Constructions of nationhood in secession debates related to Mthwakazi Liberation Front in Bulawayo's Chronicle and Newsday newspapers in 2011
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mphathisi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Newspapers , Bulawayo , Matabeleland , Zimbabwe , Chronicle , Newsday , Secession , Devolution , Nationhood , Ndebele , Ethnic identity , Mthwakazi Liberation Front , Mthwakazi Liberation Front -- Zimbabwe , Mass media and nationalism -- Research -- Zimbabwe , Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) -- Newspapers , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- History -- Autonomy and independence movements , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- Social conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001846
- Description: This study investigates the constructions of nationhood in two Bulawayo newspapers, the Chronicle and Newsday. Against the backdrop of the emergence of a secessionist movement, Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF), this research examines the discourses of nationhood in the secessionist debates raging in these two newspapers. This study is premised on a view that nationhood constructions cannot be understood outside the broader context in which these newspapers are embedded. Accordingly, it traces the roots and resurgence of Matabeleland separatist politics, exploring the political-historical forces that have shaped a distinctive Ndebele identity that poses a threat to the one, indivisible Zimbabwean national identity. Further, the study situates Matabeleland separatist politics within the broader African secessionist discourse challenging the post-colonial nation-building project on the continent. Informed by Hall’s (1992, 1996) constructivist approach to identity, it considers national identities as fragmented, multiple and constantly evolving. Thus, this study is framed within Hall’s (1997) constructivist approach to representation, as it examines the constructions of nationhood in and through language. The study uses qualitative research methods, as it examines the meanings of nationhood in key media texts. Informed by Foucault’s discourse theory, this research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) to analyse 12 articles from the two newspapers. The findings confirm that the representations of nationhood in the two newspapers are influenced by their position within the socio-political context. The state-owned Chronicle legitimates the unitary state discourse advocated by ZANU PF. On the other hand, Newsday’s representations are informed by the discourses of the opposition political parties and civil society that challenge the dominant nation-building project. Thus, within this paper, secession and devolution emerge as alternative imaginaries that contest the authoritarian discourse of nationhood
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ndlovu, Mphathisi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Newspapers , Bulawayo , Matabeleland , Zimbabwe , Chronicle , Newsday , Secession , Devolution , Nationhood , Ndebele , Ethnic identity , Mthwakazi Liberation Front , Mthwakazi Liberation Front -- Zimbabwe , Mass media and nationalism -- Research -- Zimbabwe , Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) -- Newspapers , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- History -- Autonomy and independence movements , Matabeleland (Zimbabwe) -- Social conditions , Zimbabwe -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001846
- Description: This study investigates the constructions of nationhood in two Bulawayo newspapers, the Chronicle and Newsday. Against the backdrop of the emergence of a secessionist movement, Mthwakazi Liberation Front (MLF), this research examines the discourses of nationhood in the secessionist debates raging in these two newspapers. This study is premised on a view that nationhood constructions cannot be understood outside the broader context in which these newspapers are embedded. Accordingly, it traces the roots and resurgence of Matabeleland separatist politics, exploring the political-historical forces that have shaped a distinctive Ndebele identity that poses a threat to the one, indivisible Zimbabwean national identity. Further, the study situates Matabeleland separatist politics within the broader African secessionist discourse challenging the post-colonial nation-building project on the continent. Informed by Hall’s (1992, 1996) constructivist approach to identity, it considers national identities as fragmented, multiple and constantly evolving. Thus, this study is framed within Hall’s (1997) constructivist approach to representation, as it examines the constructions of nationhood in and through language. The study uses qualitative research methods, as it examines the meanings of nationhood in key media texts. Informed by Foucault’s discourse theory, this research employs critical discourse analysis (CDA) to analyse 12 articles from the two newspapers. The findings confirm that the representations of nationhood in the two newspapers are influenced by their position within the socio-political context. The state-owned Chronicle legitimates the unitary state discourse advocated by ZANU PF. On the other hand, Newsday’s representations are informed by the discourses of the opposition political parties and civil society that challenge the dominant nation-building project. Thus, within this paper, secession and devolution emerge as alternative imaginaries that contest the authoritarian discourse of nationhood
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Pedagogical ways-of-knowing in the design studio
- Authors: Kethro, Philippa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Graphic arts -- Education (Higher) Interior decoration -- Education (Higher) Fashion design -- Education (Higher) Industrial design -- Education (Higher) Aesthetics, Modern Art -- Philosophy Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives Interaction analysis in education Visual literacy Critical realism Communication and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004338
- Description: This research addresses the effect of pedagogical ways-of-knowing in higher education design programmes such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion, and Industrial Design. One problematic aspect of design studio pedagogy is communication between teachers and students about the aesthetic visual meaning of the students’ designed objects. This problematic issue involves ambiguous and divergent ways-of-knowing the design meaning of these objects. The research focus is on the design teacher role in design studio interactions, and regards pedagogical ways-of-knowing as the ways in which teachers expect students to know visual design meaning. This pedagogical issue is complicated by the fact that there is no agreed-upon corpus of domain knowledge in design, so visual meaning depends greatly on the social knowledge retained by students and teachers. The thesis pursues an explanation of pedagogical ways-of-knowing that is approached through the philosophy of critical realism. How it is that particular events and experiences come to occur in a particular way is the general focus of critical realist philosophy. A critical realist approach to explanation is the use of abductive inference, or inference as to how it is that puzzling empirical circumstances emerge. An abductive strategy aims to explain how such circumstances emerge by considering them in a new light. This is done in this study by applying Luhmann’s theory of the emergence of cognition in communication to teacher ways-of-knowing in the design studio. Through the substantive use of Luhmann’s theory, an abductive conjecture of pedagogical ways-of-knowing is mounted. This conjecture is brought to bear on an examination of research data, in order to explain how pedagogical ways of-knowing constrain or enable the emergence of shared visual design meaning in the design studio. The abductive analysis explains three design pedagogical ways-of-knowing: design inquiry, design representation and design intent. These operate as macro relational mechanisms that either enable or constrain the emergence of shared visual design meaning in the design studio. The mechanism of relation is between design inquiry, design representation and design intent as historical knowing structures, and ways-of-knowing in respect of each of these knowing structures. For example, design inquiry as an historical knowing structure has over time moved from ways-of-knowing such as rationalistic problem solving to direct social observation and later to interpretive cultural analysis. The antecedence of these ways-of-knowing is important because communication about visual meaning depends upon prior knowledge, and teachers may then reproduce past ways-of-knowing. The many ways-of-knowing that respectively relate to design inquiry, design representation and design intent are shown to be communicatively formed and recursive over time. From a Luhmannian perspective, these ways-of-knowing operate as variational distinctions that indicate or relate to the knowing structures of design inquiry, design representation and design intent. This is the micro-level operation of pedagogical ways-of-knowing as relational mechanisms in design studio communication. Design teachers’ own ways-of-knowing may then embrace implicit way-of-knowing distinctions that indicate the knowledge structures of design inquiry, design representation and design intent. This implicit indication by distinction is the relational mechanism that may bring design teachers’ expectation that this and not that visual design meaning should apply in communication about any student’s designed object. Such an expectation influences communication between teachers and students about the potential future meaning of students’ designs. Consequently, shared visual design meaning may or may not emerge. The research explanation brings the opportunity for design teachers to make explicit the often implicit way-of-knowing distinctions they use, and to relate these distinctions to the knowing structures thus indicated. The study then offers a new perspective on the old design pedagogical problem of design studio conflict over the meaning of students’ designs. Options for applying this research explanation in design studio interactions between students and teachers are therefore suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kethro, Philippa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Graphic arts -- Education (Higher) Interior decoration -- Education (Higher) Fashion design -- Education (Higher) Industrial design -- Education (Higher) Aesthetics, Modern Art -- Philosophy Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives Interaction analysis in education Visual literacy Critical realism Communication and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004338
- Description: This research addresses the effect of pedagogical ways-of-knowing in higher education design programmes such as Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion, and Industrial Design. One problematic aspect of design studio pedagogy is communication between teachers and students about the aesthetic visual meaning of the students’ designed objects. This problematic issue involves ambiguous and divergent ways-of-knowing the design meaning of these objects. The research focus is on the design teacher role in design studio interactions, and regards pedagogical ways-of-knowing as the ways in which teachers expect students to know visual design meaning. This pedagogical issue is complicated by the fact that there is no agreed-upon corpus of domain knowledge in design, so visual meaning depends greatly on the social knowledge retained by students and teachers. The thesis pursues an explanation of pedagogical ways-of-knowing that is approached through the philosophy of critical realism. How it is that particular events and experiences come to occur in a particular way is the general focus of critical realist philosophy. A critical realist approach to explanation is the use of abductive inference, or inference as to how it is that puzzling empirical circumstances emerge. An abductive strategy aims to explain how such circumstances emerge by considering them in a new light. This is done in this study by applying Luhmann’s theory of the emergence of cognition in communication to teacher ways-of-knowing in the design studio. Through the substantive use of Luhmann’s theory, an abductive conjecture of pedagogical ways-of-knowing is mounted. This conjecture is brought to bear on an examination of research data, in order to explain how pedagogical ways of-knowing constrain or enable the emergence of shared visual design meaning in the design studio. The abductive analysis explains three design pedagogical ways-of-knowing: design inquiry, design representation and design intent. These operate as macro relational mechanisms that either enable or constrain the emergence of shared visual design meaning in the design studio. The mechanism of relation is between design inquiry, design representation and design intent as historical knowing structures, and ways-of-knowing in respect of each of these knowing structures. For example, design inquiry as an historical knowing structure has over time moved from ways-of-knowing such as rationalistic problem solving to direct social observation and later to interpretive cultural analysis. The antecedence of these ways-of-knowing is important because communication about visual meaning depends upon prior knowledge, and teachers may then reproduce past ways-of-knowing. The many ways-of-knowing that respectively relate to design inquiry, design representation and design intent are shown to be communicatively formed and recursive over time. From a Luhmannian perspective, these ways-of-knowing operate as variational distinctions that indicate or relate to the knowing structures of design inquiry, design representation and design intent. This is the micro-level operation of pedagogical ways-of-knowing as relational mechanisms in design studio communication. Design teachers’ own ways-of-knowing may then embrace implicit way-of-knowing distinctions that indicate the knowledge structures of design inquiry, design representation and design intent. This implicit indication by distinction is the relational mechanism that may bring design teachers’ expectation that this and not that visual design meaning should apply in communication about any student’s designed object. Such an expectation influences communication between teachers and students about the potential future meaning of students’ designs. Consequently, shared visual design meaning may or may not emerge. The research explanation brings the opportunity for design teachers to make explicit the often implicit way-of-knowing distinctions they use, and to relate these distinctions to the knowing structures thus indicated. The study then offers a new perspective on the old design pedagogical problem of design studio conflict over the meaning of students’ designs. Options for applying this research explanation in design studio interactions between students and teachers are therefore suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
