Multiprotocol control of networked home entertainment devices
- Authors: Siebörger, David Robert
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Home entertainment systems , Home video systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006585 , Home entertainment systems , Home video systems
- Description: Networks will soon connect a wide range of computing devices within the home. Amongst those devices will be home entertainment devices. Remote control over the network will be a key application for networked entertainment devices, and requires a protocol for communication understood by both controller and controlled device. Devices capable of communication using multiple control protocols will be compatible with a wider range of controllers than those which implement only one control protocol. This work examines home networks and a number of control protocols. The implementations of the UPnP and AV/C protocols for an AV receiver are described. The issues involved in the concurrent use of multiple control protocols to control a device are considered, possible methods of concurrent control discussed, and a solution which simulates virtual copies of the device is implemented and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Siebörger, David Robert
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Home entertainment systems , Home video systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006585 , Home entertainment systems , Home video systems
- Description: Networks will soon connect a wide range of computing devices within the home. Amongst those devices will be home entertainment devices. Remote control over the network will be a key application for networked entertainment devices, and requires a protocol for communication understood by both controller and controlled device. Devices capable of communication using multiple control protocols will be compatible with a wider range of controllers than those which implement only one control protocol. This work examines home networks and a number of control protocols. The implementations of the UPnP and AV/C protocols for an AV receiver are described. The issues involved in the concurrent use of multiple control protocols to control a device are considered, possible methods of concurrent control discussed, and a solution which simulates virtual copies of the device is implemented and tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
"It was a brilliant time" : an investigation into the experiences of the founder group of the Directorate of Special Operations
- Geyer-van Rensburg, Karen Helen
- Authors: Geyer-van Rensburg, Karen Helen
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa. Directorate of Special Operations Crime -- South Africa Crime -- Prevention -- South Africa Criminal Justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007919
- Description: The President, Thabo Mbeki, established the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) in 1999 shortly after the general elections. The DSO was intended to supplement the efforts of the South African Police Services in combating crime. The unit would concentrate on national priority crimes and police corruption and would report to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The founder members of the DSO were identified in my research and open-ended interviews were conducted with them. The goal of my research was to understand the founder group's experience of the creation of the organisational culture of the DSO and what that experience meant to them . In particular, I wanted to establish what role the founder members of the DSO believed their values and beliefs played in creating the organisation's culture, and their perception of how those values influenced the leadership, management and organisation processes of the DSO. The public sector environment seldom offers opportunities to create something new and this was a unique experience. The founder members received no personal gain except the satisfaction of creating something that would be there for their descendants, something that would change the face of law enforcement forever and in fact, pioneer the troika methodology for the first time in the world within a permanent structure. The values of the founder members influenced their decision to join and they believed that the DSO would make a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans. They were dedicated, committed, loyal and passionate. Their leadership inspired the members of the organisation and ensured the success of the DSO, despite the lack of resources, staff and legislation. This was an exciting time in the history of the organisation and many personal sacrifices were made. The founder members are proud of the achievements of the DSO and of having been a part thereof. It certainly was "a brilliant time".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Geyer-van Rensburg, Karen Helen
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa. Directorate of Special Operations Crime -- South Africa Crime -- Prevention -- South Africa Criminal Justice, Administration of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:815 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007919
- Description: The President, Thabo Mbeki, established the Directorate of Special Operations (DSO) in 1999 shortly after the general elections. The DSO was intended to supplement the efforts of the South African Police Services in combating crime. The unit would concentrate on national priority crimes and police corruption and would report to the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The founder members of the DSO were identified in my research and open-ended interviews were conducted with them. The goal of my research was to understand the founder group's experience of the creation of the organisational culture of the DSO and what that experience meant to them . In particular, I wanted to establish what role the founder members of the DSO believed their values and beliefs played in creating the organisation's culture, and their perception of how those values influenced the leadership, management and organisation processes of the DSO. The public sector environment seldom offers opportunities to create something new and this was a unique experience. The founder members received no personal gain except the satisfaction of creating something that would be there for their descendants, something that would change the face of law enforcement forever and in fact, pioneer the troika methodology for the first time in the world within a permanent structure. The values of the founder members influenced their decision to join and they believed that the DSO would make a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans. They were dedicated, committed, loyal and passionate. Their leadership inspired the members of the organisation and ensured the success of the DSO, despite the lack of resources, staff and legislation. This was an exciting time in the history of the organisation and many personal sacrifices were made. The founder members are proud of the achievements of the DSO and of having been a part thereof. It certainly was "a brilliant time".
