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Coleridge on drama

- Wagstaff, Brian John

Authors: Wagstaff, Brian John
Date: 1973
Subjects: Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Dramatic works , Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Criticism and interpretation , English drama -- 18th century -- History and criticism
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:2276 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007255 , Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Dramatic works , Coleridge, Samuel Taylor, 1772-1834 -- Criticism and interpretation , English drama -- 18th century -- History and criticism
Description: From Introduction: In the Preface to his book The idea of Coleridge's Criticism, Richard Harter Fogle states: There is... I am confident, a need for such a study as I here introduce; a study of Coleridge's criticism in itself, tentatively accepting the metaphysical assumptions on which it is based and focusing upon its central principles and inner relationship; endeavouring without direct regard for its external connections to the past and the present to see it as a whole, yet at the same time anxiously regardful of its permanent significance and its bearing upon practical criticism. These are the principles on which I have based this thesis, applied more particularly to Coleridge's criticism of drama.
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Date Issued: 1973

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The spectrographic determination of trace elements in citrus leaves

- Brandt, Peter Jürgen

Authors: Brandt, Peter Jürgen
Date: 1962
Subjects: Citrus , Trace elements in plant nutrition
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:4516 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013552
Description: From Introduction: With the rapidly growing knowledge on trace elements and their influence on plant nutrition the need for accurate and rapid methods for their determination arose. The essential plant nutrients are usually divided into two groups. The major or macronutrient elements, necessary in comparatively large amounts, and the trace or micro-nutrient elements. In the case of plants, the first group includes Sulphur, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and Nitrogen. The essential trace elements are Iron, manganese, Boron, Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum and Chlorine. Cobalt is essential for animal nutrition as a constituent of Vitamin B₁₂, but its essentiality for plants has not yet been proved. The latter group consists of metals which are catalysts in enzyme reactions and whose presence in the plant in minute amount determines whether the plant will be able to complete the vegetative or reproductive stage of its life cycle. Molybdenum may be quoted as an example of an essential trace element. It is generally recognised to be the catalyst responsible for the fixation of Nitrogen.
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Date Issued: 1962

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Drifting towards death: a South African patient safety incident through an HFE Systems lens

- Agar, Sarah Leigh

Authors: Agar, Sarah Leigh
Date: 2022-10-14
Subjects: Patients Safety measures , Medical errors Prevention , Human engineering , Medical care South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/362716 , vital:65356
Description: Patient Safety Incidents (PSI) are a frequent occurrence within the South African public healthcare system wherein a patient is unnecessarily maimed, harmed, killed, or put through significant trauma, emotional or physical. These incidents have a significant impact on the performance of the system and the well-being of individuals involved. Often PSI are the result of multiple system failings that provide the necessary preconditions for the PSI to occur. Thus, to provide appropriate patient safety recommendations to address and aid in the prevention of future PSI it is necessary to apply a systems approach to PSI analysis. A systems approach supports a ‘bigger picture’ view of an incident which includes looking beyond the immediate causes of a PSI and taking the different levels of the healthcare system into consideration during incident analysis. Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) is at its core a systems discipline and has been successfully applied to multiple fields including healthcare. HFE offers multiple incident analysis tools grounded in systems theory. The Life Esidimeni incident, a PSI that resulted in the death of 144 MHCU, is the biggest PSI in recent South African history and is therefore an important potential case study for the application of HFE systems tools within the South African healthcare context (an area that is lacking in existing literature). The objectives of this research were to (i) Systematically uncover the causal factors that led to the outcome of the of the Life Esidimeni incident; (ii) Identify critical faults, and gaps within the healthcare system that led to the Life Esidimeni PSI; and (iii) Provide proactive recommendations for future prevention of PSI. To fulfil these objectives a descriptive case study research method design was adopted using a qualitative systems-based tool, AcciMap. The application of AcciMap to Life Esidimeni enabled both the sharp end and blunt end causal factors that contributed to the outcome of the incident to be identified. Importantly this provided insight into the critical faults and gaps of the South African public healthcare system. The results of the AcciMap indicated that there were four main broad systemic faults in the system. These broad areas were categorized as key themes, which include: (i) competency, (ii) safeguards, (iii) time pressures, and (iv) vertical integration. From these key themes recommendations aimed at addressing the critical faults and gaps in the system and preventing future PSI were made. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-10-14