"The wings of whipped butterflies" : trauma, silence and representation of the suffering child in selected contemporary African short fiction
- Authors: Njovane, Thandokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Children in literature Psychic trauma in literature Short stories, African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004214
- Description: This dissertation, which examines the literary representation of childhood trauma, is held together by three threads of inquiry. Firstly, I examine the stylistic devices through which three contemporary African writers – NoViolet Bulawayo, Uwem Akpan, and Mia Couto – engage with the subject of childhood trauma in five of their short stories: “Hitting Budapest”; “My Parents’ Bedroom” and “Fattening for Gabon”; and “The Day Mabata-bata Exploded” and “The Bird-Dreaming Baobab,” respectively. In each of these narratives, the use of ingén(u)s in the form of child narrators and/or focalisers instantiates a degree of structural irony, premised on the cognitive discrepancy between the protagonists’ perceptions and those of the implied reader. This structural irony then serves to underscore the reality that, though in a general sense the precise nature of traumatic experience cannot be directly communicated in language, this is exacerbated in the case of children, because children’s physical and psychological frameworks are underdeveloped. Consequently, children’s exposure to trauma and atrocity results in disruptions of both personal and communal notions of safety and security which are even more severe than those experienced by adults. Secondly, I analyse the political, cultural and economic factors which give rise to the traumatic incidents depicted in the stories, and the child characters’ interpretations and responses to these exigencies. Notions of subjectivity and intersubjectivity, identity and community, victimhood and survival, agency and disempowerment are discussed here in relation to the context of postcolonial Africa and the contemporary realities of chronic poverty, genocide, child-trafficking, the aftermath of civil war, and the legacies of colonialism and racism. Thirdly, this dissertation inspects the areas of congruence and divergence between trauma theory, literary scholarship on trauma narratives, and literary attempts to represent atrocity and trauma despite what is widely held to be the inadequacy of language – and therefore representation – to this task. There are certain differences between the three authors’ depictions of children’s experiences of trauma, despite the fact that the texts all grapple with the aporetic nature of trauma and the paradox of representing the unrepresentable. To this end, they utilise various strategies – temporal disjunctions and fragmentations, silences and lacunae, elements of the fantastical and surreal, magical realism, and instances of abjection and dissociation – to gesture towards the inexpressible, or that which is incommensurable with language. I argue that, ultimately, it is the endings of these stories which suggest the unrepresentable nature of trauma. Traumatic experience poses a challenge to representational conventions and, in its resistance, encourages a realisation that new ways of writing and speaking about trauma in the African continent, particularly with regards to children, are needed. , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Njovane, Thandokazi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Children in literature Psychic trauma in literature Short stories, African (English) -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2253 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004214
- Description: This dissertation, which examines the literary representation of childhood trauma, is held together by three threads of inquiry. Firstly, I examine the stylistic devices through which three contemporary African writers – NoViolet Bulawayo, Uwem Akpan, and Mia Couto – engage with the subject of childhood trauma in five of their short stories: “Hitting Budapest”; “My Parents’ Bedroom” and “Fattening for Gabon”; and “The Day Mabata-bata Exploded” and “The Bird-Dreaming Baobab,” respectively. In each of these narratives, the use of ingén(u)s in the form of child narrators and/or focalisers instantiates a degree of structural irony, premised on the cognitive discrepancy between the protagonists’ perceptions and those of the implied reader. This structural irony then serves to underscore the reality that, though in a general sense the precise nature of traumatic experience cannot be directly communicated in language, this is exacerbated in the case of children, because children’s physical and psychological frameworks are underdeveloped. Consequently, children’s exposure to trauma and atrocity results in disruptions of both personal and communal notions of safety and security which are even more severe than those experienced by adults. Secondly, I analyse the political, cultural and economic factors which give rise to the traumatic incidents depicted in the stories, and the child characters’ interpretations and responses to these exigencies. Notions of subjectivity and intersubjectivity, identity and community, victimhood and survival, agency and disempowerment are discussed here in relation to the context of postcolonial Africa and the contemporary realities of chronic poverty, genocide, child-trafficking, the aftermath of civil war, and the legacies of colonialism and racism. Thirdly, this dissertation inspects the areas of congruence and divergence between trauma theory, literary scholarship on trauma narratives, and literary attempts to represent atrocity and trauma despite what is widely held to be the inadequacy of language – and therefore representation – to this task. There are certain differences between the three authors’ depictions of children’s experiences of trauma, despite the fact that the texts all grapple with the aporetic nature of trauma and the paradox of representing the unrepresentable. To this end, they utilise various strategies – temporal disjunctions and fragmentations, silences and lacunae, elements of the fantastical and surreal, magical realism, and instances of abjection and dissociation – to gesture towards the inexpressible, or that which is incommensurable with language. I argue that, ultimately, it is the endings of these stories which suggest the unrepresentable nature of trauma. Traumatic experience poses a challenge to representational conventions and, in its resistance, encourages a realisation that new ways of writing and speaking about trauma in the African continent, particularly with regards to children, are needed. , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
RUL News, Quarter 2, 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020861
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16126 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020861
- Full Text:
The adaptation of the 'Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure' (CORE-OM) from English into a valid Xhosa measure of distress
- Authors: Campbell, Megan Michelle
- Date: 2013 , 2013-06-06
- Subjects: Psychometrics -- Research -- South Africa Psychology -- Mathematical models -- Research -- South Africa Psychological tests -- Research -- South Africa Mental health services -- Research -- South Africa Health services accessibility -- Research -- South Africa Language disorders -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001538
- Description: In South Africa access to mental healthcare resources is restricted for a number of reasons including language barriers that prevent suitable communication between mental healthcare professionals and African language speaking South Africans. The translation of psychometric tools into African languages has been identified as one method in improving access to psychological services for African language speakers. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) has demonstrated its clinical utility within the United Kingdom (UK) National Healthcare Service (NHS) as a standardised psychotherapy outcome measure that evaluates the degree of psychological distress individuals present with at the start of psychotherapy treatment, and the degree of change that has been effected at the termination of therapy. A measure like the CORE-OM holds valuable clinical utility for the South African context. This thesis argues that the availability of a valid Xhosa version of the CORE-OM would allow for improved access to psychotherapy resources for Xhosa speaking individuals, and allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of psychotherapy interventions conducted in Xhosa. The CORE-OM developers have provided a translation design and set of guidelines to standardise the translation of the CORE-OM into different languages. However this thesis argues that these guidelines are incomplete. Instead International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines are recommended as a culturally sensitive method to supplement current CORE-OM translation guidelines, in order to generate a valid Xhosa measure of distress. A mixed methods approach is applied which first investigates the construct equivalence and bias of the CORE-OM English version within a South African student population sample, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to establish the degree of adaptation required to generate a valid Xhosa version of distress. Next the CORE-OM English version is translated into Xhosa using the five-stage translation design prescribed by the CORE System Trust, supplemented by ITC guidelines. All changes made to the CORE-OM during translation into Xhosa are documented. The CORE-OM Xhosa version is then investigated for reliability and validity. This investigation reveals low internal reliability within the subjective wellbeing domain indicating that these items are less meaningful as depictions of distress within the Xhosa language. A reduced version of the CORE-OM demonstrates strong psychometric properties as a valid Xhosa measure of distress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Campbell, Megan Michelle
- Date: 2013 , 2013-06-06
- Subjects: Psychometrics -- Research -- South Africa Psychology -- Mathematical models -- Research -- South Africa Psychological tests -- Research -- South Africa Mental health services -- Research -- South Africa Health services accessibility -- Research -- South Africa Language disorders -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001538
- Description: In South Africa access to mental healthcare resources is restricted for a number of reasons including language barriers that prevent suitable communication between mental healthcare professionals and African language speaking South Africans. The translation of psychometric tools into African languages has been identified as one method in improving access to psychological services for African language speakers. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) has demonstrated its clinical utility within the United Kingdom (UK) National Healthcare Service (NHS) as a standardised psychotherapy outcome measure that evaluates the degree of psychological distress individuals present with at the start of psychotherapy treatment, and the degree of change that has been effected at the termination of therapy. A measure like the CORE-OM holds valuable clinical utility for the South African context. This thesis argues that the availability of a valid Xhosa version of the CORE-OM would allow for improved access to psychotherapy resources for Xhosa speaking individuals, and allow for the evaluation of the effectiveness of psychotherapy interventions conducted in Xhosa. The CORE-OM developers have provided a translation design and set of guidelines to standardise the translation of the CORE-OM into different languages. However this thesis argues that these guidelines are incomplete. Instead International Test Commission (ITC) guidelines are recommended as a culturally sensitive method to supplement current CORE-OM translation guidelines, in order to generate a valid Xhosa measure of distress. A mixed methods approach is applied which first investigates the construct equivalence and bias of the CORE-OM English version within a South African student population sample, both qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to establish the degree of adaptation required to generate a valid Xhosa version of distress. Next the CORE-OM English version is translated into Xhosa using the five-stage translation design prescribed by the CORE System Trust, supplemented by ITC guidelines. All changes made to the CORE-OM during translation into Xhosa are documented. The CORE-OM Xhosa version is then investigated for reliability and validity. This investigation reveals low internal reliability within the subjective wellbeing domain indicating that these items are less meaningful as depictions of distress within the Xhosa language. A reduced version of the CORE-OM demonstrates strong psychometric properties as a valid Xhosa measure of distress.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
How community participation and stakeholder involvement can improve recycling : an investigation of initiatives and opportunities in Simunye
- Authors: Myeni, Jabu R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Swaziland Refuse and refuse disposal -- Swaziland -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006457