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Investigations into the nutritional requirements of juvenile dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus (Pisces sciaendae), under ambient culture conditions
- Authors: Daniel, Simon James
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Sciaenidae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Fishes -- Food , Fishes -- Growth , Fish culture , Fishes -- Nutrition -- Requirements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002602 , Argyrosomus -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Sciaenidae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Fishes -- Food , Fishes -- Growth , Fish culture , Fishes -- Nutrition -- Requirements
- Description: The effect of dietary protein, protein and energy ratios, fish meal replacement by Soya bean meal and feeding frequency was investigated on the growth, feed efficiency and body composition, of juvenile dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus. The effect of dietary protein levels was investigated by comparing isocaloric diets containing 35, 40, 45 and 55% protein. Dietary protein inclusion level significantly affected specific growth rates, feed efficiency and body composition (in terms of fat deposition) and results show that a minimum of 45% and maximum of 52.3% dietary protein is optimal. The protein and energy requirements were investigated by comparing three protein levels (35,40 and 45%) with three lipid levels (6, 9 and 12%) in a 3x3 factorial design. A diet 45% protein and 9% lipid, with a P: E ratio of29 mglkJ and DE of 15.5 kJ/g resulted in an optimal specific growth rate (1.6± 0.2), feed efficiency (FCR= 1.7±0.44; PER= 1.36) and body composition for A. japonicus. To investigate the effect of partial fish meal replacement by Soya bean meal (SBM) in the diet, 20-50% of the protein from fish meal was substituted by protein from SBM, and were compared with a control diet containing only fish meal. No significant differences in the specific growth rates, feed efficiencies and the body composition were recorded for the fish fed the control diet and for fish fed the 20 and 30% SBM treatments. Results show that up to 30% of the protein from fish meal can be replaced with protein from SBM in the diet of this species. The effect of feeding frequency and gut evacuation time was investigated by comparing four feeding frequencies. Fish were fed to satiation either once, twice, three or four times a day. Feed intake was significantly affected by feeding frequency and fish fed 2, 3 and 4 meals a day ate significantly more food (p< 0.05) than the fish fed one meal a day. No significant differences (p> 0.05) in the specific growth rates, feed efficiencies and body composition were recorded for fish fed 2, 3 and 4 times a day. Feed intake was used to calculate an optimal daily ration and feeding two meals a day resulted in an optimal daily ration of 4% BW/day. A gut evacuation time of 7.25 hours indicates that fish fed twice a day probably had sufficient time to digest their food and evacuate their guts, resulting in the same daily feed intake as fish given 3 and 4 meals a day. Results conclude that under the present experimental conditions, a minimum daily ration of 4% BW/day, fed twice a day (in the morning and evening) is required for optimal growth (SGR= 1.33± 0.1), feed efficiency (FCR= 1.96± 0.4; PER= 1.44± 0.2) and body composition in juvenile dusky kob.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Daniel, Simon James
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Argyrosomus -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Sciaenidae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Fishes -- Food , Fishes -- Growth , Fish culture , Fishes -- Nutrition -- Requirements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002602 , Argyrosomus -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Sciaenidae -- Nutrition -- Requirements , Fishes -- Food , Fishes -- Growth , Fish culture , Fishes -- Nutrition -- Requirements
- Description: The effect of dietary protein, protein and energy ratios, fish meal replacement by Soya bean meal and feeding frequency was investigated on the growth, feed efficiency and body composition, of juvenile dusky kob, Argyrosomus japonicus. The effect of dietary protein levels was investigated by comparing isocaloric diets containing 35, 40, 45 and 55% protein. Dietary protein inclusion level significantly affected specific growth rates, feed efficiency and body composition (in terms of fat deposition) and results show that a minimum of 45% and maximum of 52.3% dietary protein is optimal. The protein and energy requirements were investigated by comparing three protein levels (35,40 and 45%) with three lipid levels (6, 9 and 12%) in a 3x3 factorial design. A diet 45% protein and 9% lipid, with a P: E ratio of29 mglkJ and DE of 15.5 kJ/g resulted in an optimal specific growth rate (1.6± 0.2), feed efficiency (FCR= 1.7±0.44; PER= 1.36) and body composition for A. japonicus. To investigate the effect of partial fish meal replacement by Soya bean meal (SBM) in the diet, 20-50% of the protein from fish meal was substituted by protein from SBM, and were compared with a control diet containing only fish meal. No significant differences in the specific growth rates, feed efficiencies and the body composition were recorded for the fish fed the control diet and for fish fed the 20 and 30% SBM treatments. Results show that up to 30% of the protein from fish meal can be replaced with protein from SBM in the diet of this species. The effect of feeding frequency and gut evacuation time was investigated by comparing four feeding frequencies. Fish were fed to satiation either once, twice, three or four times a day. Feed intake was significantly affected by feeding frequency and fish fed 2, 3 and 4 meals a day ate significantly more food (p< 0.05) than the fish fed one meal a day. No significant differences (p> 0.05) in the specific growth rates, feed efficiencies and body composition were recorded for fish fed 2, 3 and 4 times a day. Feed intake was used to calculate an optimal daily ration and feeding two meals a day resulted in an optimal daily ration of 4% BW/day. A gut evacuation time of 7.25 hours indicates that fish fed twice a day probably had sufficient time to digest their food and evacuate their guts, resulting in the same daily feed intake as fish given 3 and 4 meals a day. Results conclude that under the present experimental conditions, a minimum daily ration of 4% BW/day, fed twice a day (in the morning and evening) is required for optimal growth (SGR= 1.33± 0.1), feed efficiency (FCR= 1.96± 0.4; PER= 1.44± 0.2) and body composition in juvenile dusky kob.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Moral reform and the desiderata of responses to wrongdoing: the production of a "morally autonomous person freely attached to the good"
- Authors: Waller, Heath Frederick
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-14
- Subjects: Victims of crimes -- Attitudes , Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Punishment -- Psychological aspects , Social ethics , Punishment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003805 , Victims of crimes -- Attitudes , Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Punishment -- Psychological aspects , Social ethics , Punishment
