, and the history of the EEIC. This study takes note of the seaborne related activity around the ports, bays and islands at the Cape – including the regulation of these spaces and issues related to securing British trade and colonial possessions more generally. I question the framing of the Cape primarily as a constituent of a national unit by locating the colony within a broader global and maritime context. A key interest is to determine the degree to which the EEIC influenced and participated in the British governance of the Cape, particularly by exploring the maritime dimensions of the relationship between the EEIC and colonial governance during this particular period. This involves understanding the embeddedness of the Cape in British (Crown and Company) networks and the constitution of a ‘British maritime zone’. This study uses archival sources drawn from the British colonial government records, Company records, and the private diaries and letters of Lady Anne Barnard that relate to the Cape. It is shown that a uniquely configured governance convention was constituted to secure the mutual commercial and imperial interests of both Crown and Company. By keeping the Cape secure, the British sought to keep their greater seaborne Empire secure. This study reveals that the EEIC was significantly involved in and influenced the way the British administration governed the Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Towards understanding the effect of size variation on the aggressive and feeding behaviours of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
- Authors: Babane, Siviwe Elvis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Feeding and feeds , Aquaculture , Fishes -- Cannibalism , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59592 , vital:27629
- Description: Many studies have been conducted on the effect of size-grading in other fish species. However, there is a paucity of scientific information on the effects of size variation on cannibalism of juvenile dusky kob. Thus, a study focusing on the effect of size variation on juvenile dusky kob aggressive and feeding (browsing) behaviours was conducted. Three separate groups of hatchery-reared juvenile dusky kob of were obtained from Oceanwise (Pty) Ltd for use in a series of three experimental trials. In all trials, juvenile fish of the same age were size-graded and the COV-value was used to determine the size variation. The focal fish (largest fish) was exposed to groups of fish with different size variation for 30-min. behavioural observations before and after feeding in randomised trials. The first experimental trial (Chapter 2) quantified the effect of increasing size variation and observation time on the aggressive and browsing behaviours of juvenile dusky kob. On average, juvenile dusky kob weighed 3.60 ± 0.68 g fish-1 and measured 5.8 ± 0.41 mm. Each focal fish was observed (a) before feeding in the morning, (b) 2 h after feeding, (c) 6 h after feeding and (d) 12 h after feeding. Fish increased browsing behaviours (averaging 6.60 ± 0.56) and decreased intimidating aggressive behaviours (18.60 ± 1.39) 12 h after feeding. Other aggressive behaviours occurred but did not differ between observation times. Aggressive and browsing behaviours positively correlated with size variation variables, predominantly, 12 h after feeding. An average frequency of 19 chases were observed positively correlated with size variation, followed by average frequencies of 17 body bites and browses, and 11 tail bites per 30 min. Some behaviours including average frequencies of 0.2 chases, 4 tail bites, 2.4 intimidating and 0.3 browsing behaviours negatively correlated with the size variation, generally closer to the last meal. These preliminary observations thus showed that fish have become hungry approximately 6-12 h after feeding and substituted certain behaviours for others as time after feeding passed and as size variation increased. The second experimental trial (Chapter 3) consisted of the observations further testing the relationship between aggressive behaviours and size variation of juveniles of dusky kob averaging 0.43 ± 0.27 g fish-1. The focal fish was exposed to groups of fish of four size variation (COV) treatments for observations before and 12 h after feeding. Aggressive behaviours positively correlated with size variation both before and 12 h after feeding. An average frequency of 437 body bites positively correlated more often with COV, followed by average frequencies of 365 intimidating behaviours and 199 tail bites per 30 min., respectively, before and 12 h after feeding. The least often exhibited aggressive behaviours averaged 26 chases while positively correlating with size variation on the times specified. An average frequency of 311 intimidating behaviours before and after feeding including average of 28 tail bites after feeding negatively correlated with size variation. This may relate to shift of behaviours depending on the needs and capacity of the fish. Apparently, aggressive fish can change its behaviour as a function of COV-values rather than the mean size of the other fish. The third trial (Chapter 4) investigated the effect of the aggressor’s (focal fish) size in relation its aggressive and browsing behaviours to other fish (non-focal fish). Juvenile fish used for this trial, on average, weighed 30 ± 7.63 g fish-1. Aggressive and browsing behaviours were observed in four treatments of a) high COV and mean weight below, b) low COV and mean weight less, c) high COV and mean weight equivalent to and d) low COV and mean weight higher than that of the focal fish. Increased frequencies of aggressive and browsing behaviours per 30 min. occurred in treatment A, sharing similar frequencies in treatment C, compared to the other treatments (B and D) which shared certain frequencies. The intimidating behaviours predominated, followed by browsing, body bites, chases and tail bites, respectively. The results of the overall study suggest that the time passed after feeding and increasing size variation and differences facilitated aggressive and browsing behaviours in juvenile dusky kob. Dusky kob showed increasing aggressive behaviours as early as in the first two weeks after hatching, averaging 0.43 ± 0.27 g fish-1 with the frequency correlating with size differences. Consistent size-grading technique in the same-age fish should be used to manage size variation associated with aggressive behaviours. The period of about 4-6 h after feeding may explain the noticeable increased aggressive and browsing behaviours. Thus, fish should be fed immediately before or after evacuation of their guts to maintain less-aggressive behaviours of juvenile dusky kob. Fish generally increased aggressive and browsing acts before and long time after feeding than closer to after feeding. The study has provided the fundamental scientific groundwork for fish farmers and future researchers can further explore size variation, time after feeding and gut evacuation rate as critical components of aggressive behaviours. The scientific knowledge of aggressive and cannibalistic behaviours has essential application in farming management to achieve improved survival and growth rates in juvenile fish.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Babane, Siviwe Elvis
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Feeding and feeds , Aquaculture , Fishes -- Cannibalism , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59592 , vital:27629
- Description: Many studies have been conducted on the effect of size-grading in other fish species. However, there is a paucity of scientific information on the effects of size variation on cannibalism of juvenile dusky kob. Thus, a study focusing on the effect of size variation on juvenile dusky kob aggressive and feeding (browsing) behaviours was conducted. Three separate groups of hatchery-reared juvenile dusky kob of were obtained from Oceanwise (Pty) Ltd for use in a series of three experimental trials. In all trials, juvenile fish of the same age were size-graded and the COV-value was used to determine the size variation. The focal fish (largest fish) was exposed to groups of fish with different size variation for 30-min. behavioural observations before and after feeding in randomised trials. The first experimental trial (Chapter 2) quantified the effect of increasing size variation and observation time on the aggressive and browsing behaviours of juvenile dusky kob. On average, juvenile dusky kob weighed 3.60 ± 0.68 g fish-1 and measured 5.8 ± 0.41 mm. Each focal fish was observed (a) before feeding in the morning, (b) 2 h after feeding, (c) 6 h after feeding and (d) 12 h after feeding. Fish increased browsing behaviours (averaging 6.60 ± 0.56) and decreased intimidating aggressive behaviours (18.60 ± 1.39) 12 h after feeding. Other aggressive