The originating impulses of Ankoku Butoh: towards an understanding of the trans-cultural embodiment of Tatsumi Hijikata's dance of darkness
- Authors: Truter, Orlando Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Hijikata, Tatsumi, 1928-1986 , Butō , Modern dance -- Japan , Dancers -- Japan , Choreographers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004454
- Description: From Introduction: Ankoku Butoh is a performing art devised in Japan in the wake of the Second World War by the dancer and choreographer Tatsumi Hijikata (born Akita, 1928; died Tokyo, 1986). A highly aesthetic and subversive performing art, Butoh often evokes "images of decay, of fear and desperation, images of eroticism, ecstasy and stillness." Typically performed with a white layer of paint covering the entire body of the dancer, Butoh is visually characterized by continual transformations between postures, distorted physical and facial expressions, and an emphasis on condensed and visually slow movements. Some of the general characteristics of Butoh performance include "a particular openness to working with the subtle energy in the body; the malleability of time; the power of the grotesque."
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Truter, Orlando Vincent
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Hijikata, Tatsumi, 1928-1986 , Butō , Modern dance -- Japan , Dancers -- Japan , Choreographers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2153 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004454
- Description: From Introduction: Ankoku Butoh is a performing art devised in Japan in the wake of the Second World War by the dancer and choreographer Tatsumi Hijikata (born Akita, 1928; died Tokyo, 1986). A highly aesthetic and subversive performing art, Butoh often evokes "images of decay, of fear and desperation, images of eroticism, ecstasy and stillness." Typically performed with a white layer of paint covering the entire body of the dancer, Butoh is visually characterized by continual transformations between postures, distorted physical and facial expressions, and an emphasis on condensed and visually slow movements. Some of the general characteristics of Butoh performance include "a particular openness to working with the subtle energy in the body; the malleability of time; the power of the grotesque."
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the companion modelling approach in a context of negotiating water allocation strategies : the case of the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gumede, Felicity Hlengiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005494 , Water supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Water resources development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Integrated water development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley
- Description: This Masters research took place in the Kat River Valley in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Kat River Valley is a semi-rural catchment that covers an area of approximately 1700km² and is characterized by a complicated history of dispossession and resettlement. Farming is the main activity that is practiced in the area. This includes the farming of citrus at a commercial scale, rangeland stock farming and small-scale vegetable farming. The economy of the catchment is enhanced mostly by commercial citrus farming, which consumes by far the largest amount of water in the river through irrigation. Water allocation is a burning issue among water users in the catchment and needs to be negotiated taking into consideration social, economic and environment impacts. The aim of this study is to describe, discuss and evaluate the Companion Modelling (ComMod) approach, which used a simulation model and a role-playing game related to the model in order to facilitate and develop negotiating skills as well as build capacity in decision-making amongst local stakeholders for water resource management in the Kat River Valley. The ComMod approach, developed by a group of Companion Modellers, is a community-based science approach that emerged in the 1990s. The ComMod approach is used in order to facilitate collective learning, negotiation and institutional innovation in dealing with resource management complexities faced by rural communities. Through ComMod, the model (KatAWARE) and its related role-playing game was developed by having the contact with local stakeholders. The information to feed the model and the role-playing game came from informal interviews, surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), workshops and focus groups. The use of workshops in the implementation of ComMod was a success. Results show that (1) new knowledge was acquired, which allowed stakeholders to have a broad understanding of a catchment system. (2) Awareness was created about complex systems and enabled stakeholders to see an individual action into to the broader system. (3) Strong interrelationships were fostered amongst different water users, which allowed stakeholders to share their view points. The ComMod process was however associated with a number of limitations, many of which resulted from the constraints that were imposed by the socio-economic background of the study area. Nevertheless, the outcome of the study shows that the ComMod process was useful in helping the Kat River Water Users Association (KRWUA) stakeholders develop negotiating skills regarding water allocation strategies for the development of the Catchment Management Plan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
"A complex and delicate web" : a comparative study of selected speculative novels by Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, Doris Lessing and Marge Piercy
- Authors: Glover, Jayne Ashleigh
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Atwood, Margaret Eleanor, 1939- -- Criticism and interpretation Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation Lessing, Doris May, 1919- -- Criticism and interpretation Piercy, Marge Piercy, Marge -- Criticism and interpretation Utopias in literature Dystopias in literature Science fiction, English -- History and criticism Fantasy fiction -- History and criticism Fantasy literature -- History and criticism Women authors -- 20th Century Women authors -- 21st Century English fiction -- 20th Century English fiction -- 21st Century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002241
- Description: This thesis examines selected speculative novels by Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, Doris Lessing and Marge Piercy. It argues that a specifiable ecological ethic can be traced in their work – an ethic which is explored by them through the tensions between utopian and dystopian discourses. The first part of the thesis begins by theorising the concept of an ecological ethic of respect for the Other through current ecological philosophies, such as those developed by Val Plumwood. Thereafter, it contextualises the novels within the broader field of science fiction, and speculative fiction in particular, arguing that the shift from a critical utopian to a critical dystopian style evinces their changing treatment of this ecological ethic within their work. The remainder of the thesis is divided into two parts, each providing close readings of chosen novels in the light of this argument. Part Two provides a reading of Le Guin’s early Hainish novels, The Left Hand of Darkness, The Word for World is Forest and The Dispossessed, followed by an examination of Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time, Lessing’s The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five, and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. The third, and final, part of the thesis consists of individual chapters analysing the later speculative novels of each author. Piercy’s He, She and It, Le Guin’s The Telling, and Atwood’s Oryx and Crake are all scrutinised, as are Lessing’s two recent ‘Ifrik’ novels. This thesis shows, then, that speculative fiction is able to realise through fiction many of the ideals of ecological thinkers. Furthermore, the increasing dystopianism of these novels reflects the greater urgency with which the problem of Othering needs to be addressed in the light of the present global ecological crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Glover, Jayne Ashleigh
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Atwood, Margaret Eleanor, 1939- -- Criticism and interpretation Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929- -- Criticism and interpretation Lessing, Doris May, 1919- -- Criticism and interpretation Piercy, Marge Piercy, Marge -- Criticism and interpretation Utopias in literature Dystopias in literature Science fiction, English -- History and criticism Fantasy fiction -- History and criticism Fantasy literature -- History and criticism Women authors -- 20th Century Women authors -- 21st Century English fiction -- 20th Century English fiction -- 21st Century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002241
- Description: This thesis examines selected speculative novels by Margaret Atwood, Ursula K. Le Guin, Doris Lessing and Marge Piercy. It argues that a specifiable ecological ethic can be traced in their work – an ethic which is explored by them through the tensions between utopian and dystopian discourses. The first part of the thesis begins by theorising the concept of an ecological ethic of respect for the Other through current ecological philosophies, such as those developed by Val Plumwood. Thereafter, it contextualises the novels within the broader field of science fiction, and speculative fiction in particular, arguing that the shift from a critical utopian to a critical dystopian style evinces their changing treatment of this ecological ethic within their work. The remainder of the thesis is divided into two parts, each providing close readings of chosen novels in the light of this argument. Part Two provides a reading of Le Guin’s early Hainish novels, The Left Hand of Darkness, The Word for World is Forest and The Dispossessed, followed by an examination of Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time, Lessing’s The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five, and Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale. The third, and final, part of the thesis consists of individual chapters analysing the later speculative novels of each author. Piercy’s He, She and It, Le Guin’s The Telling, and Atwood’s Oryx and Crake are all scrutinised, as are Lessing’s two recent ‘Ifrik’ novels. This thesis shows, then, that speculative fiction is able to realise through fiction many of the ideals of ecological thinkers. Furthermore, the increasing dystopianism of these novels reflects the greater urgency with which the problem of Othering needs to be addressed in the light of the present global ecological crisis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Rhodes University during the segregation and apartheid eras, 1933 to 1990
- Authors: Greyling, Sean Andrew
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- History Post-apartheid era -- South Africa -- History College students -- South Africa -- Political activity South Africa -- Race relations -- History -- 20th century South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002397
- Description: In 2004 Rhodes University celebrated its centenary. At a Critical Tradition Colloquium opportunity was given to explore the university’s past. In particular, its liberal image was questioned and its role during apartheid brought under scrutiny. This thesis investigates the questions raised at the Colloquium. It aims to cover the whole apartheid era in one coherent narrative by addressing the history of Rhodes during that era and how it handled issues of race and politics. It begins in 1933, when the first black student applied to Rhodes, and ends in 1990, when apartheid was drawing to a close.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Greyling, Sean Andrew