- Description: Moral reform is a neglected response to wrongdoing that has been incorrectly portrayed as a practice involving illegitimate treatment of wrongdoers and as totally unsatisfying to those theorists advocating backward-looking practices such as retributive punishment. A clear explanation of the ethical legitimacy and practical necessity of the reformative techniques moral reform involves has been missed, and this paper details the design of moral reform proper in order to fill this gap in punishment theory. The moral reform of an offender is identified as a desideratum of responses to wrongdoing and it is explained what moral reform ought to entail. The claim that moral reform qualifies as the overriding aim of responses to wrongdoing is argued for on the grounds that this practice is capable of achieving all the established ends of responses to wrongdoing. The legitimate desiderata of our practices are identified as those usually selected as the ends of punishment practices, and moral reform must accomplish these if it is to be accepted. Moral reform is shown to realise the goals of punishments as the fortunate effects of what is done to achieve an offender's moral improvement and of what reformees do in taking responsibility for their actions. The suffering involved in moral reform receives particular emphasis since the practice will never satisfy unless it accommodates the widely-held intuition that the offender must suffer sufficiently as a consequence of his wrongdoing. Moral reform is further portrayed as the most meaningful practice for its ability to satisfy the appropriate needs and desires victims have in response to their victimization. A central claim of the thesis is that moral reform best serves the victim, since it most effectively relieves the victim's emotional responses to wrongdoing and is as adept as punishment at the expression of these same emotions. Reformers advocate a constructive response to wrongdoing that benefits all affected parties. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Waller, Heath Frederick
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-14
- Subjects: Victims of crimes -- Attitudes , Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Punishment -- Psychological aspects , Social ethics , Punishment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2730 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003805 , Victims of crimes -- Attitudes , Criminals -- Rehabilitation , Punishment -- Psychological aspects , Social ethics , Punishment
- Description: Moral reform is a neglected response to wrongdoing that has been incorrectly portrayed as a practice involving illegitimate treatment of wrongdoers and as totally unsatisfying to those theorists advocating backward-looking practices such as retributive punishment. A clear explanation of the ethical legitimacy and practical necessity of the reformative techniques moral reform involves has been missed, and this paper details the design of moral reform proper in order to fill this gap in punishment theory. The moral reform of an offender is identified as a desideratum of responses to wrongdoing and it is explained what moral reform ought to entail. The claim that moral reform qualifies as the overriding aim of responses to wrongdoing is argued for on the grounds that this practice is capable of achieving all the established ends of responses to wrongdoing. The legitimate desiderata of our practices are identified as those usually selected as the ends of punishment practices, and moral reform must accomplish these if it is to be accepted. Moral reform is shown to realise the goals of punishments as the fortunate effects of what is done to achieve an offender's moral improvement and of what reformees do in taking responsibility for their actions. The suffering involved in moral reform receives particular emphasis since the practice will never satisfy unless it accommodates the widely-held intuition that the offender must suffer sufficiently as a consequence of his wrongdoing. Moral reform is further portrayed as the most meaningful practice for its ability to satisfy the appropriate needs and desires victims have in response to their victimization. A central claim of the thesis is that moral reform best serves the victim, since it most effectively relieves the victim's emotional responses to wrongdoing and is as adept as punishment at the expression of these same emotions. Reformers advocate a constructive response to wrongdoing that benefits all affected parties. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The viability of small-scale farming at the Tyhefu Irrigation Scheme, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sishuta, Happy Babalwa
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004924 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This investigation is conducted against the background of current attempts to rehabilitate and revive the now defunct Tyhefu irrigation scheme. The poor track record of many irrigation schemes (despite huge investments) in the former homelands has prompted the government to reconsider its active and direct role in small-scale irrigation farming. This has resulted in the closure of many irrigation schemes including Tyhefu irrigation scheme. The new policy framework in South Africa, known as the irrigation management transfer, is premised on the transfer of ownership, authority and responsibility of small-scale irrigation schemes from government to the farmers. Tyhefu irrigation scheme was a state-driven, top-down initiative. This study argues that the justifications for the Tyhefu irrigation scheme were conflated, with the result that the need for political control of the Tyhefu area far outweighed the considerations regarding the financial viability and sustainability of the proposed project. Given the repressive political climate of the time in South Africa, the planners' proposals were a mechanism for the realization of the socio-political and economic agendas of the apartheid state and Ciskei government. Although technical factors critical for project success were examined, little or no attention was paid to the socio-economic aspects. For the planners, the main requirements for success entailed centralized managerial control, no participation of the beneficiaries, capital intensive and sophisticated agricultural techniques and the production of high value crops. Therefore, it can be argued that the nature of the planning and implementation of the Tyhefu irrigation scheme was ill-conceived, short-sighted and misguided. A review of the literature on irrigation development on the African continent provided useful insights for this study. The lessons from irrigation development experience in Sub-Saharan Africa indicate that the continent is littered with examples of derelict and costly failures. What stands out in many of these irrigation projects is their over-emphasis on technical issues to the complete neglect of human and other social aspects. Working partnerships between the farmers and irrigation scheme management could, thus, not be realized. Almost without exception the case studies used here indicate that the industrious type of farmer was never developed as was envisioned in the planning documents. Neither were rural livelihoods improved in a sustainable manner. The findings of this study suggest that irrigation management transfer is a complex and delicate process. In this new set of arrangements, beneficiaries face formidable challenges in terms of capacity (human and financial) if small-scale irrigation farming is to become a viable sector. No doubt, the viability and sustainability of the Tyhefu irrigation scheme demands a comprehensive package of interventions that address various issues of markets and marketing, capital investment and access to finance, technology, education and training, support and extension services. It is evident that institutional aspects and the related issue of functional literacy require much more attention than thus far. As a result, at the moment there is no possibility for independent agricultural production. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Sishuta, Happy Babalwa