behaviours occurred but did not differ between observation times. Aggressive and browsing behaviours positively correlated with size variation variables, predominantly, 12 h after feeding. An average frequency of 19 chases were observed positively correlated with size variation, followed by average frequencies of 17 body bites and browses, and 11 tail bites per 30 min. Some behaviours including average frequencies of 0.2 chases, 4 tail bites, 2.4 intimidating and 0.3 browsing behaviours negatively correlated with the size variation, generally closer to the last meal. These preliminary observations thus showed that fish have become hungry approximately 6-12 h after feeding and substituted certain behaviours for others as time after feeding passed and as size variation increased. The second experimental trial (Chapter 3) consisted of the observations further testing the relationship between aggressive behaviours and size variation of juveniles of dusky kob averaging 0.43 ± 0.27 g fish-1. The focal fish was exposed to groups of fish of four size variation (COV) treatments for observations before and 12 h after feeding. Aggressive behaviours positively correlated with size variation both before and 12 h after feeding. An average frequency of 437 body bites positively correlated more often with COV, followed by average frequencies of 365 intimidating behaviours and 199 tail bites per 30 min., respectively, before and 12 h after feeding. The least often exhibited aggressive behaviours averaged 26 chases while positively correlating with size variation on the times specified. An average frequency of 311 intimidating behaviours before and after feeding including average of 28 tail bites after feeding negatively correlated with size variation. This may relate to shift of behaviours depending on the needs and capacity of the fish. Apparently, aggressive fish can change its behaviour as a function of COV-values rather than the mean size of the other fish. The third trial (Chapter 4) investigated the effect of the aggressor’s (focal fish) size in relation its aggressive and browsing behaviours to other fish (non-focal fish). Juvenile fish used for this trial, on average, weighed 30 ± 7.63 g fish-1. Aggressive and browsing behaviours were observed in four treatments of a) high COV and mean weight below, b) low COV and mean weight less, c) high COV and mean weight equivalent to and d) low COV and mean weight higher than that of the focal fish. Increased frequencies of aggressive and browsing behaviours per 30 min. occurred in treatment A, sharing similar frequencies in treatment C, compared to the other treatments (B and D) which shared certain frequencies. The intimidating behaviours predominated, followed by browsing, body bites, chases and tail bites, respectively. The results of the overall study suggest that the time passed after feeding and increasing size variation and differences facilitated aggressive and browsing behaviours in juvenile dusky kob. Dusky kob showed increasing aggressive behaviours as early as in the first two weeks after hatching, averaging 0.43 ± 0.27 g fish-1 with the frequency correlating with size differences. Consistent size-grading technique in the same-age fish should be used to manage size variation associated with aggressive behaviours. The period of about 4-6 h after feeding may explain the noticeable increased aggressive and browsing behaviours. Thus, fish should be fed immediately before or after evacuation of their guts to maintain less-aggressive behaviours of juvenile dusky kob. Fish generally increased aggressive and browsing acts before and long time after feeding than closer to after feeding. The study has provided the fundamental scientific groundwork for fish farmers and future researchers can further explore size variation, time after feeding and gut evacuation rate as critical components of aggressive behaviours. The scientific knowledge of aggressive and cannibalistic behaviours has essential application in farming management to achieve improved survival and growth rates in juvenile fish.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
There’s another story here
- Authors: Nkosi, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- South Africa , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63065 , vital:28360
- Description: Written in fragments and combining fiction and narrative non-fiction, this novella explores how South Africa's history of violence and current violence against women affects and influences how women relate to each other. Based in the knowledge that our memories and behaviours are linked to the experiences of our ancestors via our bodies, I engage what our violent history and the disappearing myths that are still embedded in our bloodstream mean for life today. Drawing on the experiences of several generations of women in my family, current affairs and the lives of women close to me, my novella picks at the fragile things that hold us together. I take influence from the prose poetry in Claudia Rankine’s Citizen, and the use of fragmentation, myth and biography in Lydia Yuknavitch’s A Chronology of Water and Lily Hoang’s A Bestiary, and use an amalgam of genres to ask how we hold each other; how we breath, create, love and dream.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nkosi, Lindokuhle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) -- South Africa , South African fiction (English) -- 21st century , Short stories, South African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63065 , vital:28360
- Description: Written in fragments and combining fiction and narrative non-fiction, this novella explores how South Africa's history of violence and current violence against women affects and influences how women relate to each other. Based in the knowledge that our memories and behaviours are linked to the experiences of our ancestors via our bodies, I engage what our violent history and the disappearing myths that are still embedded in our bloodstream mean for life today. Drawing on the experiences of several generations of women in my family, current affairs and the lives of women close to me, my novella picks at the fragile things that hold us together. I take influence from the prose poetry in Claudia Rankine’s Citizen, and the use of fragmentation, myth and biography in Lydia Yuknavitch’s A Chronology of Water and Lily Hoang’s A Bestiary, and use an amalgam of genres to ask how we hold each other; how we breath, create, love and dream.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The environmental imagination in Arthur Nortje’s poetry
- Authors: Kaze, Douglas Eric
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nortje, Arthur, 1942-1970 -- Criticism and interpretation , Ecology in literature , Race awareness in literature , South African poetry (English) -- History and criticism , Nature in literature , Transversal postcolonial environmental criticism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58024 , vital:27033
- Description: This thesis seeks to contribute to the conversations in the humanities about the treatment of the physical environment in the context of a global ecological fragility and increased scholarly interest in the poetry of Arthur Nortje, a South African poet who wrote in the 1960s. While previous studies on Nortje concentrate on the political, psychic and technical aspects of his poetry, this study particularly explores the representations of the environment in Nortje’s poetic imagination. Writing in the dark period of apartheid in South Africa’s history, Nortje’s poetry articulates a strong interest in the physical environment against the backdrop of official racialization of space and his personal nomadic life and exile. The poetry abounds with constant intersections of nature and culture (industrialism, urbanity and the quotidian), a sense of place and a deep sense of dislocation. The poems, therefore, present a platform from which to reevaluate conventional ecocritical ideas about nature, place-attachment and environmental consciousness. Drawing mainly on Felix Guattari’s ideas of three ecologies and transversality along with other theories, I conduct the study through what I call a transversal postcolonial environmental criticism, which considers the ecological value of the kind of assemblages that Nortje’s works represent. The first chapter focuses on conceptualizing a postcolonial approach to the environment based on Guattari’s concept of transversality to lay the theoretical foundation for the whole work. The second chapter analyses Nortje’s poetic imagination of place and displacement through his treatment of the private-public tension and the motif of exile. While the third chapter examines Nortje’s depiction of nature as both an everyday and urban phenomenon, the fourth chapter turns to his direct treatment of environmental crises handled through his imagination of the Canadian urban spaces, exile memory of apartheid geography, war and ecocide and the human body as a subject of environmental degradation. The fifth chapter, which is the conclusion, takes a brief look at the implication of Nortje’s complex treatment of the environment on postcolonial environmentalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kaze, Douglas Eric