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- History Post-apartheid era -- South Africa -- History College students -- South Africa -- Political activity South Africa -- Race relations -- History -- 20th century South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2545 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002397
- Description: In 2004 Rhodes University celebrated its centenary. At a Critical Tradition Colloquium opportunity was given to explore the university’s past. In particular, its liberal image was questioned and its role during apartheid brought under scrutiny. This thesis investigates the questions raised at the Colloquium. It aims to cover the whole apartheid era in one coherent narrative by addressing the history of Rhodes during that era and how it handled issues of race and politics. It begins in 1933, when the first black student applied to Rhodes, and ends in 1990, when apartheid was drawing to a close.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Cluster centre principals' perceptions of the implementation of the school cluster system in Namibia
- Authors: Aipinge, Lydia P
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia Education -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003330
- Description: The School Clustering System (SCS) was introduced five years after Namibia’s independence in 1990. The rationale for its implementation was to improve the quality of education in Namibian schools by enabling the sharing of resources, experience and expertise among clusters and facilitating school administration by pooling resources from several schools to be shared equally. It was piloted in Rundu and then gradually expanded to the whole country. The cluster system groups 5-7 schools that are eographically close and accessible to each other in one cluster under the leadership of one of the principals known as a Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of CCPs of the implementation of the SCS in two clusters of a particular circuit in the Omusati region. It is a case study involving two CCPs, one serving Inspector of Education (IE), a former Inspector of Education, several teachers, principals and parents. Data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and focus group discussions. The study found that the practice of cluster leaders is informed by contemporary leadership and management thinking. The participatory approach employed in clusterbased committees enables site-based management and collaboration. This has led to organisational learning. It was also found that a number of challenges are hampering the implementation of the SCS. These include lack of system support and inadequate resources. However, the human potential coupled with a high degree of readiness exhibited by cluster members are seen as potential drivers of further development of the system. The study recommends the adoption of a national policy that formalises the SCS as well as the strengthening of system support to build cluster capacity. It also makes suggestions for further research in organisational culture and behaviour with the aim of developing leadership and management practices in the SCS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Cluster centre principals' perceptions of the implementation of the school cluster system in Namibia
- Authors: Aipinge, Lydia P
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Namibia Education -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003330
- Description: The School Clustering System (SCS) was introduced five years after Namibia’s independence in 1990. The rationale for its implementation was to improve the quality of education in Namibian schools by enabling the sharing of resources, experience and expertise among clusters and facilitating school administration by pooling resources from several schools to be shared equally. It was piloted in Rundu and then gradually expanded to the whole country. The cluster system groups 5-7 schools that are eographically close and accessible to each other in one cluster under the leadership of one of the principals known as a Cluster Centre Principal (CCP). The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of CCPs of the implementation of the SCS in two clusters of a particular circuit in the Omusati region. It is a case study involving two CCPs, one serving Inspector of Education (IE), a former Inspector of Education, several teachers, principals and parents. Data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and focus group discussions. The study found that the practice of cluster leaders is informed by contemporary leadership and management thinking. The participatory approach employed in clusterbased committees enables site-based management and collaboration. This has led to organisational learning. It was also found that a number of challenges are hampering the implementation of the SCS. These include lack of system support and inadequate resources. However, the human potential coupled with a high degree of readiness exhibited by cluster members are seen as potential drivers of further development of the system. The study recommends the adoption of a national policy that formalises the SCS as well as the strengthening of system support to build cluster capacity. It also makes suggestions for further research in organisational culture and behaviour with the aim of developing leadership and management practices in the SCS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Plant community distribution and diversity, and threats to vegetation of the Kromme River peat basins, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nsor, Collins Ayine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Kromme River (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Peatland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant diversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007151 , Kromme River (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Peatland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant diversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examined the current plant diversity status and the impact of drivers of change on the peat basins of the Kromme River peatland. It was conducted at six sites over sixty one years in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I reviewed the rapid habitat and biodiversity loss of wetlands globally and discussed the distribution of wetlands and specifically peatlands in South Africa. Plant species diversity was assessed using Modified- Whittaker plots. The influence of environmental variables on floristic composition and distribution was investigated using ordination techniques (DCA and CCA). Land use dynamics were assessed by applying GIS techniques on orthorectified aerial images. Six different peat basins were subjectively classified into good, medium and poor condition peat basins. The good condition peat basin (Krugersland) was the most diverse in plant species (4.1 Shannon-Weiner’s index) (p> 0.20; F = 11.04; df = 2), with the highest mean number of plant species (32.5 ± 3.4). This was followed by the medium condition class (Kammiesbos) (26.5 ± 9.0) and poor condition class (Companjesdrift) (22.5 ± 8.9). On average, species composition was not evenly distributed across the peat basins (p> 0.21; F = 0.94; df = 2), since 77.8% of the Shannon-Weiner evenness index obtained were less than one. However, there were variations in plant species richness across six peat basins as confirmed by Oneway ANOVA test (p= 0.0008, F = 1241.6, df = 4). Key environmental variables that influenced plant species distribution and structure were erosion and grazing intensity, potassium, phosphorus, soil pH and calcium. Total species variance accounted for in the first two axes for ground cover and plant height were 40.7% and 56.4% respectively. Alien species (e.g. Acacia mearnsii and Conyza scabrida) were common in degraded peat basins, whereas good condition peat basins supported indigenous species (e.g., Cyperus denudatus, Chrysanthemoides monolifera and Digitaria eriantha). Analysis of aerial images revealed a general progressive decrease in the peatland area between 1942 and 1969 in the good (Krugersland) and poor (Companjesdrift) condition class, with a marginal increase from 1969 to 2003. Peatland area in the good and poor condition class decreased by 5.3% and 8.3% respectively between 1942 and 1969, with a marginal increase of 1.5% and 4.1% respectively from 1969 to 2003. Annual net rate of change in peatland area over the 61 year period was -0.32% (good condition class) and - 0.79% (poor condition class). Transformed lands were impacted by drivers of change such as alien invasives, agricultural activities, erosion and sediment transport. The area under alien invasives increased by 50% between 1942 and 2003, with an annual net rate of change of +0.82 (good condition class) and +1.63% (poor condition class).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nsor, Collins Ayine
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Kromme River (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Peatland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant diversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4760 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007151 , Kromme River (Eastern Cape, South Africa) , Peatland ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant diversity conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatland plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Peatlands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Wetland conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ecosystem management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study examined the current plant diversity status and the impact of drivers of change on the peat basins of the Kromme River peatland. It was conducted at six sites over sixty one years in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. I reviewed the rapid habitat and biodiversity loss of wetlands globally and discussed the distribution of wetlands and specifically peatlands in South Africa. Plant species diversity was assessed using Modified- Whittaker plots. The influence of environmental variables on floristic composition and distribution was investigated using ordination techniques (DCA and CCA). Land use dynamics were assessed by applying GIS techniques on orthorectified aerial images. Six different peat basins were subjectively classified into good, medium and poor condition peat basins. The good condition peat basin (Krugersland) was the most diverse in plant species (4.1 Shannon-Weiner’s index) (p> 0.20; F = 11.04; df = 2), with the highest mean number of plant species (32.5 ± 3.4). This was followed by the medium condition class (Kammiesbos) (26.5 ± 9.0) and poor condition class (Companjesdrift) (22.5 ± 8.9). On average, species composition was not evenly distributed across the peat basins (p> 0.21; F = 0.94; df = 2), since 77.8% of the Shannon-Weiner evenness index obtained were less than one. However, there were variations in plant species richness across six peat basins as confirmed by Oneway ANOVA test (p= 0.0008, F = 1241.6, df = 4). Key environmental variables that influenced plant species distribution and structure were erosion and grazing intensity, potassium, phosphorus, soil pH and calcium. Total species variance accounted for in the first two axes for ground cover and plant height were 40.7% and 56.4% respectively. Alien species (e.g. Acacia mearnsii and Conyza scabrida) were common in degraded peat basins, whereas good condition peat basins supported indigenous species (e.g., Cyperus denudatus, Chrysanthemoides monolifera and Digitaria eriantha). Analysis of aerial images revealed a general progressive decrease in the peatland area between 1942 and 1969 in the good (Krugersland) and poor (Companjesdrift) condition class, with a marginal increase from 1969 to 2003. Peatland area in the good and poor condition class decreased by 5.3% and 8.3% respectively between 1942 and 1969, with a marginal increase of 1.5% and 4.1% respectively from 1969 to 2003. Annual net rate of change in peatland area over the 61 year period was -0.32% (good condition class) and - 0.79% (poor condition class). Transformed lands were impacted by drivers of change such as alien invasives, agricultural activities, erosion and sediment transport. The area under alien invasives increased by 50% between 1942 and 2003, with an annual net rate of change of +0.82 (good condition class) and +1.63% (poor condition class).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Curriculum recontextualising using gardens for the health promotion in the life orientation learning area of the senior phase