- Description: This report presents the findings of a research project whereby the initiatives and opportunities for municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling were investigated in the town of Simunye, in Swaziland with a view to establish how recycling, in particular household waste recycling, can be improved through stakeholder involvement and community participation during the planning and implementation of a sustainable system for household waste recycling in Simunye. The reason for focusing on household waste was because source separation of household waste was identified as a potential area for improving efficiencies and cutting costs by the local authority. It was deemed necessary to conduct research because there was a history of failure in respect of household recycling. In 2006 an initiative, by the local authority, for separating household waste at source had ended up in failure. The participation rates of the households turned out to be very low even though they had been issued, free of charge, some plastic bags for sorting the waste. Some of the households were found using the bags for other purposes rather than recycling. As a result, the initiative had to be suspended (White, 2010). There is a new move to revive the project in order to cut costs and minimize wastages. This time around the local authority is determined for the new project to be a success story. Since the underlying causes for the failure of the previous initiative were never investigated formally (Khumalo, 2010), the starting point would be to identify and try to eliminate all the potential barriers to recycling through a consultative process to start with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Myeni, Jabu R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Swaziland Refuse and refuse disposal -- Swaziland -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006457
- Description: This report presents the findings of a research project whereby the initiatives and opportunities for municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling were investigated in the town of Simunye, in Swaziland with a view to establish how recycling, in particular household waste recycling, can be improved through stakeholder involvement and community participation during the planning and implementation of a sustainable system for household waste recycling in Simunye. The reason for focusing on household waste was because source separation of household waste was identified as a potential area for improving efficiencies and cutting costs by the local authority. It was deemed necessary to conduct research because there was a history of failure in respect of household recycling. In 2006 an initiative, by the local authority, for separating household waste at source had ended up in failure. The participation rates of the households turned out to be very low even though they had been issued, free of charge, some plastic bags for sorting the waste. Some of the households were found using the bags for other purposes rather than recycling. As a result, the initiative had to be suspended (White, 2010). There is a new move to revive the project in order to cut costs and minimize wastages. This time around the local authority is determined for the new project to be a success story. Since the underlying causes for the failure of the previous initiative were never investigated formally (Khumalo, 2010), the starting point would be to identify and try to eliminate all the potential barriers to recycling through a consultative process to start with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Rural livelihoods and adherence to HIV and AIDS antiretroviral therapy in Chivanhu Settlement, Nemamwa Village in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Wapinduka, Tendai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo Rural development -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo Antiretroviral agents -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003743
- Description: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic has had massive detrimental impacts on rural communities across Africa including in Zimbabwe. In response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the government of Zimbabwe has developed and adopted comprehensive programmes to address HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support. One of the critical components of these programmes relates specifically to treatment of the HIV infected given that HIV and AIDS is increasingly seen as a manageable threatening disease. However the success and effectiveness of the treatment regimen (involving antiretroviral drugs or ARVs) is dependent heavily on complete adherence to the rigid and complex regimens. It is against this background that this thesis studies a particular rural community in Zimbabwe called Chivanhu (in Masvingo Province) in terms of the relationship between rural livelihoods and HIV and AIDS (particularly HIV treatment and treatment adherence). Unlike other rural communities (notably in communal areas), Chivanhu is an informal and unstable community with a turbulent history. Most rural studies of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in the region have focused on well-established and stable communities in which agricultural production is still of some significance. In such communities, the impact of HIV and AIDS on livelihoods is severe but, in more informal settlements, the vulnerability of households to the epidemic (and challenges pertaining to treatment adherence) is even more pronounced. Using a rural livelihoods framework, this thesis seeks to identify, understand and analyse the conditions which shape levels of adherence to HIV and AIDS in the informalsettlement of Chivanhu in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wapinduka, Tendai
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo Rural development -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo Antiretroviral agents -- Zimbabwe -- Masvingo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003743
- Description: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic has had massive detrimental impacts on rural communities across Africa including in Zimbabwe. In response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic, the government of Zimbabwe has developed and adopted comprehensive programmes to address HIV and AIDS prevention, care and support. One of the critical components of these programmes relates specifically to treatment of the HIV infected given that HIV and AIDS is increasingly seen as a manageable threatening disease. However the success and effectiveness of the treatment regimen (involving antiretroviral drugs or ARVs) is dependent heavily on complete adherence to the rigid and complex regimens. It is against this background that this thesis studies a particular rural community in Zimbabwe called Chivanhu (in Masvingo Province) in terms of the relationship between rural livelihoods and HIV and AIDS (particularly HIV treatment and treatment adherence). Unlike other rural communities (notably in communal areas), Chivanhu is an informal and unstable community with a turbulent history. Most rural studies of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in the region have focused on well-established and stable communities in which agricultural production is still of some significance. In such communities, the impact of HIV and AIDS on livelihoods is severe but, in more informal settlements, the vulnerability of households to the epidemic (and challenges pertaining to treatment adherence) is even more pronounced. Using a rural livelihoods framework, this thesis seeks to identify, understand and analyse the conditions which shape levels of adherence to HIV and AIDS in the informalsettlement of Chivanhu in Zimbabwe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Phototransformation of pollutants using lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines anchored on electrospun polymer fibers
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electrospinning Phthalocyanines Lutetium Zinc Polymers Dysprosium Pollutants Air Pollution Photochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002962
- Description: Novel lanthanide phthalocyanines containing dysprosium, erbium and lutetium as central metals were synthesized using phthalonitrile:metal salt ratio of 4:1 or lower phthalonitrile content as well as using unmetallated phthalocyanine. They were characterized using various spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine was obtained while monomers were obtained for erbium and lutetium phthalocyanines. Theopen-shelldysprosiumbis-phthalocyanine and the monomeric complex of the open-shell erbium were neither fluorescent nor showed the ability to generate singlet oxygen. The triplet states of all the lutetium phthalocyanines were found to be populated with high triplet quantum yields and corresponding high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The fluorescence quantum yields of the lutetium phthalocyanines were however found to be very low. The lutetium phthalocyanines together with unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine and its derivatives were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers either by covalent linkage or sorption forces. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun polymer fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines were bound and their integrity maintained within the fiber matrices. Most importantly the fluorescence and photoactivity of the phthalocyanines were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized electrospun polymer fibers especially those containing the zinc phthalocyanines could qualitatively detect nitrogen dioxide, a known environmental air pollutant. Also all the functionalized electrospun polystyrene and polysulfone fibers containing lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines could be applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange. Those of polystyrene could be re-used. Polyacrylic acid and polyurethane functionalized electrospun fibers were found not to be suitable for photocatalytic applications in aqueous medium. 4-Chlorophenol was found to be more susceptible to photodegradation while methyl orange very difficult to degrade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electrospinning Phthalocyanines Lutetium Zinc Polymers Dysprosium Pollutants Air Pollution Photochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4286 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002962
- Description: Novel lanthanide phthalocyanines containing dysprosium, erbium and lutetium as central metals were synthesized using phthalonitrile:metal salt ratio of 4:1 or lower phthalonitrile content as well as using unmetallated phthalocyanine. They were characterized using various spectroscopic and elemental analyses. Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine was obtained while monomers were obtained for erbium and lutetium phthalocyanines. Theopen-shelldysprosiumbis-phthalocyanine and the monomeric complex of the open-shell erbium were neither fluorescent nor showed the ability to generate singlet oxygen. The triplet states of all the lutetium phthalocyanines were found to be populated with high triplet quantum yields and corresponding high singlet oxygen quantum yields. The fluorescence quantum yields of the lutetium phthalocyanines were however found to be very low. The lutetium phthalocyanines together with unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine and its derivatives were successfully incorporated into electrospun polymer fibers either by covalent linkage or sorption forces. Spectral characteristics of the functionalized electrospun polymer fibers indicated that the phthalocyanines were bound and their integrity maintained within the fiber matrices. Most importantly the fluorescence and photoactivity of the phthalocyanines were equally maintained within the electrospun fibers. The functionalized electrospun polymer fibers especially those containing the zinc phthalocyanines could qualitatively detect nitrogen dioxide, a known environmental air pollutant. Also all the functionalized electrospun polystyrene and polysulfone fibers containing lutetium and zinc phthalocyanines could be applied for the photoconversion of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol and methyl orange. Those of polystyrene could be re-used. Polyacrylic acid and polyurethane functionalized electrospun fibers were found not to be suitable for photocatalytic applications in aqueous medium. 4-Chlorophenol was found to be more susceptible to photodegradation while methyl orange very difficult to degrade.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Novel applications of Morita-Baylis-Hillman methodology in organic synthesis
- Authors: Mciteka, Lulama Patrick
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-22
- Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis -- Research Asymmetric synthesis Asymmetry (Chemistry) Chemical reactions -- Research Camphor -- Research AZT (Drug) -- Research Chemical inhibitors -- Research Chemistry -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007598