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nortje, Arthur, 1942-1970 -- Criticism and interpretation , Ecology in literature , Race awareness in literature , South African poetry (English) -- History and criticism , Nature in literature , Transversal postcolonial environmental criticism
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58024 , vital:27033
- Description: This thesis seeks to contribute to the conversations in the humanities about the treatment of the physical environment in the context of a global ecological fragility and increased scholarly interest in the poetry of Arthur Nortje, a South African poet who wrote in the 1960s. While previous studies on Nortje concentrate on the political, psychic and technical aspects of his poetry, this study particularly explores the representations of the environment in Nortje’s poetic imagination. Writing in the dark period of apartheid in South Africa’s history, Nortje’s poetry articulates a strong interest in the physical environment against the backdrop of official racialization of space and his personal nomadic life and exile. The poetry abounds with constant intersections of nature and culture (industrialism, urbanity and the quotidian), a sense of place and a deep sense of dislocation. The poems, therefore, present a platform from which to reevaluate conventional ecocritical ideas about nature, place-attachment and environmental consciousness. Drawing mainly on Felix Guattari’s ideas of three ecologies and transversality along with other theories, I conduct the study through what I call a transversal postcolonial environmental criticism, which considers the ecological value of the kind of assemblages that Nortje’s works represent. The first chapter focuses on conceptualizing a postcolonial approach to the environment based on Guattari’s concept of transversality to lay the theoretical foundation for the whole work. The second chapter analyses Nortje’s poetic imagination of place and displacement through his treatment of the private-public tension and the motif of exile. While the third chapter examines Nortje’s depiction of nature as both an everyday and urban phenomenon, the fourth chapter turns to his direct treatment of environmental crises handled through his imagination of the Canadian urban spaces, exile memory of apartheid geography, war and ecocide and the human body as a subject of environmental degradation. The fifth chapter, which is the conclusion, takes a brief look at the implication of Nortje’s complex treatment of the environment on postcolonial environmentalism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Waste management knowledge, its production, recontextualisation and circulation in Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) training programmes
- Authors: Giqwa, Nomfundiso Louisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Refuse and refuse disposal -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Environmental Affairs , Knowledge, Theory of , Knowledge, Sociology of
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63729 , vital:28478
- Description: This study set out to investigate the structuring, recontextualisation and circulation of waste management knowledge in the South African environmental Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Waste Management Projects. In this thesis these projects also referred to as the Working on Waste (WoW) programme or focus area within the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP) hosted by the National Department of Environmental Affairs. Expanded Public Work Programmes are a strategy used by governments to address unemployment and in South Africa; the programmes also seek to address a need for skills development. In this study, the focus is on EPWP waste management knowledge, training programmes and activities only. With waste management knowledge as the core interest, the focus of the investigation was on knowledge circulation of waste management via informal (participation in the project) and formal training of workers at Level 2 National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The study started by firstly investigating what waste management knowledge is produced in the Field of Production via scientific research and policy. It then studied how this waste management knowledge is recontextualised into qualifications and skills programmes designed in the official recontextualising field and learning materials and training programmes designed and offered in the professional recontextualising field. The study also focused on the knowledge of workers and their experience of training in the EPWP workplaces, with an emphasis on rural workplaces. This is where the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is placing emphasis on training for job creation, empowerment and skills development, and it is also where a number of EPWP Working on Waste programmes are being implemented. The aim was also to develop an understanding of how knowledge circulates amongst learners in training sessions and in workplaces. To do this, I drew on Bernstein’s theory of the pedagogical device which provides theoretical lenses and a language of description to explain how knowledge is recontextualised from the field of production to the field of reproduction. To investigate the structuring of this knowledge by official and pedagogical recontextualisers, I drew on the work of Maton, who offers a Legitimation Code Theory to explain the principles structuring knowledge, of which I used specialisation and semantics (two of his suite of knowledge structuring principles) for analysis. The questions that guided the study throughout were: 1. What is the structure of legitimate knowledge and knowers in waste management? 2. What are the underlying principles underpinning knowledge and knowers in waste management? 3. How is the knowledge recontextualised in waste management training qualifications, documents and manuals for worker training at NQF Level 2? 4. How is the knowledge reproduced and evaluated in the waste management EPWP training activities (formal) and workplaces (informal)? 5. How does waste management knowledge circulate amongst the workers in the EPWP training activities and workplaces? For this study I used the case study method, focusing only on one field or DEA EPWP focus area (waste management) and one programme (EPWP Working on Waste), looking in more depth at two cases (two similar types of projects) within the EPWP Working on Waste programme, though they are situated in different areas and though I could only carry through observations of actual workplace training in one of the two sites due to contextual circumstances. The first project was situated in the Amathole District Municipality while the second one was situated in the Chris Hani District Municipality, both of which are in the rural towns of the former Transkei region in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This area has been at the forefront in accessing funding for these projects due to the level of poverty surrounding these towns and the inability of the local government sphere to deliver on its mandate in the region. Data was collected through document analysis, questionnaires, interviews and observations. Documents analysed were research documents produced by researchers at the level of production as well as legal frameworks guiding waste management processes in this country. Qualifications and Unit Standards at Level 2, as well as training materials designed by providers were analysed. Training in one of the projects was observed and workers in both sites were interviewed twice. The main finding of the study is that waste management knowledge is characterised by interdisciplinarity and a strong epistemic relation which emphasises procedural and technical forms of knowledge. The study found that the knowledge constructed in the field, as well as the policies, qualifications and training programmes are all consequently characterised by a strong epistemic code (ER+) and a weak social relations code (SR-). The study also identified a ‘code clash’ with the knowledge of workers in rural towns whose knowledge and experience of waste management was found to reflect a strong social relation (SR+) and weak epistemic code (ER-), a pattern which was traced back to a similar code in waste management knowledge at home and school (i.e. workers’ prior knowledge