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The effect of elephants (Loxodonta africana, Blumenbach, 1797) on Xeric Succulent Thicket

- Knott, Edward Joseph

Authors: Knott, Edward Joseph
Date: 2007
Subjects: Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:5674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005359 , Addo Elephant National Park (South Africa) , African elephant , Elephants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Elephants -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Succulent plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Woody plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
Description: This study looks at the impact of elephant feeding on the Xeric Succulent Thicket component of Eastern Cape Subtropical Thicket (ECST) in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP). Observations of elephant feeding were carried out and vegetation transects were surveyed for impact of elephant feeding. The results indicated that the Nyati elephants spent the majority of their time grazing (nearly 90%), particularly the cow-young herds, and especially when the herd gathered in larger numbers. Browsing events were concentrated on Acacia karroo (81%) and there was no significant difference between the sexes in their preference for this species. Despite being subjected to most of the browsing, the majority of A. karroo trees were undamaged and the effect of elephants was generally light. It appears unlikely that, three years after re-introduction to Nyati, the elephants have had an effect on community structure of the vegetation. Surveys were conducted on stands of the alien invasive weed prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica, and it was recorded that elephants in Nyati have had a dramatic effect on prickly pear, utilising all adult plants assessed and destroying 70% of them. This level of destruction in such a short period of time suggests that prickly pear is a highly favoured species. The results from the present study suggest that elephants can play a role in the control of prickly pear. Results are discussed in terms of elephants as both megaherbivores and keystone species, and as agents of intermediate disturbance.
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Date Issued: 2007

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Synthesis and evaluation of novel HIV-1 enzyme inhibitors

- Olomola, Temitope Oloruntoba

Authors: Olomola, Temitope Oloruntoba
Date: 2011
Subjects: HIV infections -- Treatment HIV infections -- Chemotherapy HIV (Viruses) Enzyme inhibitors AZT (Drug) Reverse transcriptase Proteolytic enzymes Ligands Psoralens Resorcinol
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: vital:4369 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005034
Description: This study has involved the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel HIV-1 enzyme inhibitors accessed by synthetic elaboration of Baylis-Hillman adducts. Several series of complex coumarin-AZT and cinnamate ester-AZT conjugates have been prepared, in high yields, by exploiting the click reaction between appropriate Baylis-Hillman derived precursors and azidothymidine (AZT), all of which have been fully characterised using spectroscopic techniques. These conjugates, designed as potential dual-action HIV-1 inhibitors, were tested against the appropriate HIV-1 enzymes, i.e. HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and protease or HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and integrase. A number of the ligands have exhibited % inhibition levels and IC50 values comparable to drugs in clinical use, permitting their identification as lead compounds for the development of novel dual-action inhibitors. In silico docking of selected ligands into the active sites of the respective enzymes has provided useful insight into binding conformations and potential hydrogen-bonding interactions with active-site amino acid residues. A series of furocoumarin carboxamide derivatives have been synthesised in four steps starting from resorcinol and these compounds have also been tested for HIV-1 integrase inhibition activity. The structures of unexpected products isolated from Aza-Baylis-Hillman reactions of N-tosylaldimines have been elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. A mechanism for what appears to be an unprecedented transformation has been proposed. Microwave-assisted SeO₂ oxidation of Baylis-Hillman-derived 3-methylcoumarins has provided convenient and efficient access to coumarin-3-carbaldehydes, and a pilot study has revealed the potential of these coumarin-3-carbaldehydes as scaffolds for the construction of tricyclic compounds. The HCl-catalysed reaction of tert-butyl acrylate derived Baylis-Hillman adducts has been shown to afford 3-(chloromethyl)coumarins and α-(chloromethyl)cinnamic acids, the Zstereochemistry of the latter being established by X-ray crystallography. ¹H NMR-based experimental kinetic and DFT-level theoretical studies have been undertaken to establish the reaction sequence and other mechanistic details. Base-catalysed cyclisation on the other hand, has been shown to afford 2H-chromene rather than coumarin derivatives.
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Date Issued: 2011