- Description: The overall approach in the present investigation has been to explore applications of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction in asymmetric synthesis and in the continuation of systems with medicinal potential. To this end, a series of varied camphor-derived acrylate esters was prepared to serve as chiral substrates in asymmetric Morita-Baylis- Hillman reactions. Reduction of N-substituted camphor-10-sulfonamides afforded the 3- exo-hydroxy derivatives as the major products. Acylation of the corresponding sodium alkoxides gave the desired 3-exo-acrylate esters, isolation of which was complicated by concomitant formation of hydrochlorinated and diastereomeric competition products. Bulky camphorsulfonamides containing alkyl, dialkyl, aromatic and adamantyl groups were selected as N-substituents with the view of achieving stereoselective outcome in subsequent MBH reactions. The synthesis of novel camphor-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts using various pyridine-carboxaldehydes proceeded with exceptionally high yields with diastereoselectivities ranging from 7-33 % d.e. Both 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS techniques were employed to confirm the structures and an extensive study of the electropositive fragmentation patterns of a number of camphor-derived chiral acrylate esters was conducted. Attention has also been given to the application of MBH methodology in the construction of heterocyclic ‘cinnamate-like’ AZT conjugates which were designed to serve as dualaction HIV-1 integrase-reverse transcriptase (IN-RT) inhibitors. A number of pyridine carboxaldehyde-derived MBH adducts were synthesized using methyl, ethyl and t-butyl acrylates in the presence of 3-hydroxyquinuclidine (3-HQ) as catalyst. The yields for these reactions were excellent. The resulting MBH adducts were acetylated and subjected to aza-Michael addition using propargylamine. The resulting alkylamino compounds were then used in ‘Click reactions’ to form the targeted AZT-conjugates in moderate to excellent yield. In silico docking of computer modelled AZT-conjugates into the HIV-1 integrase and reverse transcriptase enzyme-active sites and potential hydrogen-bonding interaction with active-site amino acid residues were identified. The electrospray MS fragmentations of the AZT and the novel AZT-conjugates were also investigated and common fragmentation pathways were identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mciteka, Lulama Patrick
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-22
- Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis -- Research Asymmetric synthesis Asymmetry (Chemistry) Chemical reactions -- Research Camphor -- Research AZT (Drug) -- Research Chemical inhibitors -- Research Chemistry -- Methodology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007598
- Description: The overall approach in the present investigation has been to explore applications of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction in asymmetric synthesis and in the continuation of systems with medicinal potential. To this end, a series of varied camphor-derived acrylate esters was prepared to serve as chiral substrates in asymmetric Morita-Baylis- Hillman reactions. Reduction of N-substituted camphor-10-sulfonamides afforded the 3- exo-hydroxy derivatives as the major products. Acylation of the corresponding sodium alkoxides gave the desired 3-exo-acrylate esters, isolation of which was complicated by concomitant formation of hydrochlorinated and diastereomeric competition products. Bulky camphorsulfonamides containing alkyl, dialkyl, aromatic and adamantyl groups were selected as N-substituents with the view of achieving stereoselective outcome in subsequent MBH reactions. The synthesis of novel camphor-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts using various pyridine-carboxaldehydes proceeded with exceptionally high yields with diastereoselectivities ranging from 7-33 % d.e. Both 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS techniques were employed to confirm the structures and an extensive study of the electropositive fragmentation patterns of a number of camphor-derived chiral acrylate esters was conducted. Attention has also been given to the application of MBH methodology in the construction of heterocyclic ‘cinnamate-like’ AZT conjugates which were designed to serve as dualaction HIV-1 integrase-reverse transcriptase (IN-RT) inhibitors. A number of pyridine carboxaldehyde-derived MBH adducts were synthesized using methyl, ethyl and t-butyl acrylates in the presence of 3-hydroxyquinuclidine (3-HQ) as catalyst. The yields for these reactions were excellent. The resulting MBH adducts were acetylated and subjected to aza-Michael addition using propargylamine. The resulting alkylamino compounds were then used in ‘Click reactions’ to form the targeted AZT-conjugates in moderate to excellent yield. In silico docking of computer modelled AZT-conjugates into the HIV-1 integrase and reverse transcriptase enzyme-active sites and potential hydrogen-bonding interaction with active-site amino acid residues were identified. The electrospray MS fragmentations of the AZT and the novel AZT-conjugates were also investigated and common fragmentation pathways were identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
RUL News, Quarter 1, 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020860
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: A new year is always welcomed as a time for new beginnings, new ideas, new considerations for continuity and sustainability - so too with the Rhodes University Library! In 2012 staff embraced wholeheartedly the exercise to identify the strategic focus areas for 2013-2015 and defining the organizational culture. I’m pleased to share the organizational plan and culture that will guide the RUL for the next three years. Introducing new students to the RUL is an exciting process as it gives us the opportunity to become familiar with and understand the evolving learning needs of the young student. We also need to assure new and returning students of certain constants within the Library. To this end, we have introduced the Personal Librarian programme for 1st year students, who through this initiative will be able to work consistently with a librarian to learn about and use the library resources optimally. Regular training sessions, offered by the faculty library teams, on how to access information, the use of databases and other eresources, Libguides, etc. are critical for a dynamic undergraduate learning experience. The RUL is committed to its ongoing support for research and making the RU research output visible. Digitisation of research outputs and the creation & management of institutional repositories at academic institutions have become the key ways of ensuring this visibility. The retrospective digitization of theses and dissertations, going back to the 1930s, is moving along consistently. Proper harvesting and metadata protocols will ensure the optimal visibility and access of these items. We also need to seriously consider the physical environment for a digitization unit within the library. This team has been enhanced by the placement of an intern who is being taught and exposed to a new skills set. The SEALS Consortium is a very successful example of collegiality and institutional collaboration. Whilst its primary goal is to ensure a stable shared library management system in the region, discussions have also commenced on how we may use this platform to enhance staff skills and development. The importance of benchmarking, standardization of skills sets and workplace development is critical for ensuring a cohort of strong professionals for succession planning in the region. To date, two workshops on Systems Librarianship and Skills Development were held. The aim was to understand how each institution is addressing these issues, what is the role of SEALs, and what should be addressed going forward. Task teams have been identified to continue the conversation on Systems Librarianship and the 21st Century academic librarian. I strongly believe that the success of an organization resides in the ability of its staff to give expression to their ideas, concerns and professional goals in alignment with the organisation’s goals and strategies. I’m confident that the RUL staff will succeed in this and collectively strengthen this dynamic organization in 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes Library Services
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:16125 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020860
- Description: [From Introduction] Message from Ujala: A new year is always welcomed as a time for new beginnings, new ideas, new considerations for continuity and sustainability - so too with the Rhodes University Library! In 2012 staff embraced wholeheartedly the exercise to identify the strategic focus areas for 2013-2015 and defining the organizational culture. I’m pleased to share the organizational plan and culture that will guide the RUL for the next three years. Introducing new students to the RUL is an exciting process as it gives us the opportunity to become familiar with and understand the evolving learning needs of the young student. We also need to assure new and returning students of certain constants within the Library. To this end, we have introduced the Personal Librarian programme for 1st year students, who through this initiative will be able to work consistently with a librarian to learn about and use the library resources optimally. Regular training sessions, offered by the faculty library teams, on how to access information, the use of databases and other eresources, Libguides, etc. are critical for a dynamic undergraduate learning experience. The RUL is committed to its ongoing support for research and making the RU research output visible. Digitisation of research outputs and the creation & management of institutional repositories at academic institutions have become the key ways of ensuring this visibility. The retrospective digitization of theses and dissertations, going back to the 1930s, is moving along consistently. Proper harvesting and metadata protocols will ensure the optimal visibility and access of these items. We also need to seriously consider the physical environment for a digitization unit within the library. This team has been enhanced by the placement of an intern who is being taught and exposed to a new skills set. The SEALS Consortium is a very successful example of collegiality and institutional collaboration. Whilst its primary goal is to ensure a stable shared library management system in the region, discussions have also commenced on how we may use this platform to enhance staff skills and development. The importance of benchmarking, standardization of skills sets and workplace development is critical for ensuring a cohort of strong professionals for succession planning in the region. To date, two workshops on Systems Librarianship and Skills Development were held. The aim was to understand how each institution is addressing these issues, what is the role of SEALs, and what should be addressed going forward. Task teams have been identified to continue the conversation on Systems Librarianship and the 21st Century academic librarian. I strongly believe that the success of an organization resides in the ability of its staff to give expression to their ideas, concerns and professional goals in alignment with the organisation’s goals and strategies. I’m confident that the RUL staff will succeed in this and collectively strengthen this dynamic organization in 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth materials for the extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in various matrices
- Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Authors: Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-07
- Subjects: Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003052 , Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Description: The thesis explored the use of different sorbent materials in solid phase extraction method development. The methods included the use of the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa solid phase extraction and electrospun polymer-silica composite sorbents for clean-up and preconcentration. Sample clean-up for alkaloids (hydrastine and berberine) in goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) in Ginkgo biloba was achieved using Bond Elut Plexa SPE sorbent. Clean-up of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba was also achieved using electrospun polymer-silica composite (polystyrene-silica, polyacrylonitrile-silica and nylon 6-silica) sorbents. All analysis of flavonoids and alkaloids was carried out using an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC coupled with a diode array detector. Good peak separation was achieved in less than 6 min employing an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 μm) at 35⁰C. The mobile phases employed were 0.1% phosphoric acid/methanol gradient and 0.5% phosphoric acid/methanol (40:60) for alkaloids and flavonoids respectively. The calibration curves exhibited linearity up to 120 μg mL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients of more than 0.9980. The recoveries ranged from 73-109% with relative standard deviation of less than 5% for all analytes. Agilent Chem Elut supported liquid extraction was employed for the development of a sample preparation method for the determination of 24 banned aromatic amines from azo dyes in textile following the EU standard method EN 14362-1:2003 (E) and the Chinese standard method GB/T 17592-2006. The supported liquid extraction was effective in the extraction of the aromatic amines from textile (cotton, wool and polyester/cotton [80%:20%]). Most of the recoveries obtained were conforming to the minimum requirements set in the EN 14362-1:2003 (E) standard method and the relative standard deviations were less than 15%. Good peak separation was obtained within 70 min run time using the Agilent Zorbax SB-Phenyl column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5-micron) or the Agilent DB-35 MS (J & W) (30 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm film thickness. It was demonstrated that the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa, electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth were effective in extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in different matrices. The developed methods were simple, rapid and reproducible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mothibedi, Kediemetse (Kedimetse)
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-07
- Subjects: Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003052 , Nanofibers , Electrospinning , Sorbents , Extraction (Chemistry) , Alkaloids , Flavonoids , Amines , Matrices , Goldenseal , Ginkgo , Dyes and dyeing -- Chemistry