- Authors: Jenkins, Msawenkosi Wiseman
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies School gardens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- Case studies Environmental policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003368
- Description: With a view to understanding how curriculum is interpreted at classroom practice level, the study examined three stories of how the environmental discourse of the National Curriculum Statements (R-9) was recontextualised using school gardens in the Life Orientation Learning Area for the Senior Phase. To understand how the curriculum is recontextualised, I used Bernstein's theory of recontexutalisation where he explained how official pedagogic discourse (OPD) (in this case the environmental discourse is first delocated once it is transferred from the field of production (FOP) and relocated in the recontextualising field (where teacher educators and departmental officials mediate the discourse) and in the field of reproduction (FOR) which is the classroom and school. Bernstein explained that as the discourse is delocated and relocated it undergoes transformation. This transformation is influenced by practitioners' prior-knowledge, experience, culture and beliefs and other factors. To understand how transformation of the environmental discourse takes place, Bernstein's conceptual constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation were applied to an interpretation of three lesson processes, to explain how the discourse was changed. Each lesson was reviewed in terms of the selective appropriations and ideological transformations which took place. All three of the lessons observed took place in one school, and as such the study is designed as an interpretive case study where I have tried to make meaning from a rich, thick description of a specific case context. The school is located in Bizana, one of the villages in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province,, and is currently in the process of implementing South Africa’s new National Curriculum Statement (NCS) like all other schools in South Africa. In conducting the research I observed lessons, interviewed the learners and teachers, and a community member and the manager of the SANBI greening project, and I also analysed documents which included the NCS for Life Orientation, and teachers planning documents and learners work produced in the lessons. I started the study by conducting a document analysis of the NCS, through which I identified dimensions of the Official Pedagogic Discourse. This was used as a framework to review the lessons to understand how the OPD was being recontextualised. The study concludes by discussing the key findings of the study in the form of a set of analytical statements. Some of the findings indicate that teachers have not been given adequate training for understanding and implementing the NCS which affects the recontextualisation process. The study shows that there is a dire need for professional development if the OPD is to be interpreted adequately by teachers so that its implementation at the meso and micro- levels becomes clear and effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Jenkins, Msawenkosi Wiseman
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies School gardens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Curricula -- Case studies Environmental policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1487 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003368
- Description: With a view to understanding how curriculum is interpreted at classroom practice level, the study examined three stories of how the environmental discourse of the National Curriculum Statements (R-9) was recontextualised using school gardens in the Life Orientation Learning Area for the Senior Phase. To understand how the curriculum is recontextualised, I used Bernstein's theory of recontexutalisation where he explained how official pedagogic discourse (OPD) (in this case the environmental discourse is first delocated once it is transferred from the field of production (FOP) and relocated in the recontextualising field (where teacher educators and departmental officials mediate the discourse) and in the field of reproduction (FOR) which is the classroom and school. Bernstein explained that as the discourse is delocated and relocated it undergoes transformation. This transformation is influenced by practitioners' prior-knowledge, experience, culture and beliefs and other factors. To understand how transformation of the environmental discourse takes place, Bernstein's conceptual constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation were applied to an interpretation of three lesson processes, to explain how the discourse was changed. Each lesson was reviewed in terms of the selective appropriations and ideological transformations which took place. All three of the lessons observed took place in one school, and as such the study is designed as an interpretive case study where I have tried to make meaning from a rich, thick description of a specific case context. The school is located in Bizana, one of the villages in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province,, and is currently in the process of implementing South Africa’s new National Curriculum Statement (NCS) like all other schools in South Africa. In conducting the research I observed lessons, interviewed the learners and teachers, and a community member and the manager of the SANBI greening project, and I also analysed documents which included the NCS for Life Orientation, and teachers planning documents and learners work produced in the lessons. I started the study by conducting a document analysis of the NCS, through which I identified dimensions of the Official Pedagogic Discourse. This was used as a framework to review the lessons to understand how the OPD was being recontextualised. The study concludes by discussing the key findings of the study in the form of a set of analytical statements. Some of the findings indicate that teachers have not been given adequate training for understanding and implementing the NCS which affects the recontextualisation process. The study shows that there is a dire need for professional development if the OPD is to be interpreted adequately by teachers so that its implementation at the meso and micro- levels becomes clear and effective.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Development of a novel in situ CPRG-based biosensor and bioprobe for monitoring coliform β-D-Galactosidase in water polluted by faecal matter
- Authors: Wutor, Victor Collins
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Biosensors Molecular probes Enterobacteriaceae Feces -- Microbiology Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects Environmental monitoring Chromogenic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004003
- Description: The ultimate objective of this work was to develop a real-time method for detecting and monitoring β-D-galactosidase as a suitable indicator of the potential presence of total coliform bacteria in water environments. Preliminary comparison of the chromogenic substrate, chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside and the fluorogenic substrate, MuGAL, revealed unreliable results with the fluorogenic technique due to interference from compounds commonly found in environmental water samples. Thus, the chromogenic assay was further explored. Hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside by β-D-galactosidase to yield chlorophenol red was the basis of this assay. Fundamental studies with chlorophenol red β-Dgalactopyranoside showed that β-D-galactosidase occurs extracellularly and in low concentrations in the polluted water environment. A direct correlation between enzyme activity and an increase in environmental water sample volume, as well as enzyme activity with total coliform colony forming unit counts were observed. Spectrophotometric detection was achieved within a maximum period of 24 h with a limit of detection level of 1 colony forming unit 100 ml[superscript -1]. This enzyme also exhibited physical and kinetic properties different from those of the pure commercially available β-D-galactosidase. Cell permeabilisation was not required for releasing enzymes into the extracellular environment. PEG 20 000 offered the best option for concentrating β-D-galactosidase. The source of β-D-galactosidase in the polluted environmental water samples was confirmed as Escherichia coli through SDS-PAGE, tryptic mapping and MALDI-TOF, thus justifying the further use of this method for detecting and/or monitoring total coliforms. Several compounds and metal ions commonly found in environmental water samples (as well as those used in water treatment processes) did have an effect on β-D-galactosidase. All the divalent cations except Mg [superscript 2+], at the concentrations studied, inhibited the relative activity of β-D-galactosidase in both commercial β-D-galactosidase and environmental samples. Immobilisation of chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside onto a solid support material for the development of a strip bioprobe was unsuccessful, even though the nylon support material yielded some positive results. A monthly (seasonal) variation in β-Dgalactosidase activity from the environmental water samples was observed, with the highest activity coinciding with the highest monthly temperatures. Electro-oxidative detection and/or monitoring of chlorophenol red was possible. Chlorophenol red detection was linear over a wide range of concentrations (0.001-0.01 μg ml[superscript -1]). Interference by chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside in the reduction window affected analysis. A range of phthalocyanine metal complexes were studied in an attempt to reduce fouling and/or increase the sensitivity of the biosensor. The selected phthalocyanine metal complexes were generally sensitive to changes in pH with a reduction in sensitivity from acidic pH to alkaline pH. The tetrasulphonated phthalocyanine metal complex of copper was, however, more stable with a minimum change of sensitivity. The phthalocyanine metal complexes were generally stable to changes in temperature. While only two consecutive scans were possible with the unmodified glassy carbon electrode, 77 consecutive scans were performed successfully with the CuPc-modified glassy carbon electrode. Among the phthalocyanine metal complexes studied, the CuPc-modified glassy carbon electrode therefore provided excellent results for the development of a biosensor. The CuPc modified-glassy carbon electrode detected 1 colony forming unit 100 ml[superscript -1] in 15 minutes, while the plain unmodified glassy carbon electrode required 6 hours to detect the equivalent number of colony forming units. CoPc, ZnPc and CuTSPc required 2, 2.25 and 1.75 h, respectively, to detect the same numbers of colony forming units. The CuPcmodified glassy carbon electrode detected 40 colony forming units 100 ml[superscript -1] instantly. In general, a direct correlation between colony forming units and current generated in the sensor was observed (R2=0.92). A higher correlation coefficient of 0.99 for 0-30 coliform colony forming units 100 ml[superscript -1] was determined. Current was detected in some water samples which did not show any colony forming units on the media, probably due to the phenomenon of viable but non-culturable bacteria, which is the major disadvantage encountered in the use of media for detecting indicator microorganisms. This novel biosensor therefore presents a very robust and sensitive technique for the detection and/or monitoring of coliform bacterial activity in water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Wutor, Victor Collins