and learning experiences). This created difficulties for the trainers who sought to use strategies of descending from the abstract to the concrete in various ‘descending’ semantic waves that tended to move from high levels of semantic density (SD+) to lower levels of semantic density (SD-) as the training provider sought to contextualise a range of concepts. This was the main strategy identified for mediating waste management knowledge reflecting a dominant pattern of SD+/SG- to SD-/SG+ (with SG meaning semantic gravity). This shows that the trainer seldom started mediating concepts from the basis of workers’ prior knowledge and experience and observations showed little responsiveness from workers resulting from this strategy. Despite this, the study found that workers did develop an improved understanding of specialised waste management knowledge over time, especially through observing and doing more complex tasks in the workplace. The study offers a model for addressing the pedagogical difficulty identified around the code clash, and suggests that further attention needs to be given to ‘ascending’ from the concrete to the abstract in pedagogical practices. The study also pointed to the need for a more inclusive knowledge framework for waste management training, especially in the field of recontextualisation (both the official and pedagogical recontextualisation fields) to extend possibilities for workers to learn more about economic potential and access routes into more sustainable jobs. It identifies the need for a more systemic approach to waste management in rural towns and municipalities, improved compliance and also proposes that better waste management practices are modelled to avoid performative contradictions between the knowledge promoted in the field of production and the official and pedagogical recontextualising fields and the field of reproduction, where workers are learning this knowledge via a mix of accredited training and exposure to participation in waste management practices. This study contributes to new knowledge in that it offers an epistemically grounded and theorised pedagogical process model for Level 2 Waste Management Training (in the EPWP programmes, but potentially also more broadly) that accords with the need for a strong epistemic relation code (ER+) embodied in the need for learning scientific and technical waste management knowledge and procedures. It also addresses workers’ needs for greater epistemic access and participation in knowledge building and application of waste management knowledge in praxis as per the purpose of the EPW training programmes, thereby potentially opening up more sustainable learning pathways for them out of poverty through the EPWP training opportunities. The study has pointed to key areas for further research, including further research on the proposed model, further research into Level 2 pedagogical practices and further research into the foundations of waste management learning in schools. Most of the workers who were participating in the training in the EPWP programmes were educated at above Level 2 before participating in the projects, yet their knowledge and experience of waste management was mostly based on everyday knowledge, pointing to an absence of adequate waste management education in schools in rural contexts in South Africa. The study has also made various recommendations for improving waste management education and training at Level 2 in EPWP programmes in rural areas in particular (but potentially also more widely), notably the need to develop a more inclusive knowledge framework that includes historical and economic knowledge more explicitly at all levels of the recontextualisation process; improved pedagogical and assessment practices that take better account of learners knowledge and experiences in knowledge building processes; and giving attention to structural and systemic approaches to waste management in rural areas to avoid performative contradictions that arise between the knowledge being promoted in the field of production and the field of reproduction and the actual context of waste management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Giqwa, Nomfundiso Louisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa. Expanded Public Works Programme , Refuse and refuse disposal -- Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Environmental Affairs , Knowledge, Theory of , Knowledge, Sociology of
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63729 , vital:28478
- Description: This study set out to investigate the structuring, recontextualisation and circulation of waste management knowledge in the South African environmental Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Waste Management Projects. In this thesis these projects also referred to as the Working on Waste (WoW) programme or focus area within the Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programme (EPIP) hosted by the National Department of Environmental Affairs. Expanded Public Work Programmes are a strategy used by governments to address unemployment and in South Africa; the programmes also seek to address a need for skills development. In this study, the focus is on EPWP waste management knowledge, training programmes and activities only. With waste management knowledge as the core interest, the focus of the investigation was on knowledge circulation of waste management via informal (participation in the project) and formal training of workers at Level 2 National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The study started by firstly investigating what waste management knowledge is produced in the Field of Production via scientific research and policy. It then studied how this waste management knowledge is recontextualised into qualifications and skills programmes designed in the official recontextualising field and learning materials and training programmes designed and offered in the professional recontextualising field. The study also focused on the knowledge of workers and their experience of training in the EPWP workplaces, with an emphasis on rural workplaces. This is where the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is placing emphasis on training for job creation, empowerment and skills development, and it is also where a number of EPWP Working on Waste programmes are being implemented. The aim was also to develop an understanding of how knowledge circulates amongst learners in training sessions and in workplaces. To do this, I drew on Bernstein’s theory of the pedagogical device which provides theoretical lenses and a language of description to explain how knowledge is recontextualised from the field of production to the field of reproduction. To investigate the structuring of this knowledge by official and pedagogical recontextualisers, I drew on the work of Maton, who offers a Legitimation Code Theory to explain the principles structuring knowledge, of which I used specialisation and semantics (two of his suite of knowledge structuring principles) for analysis. The questions that guided the study throughout were: 1. What is the structure of legitimate knowledge and knowers in waste management? 2. What are the underlying principles underpinning knowledge and knowers in waste management? 3. How is the knowledge recontextualised in waste management training qualifications, documents and manuals for worker training at NQF Level 2? 4. How is the knowledge reproduced and evaluated in the waste management EPWP training activities (formal) and workplaces (informal)? 