Religious nationalism and negotiation : Islamic identity and the resolution of the Israel/Palestine conflic
- Authors: De Villiers, Shirley
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Arab-Israeli conflict Palestinian Arabs -- Civil rights -- Israel Nationalism -- Middle East Religion and politics -- Middle East Jewish-Arab relations Nationalism -- Religious aspects -- Islam -- History -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007815
- Description: The use of violence in the Israel/Palestine conflict has been justified and legitimised by an appeal to religion. Militant Islamist organisations like Ramas have become central players in the Palestinian political landscape as a result of the popular support that they enjoy. This thesis aims to investigate the reasons for this support by analysing the Israel/Palestine conflict in terms of Ruman Needs Theory. According to this Theory, humans have essential needs that need to be fulfilled in order to ensure survival and development. Among these needs, the need for identity and recognition of identity is of vital importance. This thesis thus explores the concept of identity as a need, and investigates this need as it relates to inter-group conflict. In situating this theory in the Israel/Palestine conflict, the study exammes how organisations like Ramas have Islamised Palestinian national identity in order to garner political support. The central contention, then, is that the primary identity group of the Palestinian population is no longer nationalist, but Islamic/nationalist. In Islamising the conflict with Israel as well as Palestinian identity, Ramas has been able to justify its often indiscriminate use of violence by appealing to religion. The conflict is thus perceived to be one between two absolutes - that of Islam versus Judaism. In considering the conflict as one of identities struggling for survival in a climate of perceived threat, any attempt at resolution of the conflict needs to include a focus on needs-based issues. The problem-solving approach to negotiation allows for parties to consider issues of identity, recognition and security needs, and thus ensures that the root causes of conflicts are addressed, The contention is that this approach is vital to any conflict resolution strategy where identity needs are at stake, and it provides the grounding for the success of more traditional zero-sum bargaining methods. A recognition of Islamic identity in negotiation processes in Israel/Palestine may thus make for a more comprehensive conflict resolution strategy, and make the outcomes of negotiations more acceptable to the people of Palestine, thus undermining the acceptance of violence that exists at present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: De Villiers, Shirley
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Arab-Israeli conflict Palestinian Arabs -- Civil rights -- Israel Nationalism -- Middle East Religion and politics -- Middle East Jewish-Arab relations Nationalism -- Religious aspects -- Islam -- History -- 20th century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007815
- Description: The use of violence in the Israel/Palestine conflict has been justified and legitimised by an appeal to religion. Militant Islamist organisations like Ramas have become central players in the Palestinian political landscape as a result of the popular support that they enjoy. This thesis aims to investigate the reasons for this support by analysing the Israel/Palestine conflict in terms of Ruman Needs Theory. According to this Theory, humans have essential needs that need to be fulfilled in order to ensure survival and development. Among these needs, the need for identity and recognition of identity is of vital importance. This thesis thus explores the concept of identity as a need, and investigates this need as it relates to inter-group conflict. In situating this theory in the Israel/Palestine conflict, the study exammes how organisations like Ramas have Islamised Palestinian national identity in order to garner political support. The central contention, then, is that the primary identity group of the Palestinian population is no longer nationalist, but Islamic/nationalist. In Islamising the conflict with Israel as well as Palestinian identity, Ramas has been able to justify its often indiscriminate use of violence by appealing to religion. The conflict is thus perceived to be one between two absolutes - that of Islam versus Judaism. In considering the conflict as one of identities struggling for survival in a climate of perceived threat, any attempt at resolution of the conflict needs to include a focus on needs-based issues. The problem-solving approach to negotiation allows for parties to consider issues of identity, recognition and security needs, and thus ensures that the root causes of conflicts are addressed, The contention is that this approach is vital to any conflict resolution strategy where identity needs are at stake, and it provides the grounding for the success of more traditional zero-sum bargaining methods. A recognition of Islamic identity in negotiation processes in Israel/Palestine may thus make for a more comprehensive conflict resolution strategy, and make the outcomes of negotiations more acceptable to the people of Palestine, thus undermining the acceptance of violence that exists at present.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Development of a hydantoin-hydrolysing biocatalyst for the production of optically pure amino acids using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain RU-ORPN1
- Authors: Foster, Ingrid Margaret
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Agrobacterium tumefaciens Amino acids Hydantoin Hydrolysis Enzymes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004002
- Description: A calcium alginate bead-immobilised biocatalyst was developed utilising the D-hydantoinase and D-N-carbamoylase from a novel, mutant Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain RU-ORPN1. The growth conditions for the inducer-independent strain were optimised for production of hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase activities. Methods for the preparation of crude enzyme extracts were evaluated in terms of hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase activities produced. After comparison of the enzyme activities and stabilities in various extracts from fresh and frozen cells, sonication of frozen cells for 5 minutes was found to be the best method for the production of the enzyme extract. The optimal pH and temperature for the hydantoinase activity were pH 10 and 30°C, respectively, while pH 9 and 40°C were optimal for Ncarbamoylase activity. The hydantoinase activity was enhanced by the addition of Mg^(2+) ions to the enzyme extract and the N-carbamoylase was enhanced by the addition of Mg^(2+), Mn^(2+) or Zn^(2+) ions to the enzyme extract. The enzyme activities increased in the presence of ATP suggesting that the enzymes may be ATP-dependent. The addition of DTT and PMSF to the enzyme extract enhanced the hydantoinase activity but had no effect on the N-carbamoylase activity. The N-carbamoylase was unstable at 40°C and was almost completely inactivated after 24 hours incubation at this temperature. The hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase appeared to be insoluble. Various techniques were investigated for the solubilisation of the enzymes including various cell lysis methods, cell lysis at extremes of pH and ionic strength, addition of a reducing agent and protease inhibitors, and treatment with hydrolysing enzymes and detergents. Treatment with Triton X-100 was most effective for the solubilisation of the enzymes indicating that the enzymes were membrane-bound. Hydropathy and transmembrane prediction plots of the predicted amino acid sequences for two identified N-carbamoylase genes from A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 revealed possible transmembrane regions in the amino acid sequences, and thus supported the hypothesis that the enzymes were membrane-bound. Various methods were evaluated for the immobilisation of the enzymes in whole cells and enzyme extracts. Immobilisation of the enzyme extract in calcium alginate beads was found to be the best method in terms of enzyme activity retention and stability. The hydantoinase retained 55% activity while the N-carbamoylase exhibited a remarkable sevenfold increase in activity after immobilisation by this method. Furthermore, the hydantoinase activity increased after storage at 4°C for 21 days, while the N-carbamoylase retained 30% activity after this storage period. The calcium alginate bead-immobilised enzymes were further biochemically characterised and then applied in a bioreactor system for the production of D-hydroxyphenylglycine (D-HPG) from D,L-5-hydroxyphenylhydantoin (D,L-5-HPH). The pH and temperature optima for the immobilised hydantoinase were pH 7 and 50°C, respectively, while pH 8 and 40°C were optimal for the immobilised N-carbamoylase enzyme. The immobilised enzymes showed improved thermostability at 40°C in comparison to the free enzymes and retained high levels of activity after five repeated batch reactions. Low levels of conversion were obtained in a packed-bed bioreactor containing the A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 biocatalyst due to the low hydantoinase activity present in the strain, relative to N-carbamoylase. A novel, packed-bed bioreactor system was therefore developed for the production of D-HPG from D,L-5-HPH using the A. tumefaciens biocatalyst in combination with a Pseudomonas sp. biocatalyst having high hydantoinase activity. A conversion yield of 22 to 30% was achieved for the production of D-HPG from D,L-5-HPH over 5 days operation demonstrating that the hydantoin-hydrolysing enzymes from A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 could be stabilised by immobilisation and, in combination with a biocatalyst with high hydantoinase activity, could be applied to the fully enzymatic conversion of D,L-5-HPH to D-HPG.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Foster, Ingrid Margaret
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Agrobacterium tumefaciens Amino acids Hydantoin Hydrolysis Enzymes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004002
- Description: A calcium alginate bead-immobilised biocatalyst was developed utilising the D-hydantoinase and D-N-carbamoylase from a novel, mutant Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain RU-ORPN1. The growth conditions for the inducer-independent strain were optimised for production of hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase activities. Methods for the preparation of crude enzyme extracts were evaluated in terms of hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase activities produced. After comparison of the enzyme activities and stabilities in various extracts from fresh and frozen cells, sonication of frozen cells for 5 minutes was found to be the best method for the production of the enzyme extract. The optimal pH and temperature for the hydantoinase activity were pH 10 and 30°C, respectively, while pH 9 and 40°C were optimal for Ncarbamoylase activity. The hydantoinase activity was enhanced by the addition of Mg^(2+) ions to the enzyme extract and the N-carbamoylase was enhanced by the addition of Mg^(2+), Mn^(2+) or Zn^(2+) ions to the enzyme extract. The enzyme activities increased in the presence of ATP suggesting that the enzymes may be ATP-dependent. The addition of DTT and PMSF to the enzyme extract enhanced the hydantoinase activity but had no effect on the N-carbamoylase activity. The N-carbamoylase was unstable at 40°C and was almost completely inactivated after 24 hours incubation at this temperature. The hydantoinase and N-carbamoylase appeared to be insoluble. Various techniques were investigated for the solubilisation of the enzymes including various cell lysis methods, cell lysis at extremes of pH and ionic strength, addition of a reducing agent and protease inhibitors, and treatment with hydrolysing enzymes and detergents. Treatment with Triton X-100 was most effective for the solubilisation of the enzymes indicating that the enzymes were membrane-bound. Hydropathy and transmembrane prediction plots of the predicted amino acid sequences for two identified N-carbamoylase genes from A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 revealed possible transmembrane regions in the amino acid sequences, and thus supported the hypothesis that the enzymes were membrane-bound. Various methods were evaluated for the immobilisation of the enzymes in whole cells and enzyme extracts. Immobilisation of the enzyme extract in calcium alginate beads was found to be the best method in terms of enzyme activity retention and stability. The hydantoinase retained 55% activity while the N-carbamoylase exhibited a remarkable sevenfold increase in activity after immobilisation by this method. Furthermore, the hydantoinase activity increased after storage at 4°C for 21 days, while the N-carbamoylase retained 30% activity after this storage period. The calcium alginate bead-immobilised enzymes were further biochemically characterised and then applied in a bioreactor system for the production of D-hydroxyphenylglycine (D-HPG) from D,L-5-hydroxyphenylhydantoin (D,L-5-HPH). The pH and temperature optima for the immobilised hydantoinase were pH 7 and 50°C, respectively, while pH 8 and 40°C were optimal for the immobilised N-carbamoylase enzyme. The immobilised enzymes showed improved thermostability at 40°C in comparison to the free enzymes and retained high levels of activity after five repeated batch reactions. Low levels of conversion were obtained in a packed-bed bioreactor containing the A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 biocatalyst due to the low hydantoinase activity present in the strain, relative to N-carbamoylase. A novel, packed-bed bioreactor system was therefore developed for the production of D-HPG from D,L-5-HPH using the A. tumefaciens biocatalyst in combination with a Pseudomonas sp. biocatalyst having high hydantoinase activity. A conversion yield of 22 to 30% was achieved for the production of D-HPG from D,L-5-HPH over 5 days operation demonstrating that the hydantoin-hydrolysing enzymes from A. tumefaciens RU-ORPN1 could be stabilised by immobilisation and, in combination with a biocatalyst with high hydantoinase activity, could be applied to the fully enzymatic conversion of D,L-5-HPH to D-HPG.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Gold exploration northeast of Ngundu Halt, northern marginal zone of the Limpopo Belt, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Simango, Robert Zulu