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Biosensors Molecular probes Enterobacteriaceae Feces -- Microbiology Water -- Pollution -- Environmental aspects Environmental monitoring Chromogenic compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3944 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004003
- Description: The ultimate objective of this work was to develop a real-time method for detecting and monitoring β-D-galactosidase as a suitable indicator of the potential presence of total coliform bacteria in water environments. Preliminary comparison of the chromogenic substrate, chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside and the fluorogenic substrate, MuGAL, revealed unreliable results with the fluorogenic technique due to interference from compounds commonly found in environmental water samples. Thus, the chromogenic assay was further explored. Hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside by β-D-galactosidase to yield chlorophenol red was the basis of this assay. Fundamental studies with chlorophenol red β-Dgalactopyranoside showed that β-D-galactosidase occurs extracellularly and in low concentrations in the polluted water environment. A direct correlation between enzyme activity and an increase in environmental water sample volume, as well as enzyme activity with total coliform colony forming unit counts were observed. Spectrophotometric detection was achieved within a maximum period of 24 h with a limit of detection level of 1 colony forming unit 100 ml[superscript -1]. This enzyme also exhibited physical and kinetic properties different from those of the pure commercially available β-D-galactosidase. Cell permeabilisation was not required for releasing enzymes into the extracellular environment. PEG 20 000 offered the best option for concentrating β-D-galactosidase. The source of β-D-galactosidase in the polluted environmental water samples was confirmed as Escherichia coli through SDS-PAGE, tryptic mapping and MALDI-TOF, thus justifying the further use of this method for detecting and/or monitoring total coliforms. Several compounds and metal ions commonly found in environmental water samples (as well as those used in water treatment processes) did have an effect on β-D-galactosidase. All the divalent cations except Mg [superscript 2+], at the concentrations studied, inhibited the relative activity of β-D-galactosidase in both commercial β-D-galactosidase and environmental samples. Immobilisation of chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside onto a solid support material for the development of a strip bioprobe was unsuccessful, even though the nylon support material yielded some positive results. A monthly (seasonal) variation in β-Dgalactosidase activity from the environmental water samples was observed, with the highest activity coinciding with the highest monthly temperatures. Electro-oxidative detection and/or monitoring of chlorophenol red was possible. Chlorophenol red detection was linear over a wide range of concentrations (0.001-0.01 μg ml[superscript -1]). Interference by chlorophenol red β-D-galactopyranoside in the reduction window affected analysis. A range of phthalocyanine metal complexes were studied in an attempt to reduce fouling and/or increase the sensitivity of the biosensor. The selected phthalocyanine metal complexes were generally sensitive to changes in pH with a reduction in sensitivity from acidic pH to alkaline pH. The tetrasulphonated phthalocyanine metal complex of copper was, however, more stable with a minimum change of sensitivity. The phthalocyanine metal complexes were generally stable to changes in temperature. While only two consecutive scans were possible with the unmodified glassy carbon electrode, 77 consecutive scans were performed successfully with the CuPc-modified glassy carbon electrode. Among the phthalocyanine metal complexes studied, the CuPc-modified glassy carbon electrode therefore provided excellent results for the development of a biosensor. The CuPc modified-glassy carbon electrode detected 1 colony forming unit 100 ml[superscript -1] in 15 minutes, while the plain unmodified glassy carbon electrode required 6 hours to detect the equivalent number of colony forming units. CoPc, ZnPc and CuTSPc required 2, 2.25 and 1.75 h, respectively, to detect the same numbers of colony forming units. The CuPcmodified glassy carbon electrode detected 40 colony forming units 100 ml[superscript -1] instantly. In general, a direct correlation between colony forming units and current generated in the sensor was observed (R2=0.92). A higher correlation coefficient of 0.99 for 0-30 coliform colony forming units 100 ml[superscript -1] was determined. Current was detected in some water samples which did not show any colony forming units on the media, probably due to the phenomenon of viable but non-culturable bacteria, which is the major disadvantage encountered in the use of media for detecting indicator microorganisms. This novel biosensor therefore presents a very robust and sensitive technique for the detection and/or monitoring of coliform bacterial activity in water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The influence of organisational culture on organisational commitment at a selected local municipality
- Van Stuyvesant Meijen, Jolise
- Authors: Van Stuyvesant Meijen, Jolise
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Municipal services -- South Africa , Employee loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002788
- Description: Since 2000, local municipalities have been through a process of transformation which amalgamated a number of smaller local municipalities into larger municipalities. The amalgamation of a number of municipalities brings together an array of people, and therefore a myriad of organisational cultures are combined. The organisational culture of an organisation has an effect on the organisational commitment of its employees. A fit between the organisational culture and the employees will increase the organisational commitment of those employees and contribute towards improved service delivery. A survey conducted in South Africa indicated that the local municipalities have been delivering poor standards of service to the community; therefore there is a need to increase the service delivery within local municipalities. The importance of looking at the organisational commitment of a local municipality is because if there is commitment within the organisation, then employees will identify with their organisation and its goals, and will deliver the service more effectively and efficiently. Therefore, increasing the service delivery of local municipalities can be achieved through diagnosing the organisational commitment and organisational culture of employees within the selected municipality. The primary objective of this research was therefore to diagnose the relationship between organisational culture and the organisational commitment of employees at the selected municipality. In order to achieve this objective, a survey was conducted to canvas the opinions of respondents (N = 148) from the selected local municipality regarding their perceptions of the existing organisational culture, their preferences regarding the organisational culture within the selected municipality, and finally the organisational commitment. The main findings of this research conducted at a selected municipality can be summarised as follows: The dominant existing organisational culture is the power culture, while the dominant preferred organisational culture is the support culture; There is an organisational culture gap between the existing and preferred organisational cultures at the selected municipality; The dominant organisational commitment within the selected municipality is normative commitment; The findings pertaining to the relationship between organisational culture and organisational commitment of employees within the selected municipality can be stated as follows: The existing organisational cultures have significant effects on the organisational commitment of employees; The preferred organisational cultures do not have significant effects on the organisational commitment of employees; and The organisational culture gap does not have a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees; The findings pertaining to the relationship between the biographical variables and the existing and preferred organisational culture, organisational commitment and the organisational culture gap can be stated as follows: There is no significant relationship between biographical variables and the existing organisational culture; There are significant relationships between the biographical variables, namely the departments in which respondents work, and the education level of respondents, and the preferred organisational culture; There are significant relationships between the biographical variables and organisational commitment; and The average organisational culture gap scores of the organisational culture scales for the biographical variables are significantly different. It can be concluded that organisational culture has a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees within the selected municipality and therefore can affect the service delivery of the selected municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Van Stuyvesant Meijen, Jolise
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Municipal services -- South Africa , Employee loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002788
- Description: Since 2000, local municipalities have been through a process of transformation which amalgamated a number of smaller local municipalities into larger municipalities. The amalgamation of a number of municipalities brings together an array of people, and therefore a myriad of organisational cultures are combined. The organisational culture of an organisation has an effect on the organisational commitment of its employees. A fit between the organisational culture and the employees will increase the organisational commitment of those employees and contribute towards improved service delivery. A survey conducted in South Africa indicated that the local municipalities have been delivering poor standards of service to the community; therefore there is a need to increase the service delivery within local municipalities. The importance of looking at the organisational commitment of a local municipality is because if there is commitment within the organisation, then employees will identify with their organisation and its goals, and will deliver the service more effectively and efficiently. Therefore, increasing the service delivery of local municipalities can be achieved through diagnosing the organisational commitment and organisational culture of employees within the selected municipality. The primary objective of this research was therefore to diagnose the relationship between organisational culture and the organisational commitment of employees at the selected municipality. In order to achieve this objective, a survey was conducted to canvas the opinions of respondents (N = 148) from the selected local municipality regarding their perceptions of the existing organisational culture, their preferences regarding the organisational culture within the selected municipality, and finally the organisational commitment. The main findings of this research conducted at a selected municipality can be summarised as follows: The dominant existing organisational culture is the power culture, while the dominant preferred organisational culture is the support culture; There is an organisational culture gap between the existing and preferred organisational cultures at the selected municipality; The dominant organisational commitment within the selected municipality is normative commitment; The findings pertaining to the relationship between organisational culture and organisational commitment of employees within the selected municipality can be stated as follows: The existing organisational cultures have significant effects on the organisational commitment of employees; The preferred organisational cultures do not have significant effects on the organisational commitment of employees; and The organisational culture gap does not have a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees; The findings pertaining to the relationship between the biographical variables and the existing and preferred organisational culture, organisational commitment and the organisational culture gap can be stated as follows: There is no significant relationship between biographical variables and the existing organisational culture; There are significant relationships between the biographical variables, namely the departments in which respondents work, and the education level of respondents, and the preferred organisational culture; There are significant relationships between the biographical variables and organisational commitment; and The average organisational culture gap scores of the organisational culture scales for the biographical variables are significantly different. It can be concluded that organisational culture has a significant effect on the organisational commitment of employees within the selected municipality and therefore can affect the service delivery of the selected municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Interest rate risk management : a case study of GBS Mutual Bank