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The nature of a self

- Le Chat, Gavin John

Authors: Le Chat, Gavin John
Date: 1978 , 2013-10-17
Subjects: Self , Identity (Philosophical concept) , Dualism
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:2737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006916 , Self , Identity (Philosophical concept) , Dualism
Description: The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate just what kind of entity a self or person is (p. 1). , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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Date Issued: 1978

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An investigation into the properties of cotton fibres as used in nonwoven fabrics

- Lutseke, Nothando Sazikazi

Authors: Lutseke, Nothando Sazikazi
Date: 1989
Subjects: Cotton -- Analysis , Fibers -- Analysis , Nonwoven fabrics -- Analysis , Textile chemistry
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:4552 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018241
Description: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the properties that characterise cotton fibres in the various stages in the CPNF process as well as to determine which fibre characteristics a r e required to entangle the fibres to produce a successful CPNF . The criteria adopted in this work for a successful CPNF include: 1. the tensile strength of the fabrics 2. a well-defined pattern 3. absorbency and wicking The properties selected for investigation were 1. the cotton fibre surface (using SEM and DSC analyses) 2. the degree of degradation of the cotton fibre as a result of the CPNF process (using cellulose fluidity measurements) 3. the non-cellulosic content of the fibre (using IR, DSC, and Chemical analyses) 4. fibre friction 5. absorbency and wicking 6. tensile properties Analysis of the results indicates clearly what the fundamental properties of the cotton fibre must be for a successful cotton CPNF to be manufactured. The conclusions also indicate the necessary properties a man-made fibre must have to produce a successful CPNF.
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Date Issued: 1989

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Economic impact of international labour migration on Lesotho's development, 1986-1998: towards an international labour migration policy for the Southern African region