- Date: 2004 , 2013-05-30
- Subjects: Geology -- Zimbabwe , Gold ores -- Geology -- Zimbabwe , Greenstone belts -- Zimbabwe , Gold mines and mining -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5007 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005844 , Geology -- Zimbabwe , Gold ores -- Geology -- Zimbabwe , Greenstone belts -- Zimbabwe , Gold mines and mining -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Gold exploration was conducted in northern margin, granulite-facies rocks of the Limpopo Belt. Methods used in the prospecting include drainage, soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geological mapping, trenching and diamond drilling. These techniques successfully led to the discovery of two medium size, mesothermal gold deposits (Grid 2s and Grid 4). Objectives of this study were to (a) document the exploration methodology used; (b) describe the regional geology; (c) establish a mineral deposit model; (d) outline the methods and results of various exploration techniques; (e) outline follow-up procedures and evaluation of anomalies; and (f) discuss results of the exploration exercise and conclusions. The granulite-facies terrain comprises Charno-enderbites, mafic and felsic to intermediate metavolcanic rocks and meta-sediments. Renco Mine situated immediately east of the study area, was selected as the ore deposit model for the exploration program. Gold mineralization occurs in shear and thrust zones within an enderbite. The gold deposits are structurally controlled by a first-order, Sinistral transcrustal Mauch Shear Zone, which is parallel to a regional east-northeast penetrative foliation. The deposits are in dilation zones where the Mauch Shear (a) is intersected by a dextral east-west shear (Grid 2s), or (b) has a sinistral splay (Grid 4 and Renco). Close to these deposits, the Mauch Shear is in contact with a "greenstone belt", which is a possible source of crustal metamorphic ore fluids and gold. The Grid 2s deposit contains fine-grained, disseminated free gold, and small amounts of pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in quartz veins within third-order shears in K-feldspar granite. K-feldspar, sericitic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate alteration characterizes the deposit, which has a proposed mantle-degassing model. The Grid 4 deposit is magmatic porphyry-type, with CuMo and Au in third- and fourth-order shears respectively. Mineralization comprises disseminated to semi-massive pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, bismuth, molybdenite and gold. Wall rock alteration includes biotitic, chloritic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate. In Grid 2s, Grid 4 and Renco deposits, the alteration mineral assemblages are in three facies, which are granulite, amphibolte and greenschist. In the three deposits, the mineralization occurs with the amphibolite-facies, indicating post-peak, retrograde metamorphic conditions. , Illustrations (maps) only available in print form at Cory Library , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Simango, Robert Zulu
- Date: 2004 , 2013-05-30
- Subjects: Geology -- Zimbabwe , Gold ores -- Geology -- Zimbabwe , Greenstone belts -- Zimbabwe , Gold mines and mining -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5007 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005844 , Geology -- Zimbabwe , Gold ores -- Geology -- Zimbabwe , Greenstone belts -- Zimbabwe , Gold mines and mining -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Gold exploration was conducted in northern margin, granulite-facies rocks of the Limpopo Belt. Methods used in the prospecting include drainage, soil and rock geochemistry, geophysical surveys, geological mapping, trenching and diamond drilling. These techniques successfully led to the discovery of two medium size, mesothermal gold deposits (Grid 2s and Grid 4). Objectives of this study were to (a) document the exploration methodology used; (b) describe the regional geology; (c) establish a mineral deposit model; (d) outline the methods and results of various exploration techniques; (e) outline follow-up procedures and evaluation of anomalies; and (f) discuss results of the exploration exercise and conclusions. The granulite-facies terrain comprises Charno-enderbites, mafic and felsic to intermediate metavolcanic rocks and meta-sediments. Renco Mine situated immediately east of the study area, was selected as the ore deposit model for the exploration program. Gold mineralization occurs in shear and thrust zones within an enderbite. The gold deposits are structurally controlled by a first-order, Sinistral transcrustal Mauch Shear Zone, which is parallel to a regional east-northeast penetrative foliation. The deposits are in dilation zones where the Mauch Shear (a) is intersected by a dextral east-west shear (Grid 2s), or (b) has a sinistral splay (Grid 4 and Renco). Close to these deposits, the Mauch Shear is in contact with a "greenstone belt", which is a possible source of crustal metamorphic ore fluids and gold. The Grid 2s deposit contains fine-grained, disseminated free gold, and small amounts of pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in quartz veins within third-order shears in K-feldspar granite. K-feldspar, sericitic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate alteration characterizes the deposit, which has a proposed mantle-degassing model. The Grid 4 deposit is magmatic porphyry-type, with CuMo and Au in third- and fourth-order shears respectively. Mineralization comprises disseminated to semi-massive pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, bismuth, molybdenite and gold. Wall rock alteration includes biotitic, chloritic, silicic, sulphidation and carbonate. In Grid 2s, Grid 4 and Renco deposits, the alteration mineral assemblages are in three facies, which are granulite, amphibolte and greenschist. In the three deposits, the mineralization occurs with the amphibolite-facies, indicating post-peak, retrograde metamorphic conditions. , Illustrations (maps) only available in print form at Cory Library , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into school principals' experience and perceptions of participative management
- Authors: Mungunda, Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003481
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate three principals’ perceptions and experience of participative management and to gain insight into and understanding of the dimensions involved in participative management from the perspective of the three principals. The research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, since I was interested in understanding the subjective experience and individual perceptions of three principals with regard to participative management and the meaning they attach to it in their natural settings: how they describe, interpret and make sense of participative management. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings indicate overwhelming support for the notion that participative management (collegiality) does have a positive influence with regard to creating a sense of common goals, shared vision, a sense of ownership, commitment and improved human relations. The respondents emphasized the critical role of the leader in facilitating the implementation of collegiality as well as an increasing awareness of the potential of participative management to improve human development through delegation. The responses revealed interesting paradoxes with regard to the tensions between leadership and leaderless organizations, as well as between autonomy and interdependence. Responses also reflect the sentiment that participative management should be selective, involving only those with the necessary skills and expertise in the decision-making process. While there is an appreciation of the benefits to be derived from collegiality, critical statements about participative management include the time-consuming nature of participative management, and the notion that participative management impinges on the authority of the principals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mungunda, Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003481
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate three principals’ perceptions and experience of participative management and to gain insight into and understanding of the dimensions involved in participative management from the perspective of the three principals. The research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, since I was interested in understanding the subjective experience and individual perceptions of three principals with regard to participative management and the meaning they attach to it in their natural settings: how they describe, interpret and make sense of participative management. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings indicate overwhelming support for the notion that participative management (collegiality) does have a positive influence with regard to creating a sense of common goals, shared vision, a sense of ownership, commitment and improved human relations. The respondents emphasized the critical role of the leader in facilitating the implementation of collegiality as well as an increasing awareness of the potential of participative management to improve human development through delegation. The responses revealed interesting paradoxes with regard to the tensions between leadership and leaderless organizations, as well as between autonomy and interdependence. Responses also reflect the sentiment that participative management should be selective, involving only those with the necessary skills and expertise in the decision-making process. While there is an appreciation of the benefits to be derived from collegiality, critical statements about participative management include the time-consuming nature of participative management, and the notion that participative management impinges on the authority of the principals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into how marketers cope with an environment of high complexity and turbulence, with special reference to the South African environment
- Authors: Mason, Roger Bruce
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003873 , Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Description: This study investigated relationships between marketing success, the level of external environmental complexity and turbulence, and marketing mix tactics. The literature suggested that more successful companies in simple and stable environments use stabilising marketing tactics, while more successful companies in complex and turbulent environments use destabilising tactics, regardless of industry habits, management preferences or market sector. A marketing mix model for the different environments was developed using a chaos and complexity theory perspective. The study was exploratory, using a qualitative, case study technique. Data was collected via depth interviews and document analysis from four companies in the information technology (IT) and packaging industries. These industries were identified as, respectively, the most complex and turbulent, and the simplest and most stable, South African environments. Two companies from each industry were chosen to reflect more successful and less successful companies. The more successful company in the complex/turbulent environment was found to use destabilising tactics, as did the more successful company in the simple/stable environment. Therefore, contrary to expectations, it appears that destabilising tactics contribute more to success than stabilising tactics do, regardless of the environment. It was also found, contrary to expectations, that stabilising tactics were used by both the less successful companies. The research concluded that destabilising tactics are related to more success and stabilising tactics to less success. The lack of clear differentiation between the two industries may be because the whole South African environment is complex and turbulent, because the packaging industry is not sufficiently simple and stable to differentiate it from the IT industry or because packaging industry managers perceive their industry to be complex and turbulent and act accordingly. Despite these uncertainties, the research showed the marketing mix model to be reasonably accurate for the complex/turbulent environment, and therefore of potential value to South African companies. To overcome the equivocal findings, further research is recommended in different industries, in countries with different levels of complexity and turbulence and into specific marketing mix tactics. Research into managers’ perceptions of environmental complexity and turbulence and into co-evolution of marketing tactics and external environments would also be of value.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mason, Roger Bruce
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003873 , Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Description: This study investigated relationships between marketing success, the level of external environmental complexity and turbulence, and marketing mix tactics. The literature suggested that more successful companies in simple and stable environments use stabilising marketing tactics, while more successful companies in complex and turbulent environments use destabilising tactics, regardless of industry habits, management preferences or market sector. A marketing mix model for the different environments was developed using a chaos and complexity theory perspective. The study was exploratory, using a qualitative, case study technique. Data was collected via depth interviews and document analysis from four companies in the information technology (IT) and packaging industries. These industries were identified as, respectively, the most complex and turbulent, and the simplest and most stable, South African environments. Two companies from each industry were chosen to reflect more successful and less successful companies. The more successful company in the complex/turbulent environment was found to use destabilising tactics, as did the more successful company in the simple/stable environment. Therefore, contrary to expectations, it appears that destabilising tactics contribute more to success than stabilising tactics do, regardless of the environment. It was also found, contrary to expectations, that stabilising tactics were used by both the less successful companies. The research concluded that destabilising tactics are related to more success and stabilising tactics to less success. The lack of clear differentiation between the two industries may be because the whole South African environment is complex and turbulent, because the packaging industry is not sufficiently simple and stable to differentiate it from the IT industry or because packaging industry managers perceive their industry to be complex and turbulent and act accordingly. Despite these uncertainties, the research showed the marketing mix model to be reasonably accurate for the complex/turbulent environment, and therefore of potential value to South African companies. To overcome the equivocal findings, further research is recommended in different industries, in countries with different levels of complexity and turbulence and into specific marketing mix tactics. Research into managers’ perceptions of environmental complexity and turbulence and into co-evolution of marketing tactics and external environments would also be of value.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The toxic effect of heavy metals on algal biomass (Spirulina sp.) and carbonic anhydrase activity, an enzyme which is central to algal application in metal precipitation