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3344 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004924 , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This investigation is conducted against the background of current attempts to rehabilitate and revive the now defunct Tyhefu irrigation scheme. The poor track record of many irrigation schemes (despite huge investments) in the former homelands has prompted the government to reconsider its active and direct role in small-scale irrigation farming. This has resulted in the closure of many irrigation schemes including Tyhefu irrigation scheme. The new policy framework in South Africa, known as the irrigation management transfer, is premised on the transfer of ownership, authority and responsibility of small-scale irrigation schemes from government to the farmers. Tyhefu irrigation scheme was a state-driven, top-down initiative. This study argues that the justifications for the Tyhefu irrigation scheme were conflated, with the result that the need for political control of the Tyhefu area far outweighed the considerations regarding the financial viability and sustainability of the proposed project. Given the repressive political climate of the time in South Africa, the planners' proposals were a mechanism for the realization of the socio-political and economic agendas of the apartheid state and Ciskei government. Although technical factors critical for project success were examined, little or no attention was paid to the socio-economic aspects. For the planners, the main requirements for success entailed centralized managerial control, no participation of the beneficiaries, capital intensive and sophisticated agricultural techniques and the production of high value crops. Therefore, it can be argued that the nature of the planning and implementation of the Tyhefu irrigation scheme was ill-conceived, short-sighted and misguided. A review of the literature on irrigation development on the African continent provided useful insights for this study. The lessons from irrigation development experience in Sub-Saharan Africa indicate that the continent is littered with examples of derelict and costly failures. What stands out in many of these irrigation projects is their over-emphasis on technical issues to the complete neglect of human and other social aspects. Working partnerships between the farmers and irrigation scheme management could, thus, not be realized. Almost without exception the case studies used here indicate that the industrious type of farmer was never developed as was envisioned in the planning documents. Neither were rural livelihoods improved in a sustainable manner. The findings of this study suggest that irrigation management transfer is a complex and delicate process. In this new set of arrangements, beneficiaries face formidable challenges in terms of capacity (human and financial) if small-scale irrigation farming is to become a viable sector. No doubt, the viability and sustainability of the Tyhefu irrigation scheme demands a comprehensive package of interventions that address various issues of markets and marketing, capital investment and access to finance, technology, education and training, support and extension services. It is evident that institutional aspects and the related issue of functional literacy require much more attention than thus far. As a result, at the moment there is no possibility for independent agricultural production. , KMBT_363
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The location of meaning in the postmodernist literary text: a reading of Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves and related material
- Authors: Jeffery, Thomas Carnegie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Danielewski, Mark Z. House of leaves , Danielewski, Mark Z. Criticism and interpretation , Horror tales , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Literature, Modern -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002238
- Description: In House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski has produced a text which epitomises the traits and concerns of postmodernist literature. Through his attention to aspects such as metafiction, intertextuality and parody, Danielewski develops a narrative structure which is best understood as a literary labyrinth. It is a structure intended to reflect the social conditions of the twenty-first century and comment on the experience of people living at this time. Some of the meaning-making strategies within the book’s labyrinthine structure are thus discussed in detail in order to demonstrate the relevance and importance of House of Leaves as social commentary. House of Leaves is an exemplary postmodernist text, but it is also one that seeks to guide the reader beyond the intellectual impasse of the postmodernist paradigm toward a renewed ethical and political engagement with the world. One of the most important goals of both Danielewski’s novel and this thesis is to attempt to redefine the postmodernist perspective in such a way as to insist on the necessity of what I call a new realism. This is founded upon an awareness of the pervasiveness of the self-perpetuating ideology of capitalism, even in the perspective of postmodernism (which purports to subvert all authoritative ideologies). Playing a crucial role in perpetuating the status quo of capitalism is the growth of entertainment culture, which works to sideline crucial political issues by replacing information with infotainment. The result is an intensification of the processes of commodification. Such an intensification, it is argued, may be countered by a radical scepticism which draws upon the methods and insights of contemporary science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Jeffery, Thomas Carnegie
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Danielewski, Mark Z. House of leaves , Danielewski, Mark Z. Criticism and interpretation , Horror tales , English literature -- Criticism, Textual , Literature, Modern -- History and criticism , Postmodernism (Literature)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2196 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002238
- Description: In House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski has produced a text which epitomises the traits and concerns of postmodernist literature. Through his attention to aspects such as metafiction, intertextuality and parody, Danielewski develops a narrative structure which is best understood as a literary labyrinth. It is a structure intended to reflect the social conditions of the twenty-first century and comment on the experience of people living at this time. Some of the meaning-making strategies within the book’s labyrinthine structure are thus discussed in detail in order to demonstrate the relevance and importance of House of Leaves as social commentary. House of Leaves is an exemplary postmodernist text, but it is also one that seeks to guide the reader beyond the intellectual impasse of the postmodernist paradigm toward a renewed ethical and political engagement with the world. One of the most important goals of both Danielewski’s novel and this thesis is to attempt to redefine the postmodernist perspective in such a way as to insist on the necessity of what I call a new realism. This is founded upon an awareness of the pervasiveness of the self-perpetuating ideology of capitalism, even in the perspective of postmodernism (which purports to subvert all authoritative ideologies). Playing a crucial role in perpetuating the status quo of capitalism is the growth of entertainment culture, which works to sideline crucial political issues by replacing information with infotainment. The result is an intensification of the processes of commodification. Such an intensification, it is argued, may be countered by a radical scepticism which draws upon the methods and insights of contemporary science.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Design of a performance evaluation tool for multimedia databases with special reference to Oracle
- Authors: Stakemire, Tonia
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Oracle (Computer file) , Application software -- Evaluation , Database management -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015975
- Description: Increased production and use of multimedia data has led to the development of a more advanced Database Management System (DBMS), like an Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS). These advanced databases are necessitated by the complexity in structure and the functionality required by multimedia data. Unfortunately, no suitable benchmarks exist with which to test the performance of databases when handling multimedia data. This thesis describes the design of a benchmark to measure the performance of basic functionality found in multimedia databases. The benchmark, called MORD (Multimedia Object Relational Databases), targets Oracle, a well known commercial Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that can handle multimedia data. Although MORD targets Oracle, it can easily be applied to other Multimedia Database Management System (MMDBMS) as a result of a design that stressed its portability, and simplicity. MORD consists of a database schema, test data, and code to simulate representative queries on multimedia databases. A number of experiments are described that validate MORD and ensure its correct design and that its objectives are met. A by-product of these experiments is an initial understanding of the performance of multimedia databases. The experiments show that with multimedia data the buffer cache should be at least large enough to hold the largest dataset, a bigger block size improves the performance, and turning off logging and caching for bulk loading improves the performance. MORD can be used to compare different ORDBMS or to assist in the configuration of a specific database.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Stakemire, Tonia