5. How does waste management knowledge circulate amongst the workers in the EPWP training activities and workplaces? For this study I used the case study method, focusing only on one field or DEA EPWP focus area (waste management) and one programme (EPWP Working on Waste), looking in more depth at two cases (two similar types of projects) within the EPWP Working on Waste programme, though they are situated in different areas and though I could only carry through observations of actual workplace training in one of the two sites due to contextual circumstances. The first project was situated in the Amathole District Municipality while the second one was situated in the Chris Hani District Municipality, both of which are in the rural towns of the former Transkei region in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This area has been at the forefront in accessing funding for these projects due to the level of poverty surrounding these towns and the inability of the local government sphere to deliver on its mandate in the region. Data was collected through document analysis, questionnaires, interviews and observations. Documents analysed were research documents produced by researchers at the level of production as well as legal frameworks guiding waste management processes in this country. Qualifications and Unit Standards at Level 2, as well as training materials designed by providers were analysed. Training in one of the projects was observed and workers in both sites were interviewed twice. The main finding of the study is that waste management knowledge is characterised by interdisciplinarity and a strong epistemic relation which emphasises procedural and technical forms of knowledge. The study found that the knowledge constructed in the field, as well as the policies, qualifications and training programmes are all consequently characterised by a strong epistemic code (ER+) and a weak social relations code (SR-). The study also identified a ‘code clash’ with the knowledge of workers in rural towns whose knowledge and experience of waste management was found to reflect a strong social relation (SR+) and weak epistemic code (ER-), a pattern which was traced back to a similar code in waste management knowledge at home and school (i.e. workers’ prior knowledge and learning experiences). This created difficulties for the trainers who sought to use strategies of descending from the abstract to the concrete in various ‘descending’ semantic waves that tended to move from high levels of semantic density (SD+) to lower levels of semantic density (SD-) as the training provider sought to contextualise a range of concepts. This was the main strategy identified for mediating waste management knowledge reflecting a dominant pattern of SD+/SG- to SD-/SG+ (with SG meaning semantic gravity). This shows that the trainer seldom started mediating concepts from the basis of workers’ prior knowledge and experience and observations showed little responsiveness from workers resulting from this strategy. Despite this, the study found that workers did develop an improved understanding of specialised waste management knowledge over time, especially through observing and doing more complex tasks in the workplace. The study offers a model for addressing the pedagogical difficulty identified around the code clash, and suggests that further attention needs to be given to ‘ascending’ from the concrete to the abstract in pedagogical practices. The study also pointed to the need for a more inclusive knowledge framework for waste management training, especially in the field of recontextualisation (both the official and pedagogical recontextualisation fields) to extend possibilities for workers to learn more about economic potential and access routes into more sustainable jobs. It identifies the need for a more systemic approach to waste management in rural towns and municipalities, improved compliance and also proposes that better waste management practices are modelled to avoid performative contradictions between the knowledge promoted in the field of production and the official and pedagogical recontextualising fields and the field of reproduction, where workers are learning this knowledge via a mix of accredited training and exposure to participation in waste management practices. This study contributes to new knowledge in that it offers an epistemically grounded and theorised pedagogical process model for Level 2 Waste Management Training (in the EPWP programmes, but potentially also more broadly) that accords with the need for a strong epistemic relation code (ER+) embodied in the need for learning scientific and technical waste management knowledge and procedures. It also addresses workers’ needs for greater epistemic access and participation in knowledge building and application of waste management knowledge in praxis as per the purpose of the EPW training programmes, thereby potentially opening up more sustainable learning pathways for them out of poverty through the EPWP training opportunities. The study has pointed to key areas for further research, including further research on the proposed model, further research into Level 2 pedagogical practices and further research into the foundations of waste management learning in schools. Most of the workers who were participating in the training in the EPWP programmes were educated at above Level 2 before participating in the projects, yet their knowledge and experience of waste management was mostly based on everyday knowledge, pointing to an absence of adequate waste management education in schools in rural contexts in South Africa. The study has also made various recommendations for improving waste management education and training at Level 2 in EPWP programmes in rural areas in particular (but potentially also more widely), notably the need to develop a more inclusive knowledge framework that includes historical and economic knowledge more explicitly at all levels of the recontextualisation process; improved pedagogical and assessment practices that take better account of learners knowledge and experiences in knowledge building processes; and giving attention to structural and systemic approaches to waste management in rural areas to avoid performative contradictions that arise between the knowledge being promoted in the field of production and the field of reproduction and the actual context of waste management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Themes in self-presentation on a gay male dating site: a content analysis of the profiles of a sample of online daters from the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Lelimo, Thabang Lucky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- Identity , Self-presentation , Homophobia -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and sex , Communication and sex
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60233 , vital:27757
- Description: My thesis research explores themes in self-presentation in the dating profiles of gay men from the Eastern Cape Province on an online dating site for men only. Although there is a growing body of research on this topic, this research is generally located in Europe and North America. In South Africa, research on same-sex intimacies has a chequered history. In the apartheid past, gay men and lesbian women were largely ignored by psychologists and social scientists. And, when they did receive their attention, it was largely discriminatory. In the post-apartheid context, there is far more interest in queer sexualities. However, as this research focuses on HIV transmission and on discrimination and violent homophobia, it too has played a role in painting a gloomy picture of what it means to be queer in South Africa. This study both address a ‘gap in literature’ on gay male dating online by focusing on the South African context, and it addresses the crisis of representation by giving consideration to the ways in which gay men see and present themselves to others. This study takes the form of a content analysis of 200 dating profiles. Key themes in self-presentation emerging in the analysis are: Ethnicity; Age; Education; Geographic Location; Living Arrangements; Sexuality; Relationship Status; Lifestyle; Appearance; Political Outlook; Personality; Faith. I discuss important observations relating to these themes and the insights they provide on key issues shaping public debate on same-sex sexualities in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lelimo, Thabang Lucky
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Online dating -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- Identity , Self-presentation , Homophobia -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Gay men -- Sexual behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and sex , Communication and sex
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60233 , vital:27757
- Description: My thesis research explores themes in self-presentation in the dating profiles of gay men from the Eastern Cape Province on an online dating site for men only. Although there is a growing body of research on this topic, this research is generally located in Europe and North America. In South Africa, research on same-sex intimacies has a chequered history. In the apartheid past, gay men and lesbian women were largely ignored by psychologists and social scientists. And, when they did receive their attention, it was largely discriminatory. In the post-apartheid context, there is far more interest in queer sexualities. However, as this research focuses on HIV transmission and on discrimination and violent homophobia, it too has played a role in painting a gloomy picture of what it means to be queer in South Africa. This study both address a ‘gap in literature’ on gay male dating online by focusing on the South African context, and it addresses the crisis of representation by giving consideration to the ways in which gay men see and present themselves to others. This study takes the form of a content analysis of 200 dating profiles. Key themes in self-presentation emerging in the analysis are: Ethnicity; Age; Education; Geographic Location; Living Arrangements; Sexuality; Relationship Status; Lifestyle; Appearance; Political Outlook; Personality; Faith. I discuss important observations relating to these themes and the insights they provide on key issues shaping public debate on same-sex sexualities in the South African context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Development of a low-cost bioprinting system for the fabrication of cell-laden sodium alginate hydrogels