- Maro, Mkasafari Grace

Authors: Maro, Mkasafari Grace
Date: 2002
Subjects: Migrant labor -- South Africa , Migrant labor -- Lesotho , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Miners -- South Africa , Miners -- Labor unions -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:1058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007496 , Migrant labor -- South Africa , Migrant labor -- Lesotho , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Miners -- South Africa , Miners -- Labor unions -- South Africa
Description: The aim of the thesis is to identify the pressures that contributed to the rise in international labour migration in Lesotho, and to investigate how these pressures are impacting upon the modernization process in the country, particularly at a time when employment opportunities are scarce in the southern African region. International labour migration has been used as a development tool throughout history, but especially in the 20th century by developing countries with dual labour markets. Newly independent developing countries with dual labour markets adapted the strategy of import substitution industrialization (lSI), with an emphasis on protecting infant industries and promoting pro-labour policies. In the post-colonial period the international demand for lowskilled workers rose, particularly in the North (developed countries), and in mineral rich countries including the oil exporters and South Africa, and the newly industrialising countries in East Asia. International labour migration to these countries was adapted as an integral development tool by the governments of the lSI countries. Most migrants were low-skilled and temporary workers in the destination countries. Although no multilateral institutional framework existed, usually both the sending and receiving countries adapted unilateral and bilateral migration policies to guarantee the gains from migration. Workers were thus "protected" to varying degrees under such agreements. From the 1970s, the North experienced a slowdown in the growth in demand for unskilled workers. In the 1980s, many lSI countries experienced devastating economic crises that forced them to abandon the lSI policy and adapt the export-led industrialisation (EOI) policy with an emphasis on trade liberalization. The switch from lSI to EOI in developing countries with dual labour markets led to the downsizing of public sector employment, the removal of marketing boards formally used by small-scale agricultural farmers, and the expansion of export processing zones (EPZs). These outcomes resulted in a rise in push internal migration, and international migration from these countries especially to other developing countries. At the same time, since the late 1980s, capital has acquired greatly enhanced mobility at the global level. The adaptation of EOI and the full mobility of capital at the global level altered the institutional structure within which labour migration was governed both nationally, and internationally. At the national level stricter unilateral policies were reinforced by receiving countries for low-skilled labour, while less strict policies applied for skilled labour. These remain in operation in conjunction with the earlier bilateral agreements. At the international level, there remains a lack of policy to regulate international labour migration. Under the current enhanced mobility of capital, international migrants are thus left vulnerable. Lesotho fits this pattern. Faced with a dual economy and an abundance of semi-skilled labour, Lesotho has been a principal supplier of labour to the South Africa's mining industry since its independence. Lesotho's industrial diversification thus mirrors South Africa's industrial diversification. In the lSI phase (1968 - 1987), international labour migration became the most important tool of economic welfare generation in Lesotho. Bilateral agreements were signed in the early 1970s between Lesotho and South Africa to guarantee the gains from migration. Since the late I980s, the mining industry in South Africa began to downsize production and employment. Fewer novice miners from Lesotho were recruited to work in South Africa. The adaptation of the EOI policy in Lesotho in 1987 introduced EPZ industrialization and trade liberalization. Nevertheless, the retrenchment of mine workers from South Africa is occurring at a time when Lesotho is experiencing an employment crisis. The political independence of South Africa in 1994 was accompanied by stricter international migration policies by the new democratic government of South Africa. Most migrant workers in South Africa are thus now faced with a two-door policy (of the earlier bilateral agreements and the amendments to the Aliens Control Act). This system has left migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation by both employers and the law (police) in South Africa. Nevertheless, international migration from Lesotho to South Africa continues to expand, particularly of the new type of migration - semiskilled female workers in the services sector. At the same time, South Africa is also experiencing an employment crisis. The most important policy implications are, firstly, that migration is subject to the same "casualisation" as other work, with the effects made worse by the "statelessness" of migrants, who are most vulnerable to exploitation. Secondly, multilateralism is needed (e.g., SADC) and holistic, multilateral policies are required. It is clear that under the new global division of labour ad hoc policy towards international labour migration is ineffective.
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Date Issued: 2002

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Service dogs for Autism Spectrum Disorder: the experiences of caregivers in South Africa

- Martin, Emma Jeanne

Authors: Martin, Emma Jeanne
Date: 2022-04-07
Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders South Africa , Service dogs South Africa , Animals Therapeutic use South Africa , Caregivers South Africa , Animals Therapeutic use Public opinion , Animal welfare South Africa , Children with autism spectrum disorders South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's thesis , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232855 , vital:50032
Description: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, most frequently diagnosed in childhood, with symptoms including deficits in social communication and interaction as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviours, interests and activities. There is no known cure for ASD, with current treatment methods focussing upon reducing symptom severity. One such treatment method is the use of autism service dogs. Internationally, autism service dogs have been available for over two decades, while in South Africa they have only been available since 2015. A fair amount of internationally published data is available on autism service dogs, however, at the time of this research study, no data was available within South Africa. This study aimed to provide a baseline for research on autism service dogs within South Africa, by documenting the experiences of caregivers whose ASD children had been supplied with autism service dogs, with regard to the uses, effects, accessibility and public perception of the autism service dogs, as well as recommendations for future improvements of autism service dogs within South Africa. Lastly, inquiry into the welfare of the autism service dogs was sought. This study was qualitative in nature, with eight families who had been supplied with autism service dogs having chosen to participate. Data collection was achieved through one semi-structured interview with each family, which was then transcribed and thematically analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Results indicated that autism service dogs were perceived as generally accessible, useful and beneficial for ASD children and their caregivers in a variety of ways, however, they were not without their challenges, with lifestyle adjustments and public perception being especially problematic. Participants also noted recommendations for possible future improvements. Lastly, welfare concerns for the autism service dogs relating to violent behaviour exhibited by ASD children was identified, raising the question of the suitability of service dogs for the ASD population. , Thesis (MA) -- Humanities, Psychology, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04-07