- Authors: Williamson, Gareth Alan
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002720 , GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Description: Banks play a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of countries, primarily through the diversification of risk for both themselves and other economic agents. Interest rate risk is regarded as one of the most prominent financial risks faced by a bank. A large portion of private banks’ revenue stems from net interest income that is generated from the difference between various assets and liabilities that are held on the balance sheet. Fluctuations in the interest rate can alter a bank’s interest income and value, making interest rate risk management vital to its success. The asset and liability committee of a bank is the internal committee charged with the duty of managing the bank’s interest rate risk exposure through the use of various hedging strategies and instruments. This thesis uses a case study methodology to analyse GBS Mutual Bank interest rate risk management. Its specific business circumstances, balance sheet structure and the market conditions over a specified period are used to comment on the practicality of a variety of balance sheet positioning strategies and derivative hedging instruments. The thesis also provides recommendations for the bank’s asset and liability committee in terms of its functions and organisation. It is elucidated that the most practical balance sheet hedging strategies are a volume strategy and immunisation, while the most practical derivative hedging instruments are interest rate futures and interest rate collars. It is found that the bank has a well functioning asset and liability committee whose only encumbrance to its functionality is the inadequacy of the informational technology used to measure, control and manage its interest rate risk position. This thesis concludes by summarising the practicality of the various interest rate risk hedging alternatives available to the GBS Mutual Bank. Implementing a particular strategy or instrument depends, of course, on its asset and liability committee’s decision.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Williamson, Gareth Alan
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002720 , GBS Mutual Bank , Interest rates -- Case studies , Interest rate risk -- Case studies , Risk management -- Case studies , Financial risk -- Case studies , Banks and banking -- Case studies
- Description: Banks play a pivotal role in the economic growth and development of countries, primarily through the diversification of risk for both themselves and other economic agents. Interest rate risk is regarded as one of the most prominent financial risks faced by a bank. A large portion of private banks’ revenue stems from net interest income that is generated from the difference between various assets and liabilities that are held on the balance sheet. Fluctuations in the interest rate can alter a bank’s interest income and value, making interest rate risk management vital to its success. The asset and liability committee of a bank is the internal committee charged with the duty of managing the bank’s interest rate risk exposure through the use of various hedging strategies and instruments. This thesis uses a case study methodology to analyse GBS Mutual Bank interest rate risk management. Its specific business circumstances, balance sheet structure and the market conditions over a specified period are used to comment on the practicality of a variety of balance sheet positioning strategies and derivative hedging instruments. The thesis also provides recommendations for the bank’s asset and liability committee in terms of its functions and organisation. It is elucidated that the most practical balance sheet hedging strategies are a volume strategy and immunisation, while the most practical derivative hedging instruments are interest rate futures and interest rate collars. It is found that the bank has a well functioning asset and liability committee whose only encumbrance to its functionality is the inadequacy of the informational technology used to measure, control and manage its interest rate risk position. This thesis concludes by summarising the practicality of the various interest rate risk hedging alternatives available to the GBS Mutual Bank. Implementing a particular strategy or instrument depends, of course, on its asset and liability committee’s decision.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Toward the development of a rearing protocol for juvenile dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
- Authors: Collett, Paul David
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa , Fishes -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Fishes -- Growth -- South Africa , Fish trade -- South Africa , Sciaenidae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5325 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005171 , Argyrosomus -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa , Fishes -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Fishes -- Growth -- South Africa , Fish trade -- South Africa , Sciaenidae
- Description: The South African mariculture industry is developing the rearing technology of indigenous fish species. Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) has high-quality flesh and a good market demand. Research is needed to determine the environmental requirements under which growth of dusky kob is optimised. This study assessed the effect of temperature, light intensity, feeding frequency and stocking density, respectively, on growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival of juvenile dusky kob within a weight range of 10-60 g fish⁻¹) in a series of four growth trials. The effect of temperature on growth and FCR was assessed at 14 temperatures from 17 to 28°C. The temperature for best growth was estimated to be 25.3 °C, while 21.4 °C was the temperature at which the best FCR was achieved. A growth trial testing the effect of light intensity on growth showed that light intensity did not affect growth in the range of 23 – 315 lx. Fish fed a restricted ration of 3.6% body weight per day (chapter 2) or 3.41% body weight per day (chapter 4) had a better FCR than fish fed to satiation. A trial to assess the effect of feeding frequency on growth and FCR showed that fish fed both two or three times daily grew better than those fed once daily. FCR was best in fish that were fed once or twice daily. Preliminary analysis of the results from a stocking density trial showed that stocking density in the range of 10 – 50 kg m⁻³ did not affect growth of juvenile dusky kob. It is recommended to culture dusky kob at a temperature of 25.3 - 21.4 °C at stocking densities up 50 kg m⁻³ to maximise growth. However, a study is needed to determine the environmental conditions needed to maximise profit under commercial conditions. The results allow the South African industry the opportunity to assess the culture potential of this species. In addition, the results will help develop protocols that can be used in other South African candidate aquaculture species such as silver kob, yellowtail, white-stumpnose and sole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Collett, Paul David
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa , Fishes -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Fishes -- Growth -- South Africa , Fish trade -- South Africa , Sciaenidae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5325 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005171 , Argyrosomus -- South Africa , Mariculture -- South Africa , Fishes -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Fishes -- Growth -- South Africa , Fish trade -- South Africa , Sciaenidae
- Description: The South African mariculture industry is developing the rearing technology of indigenous fish species. Dusky kob (Argyrosomus japonicus) has high-quality flesh and a good market demand. Research is needed to determine the environmental requirements under which growth of dusky kob is optimised. This study assessed the effect of temperature, light intensity, feeding frequency and stocking density, respectively, on growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and survival of juvenile dusky kob within a weight range of 10-60 g fish⁻¹) in a series of four growth trials. The effect of temperature on growth and FCR was assessed at 14 temperatures from 17 to 28°C. The temperature for best growth was estimated to be 25.3 °C, while 21.4 °C was the temperature at which the best FCR was achieved. A growth trial testing the effect of light intensity on growth showed that light intensity did not affect growth in the range of 23 – 315 lx. Fish fed a restricted ration of 3.6% body weight per day (chapter 2) or 3.41% body weight per day (chapter 4) had a better FCR than fish fed to satiation. A trial to assess the effect of feeding frequency on growth and FCR showed that fish fed both two or three times daily grew better than those fed once daily. FCR was best in fish that were fed once or twice daily. Preliminary analysis of the results from a stocking density trial showed that stocking density in the range of 10 – 50 kg m⁻³ did not affect growth of juvenile dusky kob. It is recommended to culture dusky kob at a temperature of 25.3 - 21.4 °C at stocking densities up 50 kg m⁻³ to maximise growth. However, a study is needed to determine the environmental conditions needed to maximise profit under commercial conditions. The results allow the South African industry the opportunity to assess the culture potential of this species. In addition, the results will help develop protocols that can be used in other South African candidate aquaculture species such as silver kob, yellowtail, white-stumpnose and sole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical inquiry into the absence of a gender equality discourse in the coverage of the land redistribution issue in two Zimbabwean newspapers, The Daily News and The Herald, between 01 February and 30 June 2000
- Authors: Mawarire, Jealousy Mbizvo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: The Daily News (Zimbabwe) The Herald (Zimbabwe) Journalism -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Sex in mass media -- Zimbabwe Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002915