- Description: The thesis explored the use of different sorbent materials in solid phase extraction method development. The methods included the use of the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa solid phase extraction and electrospun polymer-silica composite sorbents for clean-up and preconcentration. Sample clean-up for alkaloids (hydrastine and berberine) in goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) in Ginkgo biloba was achieved using Bond Elut Plexa SPE sorbent. Clean-up of flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba was also achieved using electrospun polymer-silica composite (polystyrene-silica, polyacrylonitrile-silica and nylon 6-silica) sorbents. All analysis of flavonoids and alkaloids was carried out using an Agilent 1200 Series HPLC coupled with a diode array detector. Good peak separation was achieved in less than 6 min employing an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column (4.6 x 75 mm, 3.5 μm) at 35⁰C. The mobile phases employed were 0.1% phosphoric acid/methanol gradient and 0.5% phosphoric acid/methanol (40:60) for alkaloids and flavonoids respectively. The calibration curves exhibited linearity up to 120 μg mL⁻¹ with correlation coefficients of more than 0.9980. The recoveries ranged from 73-109% with relative standard deviation of less than 5% for all analytes. Agilent Chem Elut supported liquid extraction was employed for the development of a sample preparation method for the determination of 24 banned aromatic amines from azo dyes in textile following the EU standard method EN 14362-1:2003 (E) and the Chinese standard method GB/T 17592-2006. The supported liquid extraction was effective in the extraction of the aromatic amines from textile (cotton, wool and polyester/cotton [80%:20%]). Most of the recoveries obtained were conforming to the minimum requirements set in the EN 14362-1:2003 (E) standard method and the relative standard deviations were less than 15%. Good peak separation was obtained within 70 min run time using the Agilent Zorbax SB-Phenyl column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5-micron) or the Agilent DB-35 MS (J & W) (30 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm film thickness. It was demonstrated that the polymeric Agilent Bond Elut Plexa, electrospun nanofibers and diatomaceous earth were effective in extraction of alkaloids, flavonoids and aromatic amines in different matrices. The developed methods were simple, rapid and reproducible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors influencing the successful adoption of mobile commerce services
- De Sousa, Sergio Anthony David
- Authors: De Sousa, Sergio Anthony David
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mobile commerce Electronic commerce Wireless communication systems Mobile communication systems Computer networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008184
- Description: Mobile Commerce (MC) can be defined as any transaction carried out over a wireless network, using a wireless device, such as a mobile phone, and that has monetary value (Wang and Liao, 2007). MC is a rapidly developing industry in tenns of its technological capabilities. With these increasing developments, come greater forecasts of potential benefits to societies, economies, industries and individuals. However, the growth and development ofthe underlying MC technology, has not been met by the creation and adoption of the services meant to accompany MC. It is said that the success of MC will ultimately lie in its services. As MC Service Providers (MCSP) are responsible for delivering these MC Services (MCS), the success ofMC can be said to rest on them. In order for MCSs to be successfully adopted, both the initial use and continuous use thereof should be targeted. In other words those that have used MCSs (users) and those that have yet to use MCSs (non-users) should be targeted. It is thus pivotal that an understanding of the factors that generate MCS adoption be sought. This research purposed to uncover the factors that generate MCS adoption within the user and nonuser group. In defining successful adoption ofMCS's, two separate measures were used for each group. User satisfaction is a well accepted construct among researchers for measuring system success among users. User satisfaction is also accepted to be a detenninant of service re-use and loyalty. Intention to use is a measure used for MC success among non-users and is accepted to be a detenninant of actual use. Factors affecting both detenninants, user satisfaction and intention to use, were investigated. After a review ofliterature and current models, ten (10) factors were hypothesised to be significant factors in determining user satisfaction and intention to use namely: ease of use, cost, speed, personalisation, pennission, privacy, security, convenience, relationship (with MCSP) and awareness. A questionnaire was developed to test the hypothesised factors. Not all factors were proven to have a significant impact on both user satisfactions and intention to use. One main recommendation is that both initial and continuous adoption should be the focus ofMC strategy. Services that cater to specific user needs and offer convenience at a low cost should be offered. MCSPs can use the factors proved to be significant to generate and evaluate their service offering, to users and non users, to increase the probability of successful adoption from initial to continuous use. The research concludes that MCSPs need to begin to offer MCSs that meet user needs and add value to their lives in order to realise the professed potential ofMC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Sousa, Sergio Anthony David
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mobile commerce Electronic commerce Wireless communication systems Mobile communication systems Computer networks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008184
- Description: Mobile Commerce (MC) can be defined as any transaction carried out over a wireless network, using a wireless device, such as a mobile phone, and that has monetary value (Wang and Liao, 2007). MC is a rapidly developing industry in tenns of its technological capabilities. With these increasing developments, come greater forecasts of potential benefits to societies, economies, industries and individuals. However, the growth and development ofthe underlying MC technology, has not been met by the creation and adoption of the services meant to accompany MC. It is said that the success of MC will ultimately lie in its services. As MC Service Providers (MCSP) are responsible for delivering these MC Services (MCS), the success ofMC can be said to rest on them. In order for MCSs to be successfully adopted, both the initial use and continuous use thereof should be targeted. In other words those that have used MCSs (users) and those that have yet to use MCSs (non-users) should be targeted. It is thus pivotal that an understanding of the factors that generate MCS adoption be sought. This research purposed to uncover the factors that generate MCS adoption within the user and nonuser group. In defining successful adoption ofMCS's, two separate measures were used for each group. User satisfaction is a well accepted construct among researchers for measuring system success among users. User satisfaction is also accepted to be a detenninant of service re-use and loyalty. Intention to use is a measure used for MC success among non-users and is accepted to be a detenninant of actual use. Factors affecting both detenninants, user satisfaction and intention to use, were investigated. After a review ofliterature and current models, ten (10) factors were hypothesised to be significant factors in determining user satisfaction and intention to use namely: ease of use, cost, speed, personalisation, pennission, privacy, security, convenience, relationship (with MCSP) and awareness. A questionnaire was developed to test the hypothesised factors. Not all factors were proven to have a significant impact on both user satisfactions and intention to use. One main recommendation is that both initial and continuous adoption should be the focus ofMC strategy. Services that cater to specific user needs and offer convenience at a low cost should be offered. MCSPs can use the factors proved to be significant to generate and evaluate their service offering, to users and non users, to increase the probability of successful adoption from initial to continuous use. The research concludes that MCSPs need to begin to offer MCSs that meet user needs and add value to their lives in order to realise the professed potential ofMC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Invasion of Lantana into India: analyzing introduction, spread, human adaptations and management
- Hari Krishnan, Ramesh Kannan
- Authors: Hari Krishnan, Ramesh Kannan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lantana -- India Weeds -- Control -- India Plant introduction -- India Natural resources -- India Botany, Economic -- India Botany -- Social aspects -- India
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001756
- Description: Objectives and Research Questions 1. To reconstruct the history of invasion of Lantana in India from where, by who, and when was Lantana species introduced into India?, given its long history in the country, is it still spreading or has it become more or less stable? 2. To study the human adaptation to Lantana invasion: socioeconomic causes and consequences of the use of Lantana as an alternative source of livelihood for forest dependent communities in southern India; how have local communities adapted to the invasion?; what are the key determinants that may have driven communities to use Lantana?; what are the economic consequences of the use of Lantana by local communities? 3. To critically review local practices and forest policy for the management of Lantana in southern India.; how has the use of Lantana by local communities impacted its local regeneration?; does the use of Lantana in local context have implications for its management?; what has been the role of the Forest Department and its policies in managing Lantana?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hari Krishnan, Ramesh Kannan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lantana -- India Weeds -- Control -- India Plant introduction -- India Natural resources -- India Botany, Economic -- India Botany -- Social aspects -- India
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4728 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001756
- Description: Objectives and Research Questions 1. To reconstruct the history of invasion of Lantana in India from where, by who, and when was Lantana species introduced into India?, given its long history in the country, is it still spreading or has it become more or less stable? 2. To study the human adaptation to Lantana invasion: socioeconomic causes and consequences of the use of Lantana as an alternative source of livelihood for forest dependent communities in southern India; how have local communities adapted to the invasion?; what are the key determinants that may have driven communities to use Lantana?; what are the economic consequences of the use of Lantana by local communities? 3. To critically review local practices and forest policy for the management of Lantana in southern India.; how has the use of Lantana by local communities impacted its local regeneration?; does the use of Lantana in local context have implications for its management?; what has been the role of the Forest Department and its policies in managing Lantana?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Towards a cost-efficient & standardised monitoring protocol for subtidal reef fish in the Agulhas ecoregion of South Africa
- Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Authors: Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reef fishes -- South Africa Reef fishes -- Monitoring--South Africa Fish stock assessment -- South Africa Coastal zone management -- South Africa Fish communities -- South Africa Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa Marine resources conservation -- South Africa Marine biodiversity conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001674
- Description: Under the growing demand for marine fish resources, and the apparent and expected impacts of global climate change, there is a need to conduct long-term monitoring (LTM) to ensure effective management of resources and conservation of biodiversity. However LTM programmes often suffer from design deficiencies and fail to achieve their objectives. These deficiencies stem from the fact that insufficient consideration is afforded to the design phase, with programmes selecting methods that are not suitable to address the objectives, or are not cost-efficient, compromising the sustainability of the LTM. To facilitate the establishment of LTM programmes along the southern coast of South Africa, background research needed to be conducted to identify which methods were most appropriate for LTM of reef fish. This study presents a detailed field-based assessment of the suitability and cost-efficiency of monitoring methods for long-term monitoring of reef fish in the Agulhas Ecoregion of South Africa. The approach adopted to identify the method, or suite of methods most suited for LTM, involved (i) the selection of methods considered suitable for LTM, (ii) the individual assessment and optimisation of method performance, and (iii) the comparative assessment of the fish community sampled by the different methods. The most suited method(s) were then identified as those that provide the most comprehensive assessment of the fish community and had the highest cost-efficiency. The research was conducted between January 2008 and 2011 in the Tsitsikamma and Table Mountain National Park (TNP and TMNP, respectively) marine protected areas (MPAs) within the Agulhas Ecoregion. The methods selected included fish traps (FT), controlled angling (CA), underwater visual census (UVC), remote underwater video (RUV), baited RUV (BRUV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The individual assessment and optimisation was conducted with the FT, UVC, RUV and BRUV methods. The assessment of the FT method aimed to identify the optimal soak time, and whether or not the size of the funnel entrance to the trap affected the catch. The results identified that larger funnel entrances caught more fish and soak times of 80 minutes produced the highest catches per unit effort. However the data were highly variable and the method detected few of the species typical of the region. Fish traps were also associated with high levels of mortality of fish post-release. The assessment of UVC strip transect method involved directly comparing the precision of data collected by researchers and volunteers using a novel double-observer technique (paired-transects). The results showed considerable error in both the volunteers and researchers data, however the researchers produced significantly higher precision data, compared to the