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An assessment of human carnivore conflict in the Kalahari region of Botswana

- Klein, Rebecca Ann

Authors: Klein, Rebecca Ann
Date: 2014
Subjects: Carnivores -- Botswana , Carnivores -- Effect of human beings on -- Botswana , Human-animal relationships , Predatory animals -- Control -- Botswana , Wildlife depredation -- Botswana
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:5876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013132
Description: Human wildlife conflict is a considerable conservation challenge that threatens many carnivore species worldwide and is a result of complex socio-economic and ecological processes. An understanding of the drivers of conflict is essential for any efforts to achieve coexistence. This study investigated the levels of conflict, livestock management and tolerance amongst the farming communities of the Southern and Western Kalahari in Botswana. A questionnaire survey was completed with 310 farmers throughout the region. The majority of respondents regarded coexisting with carnivores as a challenge, with losses due to depredation perceived as the greatest problem facing farmers. Conflict was widespread throughout the study area, with some spatial variations for certain species. Cattle management levels were low and while smallstock management was better, the use of improved levels of management could reduce current levels of conflict. Tolerance levels were generally low with few respondents seeing the benefits of coexistence with carnivore species. The results indicated that farm type, gender, education level, source of income, livestock numbers, location and land use all have an effect on perceived conflict and tolerance levels and strongly interact with each other. In general cattleposts were characterised by higher proportions of females, lower education levels, more benefits derived from wildlife and veld products and fewer livestock than fenced ranches. They also experienced more conflict, carried out more management and had better tolerance levels. It could be that closer connections to the land and deriving benefits from natural resources resulted in more tolerance and this is certainly worth further investigation. An improvement in the use of effective methods of livestock management, targeted environmental education programs to develop a greater awareness for the conservation value of carnivores and a diversification of livelihoods to include benefits from natural resources have the potential to reduce conflict and improve tolerance in the Kalahari region.
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Date Issued: 2014

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Investigating tools and techniques for improving software performance on multiprocessor computer systems

- Tristram, Waide Barrington

Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
Date: 2012
Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
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Date Issued: 2012

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The reading preferences of grade 11 ESL learners in Grahamstown

- Rasana, Nomakhosazana Hazel

Authors: Rasana, Nomakhosazana Hazel
Date: 2003
Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- South Africa Reading (Secondary) -- South Africa English language -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
Identifier: vital:1721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003604
Description: This survey investigates learners’ reading preferences in selected Eastern Cape secondary schools where English is taught as a second language. It seeks to understand the reading patterns and interests of Grade 11s, and the role played by parents, teachers, school and public libraries in promoting a love for reading. Focus group interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data over a period of six weeks. All Grade 11 learners from eight Grahamstown secondary schools where English is taught as a second language participated. Data was analysed using Biomedical Data Programme Statistical Software (BMDP). Chi-square (X ²) tests and t-tests for proportions were used specifically to determine significant differences in the groups (i.e. gender effect, schools and language effect). The data suggest that ESL Grade 11s: 1) do have preferred reading material; 2) have preferred authors; 3) have a preferred language they read in; and 4) read for information. Limited access to reading material affects their reading patterns and ability.
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Date Issued: 2003

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Exploring visual probability teaching strategies for enhancing mathematical thinking in grade 11 classrooms