- Description: The media, which help define what we think and our roles in the society, have a crucial role to project both men and women’s issues so as to change people’s perceptions and stereotypes about the role men and women play in the society. There is need, therefore, to ensure gender equality in the operations of the media so that issues to do with both men and women get adequate and equal coverage. This study on the reportage of the land redistribution exercise in Zimbabwe has, however, exposed the gendered nature of the operations of the media, particularly in the news production process. It provides that, overally, the news discourse is a masculine narrative whose androcentric form is a result of, and is protected by, claims to ‘objectivity,’ ‘professionalism’, ‘impartiality’ and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that hegemonically prioritises men’s issues over those of women. The situation, as the research shows, has not been helped by journalists’ incapacity to do thematic appreciation of issues and their over-inclination towards a simplistic event-based journalism that fails to question policies as they are enacted and implemented in gender-skewed processes. The lack of gender policies, the operations of patriarchy and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that sees nothing wrong with the ostracisation of women issues are very fundamental findings that the research uses in its attempts to explain why the gender equality discourse was left out of the news reports about the land reform exercise in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mawarire, Jealousy Mbizvo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: The Daily News (Zimbabwe) The Herald (Zimbabwe) Journalism -- Zimbabwe Mass media -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe Sex in mass media -- Zimbabwe Discourse analysis -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3460 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002915
- Description: The media, which help define what we think and our roles in the society, have a crucial role to project both men and women’s issues so as to change people’s perceptions and stereotypes about the role men and women play in the society. There is need, therefore, to ensure gender equality in the operations of the media so that issues to do with both men and women get adequate and equal coverage. This study on the reportage of the land redistribution exercise in Zimbabwe has, however, exposed the gendered nature of the operations of the media, particularly in the news production process. It provides that, overally, the news discourse is a masculine narrative whose androcentric form is a result of, and is protected by, claims to ‘objectivity,’ ‘professionalism’, ‘impartiality’ and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that hegemonically prioritises men’s issues over those of women. The situation, as the research shows, has not been helped by journalists’ incapacity to do thematic appreciation of issues and their over-inclination towards a simplistic event-based journalism that fails to question policies as they are enacted and implemented in gender-skewed processes. The lack of gender policies, the operations of patriarchy and the pursuit of a journalistic routine system that sees nothing wrong with the ostracisation of women issues are very fundamental findings that the research uses in its attempts to explain why the gender equality discourse was left out of the news reports about the land reform exercise in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A study of the existence of equilibrium in mathematical economics
- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Xotyeni, Zukisa Gqabi
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005232 , Equilibrium (Economics) -- Mathematical models , Macroeconomics -- Mathematical models , Economics -- Mathematical models , Welfare economics -- Mathematical models , Lattice theory , Economics, Mathematical
- Description: In this thesis we define and study the existence of an equilibrium situation in which producers maximize their profits relative to the production vectors in their production sets, consumers satisfy their preferences in their consumption sets under certain budget constraint, and for every commodity total demand equals total supply. This competitive equilibrium situation is referred to as the Walrasian equilibrium. The existence of this equilibrium is investigated from a various mathematical points of view. These include microeconomic theory, simplicial spaces, global analysis and lattice theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The potential roles of interactions between STAT3, Hsp90, and Hop in the maintenance of self-renewal in mouse embryonic stem cells
- Authors: Setati, Mokgadi Michael
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Embryonic stem cells , Leukemia inhibitory factor , Cellular signal transduction , Heat shock proteins , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004040 , Embryonic stem cells , Leukemia inhibitory factor , Cellular signal transduction , Heat shock proteins , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells is dependent upon the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF induces tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) which is thought to promote self-renewal by inducing key target genes. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is involved in signal transduction pathways and regulates STAT3 activity in different cell types. However, the role of Hsp90 in regulating STAT3 activity in mES cells has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate if Hsp90 interacts with STAT3 in mES cells and to determine if this interaction is important for the maintenance of self-renewal. It was found that when mES cells were cultured for 24.0 hours in the absence of LIF, the expression levels of total STAT3, tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 (pYSTAT3), and the pluripotency marker, Nanog, were down regulated. However, the expression level of Hsp90 was found to be slightly up-regulated over the same period. Significantly, it was found that the amount of STAT3 in differentiating mES cells available for binding to Hsp90 was decreased upon down-regulation of STAT3 by LIF withdrawal. Therefore, STAT3-Hsp90 interactions in mES cells were dependent on the presence of LIF, which suggested that the reduction in STAT3-Hsp90 interaction may have resulted from the low levels of STAT3. Despite a dramatic reduction in the expression levels of pYSTAT3 upon 24.0 hours of culture of mES cells in the presence of the STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitor, cucurbitanin I, there was no obvious reduction in the levels of total STAT3, Oct-3/4 or Nanog. These results suggested that the levels of unphosphorylated STAT3 rather than pYSTAT3, maybe more important in the maintenance of mES cells self-renewal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Setati, Mokgadi Michael
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Embryonic stem cells , Leukemia inhibitory factor , Cellular signal transduction , Heat shock proteins , Molecular chaperones
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004040 , Embryonic stem cells , Leukemia inhibitory factor , Cellular signal transduction , Heat shock proteins , Molecular chaperones
- Description: Self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells is dependent upon the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). LIF induces tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) which is thought to promote self-renewal by inducing key target genes. The molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is involved in signal transduction pathways and regulates STAT3 activity in different cell types. However, the role of Hsp90 in regulating STAT3 activity in mES cells has not previously been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate if Hsp90 interacts with STAT3 in mES cells and to determine if this interaction is important for the maintenance of self-renewal. It was found that when mES cells were cultured for 24.0 hours in the absence of LIF, the expression levels of total STAT3, tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT3 (pYSTAT3), and the pluripotency marker, Nanog, were down regulated. However, the expression level of Hsp90 was found to be slightly up-regulated over the same period. Significantly, it was found that the amount of STAT3 in differentiating mES cells available for binding to Hsp90 was decreased upon down-regulation of STAT3 by LIF withdrawal. Therefore, STAT3-Hsp90 interactions in mES cells were dependent on the presence of LIF, which suggested that the reduction in STAT3-Hsp90 interaction may have resulted from the low levels of STAT3. Despite a dramatic reduction in the expression levels of pYSTAT3 upon 24.0 hours of culture of mES cells in the presence of the STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitor, cucurbitanin I, there was no obvious reduction in the levels of total STAT3, Oct-3/4 or Nanog. These results suggested that the levels of unphosphorylated STAT3 rather than pYSTAT3, maybe more important in the maintenance of mES cells self-renewal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Effect of salinity on oxygen consumption and growth of juvenile white steenbras, litohognathus lithognathus
- Authors: Kandjou, Kaunahama
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Lithognathus -- Growth , Salinity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005119 , Lithognathus -- Growth , Salinity
- Description: A stress-induced increase in metabolic rate of fish consumes energy within the metabolic scope of a fish that could otherwise be used for such functions as growth and reproduction. By estimating the degree of the metabolic response under given salinity levels and sudden changes thereof, it could be tested whether growth under given culture conditions could be predicted. Using intermittent respirometers, this study investigated the metabolic response of juvenile Lithognathus lithognathus following gradual acclimation to 5, 25 and 35‰ and, as a result of abrupt change from 35‰ to 5‰ or from 35‰ to 25‰ at 20˚C. The main aim of the study was to establish whether the magnitude of such responses could be used to predict growth of juvenile L. lithognathus under culture conditions. Hence, in addition to the respirometry study, two growth studies were conducted at 5, 10, 25 and 35‰ salinities. The baseline metabolic rates of juvenile L. lithognathus were also determined. Oxygen consumption measurements over 24-hours showed that most fish exhibited a diurnal peak in metabolic rates. The standard and active metabolic rates calculated from juvenile L. lithognathus with a diurnal peak in oxygen consumption were 0.06±0.001mgO₂g⁻¹h⁻¹ (mean±SEM, n = 5), and 0.11±0.01mg O₂g⁻¹h⁻¹, respectively. The standard and active metabolic rates of juvenile L lithognathus showing a nocturnal peak in metabolic activities were 0.04±0.001mgO₂g-1h-1 (n = 1), and 0.12±0.003 mg O₂g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. Routine metabolic rate of these fish calculated over a 3-h measurement period was 0.09±0.005mgO₂g⁻¹h⁻¹ (n = 6). Juvenile L. lithognathus showed a relationship between metabolic rate (mo₂) and body weight (W) following the equation: mo₂ = 0.62 W⁻°·⁵³.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Kandjou, Kaunahama
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Lithognathus -- Growth , Salinity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5275 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005119 , Lithognathus -- Growth , Salinity