volunteers. The distinction between researchers and volunteers was not evident in the data for the dominant species of fish. For all observers, the abundance of a species in the sample had a significant influence on its detectability, with locally scarce or rare species poorly detected. UVC was able to sample the majority of species typical of reefs in the region, however it appeared plagued by observer and detectability biases. The assessments of RUV and BRUV were conducted simultaneously which enabled the assessment of the effect of bait on the observed fish community. In addition the optimal deployment time for both methods to maximise species richness and abundance was determined. The results showed that BRUV, and to a lesser degree RUV, were able to effectively survey the reef fish community for the region with a 50 minute and 35 minute deployment time, respectively. Baited remote underwater video was especially good at detecting the invertebrate and generalist carnivores, and cartilaginous species. On the other hand, RUV was more effective at surveying the microinvertebrate carnivores. Remote underwater video was characterised by higher data variability, compared to BRUV, and was ultimately considered a less cost-efficient monitoring method. Comparative methods assessments were conducted during two field experiments with the FT, UVC and BRUV methods in the TMNP MPA, and the FT, CA, UVC, RUV, BRUV and ROV methods compared in the TNP MPA. The objectives of the comparison were to investigate differences in the fish communities observed with the different methods, and to determine the power of the data to detect an annual 10% growth in the fish populations over a period of five years. The results from the method comparison were in turn used to conduct the cost-benefit analysis to determine the efficiency of the different methods at achieving monitoring objectives requiring population data from multiple trophic and functional groups with the community, and from species of fisheries importance. The results indicated that FT, CA and ROV were ineffective at monitoring the reef fish community, although CA appeared to provide valuable data for the dominant fisheries species. Both CA and FT required minimal initial investment however, the variability in the data translated into high annual monitoring costs, as the required sampling effort was great. The ROV required the highest initial investment and was identified as the least cost-efficient method. Underwater visual census was able to adequately survey the bony fish within the community, however it did not detect the cartilaginous species. Underwater visual census required a large initial investment and was not cost-efficient, as a many samples were required to account for the variability in the data. Remote underwater video provided a comprehensive assessment of the reef fish community, however it too was associated with high levels of variability in the data, compared to BRUV, reducing its cost-efficiency. BRUV provided the most comprehensive assessment of the reef fish community and was associated with the highest cost-efficiency to address the community and fisheries species monitoring objectives. During the course of this research stereo-BRUV has gained considerable support as an effective reef fish monitoring method. Although not tested during this research, stereo-BRUV is preferred to BRUV as it provides accurate data on the size of fish. However, the initial investment of stereo-BRUV is over three times that required for the BRUV. Although it is recommended that a baited video technique be used for LTM in the Agulhas Ecoregion, the choice between BRUV and stereo-BRUV will depend on the specific objectives of the programme and the available budget at the implementing agency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Bernard, Anthony Thomas Firth
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reef fishes -- South Africa Reef fishes -- Monitoring--South Africa Fish stock assessment -- South Africa Coastal zone management -- South Africa Fish communities -- South Africa Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa Marine resources conservation -- South Africa Marine biodiversity conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001674
- Description: Under the growing demand for marine fish resources, and the apparent and expected impacts of global climate change, there is a need to conduct long-term monitoring (LTM) to ensure effective management of resources and conservation of biodiversity. However LTM programmes often suffer from design deficiencies and fail to achieve their objectives. These deficiencies stem from the fact that insufficient consideration is afforded to the design phase, with programmes selecting methods that are not suitable to address the objectives, or are not cost-efficient, compromising the sustainability of the LTM. To facilitate the establishment of LTM programmes along the southern coast of South Africa, background research needed to be conducted to identify which methods were most appropriate for LTM of reef fish. This study presents a detailed field-based assessment of the suitability and cost-efficiency of monitoring methods for long-term monitoring of reef fish in the Agulhas Ecoregion of South Africa. The approach adopted to identify the method, or suite of methods most suited for LTM, involved (i) the selection of methods considered suitable for LTM, (ii) the individual assessment and optimisation of method performance, and (iii) the comparative assessment of the fish community sampled by the different methods. The most suited method(s) were then identified as those that provide the most comprehensive assessment of the fish community and had the highest cost-efficiency. The research was conducted between January 2008 and 2011 in the Tsitsikamma and Table Mountain National Park (TNP and TMNP, respectively) marine protected areas (MPAs) within the Agulhas Ecoregion. The methods selected included fish traps (FT), controlled angling (CA), underwater visual census (UVC), remote underwater video (RUV), baited RUV (BRUV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The individual assessment and optimisation was conducted with the FT, UVC, RUV and BRUV methods. The assessment of the FT method aimed to identify the optimal soak time, and whether or not the size of the funnel entrance to the trap affected the catch. The results identified that larger funnel entrances caught more fish and soak times of 80 minutes produced the highest catches per unit effort. However the data were highly variable and the method detected few of the species typical of the region. Fish traps were also associated with high levels of mortality of fish post-release. The assessment of UVC strip transect method involved directly comparing the precision of data collected by researchers and volunteers using a novel double-observer technique (paired-transects). The results showed considerable error in both the volunteers and researchers data, however the researchers produced significantly higher precision data, compared to the volunteers. The distinction between researchers and volunteers was not evident in the data for the dominant species of fish. For all observers, the abundance of a species in the sample had a significant influence on its detectability, with locally scarce or rare species poorly detected. UVC was able to sample the majority of species typical of reefs in the region, however it appeared plagued by observer and detectability biases. The assessments of RUV and BRUV were conducted simultaneously which enabled the assessment of the effect of bait on the observed fish community. In addition the optimal deployment time for both methods to maximise species richness and abundance was determined. The results showed that BRUV, and to a lesser degree RUV, were able to effectively survey the reef fish community for the region with a 50 minute and 35 minute deployment time, respectively. Baited remote underwater video was especially good at detecting the invertebrate and generalist carnivores, and cartilaginous species. On the other hand, RUV was more effective at surveying the microinvertebrate carnivores. Remote underwater video was characterised by higher data variability, compared to BRUV, and was ultimately considered a less cost-efficient monitoring method. Comparative methods assessments were conducted during two field experiments with the FT, UVC and BRUV methods in the TMNP MPA, and the FT, CA, UVC, RUV, BRUV and ROV methods compared in the TNP MPA. The objectives of the comparison were to investigate differences in the fish communities observed with the different methods, and to determine the power of the data to detect an annual 10% growth in the fish populations over a period of five years. The results from the method comparison were in turn used to conduct the cost-benefit analysis to determine the efficiency of the different methods at achieving monitoring objectives requiring population data from multiple trophic and functional groups with the community, and from species of fisheries importance. The results indicated that FT, CA and ROV were ineffective at monitoring the reef fish community, although CA appeared to provide valuable data for the dominant fisheries species. Both CA and FT required minimal initial investment however, the variability in the data translated into high annual monitoring costs, as the required sampling effort was great. The ROV required the highest initial investment and was identified as the least cost-efficient method. Underwater visual census was able to adequately survey the bony fish within the community, however it did not detect the cartilaginous species. Underwater visual census required a large initial investment and was not cost-efficient, as a many samples were required to account for the variability in the data. Remote underwater video provided a comprehensive assessment of the reef fish community, however it too was associated with high levels of variability in the data, compared to BRUV, reducing its cost-efficiency. BRUV provided the most comprehensive assessment of the reef fish community and was associated with the highest cost-efficiency to address the community and fisheries species monitoring objectives. During the course of this research stereo-BRUV has gained considerable support as an effective reef fish monitoring method. Although not tested during this research, stereo-BRUV is preferred to BRUV as it provides accurate data on the size of fish. However, the initial investment of stereo-BRUV is over three times that required for the BRUV. Although it is recommended that a baited video technique be used for LTM in the Agulhas Ecoregion, the choice between BRUV and stereo-BRUV will depend on the specific objectives of the programme and the available budget at the implementing agency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Interactions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and spore-associated bacteria
- Authors: Ridsdale, Carmen Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mycorrhizal fungi , Host plants , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018269
- Description: Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are naturally occurring in roots of terrestrial plants. AM fungi are capable of benefiting the host plant through various mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient supply, alleviation of environmental stress and inhibition of plant fungal pathogens. AM fungal spore-associated bacteria have been previously isolated and shown to have plant growthpromoting (PGP) abilities by several authors. Some bacterial isolates are able to promote AM fungal colonisation of host plants and are known to be mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB). This study focused on the isolation of AM fungal spore-associated bacteria, characterization of the isolates according to plant growth promoting abilities and evaluation of their potential to enhance plant growth and mycorrhizal colonisation. AM fungi were extracted from soils sampled from natural indigenous forest sources, raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Heritage) and strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) farms in South Africa and from a raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Autumn Bliss) plantation in Argentina. A total of 52 sporeassociated bacteria were isolated from the external and internal surfaces of AM fungal spore morphotypes from the two countries. The bacterial isolates were evaluated for their PGP abilities such as phosphate solubilisation, indole-3-acetic acid production, ammonia production and inhibition of the fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Phythophthora nicotianae through mechanisms such as siderophore and/ or hydrolytic enzyme production. A total of 23 bacterial isolates from both South Africa and Argentina showing the most potential to be PGP, were identified molecularly as belonging to the genera Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Serratia and Staphylococcus. The ability of ten selected bacterial isolates showing multiple PGP capacity were evaluated for their plant growth promotion and mycorrhizal colonisation enhancement ability on raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Meeker). Significant differences in increased shoot and root dry weights were shown by the treatments compared to the uninoculated control. The highest increase in shoot and root dry weights were shown by South African (Bacillus mycoides) and Argentinean (Alcaligenes faecalis) isolates. AM fungal colonisation was significantly enhanced by the South African (Bacillus mycoides) and Argentinean (Micrococcus luteus) isolates compared to the AM fungal singly inoculated control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ridsdale, Carmen Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mycorrhizal fungi , Host plants , Bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018269