- Authors: Nightingale, Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Heavy metals -- Toxicology , Spirulina , Carbonic anhydrase , Algae -- Metabolism , Photosynthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007858 , Heavy metals -- Toxicology , Spirulina , Carbonic anhydrase , Algae -- Metabolism , Photosynthesis
- Description: Acid rmne drainage (AMD) is a major pollution problem througbout the world, adversely affecting both surface and groundwaters. AMD is principally associated with the mining of sulphide ores. The most commonly associated minerals being sulphur, copper, zinc, silver, gold, lead and uranium. As conventional methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater are often prohibitively expensive, the implementation of biological processes for the removal of heavy metals has become a realistic practice. The objectives of this project was firstly to establish the effect of copper, lead and nickel, heavy metals commonly found in AMD waters, on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is an integral part of the carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) and secondly, to determine the feasibility of using the alkalinity generated by Spindina for the precipitation of heavy metals from solution. Initially, batch flask experiments were performed and it was found that the algae were able to utilise the bicarbonate supplied in the medium, under CO, limiting conditions, through the induction of their CCM, resulting in the generation of carbonate. The effect of the inhibitors, acetazolamide (AZ) and ethoxyzolamide (EZ), were also investigated in order to determine the importance of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in inorganic carbon accumulation and photosynthesis. Results obtained were consistent with those observed in literature and it was found that at IOOf.LM AZ and EZ, complete inhibition of photosynthesis and carbonic anhydrase occurred, with no oxygen being evolved. The results obtained from the inhibitor experiments substantiate the findings that carbonic anhydrase is an important part of the CCM, and that the dehydration of bicarbonate to carbon dioxide and hydroxide ions, is in fact an enzymatic process regulated by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase and is essential for efficient photosynthesis. The effect of heavy metals on Spirulina was also investigated. Lead, copper and nickel were all found to cause a reduction in the synthesis of chlorophyll a, which resulted in a decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and eventually death of the culture. The morphology of the algae was also severely affected by heavy metals, with degradation and aJmost complete disintegration of the algal filaments occurring. Using the Wilbur-Anderson assay method, carbonic anhydrase activity was found to be lower in the experimental flasks containing heavy metals, than the control flasks, reducing the algae's ability to utilise the bicarbonate in solution for effective photosynthesis. The Wilbur-Anderson assay method did not prove to be a reliable method for measuring changes in enzyme activity as results were found to be erratic. Therefore attempts were made to use an oxygen electrode as an alternative method for determining the effects of various parameters on enzyme activity and photosynthesis, this proved to be more successful. Because of the toxic effects of heavy metals on Spirulina it was decided that the use of the biogenic alkalinity generated by the algae for the precipitation of heavy metals may be successfully employed as an alternative method for bioremediation and metal recovery. Carbonate reacts readily with metals, therefore the carbonate produced by this algal system was used for the precipitation of metals. It was possible to categorise the precipitation reactions observed into three groups, namely those metals which, a) precipitate as hydroxides, b) precipitate as carbonates generated from the dissociation of bicarbonate and c) metals which can only precipitate if there is free carbonate present in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Nightingale, Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Heavy metals -- Toxicology , Spirulina , Carbonic anhydrase , Algae -- Metabolism , Photosynthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007858 , Heavy metals -- Toxicology , Spirulina , Carbonic anhydrase , Algae -- Metabolism , Photosynthesis
- Description: Acid rmne drainage (AMD) is a major pollution problem througbout the world, adversely affecting both surface and groundwaters. AMD is principally associated with the mining of sulphide ores. The most commonly associated minerals being sulphur, copper, zinc, silver, gold, lead and uranium. As conventional methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater are often prohibitively expensive, the implementation of biological processes for the removal of heavy metals has become a realistic practice. The objectives of this project was firstly to establish the effect of copper, lead and nickel, heavy metals commonly found in AMD waters, on the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, which is an integral part of the carbon concentrating mechanism (CCM) and secondly, to determine the feasibility of using the alkalinity generated by Spindina for the precipitation of heavy metals from solution. Initially, batch flask experiments were performed and it was found that the algae were able to utilise the bicarbonate supplied in the medium, under CO, limiting conditions, through the induction of their CCM, resulting in the generation of carbonate. The effect of the inhibitors, acetazolamide (AZ) and ethoxyzolamide (EZ), were also investigated in order to determine the importance of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in inorganic carbon accumulation and photosynthesis. Results obtained were consistent with those observed in literature and it was found that at IOOf.LM AZ and EZ, complete inhibition of photosynthesis and carbonic anhydrase occurred, with no oxygen being evolved. The results obtained from the inhibitor experiments substantiate the findings that carbonic anhydrase is an important part of the CCM, and that the dehydration of bicarbonate to carbon dioxide and hydroxide ions, is in fact an enzymatic process regulated by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase and is essential for efficient photosynthesis. The effect of heavy metals on Spirulina was also investigated. Lead, copper and nickel were all found to cause a reduction in the synthesis of chlorophyll a, which resulted in a decrease in photosynthetic efficiency and eventually death of the culture. The morphology of the algae was also severely affected by heavy metals, with degradation and aJmost complete disintegration of the algal filaments occurring. Using the Wilbur-Anderson assay method, carbonic anhydrase activity was found to be lower in the experimental flasks containing heavy metals, than the control flasks, reducing the algae's ability to utilise the bicarbonate in solution for effective photosynthesis. The Wilbur-Anderson assay method did not prove to be a reliable method for measuring changes in enzyme activity as results were found to be erratic. Therefore attempts were made to use an oxygen electrode as an alternative method for determining the effects of various parameters on enzyme activity and photosynthesis, this proved to be more successful. Because of the toxic effects of heavy metals on Spirulina it was decided that the use of the biogenic alkalinity generated by the algae for the precipitation of heavy metals may be successfully employed as an alternative method for bioremediation and metal recovery. Carbonate reacts readily with metals, therefore the carbonate produced by this algal system was used for the precipitation of metals. It was possible to categorise the precipitation reactions observed into three groups, namely those metals which, a) precipitate as hydroxides, b) precipitate as carbonates generated from the dissociation of bicarbonate and c) metals which can only precipitate if there is free carbonate present in solution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Equity in the South African legal system a critical ethnography
- Authors: Leiper, Jonathan
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Court interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Translators -- Training of -- South Africa , Translators -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Law -- Translating -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002637 , Court interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Translators -- Training of -- South Africa , Translators -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Law -- Translating -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
- Description: This thesis focuses on the process of interpreting and the difficulties faced by interpreters in the Magistrates' Court in Grahamstown, South Africa. More particularly, the thesis seeks to establish whether the constitutional guarantee of language equity can be applied to the courts - given the numerous problems with interpreting. Respondents from different spheres of the legal profession were interviewed in order to ascertain their perspectives on the state of interpreting, problems that are encountered by interpreters and attitudes displayed by other members of the legal profession towards interpreters. The methodology used in the thesis is that of a critical ethnography. As such, the research also has a critical focus, seeking to determine the ideologies and interests of different ):articipants in the legal process. On the basis of the data collected, a number of conclusions are drawn. The first is that interpreting in South Africa is in trouble. The system of interpreting is beset by a number of different problems. This study describes four different types of problems that are faced by interpreters: linguistic problems, environmental problems, training and administrative issues, and poor status in the eyes of the other participants in the legal process. Together the cumulative effect of these problems is the undermining of the principle of equity in the justice system. Finally, the thesis provides various practical and achievable solutions to the problems outlined above, specifically those faced by interpreters. The researcher also critically evaluates the efforts and motives of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Leiper, Jonathan
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Court interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Translators -- Training of -- South Africa , Translators -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Law -- Translating -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002637 , Court interpreting and translating -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Translators -- Training of -- South Africa , Translators -- Legal status, laws, etc. -- South Africa , Law -- Translating -- South Africa , Law -- South Africa -- Language
- Description: This thesis focuses on the process of interpreting and the difficulties faced by interpreters in the Magistrates' Court in Grahamstown, South Africa. More particularly, the thesis seeks to establish whether the constitutional guarantee of language equity can be applied to the courts - given the numerous problems with interpreting. Respondents from different spheres of the legal profession were interviewed in order to ascertain their perspectives on the state of interpreting, problems that are encountered by interpreters and attitudes displayed by other members of the legal profession towards interpreters. The methodology used in the thesis is that of a critical ethnography. As such, the research also has a critical focus, seeking to determine the ideologies and interests of different ):articipants in the legal process. On the basis of the data collected, a number of conclusions are drawn. The first is that interpreting in South Africa is in trouble. The system of interpreting is beset by a number of different problems. This study describes four different types of problems that are faced by interpreters: linguistic problems, environmental problems, training and administrative issues, and poor status in the eyes of the other participants in the legal process. Together the cumulative effect of these problems is the undermining of the principle of equity in the justice system. Finally, the thesis provides various practical and achievable solutions to the problems outlined above, specifically those faced by interpreters. The researcher also critically evaluates the efforts and motives of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The market efficiency hypothesis and the behaviour of stock returns on the JSE securities exchange
- Authors: Mabhunu, Mind