- Description: A stress-induced increase in metabolic rate of fish consumes energy within the metabolic scope of a fish that could otherwise be used for such functions as growth and reproduction. By estimating the degree of the metabolic response under given salinity levels and sudden changes thereof, it could be tested whether growth under given culture conditions could be predicted. Using intermittent respirometers, this study investigated the metabolic response of juvenile Lithognathus lithognathus following gradual acclimation to 5, 25 and 35‰ and, as a result of abrupt change from 35‰ to 5‰ or from 35‰ to 25‰ at 20˚C. The main aim of the study was to establish whether the magnitude of such responses could be used to predict growth of juvenile L. lithognathus under culture conditions. Hence, in addition to the respirometry study, two growth studies were conducted at 5, 10, 25 and 35‰ salinities. The baseline metabolic rates of juvenile L. lithognathus were also determined. Oxygen consumption measurements over 24-hours showed that most fish exhibited a diurnal peak in metabolic rates. The standard and active metabolic rates calculated from juvenile L. lithognathus with a diurnal peak in oxygen consumption were 0.06±0.001mgO₂g⁻¹h⁻¹ (mean±SEM, n = 5), and 0.11±0.01mg O₂g⁻¹h⁻¹, respectively. The standard and active metabolic rates of juvenile L lithognathus showing a nocturnal peak in metabolic activities were 0.04±0.001mgO₂g-1h-1 (n = 1), and 0.12±0.003 mg O₂g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. Routine metabolic rate of these fish calculated over a 3-h measurement period was 0.09±0.005mgO₂g⁻¹h⁻¹ (n = 6). Juvenile L. lithognathus showed a relationship between metabolic rate (mo₂) and body weight (W) following the equation: mo₂ = 0.62 W⁻°·⁵³.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A feasibility study into total electron content prediction using neural networks
- Authors: Habarulema, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005251 , Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Description: Global Positioning System (GPS) networks provide an opportunity to study the dynamics and continuous changes in the ionosphere by supplementing ionospheric measurements which are usually obtained by various techniques such as ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and satellites. Total electron content (TEC) is one of the physical quantities that can be derived from GPS data, and provides an indication of ionospheric variability. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the development of a Neural Network (NN) based model for the prediction of South African GPS derived TEC. The South African GPS receiver network is operated and maintained by the Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Three South African locations were identified and used in the development of an input space and NN architecture for the model. The input space includes the day number (seasonal variation), hour (diurnal variation), sunspot number (measure of the solar activity), and magnetic index(measure of the magnetic activity). An attempt to study the effects of solar wind on TEC variability was carried out using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data and it is recommended that more study be done using low altitude satellite data. An analysis was done by comparing predicted NN TEC with TEC values from the IRI2001 version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), validating GPS TEC with ionosonde TEC (ITEC) and assessing the performance of the NN model during equinoxes and solstices. Results show that NNs predict GPS TEC more accurately than the IRI at South African GPS locations, but that more good quality GPS data is required before a truly representative empirical GPS TEC model can be released.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Habarulema, John Bosco
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5466 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005251 , Electrons , Neural networks (Computer science) , Global Positioning System , Ionosphere , Ionospheric electron density
- Description: Global Positioning System (GPS) networks provide an opportunity to study the dynamics and continuous changes in the ionosphere by supplementing ionospheric measurements which are usually obtained by various techniques such as ionosondes, incoherent scatter radars and satellites. Total electron content (TEC) is one of the physical quantities that can be derived from GPS data, and provides an indication of ionospheric variability. This thesis presents a feasibility study for the development of a Neural Network (NN) based model for the prediction of South African GPS derived TEC. The South African GPS receiver network is operated and maintained by the Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, South Africa. Three South African locations were identified and used in the development of an input space and NN architecture for the model. The input space includes the day number (seasonal variation), hour (diurnal variation), sunspot number (measure of the solar activity), and magnetic index(measure of the magnetic activity). An attempt to study the effects of solar wind on TEC variability was carried out using the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data and it is recommended that more study be done using low altitude satellite data. An analysis was done by comparing predicted NN TEC with TEC values from the IRI2001 version of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), validating GPS TEC with ionosonde TEC (ITEC) and assessing the performance of the NN model during equinoxes and solstices. Results show that NNs predict GPS TEC more accurately than the IRI at South African GPS locations, but that more good quality GPS data is required before a truly representative empirical GPS TEC model can be released.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Cross-cultural normative indicators on the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) associate learning and visual reproduction subtests
- Authors: Fike, Lauren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Memory Scale -- Cross-cultural studies Memory -- Testing Memory -- Cross-cultural studies Memory Assessment Scales Short-term memory -- Testing Long-term memory -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002484
- Description: A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Fike, Lauren
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Wechsler Memory Scale -- Cross-cultural studies Memory -- Testing Memory -- Cross-cultural studies Memory Assessment Scales Short-term memory -- Testing Long-term memory -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2975 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002484
- Description: A comprehensive battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including the WMS Associate Learning and Visual Reproduction subtests, forming the focus of this study, were administered to a southern African sample (n = 33, age range 18-40). This sample composed of black South African, IsiXhosa speakers with an educational level of Grade 11 and 12, derived through DET and former DET schooling. The gender demographics were as follows; females n = 21 and males n = 12. This sample was purposefully selected based on current cross-cultural research which suggests that individuals matching these above-mentioned demographics are significantly disadvantaged when compared to available neuropsychological norms. This is due to the fact that current norms have been created in contexts with socio-cultural influences; including culture, language and quantity and quality of education distinctly dissimilar to individuals like that composed in the sample. Hence the purpose of this study was fourfold namely; 1) Describe and consider socio-cultural factors and the influence on test performance 2) Provide descriptive and preliminary normative data on this neuropsychologically underrepresented population 3) Compare test performance between age and gender through stratification of the sample and finally to 4) Evaluate the current norms of the two WMS subtests and assess their validity for black South Africans with DET and former DET schooling with comparisons to the results found in the study. Information derived from the statistical analyses indicated that a higher performance in favour of the younger group over the older age range was consistently found for both WMS subtests. With regards to gender, some higher means were evident for the male population in the sample than was produced by the female group. Lastly, due to the fact that most scores derived from the sample were considerably lower when compared to the available norms, it is felt that socio-cultural factors prevalent to this population are a significant cause of lower test performance and thus warrant the development of appropriate normative indicators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An organisation development intervention in a rural school in the Omusati region of Namibia
- Perestrelo, Helena Ndeyatila
- Authors: Perestrelo, Helena Ndeyatila
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia -- Omusati Organizational change -- Namibia -- Omusati School management and organization -- Namibia -- Omusati Educational change -- Namibia -- Omusati School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007636
- Description: Organizations globally are challenged with a very volatile, fast changing environment. It is only those organizations that develop the capacity to change timeously that will survive in this millennium. (Meyer & Botha, 2000, p.23) Organizational development (OD) is a planned change approach aimed at changing behaviour and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Central to such an approach is continuous business process improvement. OD rests on the foundation of values and assumptions about people and organizations, and it is imperative that organizations adopt systematic methodologies in introducing business improvement interventions. The study introduced an OD approach to one of the rural primary schools in the Omusati region of Namibia, with the purpose of examining if it would bring change in the school. My goal was to explore participants' experience and perception of the OD process and to investigate the possible short term outcome of such an intervention. The case study involved 16 staff members made up of a principal, one head of department and 14 teachers. Data was gathered through formal interviews with the principal, head of department and three teachers, through a focus group interview with teachers, and through observation and observation note entries. The study found that OD was a new concept approach to the participants which differs completely from the way that change processes are introduced in the schools. Participants felt that introducing change in an organization using an OD approach can bring effective change, but it can also place huge demands on participants' commitment. This is particularly so if they do not adopt it as an internal process of business improvement. The OD approach is a long-term change process and not a quick fix. Finally, the outcome of the intervention indicated enthusiasm for the school to continue addressing the prevailing challenges despite various obstacles that they do not have control over.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Perestrelo, Helena Ndeyatila
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Rural schools -- Namibia -- Omusati Organizational change -- Namibia -- Omusati School management and organization -- Namibia -- Omusati Educational change -- Namibia -- Omusati School improvement programs -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007636