- Description: Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are naturally occurring in roots of terrestrial plants. AM fungi are capable of benefiting the host plant through various mechanisms such as enhanced nutrient supply, alleviation of environmental stress and inhibition of plant fungal pathogens. AM fungal spore-associated bacteria have been previously isolated and shown to have plant growthpromoting (PGP) abilities by several authors. Some bacterial isolates are able to promote AM fungal colonisation of host plants and are known to be mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB). This study focused on the isolation of AM fungal spore-associated bacteria, characterization of the isolates according to plant growth promoting abilities and evaluation of their potential to enhance plant growth and mycorrhizal colonisation. AM fungi were extracted from soils sampled from natural indigenous forest sources, raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Heritage) and strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) farms in South Africa and from a raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Autumn Bliss) plantation in Argentina. A total of 52 sporeassociated bacteria were isolated from the external and internal surfaces of AM fungal spore morphotypes from the two countries. The bacterial isolates were evaluated for their PGP abilities such as phosphate solubilisation, indole-3-acetic acid production, ammonia production and inhibition of the fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Phythophthora nicotianae through mechanisms such as siderophore and/ or hydrolytic enzyme production. A total of 23 bacterial isolates from both South Africa and Argentina showing the most potential to be PGP, were identified molecularly as belonging to the genera Acinetobacter, Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Microbacterium, Micrococcus, Serratia and Staphylococcus. The ability of ten selected bacterial isolates showing multiple PGP capacity were evaluated for their plant growth promotion and mycorrhizal colonisation enhancement ability on raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv. Meeker). Significant differences in increased shoot and root dry weights were shown by the treatments compared to the uninoculated control. The highest increase in shoot and root dry weights were shown by South African (Bacillus mycoides) and Argentinean (Alcaligenes faecalis) isolates. AM fungal colonisation was significantly enhanced by the South African (Bacillus mycoides) and Argentinean (Micrococcus luteus) isolates compared to the AM fungal singly inoculated control.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into how grade 9 learners make sense of the fermentation and distillation processes through exploring the indigenous practice of making the traditional alcoholic beverage called Ombike: a case study
- Uushona, Kleopas Ipinge Twegathetwa
- Authors: Uushona, Kleopas Ipinge Twegathetwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies High school students -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Social life and customs -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati Brewing -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Ovambo (African people) -- Namibia -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001757
- Description: One of the purposes of the Namibian curriculum is to ensure cultural inclusivity. That is, it recognises the inclusion of traditional cultural practices and experiences in science lessons where appropriate. Based on my experiences both as a learner and a science teacher, I have noted there is a rapid decline and loss of values in most of our cultural practices and heritages. This triggered my interests to do a study on an Oshiwambo traditional beverage known as Ombike. This study is therefore aimed at enhancing conceptual development, meaning making and understanding of concepts in fermentation and distillation. This study was conducted with my grade 9 learners at a school where I was teaching in Omusati region of Namibia. A community member who served as an expert was also a participant. She was involved more in discussions, interviews and most importantly in showing and demonstrating to the learners how Ombike is made practically. Essentially, the goal of this study was to investigate how the indigenous practice associated with the making of Ombike can be used to support meaning making of fermentation and distillation processes. This research is located within an interpretive paradigm where a qualitative case study was adopted. I consider this methodological framework appropriate in this study because it allowed me to use the following data gathering methods: brainstorming and discussion, observation, semi-structured and focus group interviews, and practical activities worksheet. Multiple methods were used for the purpose of triangulation and validation. An inductive analysis was used to discover data patterns and themes from the data. Moreover, ethical considerations were also taken seriously and all the participants gave informed consent. The findings of the study revealed that brainstorming and discussions were an appropriate strategy in eliciting learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences on, in particular, the making of Ombike. Furthermore, learner engagement and conceptual development were enhanced. This suggests that contextualisation of knowledge can enhance meaningful learning if it is properly planned. It was also found that practical activities in conjunction with mind maps helped learners to make meanings of scientific concepts. Based on my research findings, I therefore recommend the following three aspects: the consideration of learners` prior knowledge and experiences; contextualising knowledge through use of indigenous knowledge; and the learners’ active involvement in practical activities with an emphasis on key scientific concepts to be developed. That is, there is a need to teach for conceptual understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Uushona, Kleopas Ipinge Twegathetwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies High school students -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Social life and customs -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati Brewing -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Ovambo (African people) -- Namibia -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001757
- Description: One of the purposes of the Namibian curriculum is to ensure cultural inclusivity. That is, it recognises the inclusion of traditional cultural practices and experiences in science lessons where appropriate. Based on my experiences both as a learner and a science teacher, I have noted there is a rapid decline and loss of values in most of our cultural practices and heritages. This triggered my interests to do a study on an Oshiwambo traditional beverage known as Ombike. This study is therefore aimed at enhancing conceptual development, meaning making and understanding of concepts in fermentation and distillation. This study was conducted with my grade 9 learners at a school where I was teaching in Omusati region of Namibia. A community member who served as an expert was also a participant. She was involved more in discussions, interviews and most importantly in showing and demonstrating to the learners how Ombike is made practically. Essentially, the goal of this study was to investigate how the indigenous practice associated with the making of Ombike can be used to support meaning making of fermentation and distillation processes. This research is located within an interpretive paradigm where a qualitative case study was adopted. I consider this methodological framework appropriate in this study because it allowed me to use the following data gathering methods: brainstorming and discussion, observation, semi-structured and focus group interviews, and practical activities worksheet. Multiple methods were used for the purpose of triangulation and validation. An inductive analysis was used to discover data patterns and themes from the data. Moreover, ethical considerations were also taken seriously and all the participants gave informed consent. The findings of the study revealed that brainstorming and discussions were an appropriate strategy in eliciting learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences on, in particular, the making of Ombike. Furthermore, learner engagement and conceptual development were enhanced. This suggests that contextualisation of knowledge can enhance meaningful learning if it is properly planned. It was also found that practical activities in conjunction with mind maps helped learners to make meanings of scientific concepts. Based on my research findings, I therefore recommend the following three aspects: the consideration of learners` prior knowledge and experiences; contextualising knowledge through use of indigenous knowledge; and the learners’ active involvement in practical activities with an emphasis on key scientific concepts to be developed. That is, there is a need to teach for conceptual understanding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Mechanisms of luminescence in α-Al₂O₃:C : investigations using time-resolved optical stimulation and thermoluminescence techniques
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel Newton
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Thermoluminescence Aluminum oxide Optically stimulated luminescence dating Radiation dosimetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002961
- Description: Carbon-doped aluminium oxide, α-Al₂O₃:C, is a ultra-sensitive dosimeter of topical research interest. The aim of this project was to investigate the dynamics of luminesce in this material. The methods of investigation consisted of thermoluminescence and time-resolved optical stimulation. Thermoluminescence measurements provide information on trap distribution and kinetic parameters of the traps involved in luminescence whereas time-resolved optical stimulation is a handy technique in investigation of luminescence lifetimes and provides an insight into the charge transitions between traps and recombination centres. Measurements were made on samples annealed at a nominal temperature of 900⁰C for 15 minutes. The material shows the presence of five thermoluminescence peaks at 37⁰C, 160⁰C, 300⁰C 410⁰C, and 480⁰C at a heating rate of 0.03k/s when irradiated to 6.0 Gy of beta. The main peak at 160⁰C, shows a linear dose response for doses between 0.1 Gy and 10 Gy and then goes sublinear above 10 Gy, the peak at 37⁰C shows a sublinear dose response for doses between 0.1 Gy and 10 Gy and appears to saturate thereafter, whereas the dose response of the peak at 300⁰C goes from linear to supralinear then apparently quadratic behaviour in the dose range of 0.1 Gy to 16.0 Gy. The trap depth of the main peak, that is, its activation energy as determined below the conduction band, has been approximated at 1.3 eV with a kinetic order of approximately 1.2. Time-resolved optical stimulation has been used to investigate luminescence lifetimes. The mean luminescence lifetime obtained for the sample at ambient temperatures is 35.0±1.0 ms. The investigations of the dependence of luminescence lifetimes on measurement temperature show that the material suffers from thermal quenching effects at measurement temperatures above 140⁰C with the activation energy of thermal quenching estimated at 1.045±0.002 eV. Shallow traps i.e. traps lying close to the conduction band, seem to elongate the lifetimes of optically stimulated luminescence in the material at temperatures between 30⁰C - 80⁰C due to charge retrapping. The material exhibits both fading and recuperation of the optically stimulated luminescence signal with storage time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Nyirenda, Angel Newton
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Thermoluminescence Aluminum oxide Optically stimulated luminescence dating Radiation dosimetry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002961
- Description: Carbon-doped aluminium oxide, α-Al₂O₃:C, is a ultra-sensitive dosimeter of topical research interest. The aim of this project was to investigate the dynamics of luminesce in this material. The methods of investigation consisted of thermoluminescence and time-resolved optical stimulation. Thermoluminescence measurements provide information on trap distribution and kinetic parameters of the traps involved in luminescence whereas time-resolved optical stimulation is a handy technique in investigation of luminescence lifetimes and provides an insight into the charge transitions between traps and recombination centres. Measurements were made on samples annealed at a nominal temperature of 900⁰C for 15 minutes. The material shows the presence of five thermoluminescence peaks at 37⁰C, 160⁰C, 300⁰C 410⁰C, and 480⁰C at a heating rate of 0.03k/s when irradiated to 6.0 Gy of beta. The main peak at 160⁰C, shows a linear dose response for doses between 0.1 Gy and 10 Gy and then goes sublinear above 10 Gy, the peak at 37⁰C shows a sublinear dose response for doses between 0.1 Gy and 10 Gy and appears to saturate thereafter, whereas the dose response of the peak at 300⁰C goes from linear to supralinear then apparently quadratic behaviour in the dose range of 0.1 Gy to 16.0 Gy. The trap depth of the main peak, that is, its activation energy as determined below the conduction band, has been approximated at 1.3 eV with a kinetic order of approximately 1.2. Time-resolved optical stimulation has been used to investigate luminescence lifetimes. The mean luminescence lifetime obtained for the sample at ambient temperatures is 35.0±1.0 ms. The investigations of the dependence of luminescence lifetimes on measurement temperature show that the material suffers from thermal quenching effects at measurement temperatures above 140⁰C with the activation energy of thermal quenching estimated at 1.045±0.002 eV. Shallow traps i.e. traps lying close to the conduction band, seem to elongate the lifetimes of optically stimulated luminescence in the material at temperatures between 30⁰C - 80⁰C due to charge retrapping. The material exhibits both fading and recuperation of the optically stimulated luminescence signal with storage time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Biology and ecology of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides in two temperate South African impoundments
- Authors: Taylor, Geraldine Claire
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-19
- Subjects: Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001668 , Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths
- Description: Globally largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is one of the most widely introduced game fish species which has now become invasive in many countries. Well researched in its native North America, there are few studies on this species in its introduced range. This study aims to improve the understanding of the biology and ecology of M. salmoides in temperate southern Africa, where it threatens native biota and supports a popular recreational fishery. This aim was addressed by assessing the age, growth, maturity, reproductive seasonality, feeding, mortality and movement, of two M. salmoides populations from Wriggleswade (1000 ha, 723 m amsl, 32º35'S; 27º33'E) and Mankazana (35 ha, 66 m amsl, 33º09'S; 26º57'E) Dams in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The most suitable structure for ageing M. salmoides was determined by comparing the accuracy and precision of otoliths and scales. Scales tended to underestimate the age of fish older than five years. Sectioned sagittal otoliths were the more precise structures for ageing (otoliths CV = 15.8 vs. scales CV = 21.9). The periodicity of growth zone formation was validated as annual for otoliths using both edge analysis (EA), and mark recapture of chemically tagged fish (MRCT). EA indicated one annual peak in the frequency of opaque margins between September and January using a periodic logistic regression and a binomial model linked with a von Mises distribution for circular data. MRCT showed the linear relationship between time at liberty and number of growth zones distal to the fluorescent band was not significantly different from one (slope = 0.89). Reproduction was similar to that in native and non-native populations with fish reaching age at 50% maturity at ca. two years, and length at 50% maturity at 259-290 mm FL depending on growth rate. Spawning season occurred in the spring months of August to October. The Wriggleswade Dam population reached similar ages (14 yrs) to populations in temperate North America. Growth was described using the von Bertalanffy growth equations of (Lt = 420(1-ᵉ⁻°·³³⁽ᵗ⁺°·²¹⁾) mm FL in Wriggleswade and (Lt = 641(1-ᵉ⁻°·²²⁽ᵗ⁺°·⁷⁶⁾) mm FL in Mankazana. Growth performance of both populations, described using the phi prime index, seemed to be correlated with temperature and the Wriggleswade Dam population (Φ’ = 2.8) grew similarly to those native temperate North American populations and the non-native populations of Japan and Italy. The Mankazana population had a higher growth performance (Φ’ = 2.9) compared to Wriggleswade and growth was comparable to other nonnative African populations. Both populations utilised all available food resources, with the Mankazana population being in better condition than the Wriggleswade population as a result of a more diverse diet, highly abundant food sources throughout the year, and potentially the adoption of a more conservative ambush feeding strategy. The Wriggleswade population, which was utilised by competitive anglers, showed low mortality rates (Z = 0.43 yr⁻¹), and translocated fish dispersed from the common release site, travelling an average distance of 4km over the study time of 494 days. These results indicated that M. salmoides are successful in these environments, growing at expected temperature dependant rates, maturing at two years, using all available food groups, and suffering from low mortality. It is therefore likely that they will persist in South Africa and establish where introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Taylor, Geraldine Claire
- Date: 2013 , 2013-03-19
- Subjects: Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths , Largemouth bass -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001668 , Largemouth bass -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Growth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Reproduction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Largemouth bass -- Age determination -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fish populations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Otoliths
- Description: Globally largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is one of the most widely introduced game fish species which has now become invasive in many countries. Well researched in its native North America, there are few studies on this species in its introduced range. This study aims to improve the understanding of the biology and ecology of M. salmoides in temperate southern Africa, where it threatens native biota and supports a popular recreational fishery. This aim was addressed by assessing the age, growth, maturity, reproductive seasonality, feeding, mortality and movement, of two M. salmoides populations from Wriggleswade (1000 ha, 723 m amsl, 32º35'S; 27º33'E) and Mankazana (35 ha, 66 m amsl, 33º09'S; 26º57'E) Dams in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The most suitable structure for ageing M. salmoides was determined by comparing the accuracy and precision of otoliths and scales. Scales tended to underestimate the age of fish older than five years. Sectioned sagittal otoliths were the more precise structures for ageing (otoliths CV = 15.8 vs. scales CV = 21.9). The periodicity of growth zone formation was validated as annual for otoliths using both edge analysis (EA), and mark recapture of chemically tagged fish (MRCT). EA indicated one annual peak in the frequency of opaque margins between September and January using a periodic logistic regression and a binomial model linked with a von Mises distribution for circular data. MRCT showed the linear relationship between time at liberty and number of growth zones distal to the fluorescent band was not significantly different from one (slope = 0.89). Reproduction was similar to that in native and non-native populations with fish reaching age at 50% maturity at ca. two years, and length at 50% maturity at 259-290 mm FL depending on growth rate. Spawning season occurred in the spring months of August to October. The Wriggleswade Dam population reached similar ages (14 yrs) to populations in temperate North America. Growth was described using the von Bertalanffy growth equations of (Lt = 420(1-ᵉ⁻°·³³⁽ᵗ⁺°·²¹⁾) mm FL in Wriggleswade and (Lt = 641(1-ᵉ⁻°·²²⁽ᵗ⁺°·⁷⁶⁾) mm FL in Mankazana. Growth performance of both populations, described using the phi prime index, seemed to be correlated with temperature and the Wriggleswade Dam population (Φ’ = 2.8) grew similarly to those native temperate North American populations and the non-native populations of Japan and Italy. The Mankazana population had a higher growth performance (Φ’ = 2.9) compared to Wriggleswade and growth was comparable to other nonnative African populations. Both populations utilised all available food resources, with the Mankazana population being in better condition than the Wriggleswade population as a result of a more diverse diet, highly abundant food sources throughout the year, and potentially the adoption of a more conservative ambush feeding strategy. The Wriggleswade population, which was utilised by competitive anglers, showed low mortality rates (Z = 0.43 yr⁻¹), and translocated fish dispersed from the common release site, travelling an average distance of 4km over the study time of 494 days. These results indicated that M. salmoides are successful in these environments, growing at expected temperature dependant rates, maturing at two years, using all available food groups, and suffering from low mortality. It is therefore likely that they will persist in South Africa and establish where introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation of online threat awareness and behaviour patterns amongst secondary school learners
- Authors: Irwin, Michael Padric
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-29
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Risk perception -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , High school students -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Communication -- Sex differences -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- Risk assessment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet -- Safety measures -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Online social networks -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4576 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002965 , Computer security -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Risk perception -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , High school students -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Communication -- Sex differences -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- Risk assessment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet -- Safety measures -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Online social networks -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: The research area of this work is online threat awareness within an information security context. The research was carried out on secondary school learners at boarding schools in Grahamstown. The participating learners were in Grades 8 to 12. The goals of the research included determining the actual levels of awareness, the difference between these and self-perceived levels of the participants, the assessment of risk in terms of online behaviour, and the determination of any gender differences in the answers provided by the respondents. A review of relevant literature and similar studies was carried out, and data was collected from the participating schools via an online questionnaire. This data was analysed and discussed within the frameworks of awareness of threats, online privacy social media, sexting, cyberbullying and password habits. The concepts of information security and online privacy are present throughout these discussion chapters, providing the themes for linking the discussion points together. The results of this research show that the respondents have a high level of risk. This is due to the gaps identified in actual awareness and perception, as well as the exhibition of online behaviour patterns that are considered high risk. A strong need for the construction and adoption of threat awareness programmes by these and other schools is identified, as are areas of particular need for inclusion in such programmes. Some gender differences are present, but not to the extent that, there is as significant difference between male and female respondents in terms of overall awareness, knowledge and behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation of online threat awareness and behaviour patterns amongst secondary school learners
- Authors: Irwin, Michael Padric
- Date: 2013 , 2013-04-29
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Risk perception -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , High school students -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Communication -- Sex differences -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- Risk assessment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet -- Safety measures -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Online social networks -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4576 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002965 , Computer security -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Risk perception -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , High school students -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Communication -- Sex differences -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet and teenagers -- Risk assessment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Internet -- Safety measures -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Online social networks -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Description: The research area of this work is online threat awareness within an information security context. The research was carried out on secondary school learners at boarding schools in Grahamstown. The participating learners were in Grades 8 to 12. The goals of the research included determining the actual levels of awareness, the difference between these and self-perceived levels of the participants, the assessment of risk in terms of online behaviour, and the determination of any gender differences in the answers provided by the respondents. A review of relevant literature and similar studies was carried out, and data was collected from the participating schools via an online questionnaire. This data was analysed and discussed within the frameworks of awareness of threats, online privacy social media, sexting, cyberbullying and password habits. The concepts of information security and online privacy are present throughout these discussion chapters, providing the themes for linking the discussion points together. The results of this research show that the respondents have a high level of risk. This is due to the gaps identified in actual awareness and perception, as well as the exhibition of online behaviour patterns that are considered high risk. A strong need for the construction and adoption of threat awareness programmes by these and other schools is identified, as are areas of particular need for inclusion in such programmes. Some gender differences are present, but not to the extent that, there is as significant difference between male and female respondents in terms of overall awareness, knowledge and behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony 2013
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007241
- Description: Rhodes University 2013 Installation of Lex Mpati as 7th Chancellor of Rhodes University and Graduation Ceremony [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Thursday, 4 April 2013 at 18.00 , Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 5 April at 10.00; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 6 April at 10:00 , Rhodes University Awards, Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007241
- Description: Rhodes University 2013 Installation of Lex Mpati as 7th Chancellor of Rhodes University and Graduation Ceremony [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Thursday, 4 April 2013 at 18.00 , Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 5 April at 10.00; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 6 April at 10:00 , Rhodes University Awards, Scholarships, Bursaries and Prizes 2013
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013