- Authors: Honiball, John Robert
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Regenerative medicine , Tissue engineering , Alginates , Colloids , Three-dimensional printing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59204 , vital:27470
- Description: Bioprinting is a rapidly expanding technology with the ability to fabricate in vitro 3D tissues in a layer-by-layer manner to ultimately produce a living tissue which physiologically resembles native in vivo tissue functionality. Unfortunately, large costs associated with commercially available bioprinters severely limit the amount of people/research groups with access to the technology. Here, we investigated the potential for modifying a commercially available RepRap Prusa iteration 3 (i3) three-dimensional (3D) printer, by replacing the traditional plastic-based print-head with various open-source syringe-housed microextrusion print-head units, such that deposition of composite bioinks consisting of cells, biopolymer scaffolds and/or biomolecules may be achieved at a relatively low cost. Using adipose-derived human mesenchymal stromal stem cells (ad-HMSC) induced for adipogenic differentiation, as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), the potential for fabricating vascularised adipose tissue was investigated. The non-toxic, inexpensive algal polysaccharide, sodium alginate, was used to test the printability of the system, as well as for investigating the functionality unmodified sodium alginate has for use as a potential bioink in adipose tissue engineering. Cell viability assays, namely WST-1 and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)/propidium iodide (PI) live/dead cell staining, revealed that ad-HMSC were viable after 7 days of culture. However, viability of HUVEC encapsulated hydrogels revealed significantly lower cell viability. Live/dead cell staining revealed that the modified printing system was able to print ad-HMSC/HUVEC co-cocultures with a large degree of cell viability after 1 day of culture. However, after 7 days of culture, the majority of cells were revealed to be dead. Furthermore, due to the lack of mechanical integrity possessed by alginate in a liquid-like state, printing sodium alginate hydrogels in air consistently resulted in deformation of printed constructs. The newly developed 3D printing technique termed freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) was therefore investigated as a means for achieving 3D spatial control of printed hydrogels using the modified system. Printing cell-free sodium alginate hydrogels within gelatin sacrificial support baths allowed for fabricating constructs in a spatially defined manner. However, overprinting and swelling of alginate hydrogels negatively affected the overall printing accuracy. The present study aimed to pave the way for further system modifications and refinements, such that the ultimate goal of low-cost bioprinting may be achieved. Further optimisation of printing parameters, hydrogel characteristics and sterilisation techniques may allow for fabricating viable, physiologically relevant tissues using the modified system developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Honiball, John Robert
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Regenerative medicine , Tissue engineering , Alginates , Colloids , Three-dimensional printing
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59204 , vital:27470
- Description: Bioprinting is a rapidly expanding technology with the ability to fabricate in vitro 3D tissues in a layer-by-layer manner to ultimately produce a living tissue which physiologically resembles native in vivo tissue functionality. Unfortunately, large costs associated with commercially available bioprinters severely limit the amount of people/research groups with access to the technology. Here, we investigated the potential for modifying a commercially available RepRap Prusa iteration 3 (i3) three-dimensional (3D) printer, by replacing the traditional plastic-based print-head with various open-source syringe-housed microextrusion print-head units, such that deposition of composite bioinks consisting of cells, biopolymer scaffolds and/or biomolecules may be achieved at a relatively low cost. Using adipose-derived human mesenchymal stromal stem cells (ad-HMSC) induced for adipogenic differentiation, as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), the potential for fabricating vascularised adipose tissue was investigated. The non-toxic, inexpensive algal polysaccharide, sodium alginate, was used to test the printability of the system, as well as for investigating the functionality unmodified sodium alginate has for use as a potential bioink in adipose tissue engineering. Cell viability assays, namely WST-1 and fluorescein diacetate (FDA)/propidium iodide (PI) live/dead cell staining, revealed that ad-HMSC were viable after 7 days of culture. However, viability of HUVEC encapsulated hydrogels revealed significantly lower cell viability. Live/dead cell staining revealed that the modified printing system was able to print ad-HMSC/HUVEC co-cocultures with a large degree of cell viability after 1 day of culture. However, after 7 days of culture, the majority of cells were revealed to be dead. Furthermore, due to the lack of mechanical integrity possessed by alginate in a liquid-like state, printing sodium alginate hydrogels in air consistently resulted in deformation of printed constructs. The newly developed 3D printing technique termed freeform reversible embedding of suspended hydrogels (FRESH) was therefore investigated as a means for achieving 3D spatial control of printed hydrogels using the modified system. Printing cell-free sodium alginate hydrogels within gelatin sacrificial support baths allowed for fabricating constructs in a spatially defined manner. However, overprinting and swelling of alginate hydrogels negatively affected the overall printing accuracy. The present study aimed to pave the way for further system modifications and refinements, such that the ultimate goal of low-cost bioprinting may be achieved. Further optimisation of printing parameters, hydrogel characteristics and sterilisation techniques may allow for fabricating viable, physiologically relevant tissues using the modified system developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Aspects Allocentristes de l’Humanisme dans l’Univers Romanesque de Williams Sassine
- Authors: Dami, Emmanuel Naancin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sassine, Williams, 1944-1997 -- Criticism and interpretation , Guinean fiction (French) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Humanism in literature , Human beings in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Existentialism in literature
- Language: French , English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61957 , vital:28089
- Description: The human being, his behaviour and more importantly, his very essence have, for time immemorial, proven to be enigmatic to many a man and to researchers in particular. Consequently, the need for a thorough and more profound understanding of man has made him the epicentre of epistemic investigations across many academic disciplines. This, unfortunately, does not seem to have shaded bright lights on the grey areas bordering on his nature to his behavior. This, in turn, opens up other windows requiring further probes. For instance, proponents of the Neo-classical economic school contend that the human being is homo oeconomicus. This implies that man is intrinsically egocentric and a rational being whose decisions are based on informed choices driven by his urge for maximal utility geared towards his personal satisfaction (O’Boyle 2009; Caruso 2012). This stance invalidates man’s ability to do ‘disinterested good’ in any form. African francophone literature is replete with different and diverse images of man, his behaviour and existential conditions: sufferings and struggles. It, therefore, constitutes, inter alia, a laboratory in which researchers undertake investigative endeavours. This thesis beams its floodlights on the allocentric aspects of humanism in the novels of Williams Sassine. Thus, using the phenomenological and ‘clavieniste’ lenses as overarching operational theories, the thesis investigates Sassine’s novels with the