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Oracle (Computer file) , Application software -- Evaluation , Database management -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015975
- Description: Increased production and use of multimedia data has led to the development of a more advanced Database Management System (DBMS), like an Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS). These advanced databases are necessitated by the complexity in structure and the functionality required by multimedia data. Unfortunately, no suitable benchmarks exist with which to test the performance of databases when handling multimedia data. This thesis describes the design of a benchmark to measure the performance of basic functionality found in multimedia databases. The benchmark, called MORD (Multimedia Object Relational Databases), targets Oracle, a well known commercial Object Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that can handle multimedia data. Although MORD targets Oracle, it can easily be applied to other Multimedia Database Management System (MMDBMS) as a result of a design that stressed its portability, and simplicity. MORD consists of a database schema, test data, and code to simulate representative queries on multimedia databases. A number of experiments are described that validate MORD and ensure its correct design and that its objectives are met. A by-product of these experiments is an initial understanding of the performance of multimedia databases. The experiments show that with multimedia data the buffer cache should be at least large enough to hold the largest dataset, a bigger block size improves the performance, and turning off logging and caching for bulk loading improves the performance. MORD can be used to compare different ORDBMS or to assist in the configuration of a specific database.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A comparison of the effectiveness of the judicial doctrine of "substance over form" with legislated measures in combatting tax avoidance
- Authors: Weston, Tracey Lee
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- Great Britain Tax evasion -- Great Britain Tax evasion -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- Great Britain Tax planning -- South Africa Tax planning -- Great Britain Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- Great Britain
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/100
- Description: Taxation statutes often provide opportunities for tax avoidance by taxpayers who exploit the provisions of the taxing statute to reduce the tax that they are legally required to pay. It is, however, important to distinguish between the concepts of tax avoidance and tax evasion. The central issue, especially where the contract has no business purpose, is whether it is possible for the substance and legal form of the transaction to differ to such an extent that a court of law will favour the substance rather than the legal format. The debate is whether the courts should be encouraged to continue with their "judge-made" law or whether the tax jurisdictions should be supporting a legislative route as opposed to a judicial one, in their efforts not only to combat tax avoidance but also to preserve taxpayer certainty. The question is whether the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" as applied by the judiciary is effective in combating tax avoidance, or whether a legislated general anti-avoidance provision is required. An intensive literature survey examines the changes which have occurred in the application of judicial tests from the 1930's to date and investigates the different approaches tax jurisdictions follow in order to combat tax avoidance. The effect of the introduction of anti-avoidance provisions in combating tax avoidance is evaluated by making a comparison between the United Kingdom and South Africa. [n the United Kingdom, the courts are relied on to create anti-tax avoidance rules, one of which is the Doctrine of "Substance over Form". The doctrine is very broad and identifies various applications of the doctrine, which have been developed by the courts. In South Africa, the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" has been applied in certain tax cases; however the South African Income Tax Act does include anti-tax avoidance sections aimed at specific tax avoidance schemes, as well as a general anti-tax avoidance measure enacted as section 103. The judicial tests have progressed and changed over time and the introduction of anti-avoidance legislation in the Income Tax Act has had an effect on tax planning opportunities. A distinction needs to be made between fraudulent and bona fide transactions while recognising the taxpayer's right to arrange his or her affairs in a manner which is beneficial to him or her from a tax perspective. Judicial activism and judicial legislation in the United Kingdom has created much uncertainty amongst taxpayers and as a result strongly supports the retention of a general anti-avoidance section within an Income Tax Act. A general anti-avoidance provision, following a legislative route, appears to be more consistent and effective in combating tax avoidance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Weston, Tracey Lee
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Income tax -- Law and legislation -- Great Britain Tax evasion -- Great Britain Tax evasion -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- South Africa Tax administration and procedure -- Great Britain Tax planning -- South Africa Tax planning -- Great Britain Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Taxation -- Law and legislation -- Great Britain
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/100
- Description: Taxation statutes often provide opportunities for tax avoidance by taxpayers who exploit the provisions of the taxing statute to reduce the tax that they are legally required to pay. It is, however, important to distinguish between the concepts of tax avoidance and tax evasion. The central issue, especially where the contract has no business purpose, is whether it is possible for the substance and legal form of the transaction to differ to such an extent that a court of law will favour the substance rather than the legal format. The debate is whether the courts should be encouraged to continue with their "judge-made" law or whether the tax jurisdictions should be supporting a legislative route as opposed to a judicial one, in their efforts not only to combat tax avoidance but also to preserve taxpayer certainty. The question is whether the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" as applied by the judiciary is effective in combating tax avoidance, or whether a legislated general anti-avoidance provision is required. An intensive literature survey examines the changes which have occurred in the application of judicial tests from the 1930's to date and investigates the different approaches tax jurisdictions follow in order to combat tax avoidance. The effect of the introduction of anti-avoidance provisions in combating tax avoidance is evaluated by making a comparison between the United Kingdom and South Africa. [n the United Kingdom, the courts are relied on to create anti-tax avoidance rules, one of which is the Doctrine of "Substance over Form". The doctrine is very broad and identifies various applications of the doctrine, which have been developed by the courts. In South Africa, the Doctrine of "Substance over Form" has been applied in certain tax cases; however the South African Income Tax Act does include anti-tax avoidance sections aimed at specific tax avoidance schemes, as well as a general anti-tax avoidance measure enacted as section 103. The judicial tests have progressed and changed over time and the introduction of anti-avoidance legislation in the Income Tax Act has had an effect on tax planning opportunities. A distinction needs to be made between fraudulent and bona fide transactions while recognising the taxpayer's right to arrange his or her affairs in a manner which is beneficial to him or her from a tax perspective. Judicial activism and judicial legislation in the United Kingdom has created much uncertainty amongst taxpayers and as a result strongly supports the retention of a general anti-avoidance section within an Income Tax Act. A general anti-avoidance provision, following a legislative route, appears to be more consistent and effective in combating tax avoidance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Integrated anaerobic/aerobic bioprocess environments and the biodegradation of complex hydrocarbon wastes