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002762 , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Description: While the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EHM) has been widely accepted as robust by many researchers in the field of capital markets, the hypothesis’ robustness has been under increased scrutiny and question lately. In the light of the concerns over the robustness of the EMH, the weak form efficiency of the JSE is tested. Stock returns used in the analysis were controlled for thin trading and it was discovered that once returns are controlled for thin trading, they are independent of each other across time. Some of the previous studies found the JSE to be inefficient in the weak form but this research found that the JSE is efficient in the weak form. A comparison is also made between the JSE and four other African stock markets and the JSE is found to be more efficient than the other markets. The developments on the JSE, which have improved information dissemination as well as the efficiency of trading, contributed to the improvement of the JSE’s efficiency. The improvement in operational efficiency and turnover from the late 1990s has also made a major contribution to the improvement in the weak form efficiency of the JSE. Theory proposes that if markets are efficient then professional investment management is of little value if any; hence the position of professional investment managers in efficient markets is investigated. Although the JSE is found to be efficient, at least in the weak form, it is argued that achieving efficiency does not necessarily make the investment manager’s role obsolete. Investment managers are needed even when the market can be proved to be efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mabhunu, Mind
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002762 , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa
- Description: While the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EHM) has been widely accepted as robust by many researchers in the field of capital markets, the hypothesis’ robustness has been under increased scrutiny and question lately. In the light of the concerns over the robustness of the EMH, the weak form efficiency of the JSE is tested. Stock returns used in the analysis were controlled for thin trading and it was discovered that once returns are controlled for thin trading, they are independent of each other across time. Some of the previous studies found the JSE to be inefficient in the weak form but this research found that the JSE is efficient in the weak form. A comparison is also made between the JSE and four other African stock markets and the JSE is found to be more efficient than the other markets. The developments on the JSE, which have improved information dissemination as well as the efficiency of trading, contributed to the improvement of the JSE’s efficiency. The improvement in operational efficiency and turnover from the late 1990s has also made a major contribution to the improvement in the weak form efficiency of the JSE. Theory proposes that if markets are efficient then professional investment management is of little value if any; hence the position of professional investment managers in efficient markets is investigated. Although the JSE is found to be efficient, at least in the weak form, it is argued that achieving efficiency does not necessarily make the investment manager’s role obsolete. Investment managers are needed even when the market can be proved to be efficient.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Research portfolio
- Authors: Garosas, Elfriede S
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia , Curriculum planning -- Namibia , Home economics -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Teaching -- Namibia , College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015966
- Description: [From Introduction]. The study involved student teachers and teacher educators providing me with information concerning their perception and understanding of the BETD broad curriculum and needlework and clothing syllabus. The above mentioned are the people who are involved in teacher education thus I found it relevant to have their opinions and understanding of the documents. The contextual analysis has engaged me in exploring a possible area of research specialisation for the two years during the course of studies with Rhodes University; this will serve as an introduction to the particular research to be done through the course of my studies. The focus of this report includes the following: • A critical analysis of (BETD) needlework and clothing syllabus in relation to the BETD broad curriculum; • A socio-historic and economic analysis of the context for which the syllabus has been designed; • An analysis of the learners for whom the syllabus is designed. In this case students provided their autobiography; • An analysis ofthe learning environment in which the syllabus operates; the physical structure and resources. Together with the critical analysis of the curriculum a small scale survey intending to find out the following information from the student teachers and teacher educators was conducted. • The extent to which the broad curriculum differs from the previous teacher education on issues related to democracy, quality, access, cultural bias, racial discrimination and classes (level of economic status); • How the needlework and clothing syllabus addresses the needs of student teachers; • Whether the needlework and clothing syllabus has enough content; • The challenges facing teacher education and how they can be addressed; • Whether the needlework and clothing syllabus is learner-centred; • Whether the syllabus is gender oriented or biased. This evaluation framework provides a foundation for later investigation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Garosas, Elfriede S
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia , Curriculum planning -- Namibia , Home economics -- Study and teaching -- Namibia , Teaching -- Namibia , College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2010 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015966
- Description: [From Introduction]. The study involved student teachers and teacher educators providing me with information concerning their perception and understanding of the BETD broad curriculum and needlework and clothing syllabus. The above mentioned are the people who are involved in teacher education thus I found it relevant to have their opinions and understanding of the documents. The contextual analysis has engaged me in exploring a possible area of research specialisation for the two years during the course of studies with Rhodes University; this will serve as an introduction to the particular research to be done through the course of my studies. The focus of this report includes the following: • A critical analysis of (BETD) needlework and clothing syllabus in relation to the BETD broad curriculum; • A socio-historic and economic analysis of the context for which the syllabus has been designed; • An analysis of the learners for whom the syllabus is designed. In this case students provided their autobiography; • An analysis ofthe learning environment in which the syllabus operates; the physical structure and resources. Together with the critical analysis of the curriculum a small scale survey intending to find out the following information from the student teachers and teacher educators was conducted. • The extent to which the broad curriculum differs from the previous teacher education on issues related to democracy, quality, access, cultural bias, racial discrimination and classes (level of economic status); • How the needlework and clothing syllabus addresses the needs of student teachers; • Whether the needlework and clothing syllabus has enough content; • The challenges facing teacher education and how they can be addressed; • Whether the needlework and clothing syllabus is learner-centred; • Whether the syllabus is gender oriented or biased. This evaluation framework provides a foundation for later investigation
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Processes that influence the experiences of children living with mothers that have HIV: two case studies
- Authors: Castelletto, Simona
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in women , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mothers and daughters -- Social aspects , Mothers and sons -- Social aspects , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007728 , AIDS (Disease) in women , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mothers and daughters -- Social aspects , Mothers and sons -- Social aspects , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Maternal HIV-infection is considered to be a threat to the psychosocial development of AIDS-affected children. In South Africa, AIDS-affected children may be particularly vulnerable due to the unprecedented effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the breakdown of family and community resources in already disadvantaged communities. The aim of this study was to explore the contextualised experiences of two children living with mothers who have HIV by conducting two case studies. Mother-child dyads were recruited from local HIV/AIDS centres and informed consent was obtained. The mothers were in the minor symptomatic phase of HIV-infection and the children were uninfected and aged between 10 and 12 years. Through semi-structured interviewing, the mothers provided background and contextual information about the children. Play techniques were used in the child interviews to encourage the introduction and exploration of issues salient to the children. Play facilitated engagement around sensitive and potentially anxiety-provoking material. A key issue for the children was their concerns about the anticipated deaths of their mothers. The children held misconceptions about the transmission of HIV/ AIDS. They feared HIV/AIDS and expected that others would have negative perceptions of them. Family processes such as secrecy and avoidance around HIV/AIDS-related issues were understood to perpetuate the children's fears and false beliefs in a broader community context that stigmatised HIV/AIDS. It was argued that the mothers' shame over HIV-infection and their need to protect their relationship with their children compromised their ability to communicate openly with their children and to offer them meaningful emotional support. Limited parental involvement was identified as the key contextual process that engendered vulnerability in the children, as they were isolated within and beyond the family. Recommendations to address the processes that engendered vulnerability in the children are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Castelletto, Simona
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in women , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mothers and daughters -- Social aspects , Mothers and sons -- Social aspects , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3166 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007728 , AIDS (Disease) in women , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa , HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mothers and daughters -- Social aspects , Mothers and sons -- Social aspects , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Maternal HIV-infection is considered to be a threat to the psychosocial development of AIDS-affected children. In South Africa, AIDS-affected children may be particularly vulnerable due to the unprecedented effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the breakdown of family and community resources in already disadvantaged communities. The aim of this study was to explore the contextualised experiences of two children living with mothers who have HIV by conducting two case studies. Mother-child dyads were recruited from local HIV/AIDS centres and informed consent was obtained. The mothers were in the minor symptomatic phase of HIV-infection and the children were uninfected and aged between 10 and 12 years. Through semi-structured interviewing, the mothers provided background and contextual information about the children. Play techniques were used in the child interviews to encourage the introduction and exploration of issues salient to the children. Play facilitated engagement around sensitive and potentially anxiety-provoking material. A key issue for the children was their concerns about the anticipated deaths of their mothers. The children held misconceptions about the transmission of HIV/ AIDS. They feared HIV/AIDS and expected that others would have negative perceptions of them. Family processes such as secrecy and avoidance around HIV/AIDS-related issues were understood to perpetuate the children's fears and false beliefs in a broader community context that stigmatised HIV/AIDS. It was argued that the mothers' shame over HIV-infection and their need to protect their relationship with their children compromised their ability to communicate openly with their children and to offer them meaningful emotional support. Limited parental involvement was identified as the key contextual process that engendered vulnerability in the children, as they were isolated within and beyond the family. Recommendations to address the processes that engendered vulnerability in the children are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An analysis of the censorship of popular music within the context of cultural struggle in South Africa during the 1980s
- Authors: Drewett, Michael
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Censorship -- South Africa Popular music -- Censorship -- South Africa Popular music -- Censorship -- South Africa -- History Popular music -- Social aspects -- South Africa Popular music -- Political aspects -- South Africa Popular music -- South Africa -- History and criticism Protest songs -- South Africa -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3350 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007098