view to shading a ray of light on the ‘humanistic man’ especially the allocentric dimensions of his nature and comportment. Emphasis is laid on the motives and motivations underlying the individual and the in-group struggle of the sassinien heroes in the emancipation of their society from the shackles of colonial and postcolonial domination, exploitation and subjugation resulting in self-determination and the subsequent disenchantment. Furthermore, the thesis examines the nature and character of human charity, generosity and sacrifices among the characters in the novels. In conclusion, the thesis establishes, through an x-ray of the nature of actions and decisions of certain characters in the novels, the examination of the conscious and subconscious intentions underlying these same actions and decisions which, on a face value, are apparently altruistic, that the sassinien heroes’ efforts and sacrifices are geared towards the common and greater good. This invariably means that man is, indeed, capable of posing disinterested acts of charity and bringing succour, devoid of any ulterior motives for personal gain, to his fellow humans. The position of the Neo-classical economists is consequently over-assuming, sweeping and tad generalizing. The sassinien characters have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are humanists. Their nature, the remote and immediate causes of their fights, the goals and objectives of their struggles and their spirit of abnegation have indeed proven that “human beings have the right and the responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. [They have stood] for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on the human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities” (AHA 2017 : 3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dami, Emmanuel Naancin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sassine, Williams, 1944-1997 -- Criticism and interpretation , Guinean fiction (French) -- 20th century -- History and criticism , Humanism in literature , Human beings in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Existentialism in literature
- Language: French , English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61957 , vital:28089
- Description: The human being, his behaviour and more importantly, his very essence have, for time immemorial, proven to be enigmatic to many a man and to researchers in particular. Consequently, the need for a thorough and more profound understanding of man has made him the epicentre of epistemic investigations across many academic disciplines. This, unfortunately, does not seem to have shaded bright lights on the grey areas bordering on his nature to his behavior. This, in turn, opens up other windows requiring further probes. For instance, proponents of the Neo-classical economic school contend that the human being is homo oeconomicus. This implies that man is intrinsically egocentric and a rational being whose decisions are based on informed choices driven by his urge for maximal utility geared towards his personal satisfaction (O’Boyle 2009; Caruso 2012). This stance invalidates man’s ability to do ‘disinterested good’ in any form. African francophone literature is replete with different and diverse images of man, his behaviour and existential conditions: sufferings and struggles. It, therefore, constitutes, inter alia, a laboratory in which researchers undertake investigative endeavours. This thesis beams its floodlights on the allocentric aspects of humanism in the novels of Williams Sassine. Thus, using the phenomenological and ‘clavieniste’ lenses as overarching operational theories, the thesis investigates Sassine’s novels with the view to shading a ray of light on the ‘humanistic man’ especially the allocentric dimensions of his nature and comportment. Emphasis is laid on the motives and motivations underlying the individual and the in-group struggle of the sassinien heroes in the emancipation of their society from the shackles of colonial and postcolonial domination, exploitation and subjugation resulting in self-determination and the subsequent disenchantment. Furthermore, the thesis examines the nature and character of human charity, generosity and sacrifices among the characters in the novels. In conclusion, the thesis establishes, through an x-ray of the nature of actions and decisions of certain characters in the novels, the examination of the conscious and subconscious intentions underlying these same actions and decisions which, on a face value, are apparently altruistic, that the sassinien heroes’ efforts and sacrifices are geared towards the common and greater good. This invariably means that man is, indeed, capable of posing disinterested acts of charity and bringing succour, devoid of any ulterior motives for personal gain, to his fellow humans. The position of the Neo-classical economists is consequently over-assuming, sweeping and tad generalizing. The sassinien characters have demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are humanists. Their nature, the remote and immediate causes of their fights, the goals and objectives of their struggles and their spirit of abnegation have indeed proven that “human beings have the right and the responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives. [They have stood] for the building of a more humane society through an ethics based on the human and other natural values in a spirit of reason and free inquiry through human capabilities” (AHA 2017 : 3).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Biophysical monitoring of unphosphorylated STAT3 homodimerization
- Mtwebana, Sinethemba Siphokazi
- Authors: Mtwebana, Sinethemba Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63957 , vital:28514
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mtwebana, Sinethemba Siphokazi
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63957 , vital:28514
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A formative intervention for developing Learner Representative Council (LRC) voice and leadership in a newly established school in Namibia
- Authors: Amadhila, Linda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Education, Secondary -- Namibia , Student government -- Namibia , Student participation in administration -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61744 , vital:28054
- Description: In Namibian schools, learner voice and leadership are being promoted through the policy document entitled the Education Act 16 of2001 which provides an opportunity to establish Learner Representative Councils (LRCs) in secondary schools. However, recent studies have found that this body of learner leaders do not function all that effectively and sometimes exist for the sake of adhering to the policy. This prompted me to conduct an activity theoretical interventionist case- study within the critical paradigm, to develop LRC voice and leadership in a newly established Namibian school. Framed by Cultural Historical Activity Theory, the study was divided into two phases to answer the over-arching question: How can LRC voice and leadership be developed in a school? Phase one was largely interpretive, the contextual profiling phase, where document analysis, individual interviews, questionnaires and observations were used to generate data to answer the following research sub-questions: How is learner leadership understood in the school? What leadership development opportunities for the LRC currently exist in the school? What underlying factors constrain the development of LRC voice and leadership in the newly established school? Phase two of the study was the expansive learning phase, which consisted of three intervention workshops. The Change Laboratory method and a focus group interview were used to generate data in response to the last research sub-question: In what ways can LRC participation in a Change Laboratory process contribute to their leadership development? Data generated were inductively and deductively analysed, using the activity theoretical principles of contradictions and double stimulation. Data revealed that learner leadership was largely understood as managerial roles carried out by the LRC in the school. Unlike many schools in Namibia, this case-study school offered numerous leadership development opportunities for the LRC. The community networking events such as: School Exchange Programmes, Town Council breakfast and Junior Regional Council, were opportunities offered to the LRC to solicit information, exchange ideas and discuss matters of common interest with the LRCs of the fully established schools. However, there were a number of challenges that constrained LRC voice and leadership development, the major one being the fact that this was a newly established school. Of significance was that LRC participation in the Change Laboratory process contributed positively to the development of voice and leadership in learners. During this Change Laboratory process, the LRC developed a new artefact - the vision and mission statement of the school - this signified that the learners expansively transformed the object of their activity. Recommendations emerging out of the study included that the School Management Team see the ‘newly established’ status of the school as an opportunity for development, rather than a limitation, and therefore invite the LRC to participate in the different leadership practices as the school becomes established. A significant recommendation for school leadership research is to use the third generation of CHAT to expand the unit of analysis, in order to understand the leadership relations and power dynamics between multiple activity systems in schools as complex organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Amadhila, Linda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia , Educational leadership -- Namibia , Education, Secondary -- Namibia , Student government -- Namibia , Student participation in administration -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61744 , vital:28054