- Nghidinwa, Lavinia Tangi-Jehova

Authors: Nghidinwa, Lavinia Tangi-Jehova
Date: 2021-10-29
Subjects: Mathematics Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia , Probabilities , Visualization , Learning models (Stochastic processes) , VIPROMaths project
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192002 , vital:45187
Description: This Namibian case study aimed to explore the use of visualisation tools associated with different teaching strategies in the teaching of probability concepts in Grade 11 by selected teachers, to promote mathematical thinking. This research project is an integral component of the VIPROMaths project whose goal is to research the effective use of visualisation strategies in the mathematics classroom in the Southern African region. As a mathematics teacher, I have observed that mathematics teaching practices in our classrooms have relatively little connection with actual mathematics and as a result, teaching misses opportunities to promote mathematical thinking. This qualitative case study is underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and it is informed by the dual coding theory. Data was collected through survey questionnaires, reflective journals, field notes, observation schedules and stimulus-recall interviews. Firstly, I piloted my study by conducting a survey with the Grade 10-12 mathematics teachers in the Khomas region. The aim of this survey was to understand and explore how teachers in the Khomas region taught probability prior to the intervention programme. The data was analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics such as tables and bar graphs. The findings from the survey necessitated the need for an intervention programme with some teachers in the region, focused on the use of visual tools to promote mathematical thinking. Lastly, three schools were selected from which three Grade 11 mathematics teachers were chosen to take part in an intervention programme. The goal was to observe how these three teachers use visual probability teaching strategies to enhance mathematical thinking after participating in an intervention programme. Lesson observations showed that all observed teachers used visual models to generate images and used models to develop a probability idea as well as to create platforms for classroom discussions. Interviews revealed that teachers’ views towards probability have shifted from that of being the centre of knowledge to that of a facilitator. As a result, teachers used different models to build on learners’ prior knowledge, to assess whether they grasped the probability concept and extend their teaching to real-life situations. This study concluded that the teachers need to consider using mathematical models for creating a platform for discussion to ensure that their verbal explanations are in line with the visuals incorporated. Coupled with that, the teachers’ correct use of visual probability teaching strategies has the potential of enhancing learners’ mathematical thinking. Therefore, teachers need to teach the learners how to create visuals for enhancing maximise understanding of probability concepts in mathematics. Furthermore, it is hoped that the findings will be useful to mathematics teachers, scholars and educators to improve the teaching of probability. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-10-29

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A study of the population dynamics, production and potential yield of the sardine Limnothrissa Miodon (Boulenger) in Lake Kariba

- Marshall, Brian Eric

Authors: Marshall, Brian Eric
Date: 1987
Subjects: Fishes Lake Tanganyika sardine
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: vital:5191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001967
Description: The limnology of Lake Kariba, especially those aspects that affect sardine biology, are described. The hydrological regime of the lake is seen as a major influence and may be one of the reasons why the fish are very much smaller in Kariba than they are in Lakes Tanganyika or Kivu. Growth was reassessed and there appeared to be a correlation between rates of growth and limnological parameters. In particular, the fish appeared to grow faster, but smaller, in the man-made lakes and this may be a consequence of food shortages brought about by their hydrological characteristics. Mortality rates were also much higher in Kariba and this tended to support the view that the lake is a relatively unsuitable habitat for the sardines. However, estimates of biomass, expressed in terms of lake volume, contradicted this as they were very similar in both Kariba and Tanganyika. The life history strategy of Limnothrissa in Kariba was therefore to reduce its size and increase its productivity in order to maintain the maximum possible biomass and its very high P/B̄ ratio was probably the means by which this was achieved. In terms of lake volume the predicted yields from the pelagic communities of Kariba and Tanganyika were very similar, equivalent to about 20 000 t annually for Kariba. This is close to the yield predicted by several empirical models and the fishery now appears to be entering a phase where increases in effort will not be matched by increased yields. The mechanisms for controlling effort in the fishery appear to be inadequate and particular concern was expressed about the lack of co-ordination between the Zimbabwean and Zambian fishery authorities in planning the development of this shared resource.
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Date Issued: 1987

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Incentive effects: assessing effort and heterogeneity in professional tennis