- Description: The censorship of popular music in South Africa during the 1980s severely affected South African musicians. The apartheid government was directly involved in centralized state censorship by means of the Directorate of Publications, while the South African Broadcasting Corporation exercised government censorship at the level of airplay. Others who assisted state censorship included religious and cultural interest groups. State censorship in turn put pressure on record companies, musicians and others to practice self-censorship. Many musicians who overtly sang about taboo topics or who used controversial language subsequently experienced censorship in different forms, including police harassment. Musicians were also subject to anti-apartheid forms of censorship,such as the United Nations endorsed cultural boycott. Not all instances of censorship were overtly political, but they were always framed by, and took place within, a repressive legal-political system. This thesis found that despite the state's attempt to maintain its hegemony, musicians sought ways of overcoming censorship practices. It is argued that the ensuing struggle cannot be conceived of in simple binary terms. The works of Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault and Pierre Bourdieu, in particular, are applied to the South African context in exploring the localized nuances of the cultural struggle over music censorship. It is argued that fragmented resistance to censorship arose out of the very censorship structures that attempted to silence musicians. Textual analysis brought to light that resistance took various forms including songs with provocative lyrics and titles, and more subtle means of bypassing censorship, including the use of symbolism, camouflaged lyrics, satire and crossover performance. Musicians were faced with the challenge of bypassing censors yet nevertheless conveying their message to an audience. The most successful cases negotiated censorial practices while getting an apparent message across to a wide audience. Broader forms of resistance were also explored, including opposition through live performance, counter-hegemonic information on record covers, resistance from exile, alignment with political organizations and legal challenges to state censorship. In addition, some record companies developed strategies of resistance to censorship. The many innovative practices outlined in this thesis demonstrate that even in the context of constraint, resistance is possible. Despite censorship, South African musicians were able to express themselves through approaching their music in an innovative way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Drewett, Michael
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Censorship -- South Africa Popular music -- Censorship -- South Africa Popular music -- Censorship -- South Africa -- History Popular music -- Social aspects -- South Africa Popular music -- Political aspects -- South Africa Popular music -- South Africa -- History and criticism Protest songs -- South Africa -- History and criticism
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3350 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007098
- Description: The censorship of popular music in South Africa during the 1980s severely affected South African musicians. The apartheid government was directly involved in centralized state censorship by means of the Directorate of Publications, while the South African Broadcasting Corporation exercised government censorship at the level of airplay. Others who assisted state censorship included religious and cultural interest groups. State censorship in turn put pressure on record companies, musicians and others to practice self-censorship. Many musicians who overtly sang about taboo topics or who used controversial language subsequently experienced censorship in different forms, including police harassment. Musicians were also subject to anti-apartheid forms of censorship,such as the United Nations endorsed cultural boycott. Not all instances of censorship were overtly political, but they were always framed by, and took place within, a repressive legal-political system. This thesis found that despite the state's attempt to maintain its hegemony, musicians sought ways of overcoming censorship practices. It is argued that the ensuing struggle cannot be conceived of in simple binary terms. The works of Antonio Gramsci, Michel Foucault and Pierre Bourdieu, in particular, are applied to the South African context in exploring the localized nuances of the cultural struggle over music censorship. It is argued that fragmented resistance to censorship arose out of the very censorship structures that attempted to silence musicians. Textual analysis brought to light that resistance took various forms including songs with provocative lyrics and titles, and more subtle means of bypassing censorship, including the use of symbolism, camouflaged lyrics, satire and crossover performance. Musicians were faced with the challenge of bypassing censors yet nevertheless conveying their message to an audience. The most successful cases negotiated censorial practices while getting an apparent message across to a wide audience. Broader forms of resistance were also explored, including opposition through live performance, counter-hegemonic information on record covers, resistance from exile, alignment with political organizations and legal challenges to state censorship. In addition, some record companies developed strategies of resistance to censorship. The many innovative practices outlined in this thesis demonstrate that even in the context of constraint, resistance is possible. Despite censorship, South African musicians were able to express themselves through approaching their music in an innovative way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Research portfolio
- Authors: Katewa, E N M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rundu College of Education (Namibia) Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Universities and colleges -- Namibia -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003617
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the contradiction between the teaching of integration in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within ETP at the Rundu College of Education. The second part of this study is to explore and examine the way teacher educators could integrate subjects into their specialisation areas at college level. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the following: • The reason (s) why there is a contradiction between the teaching in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within the ETP. • Examining and investigating factors that have contributed to the teaching in a compartmentalised way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Katewa, E N M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rundu College of Education (Namibia) Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia College teachers -- Training of -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Curriculum change -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Universities and colleges -- Namibia -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003617
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the contradiction between the teaching of integration in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within ETP at the Rundu College of Education. The second part of this study is to explore and examine the way teacher educators could integrate subjects into their specialisation areas at college level. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the following: • The reason (s) why there is a contradiction between the teaching in ETP and the actual practice of compartmentalisation within the ETP. • Examining and investigating factors that have contributed to the teaching in a compartmentalised way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An exploration of factors that impact on levels of employee satisfaction and organisational performance : an organisational diagnosis
- Authors: Foot, Kirsten Joan
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Psychology, Industrial Organizational change Hotels -- Employees -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007951
- Description: Organisations today, regardless of their function, exist in an environment that is characterised by change. In order to maintain a competitive advantage it is vital that organisations manage such change and are sensitive to their human resource. It is imperative for organisations to understand and explore the factors that impact on employee satisfaction and overall organisational performance. The hospitality industry is an industry that is notorious for low levels of pay and long working hours, and often dissatisfied employees. This research focused on a hotel, that is part of an international chain of hotels, which has recently undergone a rebranding process (a change from within). This research aimed to assess and explore factors that impact on levels of employee satisfaction and organisation/hotel performance, in other words it aimed to 'diagnose' the hotel's current status. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase one made use of a widely used measure of job satisfaction, the job descriptive index (JDI), that looked at five facets of job satisfaction namely: pay, opportunity for promotion, co-workers, supervision and the nature of work. Phase two further explored the results of the JDI (staff being very dissatisfied with pay and promotions opportunity) and further explored other areas of the organisation/hotel with the use of an organisational development model, Weisbord's Six-Box Model (1990). The 'boxes' included areas of purpose, structure, relationships, leadership, rewards and helpful mechanisms. These areas were explored with staff using focus groups. Heads of departments (management) and the deputy general manager of the hotel were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format, exploring similar issues to those researched with staff. Results indicated problems in the hotel with regard to purpose, a severe lack of communication and staff feeling they have little chance for promotion as well as pay structures being perceived as unfair. The overall leadership at the hotel was described as erratic, and relationships between management revealed high levels of mistrust. Due to limited research in the South African hospitality industry, much of the literature available is based on experiences in the United States of America or the United Kingdom. For this research, the researcher had few previous published findings and was unsure of the many issues that could possibly arise. However, the intervention was enjoyable and recommendations have been provided for the hotel to consider, so the hotel can go from "good to great".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Foot, Kirsten Joan
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Psychology, Industrial Organizational change Hotels -- Employees -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007951
- Description: Organisations today, regardless of their function, exist in an environment that is characterised by change. In order to maintain a competitive advantage it is vital that organisations manage such change and are sensitive to their human resource. It is imperative for organisations to understand and explore the factors that impact on employee satisfaction and overall organisational performance. The hospitality industry is an industry that is notorious for low levels of pay and long working hours, and often dissatisfied employees. This research focused on a hotel, that is part of an international chain of hotels, which has recently undergone a rebranding process (a change from within). This research aimed to assess and explore factors that impact on levels of employee satisfaction and organisation/hotel performance, in other words it aimed to 'diagnose' the hotel's current status. The research was conducted in two phases. Phase one made use of a widely used measure of job satisfaction, the job descriptive index (JDI), that looked at five facets of job satisfaction namely: pay, opportunity for promotion, co-workers, supervision and the nature of work. Phase two further explored the results of the JDI (staff being very dissatisfied with pay and promotions opportunity) and further explored other areas of the organisation/hotel with the use of an organisational development model, Weisbord's Six-Box Model (1990). The 'boxes' included areas of purpose, structure, relationships, leadership, rewards and helpful mechanisms. These areas were explored with staff using focus groups. Heads of departments (management) and the deputy general manager of the hotel were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format, exploring similar issues to those researched with staff. Results indicated problems in the hotel with regard to purpose, a severe lack of communication and staff feeling they have little chance for promotion as well as pay structures being perceived as unfair. The overall leadership at the hotel was described as erratic, and relationships between management revealed high levels of mistrust. Due to limited research in the South African hospitality industry, much of the literature available is based on experiences in the United States of America or the United Kingdom. For this research, the researcher had few previous published findings and was unsure of the many issues that could possibly arise. However, the intervention was enjoyable and recommendations have been provided for the hotel to consider, so the hotel can go from "good to great".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Investigating teaching strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum
- Authors: Hoabes, Rosina
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Effective teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Environmental education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003472
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate the strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum in four schools in Swakopmund, Erongo Education Region. This study is a qualitative case study. I used semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis as instruments to collect data. Two schools were selected to participate in the case study. Research participants included four teachers (two teachers from each school) of which two teachers are teaching at each school. The study was contextualised through a review of policy changes in Namibian education, which focus on learner-centred education. The study identified six strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Life Sciences curriculum. These are planning; working with information; practical, excursions and clubs; involving the learners; using visual aids and teaching materials; and choosing topics with a local focus. Through a consideration of the different strategies used by teachers, in relation to the learner-centred nature of the educational reform project in Namibia the study provides insight into the way in which teachers view learner-centred education. The study also illuminates how strategies used by teachers reflect learner-centred education principles and it outlines a number of tensions emerging in the fostering of environmental learning in learner-centred ways. The study identifies further support required by teachers, and makes recommendations which will further enhance the strategies used by teachers to foster the environmental learning focus in Life Sciences, and also enhance learner-centred teaching in Life Science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Hoabes, Rosina