- Description: Organizations globally are challenged with a very volatile, fast changing environment. It is only those organizations that develop the capacity to change timeously that will survive in this millennium. (Meyer & Botha, 2000, p.23) Organizational development (OD) is a planned change approach aimed at changing behaviour and enhancing organizational effectiveness. Central to such an approach is continuous business process improvement. OD rests on the foundation of values and assumptions about people and organizations, and it is imperative that organizations adopt systematic methodologies in introducing business improvement interventions. The study introduced an OD approach to one of the rural primary schools in the Omusati region of Namibia, with the purpose of examining if it would bring change in the school. My goal was to explore participants' experience and perception of the OD process and to investigate the possible short term outcome of such an intervention. The case study involved 16 staff members made up of a principal, one head of department and 14 teachers. Data was gathered through formal interviews with the principal, head of department and three teachers, through a focus group interview with teachers, and through observation and observation note entries. The study found that OD was a new concept approach to the participants which differs completely from the way that change processes are introduced in the schools. Participants felt that introducing change in an organization using an OD approach can bring effective change, but it can also place huge demands on participants' commitment. This is particularly so if they do not adopt it as an internal process of business improvement. The OD approach is a long-term change process and not a quick fix. Finally, the outcome of the intervention indicated enthusiasm for the school to continue addressing the prevailing challenges despite various obstacles that they do not have control over.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Natural resource harvesting and disturbance in communal lands: assessing the roles of local ecological knowledge, dependency and market access
- Authors: Steele, Melita Zoë
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Natural resources, Communal -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa , Forest ecology -- South Africa , Harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4736 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004604 , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Natural resources, Communal -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa , Forest ecology -- South Africa , Harvesting
- Description: A great deal of research has demonstrated that Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a crucial role in the livelihoods of the rural poor, and are particularly important to the most marginalised people throughout the developing world. However, these livelihood benefits are not without cost to the natural resource base that rural communities depend so heavily upon. The continued dependence on NTFPs as a major livelihood source must be contingent upon the minimisation of the level of disturbance created through this dependency. This study assesses the level of disturbance created through natural resource harvesting in eight study sites around South Africa, and applies a predictive conceptual model created by Shankaar et al. (2004b) to try and ascertain under what conditions the level of disturbance created through natural resource harvesting will be high. It assesses the three key factors that Shankaar et al. (2004b) identified (level of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), level of dependency and access to markets) in relation to the level of disturbance found at each of the study sites. It was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the level of dependency and the level of disturbance, but there was no statistically significant relationship between either access to markets or the level of LEK and disturbance. Regulation of land use is a key issue, with weak local institutions in communal areas making effective resource management difficult. The significance of these findings is discussed, and priorities for future research are identified. This study adds to the body of knowledge related to NTFP harvesting and critically analyses the conflicts between the livelihood gains and the level of disturbance created through NTFP harvesting in an attempt to ascertain how livelihoods can be safeguarded. And in the longer-term, so that management strategies can be identified where resource extraction is not at the cost of undermining the very livelihoods that depend upon the natural resource base.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Steele, Melita Zoë
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Natural resources, Communal -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa , Forest ecology -- South Africa , Harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4736 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004604 , Non-timber forest products -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa , Rural poor -- South Africa , Rural development -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Households -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Natural resources, Communal -- South Africa , Commons -- South Africa , Forest ecology -- South Africa , Harvesting
- Description: A great deal of research has demonstrated that Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a crucial role in the livelihoods of the rural poor, and are particularly important to the most marginalised people throughout the developing world. However, these livelihood benefits are not without cost to the natural resource base that rural communities depend so heavily upon. The continued dependence on NTFPs as a major livelihood source must be contingent upon the minimisation of the level of disturbance created through this dependency. This study assesses the level of disturbance created through natural resource harvesting in eight study sites around South Africa, and applies a predictive conceptual model created by Shankaar et al. (2004b) to try and ascertain under what conditions the level of disturbance created through natural resource harvesting will be high. It assesses the three key factors that Shankaar et al. (2004b) identified (level of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK), level of dependency and access to markets) in relation to the level of disturbance found at each of the study sites. It was found that there was a statistically significant relationship between the level of dependency and the level of disturbance, but there was no statistically significant relationship between either access to markets or the level of LEK and disturbance. Regulation of land use is a key issue, with weak local institutions in communal areas making effective resource management difficult. The significance of these findings is discussed, and priorities for future research are identified. This study adds to the body of knowledge related to NTFP harvesting and critically analyses the conflicts between the livelihood gains and the level of disturbance created through NTFP harvesting in an attempt to ascertain how livelihoods can be safeguarded. And in the longer-term, so that management strategies can be identified where resource extraction is not at the cost of undermining the very livelihoods that depend upon the natural resource base.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The zonation of coastal dune plants in relation to sand burial, resource availability and physiological adaptation
- Authors: Gilbert, Matthew Edmund
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Sand dune conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Botany -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coastal biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Littoral plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Littoral plants Sand dune plants -- Ecophysiology Sand dune plants -- Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003764
- Description: When considering the large amount of work done on dune ecology, and that a number of the classical ecological theories originate from work on dunes, it is apparent that there remains a need for physiological and mechanistic explanations of dune plant phenomena. This thesis demonstrated that in the extreme coastal environment dune plants must survive both high rates of burial (disturbance), and low nutrient availability (stress). The ability of four species to respond to these two factors corresponded with their position in a vegetation gradient on the dunes. A low stem tissue density was shown to enhance the potential stem elongation rate of buried plants, but reduced the maximum height to which a plant could grow. Such a tradeoff implies that tall light-competitive plants are able to survive only in stable areas, while burial responsive mobile-dune plants are limited to areas of low vegetation height. This stem tissue density tradeoff was suggested as the mechanism determining the zonation that species show within the dune vegetation gradient present at various sites in South Africa. Finally, detailed investigations of dune plant ecophysiology found that: 1) The resources used in the response to burial derive from external sources of carbon and nitrogen, as well as simple physiological and physical mechanisms of resource allocation. 2) The leaves of dune plants were found to be operating at one extreme of the photosynthetic continuum; viz efficient use of leaf nitrogen at the expense of water loss. 3) Contrary to other ecosystems, the environmental characteristics of dunes may allow plants to occupy a high disturbance, high stress niche, through the maintenance of lowered competition. 4) At least two mobile-dune species form steep dunes, and are able to optimise growth, on steeper dunes, such that they have to grow less in response to burial than plants that form more shallow dunes. In this thesis, it was shown that the link between the carbon and nitrogen economies of dune plants was pivotal in determining species distributions and survival under extreme environmental conditions. As vast areas of the world’s surface are covered by sand dunes these observations are not just of passing interest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gilbert, Matthew Edmund
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Sand dune conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Botany -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Coastal biology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Littoral plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Littoral plants Sand dune plants -- Ecophysiology Sand dune plants -- Geographical distribution
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003764
- Description: When considering the large amount of work done on dune ecology, and that a number of the classical ecological theories originate from work on dunes, it is apparent that there remains a need for physiological and mechanistic explanations of dune plant phenomena. This thesis demonstrated that in the extreme coastal environment dune plants must survive both high rates of burial (disturbance), and low nutrient availability (stress). The ability of four species to respond to these two factors corresponded with their position in a vegetation gradient on the dunes. A low stem tissue density was shown to enhance the potential stem elongation rate of buried plants, but reduced the maximum height to which a plant could grow. Such a tradeoff implies that tall light-competitive plants are able to survive only in stable areas, while burial responsive mobile-dune plants are limited to areas of low vegetation height. This stem tissue density tradeoff was suggested as the mechanism determining the zonation that species show within the dune vegetation gradient present at various sites in South Africa. Finally, detailed investigations of dune plant ecophysiology found that: 1) The resources used in the response to burial derive from external sources of carbon and nitrogen, as well as simple physiological and physical mechanisms of resource allocation. 2) The leaves of dune plants were found to be operating at one extreme of the photosynthetic continuum; viz efficient use of leaf nitrogen at the expense of water loss. 3) Contrary to other ecosystems, the environmental characteristics of dunes may allow plants to occupy a high disturbance, high stress niche, through the maintenance of lowered competition. 4) At least two mobile-dune species form steep dunes, and are able to optimise growth, on steeper dunes, such that they have to grow less in response to burial than plants that form more shallow dunes. In this thesis, it was shown that the link between the carbon and nitrogen economies of dune plants was pivotal in determining species distributions and survival under extreme environmental conditions. As vast areas of the world’s surface are covered by sand dunes these observations are not just of passing interest.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008