- Chadwick, Byron James Rhett

Authors: Chadwick, Byron James Rhett
Date: 2019
Subjects: Professional sports -- Economic aspects , Tennis players -- Wages , Tennis -- Tournaments , Achievement motivation , Incentive awards
Language: English
Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69467 , vital:29541
Description: This study explores the impact incentive effects have on the level of effort exerted by professional men and women tennis players. Understanding what impact incentives have on tennis players can allow for greater understanding of the impact incentives have in the workplace and how employees react to different incentive schemes. The study makes use of data from both the ATP and WTA tour of every tournament played during the 2016 season. This includes player statistics, tournament statistics and in-game statistics from the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals of each tournament in an attempt to account for initial seeding effects. This provides a total of 440 ATP matches and 389 WTA matches for an overall sample size of 829 professional tennis matches. The findings from this study illustrate in the last three rounds of all the tournaments played, for both male and females, money is not considered to be a key motivator for players. The ATP and WTA results suggest that competitors do not alter their effort levels depending on the level of the tournament. This illustrates that players exert similar effort levels regardless of the amount of money or ranking points available. The outcome of the findings supports that of the capability effect of heterogeneity on players’ performance. This means that the outcome of a match is linked more to the abilities of the competitors involved as opposed to the incentives available. Thus, players will adjust their effort levels according to their opponent and not because there are more money or ranking points available. This suggests that both the ATP and WTA should aim to reduce the differences in abilities amongst the players in an attempt to raise the attractiveness of the sport. Overall, the findings from this study illustrate that the capability effect outweighs that of the incentive effect.
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Date Issued: 2019

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The growth and reproduction of Patella granularis (Mollusca : patellogastropoda) on the south-east coast of South Africa

- Vat, Laura Suzanne

Authors: Vat, Laura Suzanne
Date: 2000
Subjects: Patellidae Limpets -- South Africa Mollusks -- South Africa
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
Identifier: vital:5702 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005388
Description: Aspects of the biology and ecology of Patella granularis were investigated along a 130km stretch of the south-east coast of South Africa. Distribution, biomass, density and population structure were investigated at seven localities. In addition, a more detailed study of the growth rate and reproductive biology of populations inhabiting three different substrata (aeolianite, quartzitic sandstone and mussel shells) was conducted. The genetic relationships between these three populations was also examined, as was the foraging behaviour of the limpets inhabiting an aeolianite and a quartzitic sandstone shore. Finally, differences in food availability on the different substrata were studied. On the south-east coast, P. granularis has a wide intertidal distribution, occurring from the upper Balanoid zone through to the Cochlear zone, where it is a common inhabitant of mussel shells. The mean shell length of P. granularis was found to decrease down the shore. The largest limpets (46.6 mm shell length) were found on an offshore island in Algoa Bay. At most localities investigated, the sex ratio deviated from a 1:1 ratio with more males than females being recorded on five shores. Both limpet density and biomass were lower on the south-east coast when compared to data published for west coast populations. On the south-east coast, both density and dry biomass were highest in the lower Balanoid zone. Allozyme electrophoresis indicated that P. granularis inhabiting aeolianite, quartzitic sandstone and mussel shells are all part of a single population. Extremely high genetic identity values (0.998), low levels of heterozygosities (0.035 - 0.061), low levels of polymorphisms (25% - 31%) and low FST values (0.021) all suggest that the three populations of P. granularis form a common breeding group, despite the high levels of phenotypic plasticity observed. On all shores, P. granularis was found to grow allometrically, increasing in shell height more rapidly than shell length. Estimation of the growth rate (determined by the Von Bertalanffy growth model) of P. granularis suggested that limpets inhabiting the mussel shells grew more slowly, and attained a smaller maximum size, than those inhabiting both the aeolianite and the quartzite (K = 0.25, 0.32 and 0.33 respectively; 27.12 mm, 31.89 mm and 32.96 mm respectively). Previous work has shown that west coast P. granularis grow more quickly (K = 0.7) and reach a greater size (. 40 mm). Translocation of limpets among sites suggested that limpet size in the mussel beds was spatially constrained. Shell microgrowth bands were deposited tidally, but could not be used for aging limpets due to shell erosion. Limpets from the aeolianite had the greatest reproductive fitness, producing more eggs (.366 000/limpet) than those inhabiting quartzite (.119 500/limpet) or mussel shell limpets (.85 800/limpet). Aeolianite limpets also spawned throughout the year, whereas those from the quartzite and mussel shells spawned twice a year (once in winter and once in summer) although a great deal of interannual variability was observed. The onset of sexual maturity occurred at a similar age in all limpets (1 - 2 years) and is probably genetically entrenched. P. granularis inhabiting both an aeolianite and a quartzitic shore were active during nocturnal low tides. All limpets returned to a home scar after foraging. Whilst foraging, limpets inhabiting the aeolianite shore moved shorter distances (.17 cm) at a slower rate than those from quartzite (.30 cm). Limpets that were translocated from one substratum to the other initially moved similar distances to the source group, but after a maximum period of one week, moved distances that mirrored those moved by the resident limpets. Neither season nor tidal phase influenced the distances foraged. No directionality in foraging was found. Wear of radula teeth, particularly the pluricuspid tooth, was greater in limpets from the quartzite. It is hypothesised that the observed differences in life-history parameters and foraging behaviour of limpets both within the south-east coast and between the west and south-east coasts are related to food abundance. Chlorophyll-a, and hence microalgal biomass, was consistently higher on aeolianite (.2.5 times) than on both quartzite and mussel shells. Estimates of chlorophyll-a were higher (although not significantly) in winter. Previous studies determined that primary productivity is also higher along the west coast. Finally, the lack of evidence for migration of limpets from the low-shore to high-shore in south-east coast P. granularis is discussed. It is suggested that this species settles opportunistically within its physiological tolerances and responds morphologically to localised environmental conditions.
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Date Issued: 2000