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Education -- Namibia Teaching -- Namibia Effective teaching -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Environmental education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1590 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003472
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate the strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Namibian Life Science curriculum in four schools in Swakopmund, Erongo Education Region. This study is a qualitative case study. I used semi-structured interviews, observation and document analysis as instruments to collect data. Two schools were selected to participate in the case study. Research participants included four teachers (two teachers from each school) of which two teachers are teaching at each school. The study was contextualised through a review of policy changes in Namibian education, which focus on learner-centred education. The study identified six strategies used by teachers to foster environmental learning in the Life Sciences curriculum. These are planning; working with information; practical, excursions and clubs; involving the learners; using visual aids and teaching materials; and choosing topics with a local focus. Through a consideration of the different strategies used by teachers, in relation to the learner-centred nature of the educational reform project in Namibia the study provides insight into the way in which teachers view learner-centred education. The study also illuminates how strategies used by teachers reflect learner-centred education principles and it outlines a number of tensions emerging in the fostering of environmental learning in learner-centred ways. The study identifies further support required by teachers, and makes recommendations which will further enhance the strategies used by teachers to foster the environmental learning focus in Life Sciences, and also enhance learner-centred teaching in Life Science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
'Environmental policy to community action': methodology and approaches in community-based environmental education programmes in Uganda
- Authors: Babikwa, Daniel J
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Uganda -- Case studies Education and state -- Uganda Community development -- Uganda -- Case studies Sustainable development -- Uganda -- Case studies Environmental policy -- Uganda -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1518 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003400
- Description: This research was conducted in Luwero, a rural district in central Uganda, over a period of three years, half of which entailed fulltime engagement in a participatory action research process with VEDCO, an indigenous NGO. The study focuses on the educational processes involved in the translation of Uganda's environmental policy into action at community level. It looks at community-based education and development activities run by VEDCO among smallholder farmers. The study addressed four objectives. For the first objective I developed a conceptual framework through a review of theories informing education in general and environmental education, adult education, community education, and community development in particular. The second objective was to conduct a situational analysis to identify contextual issues related to policy implementation at community level. The third objective was to engage in a participatory action research process with the NGO in the farming community in response to the identified contextual issues, and the fourth was to explore and comment on environmental education methods used within a community context. PRA techniques, interviews, and other participatory data collection methods were used to generate the data. The study reveals contradictions that limit NGO capacity to make appropriate use of participatory education processes in implementing policy-related training at community level. Elements in the National Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture, for example, conflicted with the principle of sustainable development underlying the policy. VEDCO itself was changing from a social-welfare-oriented organisation into a commercial enterprise pursuing economic goals, which conflicted with its social goals. The capitalist development ideology of the donor was being adopted by VEDCO, which contradicted the goals of people-centred development. This was exacerbated by VEDCO's dependency on donor funds for its activities. Contextual issues like people's history; poverty, gender and inconsistent land policies further complicated the policy implementation processes. There were also inconsistencies in the epistemological assumptions and didactic approaches evident in the implementation. The study shows that the intended emancipatory education processes are more often supplanted by technicist methodologies. Thus, it exposes the underlying historical, ideological and epistemological tensions and contradictions within the field of education, particularly in relation to the `paradigmatic' orientations (neo-classical, liberal and socially critical/emancipatory) outlined in the literature. Conclusions are made at two levels: in relation to the study goals, of examining policy implementation at community level and in terms of the study's contribution to the understanding of current education theory in the context of sustainable development among communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Babikwa, Daniel J
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Uganda -- Case studies Education and state -- Uganda Community development -- Uganda -- Case studies Sustainable development -- Uganda -- Case studies Environmental policy -- Uganda -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1518 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003400
- Description: This research was conducted in Luwero, a rural district in central Uganda, over a period of three years, half of which entailed fulltime engagement in a participatory action research process with VEDCO, an indigenous NGO. The study focuses on the educational processes involved in the translation of Uganda's environmental policy into action at community level. It looks at community-based education and development activities run by VEDCO among smallholder farmers. The study addressed four objectives. For the first objective I developed a conceptual framework through a review of theories informing education in general and environmental education, adult education, community education, and community development in particular. The second objective was to conduct a situational analysis to identify contextual issues related to policy implementation at community level. The third objective was to engage in a participatory action research process with the NGO in the farming community in response to the identified contextual issues, and the fourth was to explore and comment on environmental education methods used within a community context. PRA techniques, interviews, and other participatory data collection methods were used to generate the data. The study reveals contradictions that limit NGO capacity to make appropriate use of participatory education processes in implementing policy-related training at community level. Elements in the National Plan for the Modernisation of Agriculture, for example, conflicted with the principle of sustainable development underlying the policy. VEDCO itself was changing from a social-welfare-oriented organisation into a commercial enterprise pursuing economic goals, which conflicted with its social goals. The capitalist development ideology of the donor was being adopted by VEDCO, which contradicted the goals of people-centred development. This was exacerbated by VEDCO's dependency on donor funds for its activities. Contextual issues like people's history; poverty, gender and inconsistent land policies further complicated the policy implementation processes. There were also inconsistencies in the epistemological assumptions and didactic approaches evident in the implementation. The study shows that the intended emancipatory education processes are more often supplanted by technicist methodologies. Thus, it exposes the underlying historical, ideological and epistemological tensions and contradictions within the field of education, particularly in relation to the `paradigmatic' orientations (neo-classical, liberal and socially critical/emancipatory) outlined in the literature. Conclusions are made at two levels: in relation to the study goals, of examining policy implementation at community level and in terms of the study's contribution to the understanding of current education theory in the context of sustainable development among communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Factors affecting the invasion of Pteronia incana (Blue bush) onto hillslopes in Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kakembo, Vincent
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Shrubs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Slopes (Physical geography) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Biological invasions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005508
- Description: The factors that influence the invasion of hillslopes by the shrub Pteronia incana in the communal rangelands of Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) district were investigated. Mgwalana, one of the catchments in the district where encroachment by the species is widespread, was chosen. The study combined field observations with image analysis based on high resolution infrared imagery. The catchment was flown and high resolution infrared images (1mx1m) were taken using a Kodak DCS420 digital, colour-infrared camera. The images were analysed using Idrisi32 and Kilimanjaro GIS versions. The ability of different vegetation indices to separate P. incana from the other cover types was investigated. Field observations of the degree of P. incana invasion in relation to, inter alia, soil surface conditions, slope angle and visible forms of erosion were made. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 20m spatial resolution was used to derive terrain parameters. The presence and absence of P. incana in relation to slope gradient and aspect were determined. The combined influence of the two terrain parameters and land use on the invasion was also investigated. The Topographic Wetness Index (WI), a component of the TOPMODEL was derived from the DEM and its relationship with the spatial distribution of P. incana was explored. Soil moisture dependencies for P. incana and grass species as well as surrogates for runoff under the shrub and adjacent bare areas were determined in the field. A high level of classification accuracy confirmed the reliability of digital camera imagery for spatial analyses. Distinct spectral separability for the surface vegetation cover types was achieved by means of the Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) as opposed to the ratio based vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI). The absence/presence of P. incana was noted to be strongly influenced by slope angle and aspect. The probability for P. incana occurrence increased with slope steepness and southerly slope orientation. Abandoned and grazing lands were identified as the main invasion hotspots. Blanket invasion of the former signified the high susceptibility of abandoned land to P. incana invasion. The combined influence of land use, slope gradient and aspect was also noted to have promoted the invasion. This is borne out by the concentration of the invasion on abandoned steep slopes with a southerly orientation. Local topographic variations were identified as having a strong bearing on P. incana spatial distribution. The topographically driven WI confirmed this relationship, such that P. incana was associated with the low WI values of convexities. Differences in the moisture dependencies between P. incana and grass species were demonstrated by the greater rooting depth of the former. During field surveys, soil surface crusting was noted as inherent to P. incana patchiness. The coupling between local topography and soil surface crusting underpins soil moisture variability at hillslope and patch scales respectively. This in turn determines the competition between P. incana and grass species and the eventual replacement of the latter by the former. A close spatial correlation between fully established P. incana and severe forms of soil erosion was observed. Loss of patchiness and expansion of inter-patch bare areas promote runoff connectivity erosion. As most of the runoff becomes run out, hillslopes tend towards dysfunctional systems. Greater soil moisture storage after rainstorms under P. incana tussocks than the adjacent bare areas signifies the shrub’s water harvesting capabilities. The tussocks could thus serve as a starting-pointbuilding- block for the rehabilitation of dysfunctional hillslope systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kakembo, Vincent
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Shrubs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Slopes (Physical geography) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Biological invasions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005508