- Authors: Ehlers, George A C
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hydrocarbons -- Biodegradation Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment Anaerobic bacteria Aerobic bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004071
- Description: An investigation of the biodegradation of complex hydrocarbon wastes, with emphasis on chlorinated aromatic compounds, in an anaerobic/aerobic bioprocess environment was made. A reactor configuration was developed consisting of linked anaerobic and aerobic reactors which served as the model for a proposed bioremediation strategy targeting subterranean soil/sediment/aquifer chlorinated phenol-contaminated environments. Here oxygen is frequently limited and sulphate is readily available, as occurs especially in marine sediment and intertidal habitats. In the anaerobic system the successful transformation and mobilization of the model contaminant, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, was shown to rely on reductive dechlorination by a sulphate-reducing dependent dechlororespiring co-culture. This was followed in the aerobic system by degradation of the pollutant and its metabolites, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol and phenol, by immobilized white-rot fungi.The strategy was initially investigated separately in laboratory bench- and intermediate scale reactors whereafter reactors were linked to simulate the integrated biodegradation strategy. The application of the fungal reactor to treat an actual waste stream by degrading complex mixtures of hydrocarbons in a waste oil recycling effluent was also investigated. The mineralization of phenol and 2,4,6-TCP by immobilized fungal cultures was studied in pinewood chip and foam glass bead-packed trickling reactors. The reactors were operated in sequencing batch format. Removal efficiency increased over time and elevated influent phenol and TCP (800 and 85 mg.L⁻¹) concentrations were degraded by > 98 % in 24 – 30 h batch cycles. Comparable performance between the packing materials was shown. Uptake by the packing was negligible and stripping of compounds induced by aeration had a minimal effect on biodegradation efficiency. Reactor performances are discussed in relation to sequencing batch operation and nutrient requirements necessary to sustain fungal activity in inert vs. organic material packed systems. It was shown that a co-culture consisting of sulphate-reducing and dechlororespiring bacteria established in fed-batch and soil flasks, as well as pine chip-packed fluidized bed reactors. Results showed reductive dechlorination of 2,4,6-TCP to be in strict dependence on the activity of the sulphate-reducing population, sulphate and lactate concentrations. Transformation to 2,4-DCP, 4-CP and phenol was enhanced in sulphate deficient conditions. Dechlororespiring activity was found to be dependent on the fermentative activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria, and the culture was also shown to mobilize and dechlorinate TCP in soils contaminated with the pollutant. Linking the systems achieved degradation of the compound by > 99 % through fungal mineralization of metabolites produced in the dechlororespiring stage of the system. pH correction to the anaerobic reactor was found to be necessary since acidic effluent from the fungal reactor inhibited sulphate reduction and dechlorination. The fungal reactor system was evaluated at intermediate-scale using a complex waste oil recycling effluent. Substantial COD reduction (> 96 % in 48 h batch cycles) and removal of specific effluent hydrocarbon components was shown in diluted, undiluted (COD > 37 g.L⁻¹) and 2,4,6-TCP-spiked effluents. Industrial application of the fungal reactor was evaluated in a 14 m³ pilot plant operated on-site at a waste oil processing plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Ehlers, George A C
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Hydrocarbons -- Biodegradation Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment Anaerobic bacteria Aerobic bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004071
- Description: An investigation of the biodegradation of complex hydrocarbon wastes, with emphasis on chlorinated aromatic compounds, in an anaerobic/aerobic bioprocess environment was made. A reactor configuration was developed consisting of linked anaerobic and aerobic reactors which served as the model for a proposed bioremediation strategy targeting subterranean soil/sediment/aquifer chlorinated phenol-contaminated environments. Here oxygen is frequently limited and sulphate is readily available, as occurs especially in marine sediment and intertidal habitats. In the anaerobic system the successful transformation and mobilization of the model contaminant, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, was shown to rely on reductive dechlorination by a sulphate-reducing dependent dechlororespiring co-culture. This was followed in the aerobic system by degradation of the pollutant and its metabolites, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 4-chlorophenol and phenol, by immobilized white-rot fungi.The strategy was initially investigated separately in laboratory bench- and intermediate scale reactors whereafter reactors were linked to simulate the integrated biodegradation strategy. The application of the fungal reactor to treat an actual waste stream by degrading complex mixtures of hydrocarbons in a waste oil recycling effluent was also investigated. The mineralization of phenol and 2,4,6-TCP by immobilized fungal cultures was studied in pinewood chip and foam glass bead-packed trickling reactors. The reactors were operated in sequencing batch format. Removal efficiency increased over time and elevated influent phenol and TCP (800 and 85 mg.L⁻¹) concentrations were degraded by > 98 % in 24 – 30 h batch cycles. Comparable performance between the packing materials was shown. Uptake by the packing was negligible and stripping of compounds induced by aeration had a minimal effect on biodegradation efficiency. Reactor performances are discussed in relation to sequencing batch operation and nutrient requirements necessary to sustain fungal activity in inert vs. organic material packed systems. It was shown that a co-culture consisting of sulphate-reducing and dechlororespiring bacteria established in fed-batch and soil flasks, as well as pine chip-packed fluidized bed reactors. Results showed reductive dechlorination of 2,4,6-TCP to be in strict dependence on the activity of the sulphate-reducing population, sulphate and lactate concentrations. Transformation to 2,4-DCP, 4-CP and phenol was enhanced in sulphate deficient conditions. Dechlororespiring activity was found to be dependent on the fermentative activity of sulphate-reducing bacteria, and the culture was also shown to mobilize and dechlorinate TCP in soils contaminated with the pollutant. Linking the systems achieved degradation of the compound by > 99 % through fungal mineralization of metabolites produced in the dechlororespiring stage of the system. pH correction to the anaerobic reactor was found to be necessary since acidic effluent from the fungal reactor inhibited sulphate reduction and dechlorination. The fungal reactor system was evaluated at intermediate-scale using a complex waste oil recycling effluent. Substantial COD reduction (> 96 % in 48 h batch cycles) and removal of specific effluent hydrocarbon components was shown in diluted, undiluted (COD > 37 g.L⁻¹) and 2,4,6-TCP-spiked effluents. Industrial application of the fungal reactor was evaluated in a 14 m³ pilot plant operated on-site at a waste oil processing plant.