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A cross-cultural study of susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer and Ponzo illusions

- Smith, T V G

Authors: Smith, T V G
Date: 1970
Subjects: Personality and culture , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Visual perception , Optical illusions , Cross-cultural studies
Language: English
Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
Identifier: vital:3239 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013235
Description: In order to investigate certain anomalies evident in the literature, the performances of three Xhosa groups (rural dwellers, urban dwellers, and undergraduates) of varying degrees of acculturation and a White undergraduate group, each group consisting of 30 subjects, were measured on tests of mode of field approach and susceptibility to the Müller- Lyer and Ponzo illusions. In addition, the effect of the introduction of a mental set, which facilitated the perception of perspective in the Ponzo figure, on susceptibility to the illusion was ascertained. Mode of field approach was measured by a portable version of the Rod-and-Frame Test. Susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer illusion was measured by a conventional movable- slide, subject-adjustable device, while a piece of apparatus which also worked on the movable slide principle and was subject-adjustable was developed to measure susceptibility to the Ponzo illusion. The set to facilitate the perception of perspective in the Ponzo figure was introduced by having subjects match the length of Ponzo contrast lines embodied in a photograph and a line-drawing of a bridge, both of these pictures having strong perspective cues. The subjects were required to perform the tasks in prescribed order. Standardised English or Xhosa instructions were ensured by the use of "programmed" worksheets for each task. Prior to each experimental task, the more unacculturated subjects performed comprehension checks to ensure that they understood the concepts of equal length and verticality. The results of the study suggested that: (i) When groups of differing acculturation levels are tested, there may be a pronounced negative association of field dependence with susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer and Ponzo illusions. In general, the more unacculturated the subject, the more field dependent and the less susceptible to illusions he was. However, there was no evidence which either strongly supported or refuted the relationship between these attributes at the intra-group level. (ii) There is no intra- group association between susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer and to the Ponzo illusions. This would indicate that they are not necessarily generated by similar inference habits or by similar contour properties. (iii) The introduction of a "perspective set" increases susceptibility to the Ponzo illusion only among acculturated subjects, who have well-developed pictorial depth perception skills and who habitually infer depth in inverted - V configurations. (iv) There is a significant association between acculturation and field independence. The unacculturated subjects, presumably because they lack the skills of visual analysis which are engendered by Western culture, were more field dependent than the acculturated subjects. (v) Provided that their degrees of acculturation are more-or-less equivalent, as were those of the two undergraduate groups, there are no differences in mode of field approach or susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer and Ponzo illusion among Xhosa and White subjects. Summary, p. 112.
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Date Issued: 1970

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