- Description: The factors that influence the invasion of hillslopes by the shrub Pteronia incana in the communal rangelands of Ngqushwa (formerly Peddie) district were investigated. Mgwalana, one of the catchments in the district where encroachment by the species is widespread, was chosen. The study combined field observations with image analysis based on high resolution infrared imagery. The catchment was flown and high resolution infrared images (1mx1m) were taken using a Kodak DCS420 digital, colour-infrared camera. The images were analysed using Idrisi32 and Kilimanjaro GIS versions. The ability of different vegetation indices to separate P. incana from the other cover types was investigated. Field observations of the degree of P. incana invasion in relation to, inter alia, soil surface conditions, slope angle and visible forms of erosion were made. A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of 20m spatial resolution was used to derive terrain parameters. The presence and absence of P. incana in relation to slope gradient and aspect were determined. The combined influence of the two terrain parameters and land use on the invasion was also investigated. The Topographic Wetness Index (WI), a component of the TOPMODEL was derived from the DEM and its relationship with the spatial distribution of P. incana was explored. Soil moisture dependencies for P. incana and grass species as well as surrogates for runoff under the shrub and adjacent bare areas were determined in the field. A high level of classification accuracy confirmed the reliability of digital camera imagery for spatial analyses. Distinct spectral separability for the surface vegetation cover types was achieved by means of the Perpendicular Vegetation Index (PVI) as opposed to the ratio based vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI and MSAVI). The absence/presence of P. incana was noted to be strongly influenced by slope angle and aspect. The probability for P. incana occurrence increased with slope steepness and southerly slope orientation. Abandoned and grazing lands were identified as the main invasion hotspots. Blanket invasion of the former signified the high susceptibility of abandoned land to P. incana invasion. The combined influence of land use, slope gradient and aspect was also noted to have promoted the invasion. This is borne out by the concentration of the invasion on abandoned steep slopes with a southerly orientation. Local topographic variations were identified as having a strong bearing on P. incana spatial distribution. The topographically driven WI confirmed this relationship, such that P. incana was associated with the low WI values of convexities. Differences in the moisture dependencies between P. incana and grass species were demonstrated by the greater rooting depth of the former. During field surveys, soil surface crusting was noted as inherent to P. incana patchiness. The coupling between local topography and soil surface crusting underpins soil moisture variability at hillslope and patch scales respectively. This in turn determines the competition between P. incana and grass species and the eventual replacement of the latter by the former. A close spatial correlation between fully established P. incana and severe forms of soil erosion was observed. Loss of patchiness and expansion of inter-patch bare areas promote runoff connectivity erosion. As most of the runoff becomes run out, hillslopes tend towards dysfunctional systems. Greater soil moisture storage after rainstorms under P. incana tussocks than the adjacent bare areas signifies the shrub’s water harvesting capabilities. The tussocks could thus serve as a starting-pointbuilding- block for the rehabilitation of dysfunctional hillslope systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The enzymology of sludge solubilisation under biosulphidogenic conditions : isolation, characterisation and partial purification of endoglucanases
- Authors: Oyekola, Oluwaseun Oyekanmi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003980 , Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Description: Endoglucanases play an important function in cellulose hydrolysis and catalyse the initial attack on the polymer by randomly hydrolysing the β-1,4 glucosidic bonds within the amorphous regions of cellulose chains. Cellulolytic bacteria have been isolated and characterised from the sewage sludge and the activation of several hydrolytic enzymes under biosulphidogenic conditions of sewage hydrolysis has been reported. The aims of this study were to: identify, induce production, locate and isolate, characterise (physicochemical and kinetic) and purify endoglucanases from anaerobic biosulphidogenic sludge. The endoglucanase activities were shown to be associated with the pellet particulate matter and exhibited a pH optimum of 6 and temperature optimum of 50 °C. The enzymes were thermally more stable when immobilised to the floc matrix of the sludge than when they were released into the aqueous solution via sonication. For both immobilised and released enzymes, sulphate was slightly inhibitory; activity was reduced to 84 % and 77.5 % of the initial activity at sulphate concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l, respectively. Sulphite was stimulatory to the immobilised enzymes between 200 and 1000 mg/l. Sulphide stimulated the activities of the immobilised endoglucanases, but inhibited activities of the soluble enzymes above 200 mg/l. The enzyme fraction did not hydrolyse avicel (a crystalline substrate), indicating the absence of any exocellulase activity. For CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) and HEC (hydroxylethylcellulose) the enzyme had K_m,app_ values of 4 and 5.1 mg/ml respectively and V_max,app_ values of 0.297 and 0.185 μmol/min/ml respectively. Divalent ions (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺) proved to be inhibitory while Fe²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ stimulated the enzyme at concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l. All the volatile fatty acids studied (acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid and valeric acid) inhibited the enzymes, with acetic acid eliciting the highest degree of inhibition. Sonication released ~74.9 % of the total enzyme activities into solution and this was partially purified by PEG 20 000 concentration followed by DEAE-Cellulose ion exchange chromatography, which resulted in an appreciable purity as measured by the purification factor, 25.4 fold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Oyekola, Oluwaseun Oyekanmi
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3921 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003980 , Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment , Anaerobic bacteria , Sewage sludge , Hydrolysis
- Description: Endoglucanases play an important function in cellulose hydrolysis and catalyse the initial attack on the polymer by randomly hydrolysing the β-1,4 glucosidic bonds within the amorphous regions of cellulose chains. Cellulolytic bacteria have been isolated and characterised from the sewage sludge and the activation of several hydrolytic enzymes under biosulphidogenic conditions of sewage hydrolysis has been reported. The aims of this study were to: identify, induce production, locate and isolate, characterise (physicochemical and kinetic) and purify endoglucanases from anaerobic biosulphidogenic sludge. The endoglucanase activities were shown to be associated with the pellet particulate matter and exhibited a pH optimum of 6 and temperature optimum of 50 °C. The enzymes were thermally more stable when immobilised to the floc matrix of the sludge than when they were released into the aqueous solution via sonication. For both immobilised and released enzymes, sulphate was slightly inhibitory; activity was reduced to 84 % and 77.5 % of the initial activity at sulphate concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l, respectively. Sulphite was stimulatory to the immobilised enzymes between 200 and 1000 mg/l. Sulphide stimulated the activities of the immobilised endoglucanases, but inhibited activities of the soluble enzymes above 200 mg/l. The enzyme fraction did not hydrolyse avicel (a crystalline substrate), indicating the absence of any exocellulase activity. For CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) and HEC (hydroxylethylcellulose) the enzyme had K_m,app_ values of 4 and 5.1 mg/ml respectively and V_max,app_ values of 0.297 and 0.185 μmol/min/ml respectively. Divalent ions (Cu²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺) proved to be inhibitory while Fe²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ stimulated the enzyme at concentrations between 200 and 1000 mg/l. All the volatile fatty acids studied (acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid and valeric acid) inhibited the enzymes, with acetic acid eliciting the highest degree of inhibition. Sonication released ~74.9 % of the total enzyme activities into solution and this was partially purified by PEG 20 000 concentration followed by DEAE-Cellulose ion exchange chromatography, which resulted in an appreciable purity as measured by the purification factor, 25.4 fold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The implementation of multigrade teaching in rural schools in the Keetmanshoop education region: leadership and management challenges
- Authors: Titus, David Petrus
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Education, Rural -- Namibia Education and state -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Rural schools -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003448
- Description: Leadership has received much attention in both the business world and education. My thesis explores effective educational leadership through examining the management and leadership challenges that face principals in a multi-grade school. Schools in sparsely populated rural areas in Namibia have had to resort to multi-grade teaching to be able to be economically viable. Hard economic realities force people to move to bigger towns and cities. The constant demand for better schools, effective principals, qualified teachers and an improved service to the communities coupled with the demand for better working conditions and salaries for teachers drained the education budget even further. To keep in line with the four major policies of education namely equity, access, quality and democracy, the operation of smaller, rural multi-grade schools has become a necessity. The alternative – which is to close smaller schools and operate fewer, bigger schools at an affordable and reasonable cost - would deny rural communities access to schooling. This thesis is a case study of the leadership and management challenges of multigrade schooling in a single school. The goal was to understand how education managers and leaders perceived their role in making it possible for teachers and learners to cope with multi-grade teaching. I worked in the interpretive paradigm to be able to interpret the social and cultural context of a rural, multi-grade school in the Karas region. The methods included questionnaires, interviews and observation. One of the leadership models universally considered to be available to principals of multi-grade schools is instructional leadership. My study revealed that the concept was unknown to teaching staff, although there were indications that the model had been encountered. My findings also revealed that the communication between colleges of education and the regional education department staff was very limited. One of the major issues that arose was that principals were so occupied with teaching that important issues about training/evaluation and supervision of teachers, the ‘visibility’ of the principal, setting and implementation of the aims and goals of the school and regular communication with parents and community leaders were neglected. Probably the most significant finding was that head teachers are not trained in the management of a multi-grade school, hence most if not all of the head teachers run multi-grade schools like a single-graded school. The single most important problem was that the importance of multi-grade teaching had never been highlighted, particularly in light of new staffing norms, in spite of the fact that it was a phenomenon that was likely to be a permanent arrangement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Titus, David Petrus
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Education, Rural -- Namibia Education and state -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Rural schools -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia School principals -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003448
- Description: Leadership has received much attention in both the business world and education. My thesis explores effective educational leadership through examining the management and leadership challenges that face principals in a multi-grade school. Schools in sparsely populated rural areas in Namibia have had to resort to multi-grade teaching to be able to be economically viable. Hard economic realities force people to move to bigger towns and cities. The constant demand for better schools, effective principals, qualified teachers and an improved service to the communities coupled with the demand for better working conditions and salaries for teachers drained the education budget even further. To keep in line with the four major policies of education namely equity, access, quality and democracy, the operation of smaller, rural multi-grade schools has become a necessity. The alternative – which is to close smaller schools and operate fewer, bigger schools at an affordable and reasonable cost - would deny rural communities access to schooling. This thesis is a case study of the leadership and management challenges of multigrade schooling in a single school. The goal was to understand how education managers and leaders perceived their role in making it possible for teachers and learners to cope with multi-grade teaching. I worked in the interpretive paradigm to be able to interpret the social and cultural context of a rural, multi-grade school in the Karas region. The methods included questionnaires, interviews and observation. One of the leadership models universally considered to be available to principals of multi-grade schools is instructional leadership. My study revealed that the concept was unknown to teaching staff, although there were indications that the model had been encountered. My findings also revealed that the communication between colleges of education and the regional education department staff was very limited. One of the major issues that arose was that principals were so occupied with teaching that important issues about training/evaluation and supervision of teachers, the ‘visibility’ of the principal, setting and implementation of the aims and goals of the school and regular communication with parents and community leaders were neglected. Probably the most significant finding was that head teachers are not trained in the management of a multi-grade school, hence most if not all of the head teachers run multi-grade schools like a single-graded school. The single most important problem was that the importance of multi-grade teaching had never been highlighted, particularly in light of new staffing norms, in spite of the fact that it was a phenomenon that was likely to be a permanent arrangement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Rights-based restitution in South Africa : developmental land reform or relocation in reverse?