- Description: In Namibian schools, learner voice and leadership are being promoted through the policy document entitled the Education Act 16 of2001 which provides an opportunity to establish Learner Representative Councils (LRCs) in secondary schools. However, recent studies have found that this body of learner leaders do not function all that effectively and sometimes exist for the sake of adhering to the policy. This prompted me to conduct an activity theoretical interventionist case- study within the critical paradigm, to develop LRC voice and leadership in a newly established Namibian school. Framed by Cultural Historical Activity Theory, the study was divided into two phases to answer the over-arching question: How can LRC voice and leadership be developed in a school? Phase one was largely interpretive, the contextual profiling phase, where document analysis, individual interviews, questionnaires and observations were used to generate data to answer the following research sub-questions: How is learner leadership understood in the school? What leadership development opportunities for the LRC currently exist in the school? What underlying factors constrain the development of LRC voice and leadership in the newly established school? Phase two of the study was the expansive learning phase, which consisted of three intervention workshops. The Change Laboratory method and a focus group interview were used to generate data in response to the last research sub-question: In what ways can LRC participation in a Change Laboratory process contribute to their leadership development? Data generated were inductively and deductively analysed, using the activity theoretical principles of contradictions and double stimulation. Data revealed that learner leadership was largely understood as managerial roles carried out by the LRC in the school. Unlike many schools in Namibia, this case-study school offered numerous leadership development opportunities for the LRC. The community networking events such as: School Exchange Programmes, Town Council breakfast and Junior Regional Council, were opportunities offered to the LRC to solicit information, exchange ideas and discuss matters of common interest with the LRCs of the fully established schools. However, there were a number of challenges that constrained LRC voice and leadership development, the major one being the fact that this was a newly established school. Of significance was that LRC participation in the Change Laboratory process contributed positively to the development of voice and leadership in learners. During this Change Laboratory process, the LRC developed a new artefact - the vision and mission statement of the school - this signified that the learners expansively transformed the object of their activity. Recommendations emerging out of the study included that the School Management Team see the ‘newly established’ status of the school as an opportunity for development, rather than a limitation, and therefore invite the LRC to participate in the different leadership practices as the school becomes established. A significant recommendation for school leadership research is to use the third generation of CHAT to expand the unit of analysis, in order to understand the leadership relations and power dynamics between multiple activity systems in schools as complex organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A gender based analysis of the Amalima Programme in empowering married women within households in rural Gwanda, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Sibanda, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Power (Social sciences) Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Women Zimbabwe Social conditions , Women's rights Zimbabwe , Patriarchy Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63682 , vital:28470
- Description: Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have occupied a prominent role in the socio-economic development of rural areas of Zimbabwe since the time of the country’s independence in 1980, including a focus on improving the conditions and status of women in communal areas. These NGOs adopt a participatory methodology in their development programmes and projects, as they try to ensure that the active participation of women in rural development facilitates women’s access to resources and the realisation of their rights. These initiatives are important given the pronounced system of patriarchy which exists in communal areas. In the context of local patriarchies, NGOs also often claim that they empower women. This thesis focuses on the work of one particular NGO programme, namely the Amalima programme, with a particular focus on three wards in the communal areas in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. From a gendered perspective concerned with questions of women’s empowerment, the main objective of the thesis is to provide a critical analysis of the Amalima programme with particular reference to married women in Gwanda. Based on original fieldwork (including interviews with men, women and NGO practitioners), the thesis concludes that the outcomes of the Amalima programme in empowering married women in Gwanda are uneven and that, overall, the local system of patriarchy (including at household level) remains largely intact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sibanda, Patience
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Power (Social sciences) Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province , Women Zimbabwe Social conditions , Women's rights Zimbabwe , Patriarchy Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63682 , vital:28470
- Description: Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have occupied a prominent role in the socio-economic development of rural areas of Zimbabwe since the time of the country’s independence in 1980, including a focus on improving the conditions and status of women in communal areas. These NGOs adopt a participatory methodology in their development programmes and projects, as they try to ensure that the active participation of women in rural development facilitates women’s access to resources and the realisation of their rights. These initiatives are important given the pronounced system of patriarchy which exists in communal areas. In the context of local patriarchies, NGOs also often claim that they empower women. This thesis focuses on the work of one particular NGO programme, namely the Amalima programme, with a particular focus on three wards in the communal areas in Gwanda, Zimbabwe. From a gendered perspective concerned with questions of women’s empowerment, the main objective of the thesis is to provide a critical analysis of the Amalima programme with particular reference to married women in Gwanda. Based on original fieldwork (including interviews with men, women and NGO practitioners), the thesis concludes that the outcomes of the Amalima programme in empowering married women in Gwanda are uneven and that, overall, the local system of patriarchy (including at household level) remains largely intact.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Analysis of the human HSP70-HSP90 organising protein (HOP) gene - characterisation of the promoter and identification of a novel isoform
- Authors: Mattison, Stacey
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62821 , vital:28296
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mattison, Stacey
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62821 , vital:28296
- Description: Expected release date-April 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018