- 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
Towards the development of species-specific fish production models for small reservoirs in Southern Africa
- Authors: Potts, Warren M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern Fish populations -- Africa, Southern Fisheries -- Africa, Southern Sustainable fisheries -- Africa, Southern Labeo -- Reproduction Cyprinidae -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005176
- Description: The fish populations in small southern African reservoirs are largely unexploited and there is potential for fisheries development. However, the development of sustainable fisheries requires reliable estimates of potential yield or production. Empirical models that have been developed to predict fish production only apply to large water bodies and only predict total fish production, not the production of individual species. Small reservoirs generally have few commercially important species and therefore species-specific fish production models are an alternative approach. The small reservoirs of the Eastern Cape are dominated by the moggel (Labeo umbratus). The principal objectives of this thesis were to gain an understanding of the ecology of small reservoirs and the function of moggel in these systems. This information was used to design a research approach to rapidly develop species-specific models for small reservoirs in southern Africa. The limnology of two small reservoirs was compared. During the study period the reservoirs were turbid and showed a warm, monomictic pattern of thermal stratification. Anthropogenic pressure in the reservoir catchments appeared to be the overriding factor increasing the nutrient input to the reservoirs and consequently, influencing the biomass of algae in the reservoirs. The feeding biology of moggel in Katriver and Laing reservoirs was examined. Moggel are detrivorous and successfully digested diatoms. The slower growth rate of moggel in Katriver reservoir was attributed to the poorer nutritional value of the diet as a consequence of the lower concentration of diatoms in the detrital aggregate. The reproductive characteristics of moggel were examined in four reservoirs. Moggel were able to reproduce successfully in the reservoirs. This could be attributed to their r-selected reproductive strategy, with a high fecundity and an extended spawning season and their ability to spawn in a floodplain environment. Differences in recruitment success between years were found to be a consequence of the timing and duration of seasonal rains. The number of mature females in a population and the availability of suitable spawning habitat influenced recruitment success. The life history of the moggel in five reservoirs was compared. Growth appeared to be related to food availability, while mortality was lower in the populations where food was abundant and there were less predatory species. Size and age at maturity were not affected by environmental factors, but were dependent on growth and mortality. Three contrasting methods were used to estimate moggel gillnet selectivity. The Sechin, direct fyke net method and length-structured model all yielded similar results and correction factors obtained from the selectivity study were applied to the gillnet data to estimate the fish population size and structure in each reservoir. Using information from the life history and selectivity studies, the biomass and production of five moggel populations was estimated and related to abiotic and biotic factors in the reservoirs and their catchments. Moggel biomass and production was dependent on the biomass of algae, which was dependent on morphoedaphic characteristics of the reservoirs. Small, shallow reservoirs with a reasonable amount of human habitation in their catchments would sustain the highest algal biomass and provided they had adequate spawning habitat would also have the highest moggel biomass and production. The future research requirements for small reservoir fisheries are outlined and include a three-year program to develop a species-specific production model for any of the dominant species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Potts, Warren M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern Fish populations -- Africa, Southern Fisheries -- Africa, Southern Sustainable fisheries -- Africa, Southern Labeo -- Reproduction Cyprinidae -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005176
- Description: The fish populations in small southern African reservoirs are largely unexploited and there is potential for fisheries development. However, the development of sustainable fisheries requires reliable estimates of potential yield or production. Empirical models that have been developed to predict fish production only apply to large water bodies and only predict total fish production, not the production of individual species. Small reservoirs generally have few commercially important species and therefore species-specific fish production models are an alternative approach. The small reservoirs of the Eastern Cape are dominated by the moggel (Labeo umbratus). The principal objectives of this thesis were to gain an understanding of the ecology of small reservoirs and the function of moggel in these systems. This information was used to design a research approach to rapidly develop species-specific models for small reservoirs in southern Africa. The limnology of two small reservoirs was compared. During the study period the reservoirs were turbid and showed a warm, monomictic pattern of thermal stratification. Anthropogenic pressure in the reservoir catchments appeared to be the overriding factor increasing the nutrient input to the reservoirs and consequently, influencing the biomass of algae in the reservoirs. The feeding biology of moggel in Katriver and Laing reservoirs was examined. Moggel are detrivorous and successfully digested diatoms. The slower growth rate of moggel in Katriver reservoir was attributed to the poorer nutritional value of the diet as a consequence of the lower concentration of diatoms in the detrital aggregate. The reproductive characteristics of moggel were examined in four reservoirs. Moggel were able to reproduce successfully in the reservoirs. This could be attributed to their r-selected reproductive strategy, with a high fecundity and an extended spawning season and their ability to spawn in a floodplain environment. Differences in recruitment success between years were found to be a consequence of the timing and duration of seasonal rains. The number of mature females in a population and the availability of suitable spawning habitat influenced recruitment success. The life history of the moggel in five reservoirs was compared. Growth appeared to be related to food availability, while mortality was lower in the populations where food was abundant and there were less predatory species. Size and age at maturity were not affected by environmental factors, but were dependent on growth and mortality. Three contrasting methods were used to estimate moggel gillnet selectivity. The Sechin, direct fyke net method and length-structured model all yielded similar results and correction factors obtained from the selectivity study were applied to the gillnet data to estimate the fish population size and structure in each reservoir. Using information from the life history and selectivity studies, the biomass and production of five moggel populations was estimated and related to abiotic and biotic factors in the reservoirs and their catchments. Moggel biomass and production was dependent on the biomass of algae, which was dependent on morphoedaphic characteristics of the reservoirs. Small, shallow reservoirs with a reasonable amount of human habitation in their catchments would sustain the highest algal biomass and provided they had adequate spawning habitat would also have the highest moggel biomass and production. The future research requirements for small reservoir fisheries are outlined and include a three-year program to develop a species-specific production model for any of the dominant species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony 2004
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007261
- Description: Rhodes University Graduation Ceremonies 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 2 April 2004 at 10:30; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 3 April 2004 at 10:30 [and] Friday, 30 July 2004 at 18:00 , RU East London Graduation Ceremony Christian Centre, Wyse Street, East London Friday, 7 May 2004 at 10:30: 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 8 May 2004 at 10:30
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007261
- Description: Rhodes University Graduation Ceremonies 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 2 April 2004 at 10:30; 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 3 April 2004 at 10:30 [and] Friday, 30 July 2004 at 18:00 , RU East London Graduation Ceremony Christian Centre, Wyse Street, East London Friday, 7 May 2004 at 10:30: 14:30 & 18:00 [and] Saturday, 8 May 2004 at 10:30
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The effect of diet type and feeding rate on growth, morphological development and behaviour of larval and juvenile goldfish Carassius auratus (L.)