- Authors: Roodt, Monty
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Restitution -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa , Land settlement -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commission on Restitution of Land Rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007211 , Restitution -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa , Land settlement -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commission on Restitution of Land Rights
- Description: The main question of this thesis is to what extent the rights-based and market-driven nature of the restitution program has given rise to a legalistic and bureaucratic process that negates both the demand-driven and the developmental aspects of restitution as land reform. I answer this question by showing that the choice of a Constitutional model with a Bill of Rights provides the background for a rights-based land reform program. This is especially true for the restitution sub-program, one of the three branches along with redistribution and tenure of the overall land reform program. I then consider the debate around the property clause, and how its inclusion provided the context for a market and rights-based approach to land reform as opposed to a supply-led administrative approach. Because the property clause as a First Generation right prevents expropriation of land without market-related compensation, a complex and legalistic land reform program falling within the ambit of Second Generation rights was formulated to address the gross imbalance in land ownership in South Africa. I argue that the contemporary origin of Second Generation human rights lies within the context of class and anti-globalisation struggles for democracy, and that they are something to be fought for and defended. I discuss the distinction between First, Second and Third Generation rights and identify four spheres within which the struggle for Second and Third Generation rights takes place within modern democratic states. These are the state, the representative public sphere, civil society and the private sphere. I then deal with the problem of trying to turn "paper rights" into realisable rights for the more disadvantaged sectors of society. I also look at what impedes their realisation. I argue that a number of strategies are necessary to ensure the delivery of Second and Third Generation rights. These are an adequate legislative framework, a good communication strategy, the development of institutional capacity to deliver, and if all else fails, access to conflict resolution mechanisms. I consider the major impediments to the realisation of Second and Third Generation rights to be the way in which they are defined in relation to First Generation rights, especially the property clause, the way in which access to rights-backed resources through formal institutions are mediated by the operation of informal institutions, and the dearth of administrative competence in South Africa. My point is that in order for Second and Third Generation rights to have practical benefit for the dispossessed and poor, extraordinary measures are needed. The Restitution arm of the land reform program provides in theory just such extraordinary measures, albeit for only a section of the population. I analyse the effectiveness of the Land Claims Court in assisting restitution claimants and the rural poor to realize their rights. I trace the slow and haphazard shift from a positivistic statutory interpretation (narrow, literal, legalistic) to a purposive interpretation (informed by the Constitutional spirit and social purpose of the legislation) by the Court. This is followed by an analysis of the restitution business process, which means tracing the path of the claim from lodgement to settlement. I set out the costly, complex and legalistic implementation and policy process in some detail. My argument is that in order for a rights-based approach to overcome the impediments outlined in Chapter 3, as well as the property clause in the Constitution, its architects designed a complex process that in the end proved counter-productive in terms of its original aims. The failure of the process to deliver led in 1998 the then Minister of Land Affairs, Derek Hannekom, to appoint a Ministerial Review to investigate the problems. Problems included: slowness of delivery, the crisis of unplannability, low levels of trust between implementers, and high levels of frustration. Two issues are analysed more fully, the rights-driven approach as opposed to the rights-based approach and the lack of claimant participation in taking control of the restitution process. I examine the relationship of the Restitution Commission to the Department of Land Affairs and to municipal land use planning processes. The emphasis on rights within the restitution program had the effect of distancing restitution, especially in the first few years of the programs' existence, from the rest of the land reform program, as well as from the local government process of formulating land development objectives (LDOs), and the Integrated Development Planning (lOP) process. I look at the Port Elizabeth Land and Community Restoration Association (Pelcra) as a case study as it embodies an approach that tries to move beyond a mere reclaiming of rights in land and attempts to implement a developmental approach. I conclude that the rights-based restitution program in spite of its many shortcomings has had some success. It has moved slowly from an overly legalistic judicial program to a more administrative but still bureaucratic process, that has delivered only 27 percent of its product as land reform, the rest going to monetary compensation mainly in urban areas. Thus it can be argued that restitution has been more successful as a program to promote reconciliation along the lines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, than as a land reform program, especially if one regards land reform as the restoration of rural land to the indigenous population. There have also been some successful attempts by the Commission, such as in the case of PELCRA, to integrate the processing of its claims with local government planning processes, but progress in this direction remains patchy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Roodt, Monty
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Restitution -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa , Land settlement -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commission on Restitution of Land Rights
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3351 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007211 , Restitution -- South Africa , Land reform -- South Africa , Right of property -- South Africa , Land settlement -- South Africa , Land tenure -- South Africa , South Africa -- Commission on Restitution of Land Rights
- Description: The main question of this thesis is to what extent the rights-based and market-driven nature of the restitution program has given rise to a legalistic and bureaucratic process that negates both the demand-driven and the developmental aspects of restitution as land reform. I answer this question by showing that the choice of a Constitutional model with a Bill of Rights provides the background for a rights-based land reform program. This is especially true for the restitution sub-program, one of the three branches along with redistribution and tenure of the overall land reform program. I then consider the debate around the property clause, and how its inclusion provided the context for a market and rights-based approach to land reform as opposed to a supply-led administrative approach. Because the property clause as a First Generation right prevents expropriation of land without market-related compensation, a complex and legalistic land reform program falling within the ambit of Second Generation rights was formulated to address the gross imbalance in land ownership in South Africa. I argue that the contemporary origin of Second Generation human rights lies within the context of class and anti-globalisation struggles for democracy, and that they are something to be fought for and defended. I discuss the distinction between First, Second and Third Generation rights and identify four spheres within which the struggle for Second and Third Generation rights takes place within modern democratic states. These are the state, the representative public sphere, civil society and the private sphere. I then deal with the problem of trying to turn "paper rights" into realisable rights for the more disadvantaged sectors of society. I also look at what impedes their realisation. I argue that a number of strategies are necessary to ensure the delivery of Second and Third Generation rights. These are an adequate legislative framework, a good communication strategy, the development of institutional capacity to deliver, and if all else fails, access to conflict resolution mechanisms. I consider the major impediments to the realisation of Second and Third Generation rights to be the way in which they are defined in relation to First Generation rights, especially the property clause, the way in which access to rights-backed resources through formal institutions are mediated by the operation of informal institutions, and the dearth of administrative competence in South Africa. My point is that in order for Second and Third Generation rights to have practical benefit for the dispossessed and poor, extraordinary measures are needed. The Restitution arm of the land reform program provides in theory just such extraordinary measures, albeit for only a section of the population. I analyse the effectiveness of the Land Claims Court in assisting restitution claimants and the rural poor to realize their rights. I trace the slow and haphazard shift from a positivistic statutory interpretation (narrow, literal, legalistic) to a purposive interpretation (informed by the Constitutional spirit and social purpose of the legislation) by the Court. This is followed by an analysis of the restitution business process, which means tracing the path of the claim from lodgement to settlement. I set out the costly, complex and legalistic implementation and policy process in some detail. My argument is that in order for a rights-based approach to overcome the impediments outlined in Chapter 3, as well as the property clause in the Constitution, its architects designed a complex process that in the end proved counter-productive in terms of its original aims. The failure of the process to deliver led in 1998 the then Minister of Land Affairs, Derek Hannekom, to appoint a Ministerial Review to investigate the problems. Problems included: slowness of delivery, the crisis of unplannability, low levels of trust between implementers, and high levels of frustration. Two issues are analysed more fully, the rights-driven approach as opposed to the rights-based approach and the lack of claimant participation in taking control of the restitution process. I examine the relationship of the Restitution Commission to the Department of Land Affairs and to municipal land use planning processes. The emphasis on rights within the restitution program had the effect of distancing restitution, especially in the first few years of the programs' existence, from the rest of the land reform program, as well as from the local government process of formulating land development objectives (LDOs), and the Integrated Development Planning (lOP) process. I look at the Port Elizabeth Land and Community Restoration Association (Pelcra) as a case study as it embodies an approach that tries to move beyond a mere reclaiming of rights in land and attempts to implement a developmental approach. I conclude that the rights-based restitution program in spite of its many shortcomings has had some success. It has moved slowly from an overly legalistic judicial program to a more administrative but still bureaucratic process, that has delivered only 27 percent of its product as land reform, the rest going to monetary compensation mainly in urban areas. Thus it can be argued that restitution has been more successful as a program to promote reconciliation along the lines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, than as a land reform program, especially if one regards land reform as the restoration of rural land to the indigenous population. There have also been some successful attempts by the Commission, such as in the case of PELCRA, to integrate the processing of its claims with local government planning processes, but progress in this direction remains patchy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A comparative study of egg development in two species of Siphonariid limpets with contrasting developmental modes
- Authors: Pal, Purba
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Siphonariidae -- Eggs Siphonariidae -- Spawning Limpets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007663
- Description: The family Siphonariidae is considered primitive amongst the basommatophorans although the ancestry and evolutionary relationships of these marine pulmonates are far from settled. This thesis investigates and compares different aspects of egg development and the female reproductive system in two sympatric species of Siphonaria with different developmental mode (S. capensis, a planktonic developer and S. serrata, a direct developer). The study on the seasonality of gametogenesis and spawning shows that they are both spring/summer spawners with continuous sperm production. The egg production is highest in spring and summer with a brief interruption in winter months. The gametogenic cycle when examinated, reveals that both species are simultaneous hermaphrodites once sexually mature. Amongst various factors that are investigated, density of animals has a positive effect on the number of spawn only during peak spawning. Larger individuals of S. capensis and S. serrata contains more mature oocytes in the gonad indicating that the shell length and fecundity of these two limpets are positively correlated. By contrast, parasitism by trematodes has a drastic effect on the reproductive output of these limpets leaving them completely castrated. Egg development in S. capensis and S. serrata shows that both produce yolk auto synthetically (with the help of organelles like RER, Golgi bodies) but S. serrata also incorporates some high molecular weight precursors via endocytotis. The structure as well as the biochemical composition of the egg ribbons is also different between these two species with higher carbohydrate and protein content of collar shaped spawn of S. serrata. S. capensis produces egg ribbons of less fibrous nature containing thinner egg capsules compared to the direct developer. A comparison of both the glandular complex and spermatheca between these two limpets shows no inter specific difference in the structure although the glandular complex of the siphonariids shows fine structural and histochemical similarities with the albumen gland and membrane gland of the opisthobranchs. The structure of the spermatheca suggests that in both species the organ most possibly receives sperm (for degradation only?) and may transport them via the spermathecal duct (for fertilization?). Finally, it is suggested that S. capensis and S. serrata exhibit primitive features (e.g., an autosynthetic mode of vitellogenesis in S. capensis and a single glandular complex composed of an albumen and a mucous gland) compared to other basommatophorans, which should be considered in future phylogenetic investigations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Pal, Purba
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Siphonariidae -- Eggs Siphonariidae -- Spawning Limpets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007663
- Description: The family Siphonariidae is considered primitive amongst the basommatophorans although the ancestry and evolutionary relationships of these marine pulmonates are far from settled. This thesis investigates and compares different aspects of egg development and the female reproductive system in two sympatric species of Siphonaria with different developmental mode (S. capensis, a planktonic developer and S. serrata, a direct developer). The study on the seasonality of gametogenesis and spawning shows that they are both spring/summer spawners with continuous sperm production. The egg production is highest in spring and summer with a brief interruption in winter months. The gametogenic cycle when examinated, reveals that both species are simultaneous hermaphrodites once sexually mature. Amongst various factors that are investigated, density of animals has a positive effect on the number of spawn only during peak spawning. Larger individuals of S. capensis and S. serrata contains more mature oocytes in the gonad indicating that the shell length and fecundity of these two limpets are positively correlated. By contrast, parasitism by trematodes has a drastic effect on the reproductive output of these limpets leaving them completely castrated. Egg development in S. capensis and S. serrata shows that both produce yolk auto synthetically (with the help of organelles like RER, Golgi bodies) but S. serrata also incorporates some high molecular weight precursors via endocytotis. The structure as well as the biochemical composition of the egg ribbons is also different between these two species with higher carbohydrate and protein content of collar shaped spawn of S. serrata. S. capensis produces egg ribbons of less fibrous nature containing thinner egg capsules compared to the direct developer. A comparison of both the glandular complex and spermatheca between these two limpets shows no inter specific difference in the structure although the glandular complex of the siphonariids shows fine structural and histochemical similarities with the albumen gland and membrane gland of the opisthobranchs. The structure of the spermatheca suggests that in both species the organ most possibly receives sperm (for degradation only?) and may transport them via the spermathecal duct (for fertilization?). Finally, it is suggested that S. capensis and S. serrata exhibit primitive features (e.g., an autosynthetic mode of vitellogenesis in S. capensis and a single glandular complex composed of an albumen and a mucous gland) compared to other basommatophorans, which should be considered in future phylogenetic investigations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004