- Authors: Paulet, Timothy Guy
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005115 , Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Description: Intensive grow-out of goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), larvae and juveniles in closed recirculating systems requires the control of environmental conditions and feeding. This study investigated the effect of different diets, environmental condition and feeding level on growth, development and survival of goldfish larvae and juveniles. Prey preference for Artemia nauplii or decapsulated Artemia cysts as well as agonistic behaviour was recorded. The micrometer device used to measure mouth-gape was shown to produce accurate measurements which could be used to estimate the maximal particle size that can be ingested by goldfish larvae of a particular age. Goldfish completed metamorphosis earlier with an increased feeding level of Artemia cysts and by making the cysts more accessible to the fish using up-welling water movement. Morphometric plasticity in goldfish larvae was exhibited within two weeks of growth and it may be possible to induce changes in morphology by manipulating diet and rearing environment. Fish that fed on moving prey items had a significantly larger mouth-gape than those that browsed cysts from the tank bottom or dry food items. The development of mouth-gape was not affected by the feeding level of cysts. Condition factor increased with an increase in the number of cysts fed per fish per day. Goldfish larvae and juveniles grew faster and had a higher survival when fed on decapsulated Artemia cysts than on instar I Artemia nauplii or a mixed live/dry diet of Artemia nauplii and dry food. Feeding at least 155 cysts per fish per day, in tanks with upwelling water movement, gave the best growth and survival and the smallest size variation. In addition, cysts remained available to the fish for longer periods, and were easier to prepare and feed. Goldfish larvae preferred decapsulated Artemia cysts to nauplii and rejected fewer prey items as they grew older. The frequency of agonistic behaviour increased as fish grew but no cannibalism was recorded for cyst-fed fish. This study showed that decapsulated Artemia cysts are a good alternative to Artemia nauplii as a diet for larval goldfish. Good growth and high survival was achieved for cyst-fed goldfish larvae and juveniles at 23 ± 1.5°C and at an initial stocking density of 12 fish per litre. This research also contributes to an understanding of feeding behaviour and attempts to minimise under- or over-feeding of Artemia cysts in order to reduce grow-out costs due to the high value of the feed type.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Paulet, Timothy Guy
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5271 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005115 , Goldfish -- Growth , Goldfish -- Nutrition , Goldfish -- Development , Goldfish -- Larvae
- Description: Intensive grow-out of goldfish, Carassius auratus (L.), larvae and juveniles in closed recirculating systems requires the control of environmental conditions and feeding. This study investigated the effect of different diets, environmental condition and feeding level on growth, development and survival of goldfish larvae and juveniles. Prey preference for Artemia nauplii or decapsulated Artemia cysts as well as agonistic behaviour was recorded. The micrometer device used to measure mouth-gape was shown to produce accurate measurements which could be used to estimate the maximal particle size that can be ingested by goldfish larvae of a particular age. Goldfish completed metamorphosis earlier with an increased feeding level of Artemia cysts and by making the cysts more accessible to the fish using up-welling water movement. Morphometric plasticity in goldfish larvae was exhibited within two weeks of growth and it may be possible to induce changes in morphology by manipulating diet and rearing environment. Fish that fed on moving prey items had a significantly larger mouth-gape than those that browsed cysts from the tank bottom or dry food items. The development of mouth-gape was not affected by the feeding level of cysts. Condition factor increased with an increase in the number of cysts fed per fish per day. Goldfish larvae and juveniles grew faster and had a higher survival when fed on decapsulated Artemia cysts than on instar I Artemia nauplii or a mixed live/dry diet of Artemia nauplii and dry food. Feeding at least 155 cysts per fish per day, in tanks with upwelling water movement, gave the best growth and survival and the smallest size variation. In addition, cysts remained available to the fish for longer periods, and were easier to prepare and feed. Goldfish larvae preferred decapsulated Artemia cysts to nauplii and rejected fewer prey items as they grew older. The frequency of agonistic behaviour increased as fish grew but no cannibalism was recorded for cyst-fed fish. This study showed that decapsulated Artemia cysts are a good alternative to Artemia nauplii as a diet for larval goldfish. Good growth and high survival was achieved for cyst-fed goldfish larvae and juveniles at 23 ± 1.5°C and at an initial stocking density of 12 fish per litre. This research also contributes to an understanding of feeding behaviour and attempts to minimise under- or over-feeding of Artemia cysts in order to reduce grow-out costs due to the high value of the feed type.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Synthesis and evaluation of PGM-selective ligands
- Gxoyiya, Babalwa Siliziwe Blossom
- Authors: Gxoyiya, Babalwa Siliziwe Blossom
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Platinum group , Ligands , Ligands -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4450 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007849 , Platinum group , Ligands , Ligands -- Evaluation
- Description: A series of polydentate POM-selective, sulfur-containing amide ligands have been synthesized from ro-dibromoalkanes and mercaptoacetanilide, The resulting 3,6- dithiaoctanediamides and 3,7-dithianonanediamides, some of which contain a polymerisable group, were all characterized by high-resolution MS, IR, I Hand I3C NMR spectroscopic methods. Various approaches to the polymerisable ligands were explored, the most efficient proving to be the incorporation of an allyl ether moiety in the mercaptoacetanilide. The corresponding Pd(U) and Pt(II) complexes were also prepared from the metal chloride salts and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The NMR data indicates that both the cis- and transcomplexes were formed, while the IR data indicates cis- coordination of the chlorine . ligands. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP's), prepared using platinum(II) mercaptoacetanilide and 3,6-dithiadiamide complexes, showed high selectivity for , , palladium(II) [in the presence of Pt(II), CoCII), Cu(II) and Ni(II)] as determined by . ICP-MS analysis. The more kinetically inert Pt(II) ions however, slowly displaced Pd(II), confirming the Pt(II) selectivity of the MIP's. Solvent extraction studies were conducted to explore the selectivity of the 3,6- dithiaoctanediamides and 3,7-dithianonanediamides for Pd(U) over CoCII), Cu(U) and Ni(II). The ICP-MS data indicate that, in general, equilibration was achieved within ten minutes and that the longer-chain amides were less selective than the shorter-chain analogues. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gxoyiya, Babalwa Siliziwe Blossom
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Platinum group , Ligands , Ligands -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4450 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007849 , Platinum group , Ligands , Ligands -- Evaluation
- Description: A series of polydentate POM-selective, sulfur-containing amide ligands have been synthesized from ro-dibromoalkanes and mercaptoacetanilide, The resulting 3,6- dithiaoctanediamides and 3,7-dithianonanediamides, some of which contain a polymerisable group, were all characterized by high-resolution MS, IR, I Hand I3C NMR spectroscopic methods. Various approaches to the polymerisable ligands were explored, the most efficient proving to be the incorporation of an allyl ether moiety in the mercaptoacetanilide. The corresponding Pd(U) and Pt(II) complexes were also prepared from the metal chloride salts and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The NMR data indicates that both the cis- and transcomplexes were formed, while the IR data indicates cis- coordination of the chlorine . ligands. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP's), prepared using platinum(II) mercaptoacetanilide and 3,6-dithiadiamide complexes, showed high selectivity for , , palladium(II) [in the presence of Pt(II), CoCII), Cu(II) and Ni(II)] as determined by . ICP-MS analysis. The more kinetically inert Pt(II) ions however, slowly displaced Pd(II), confirming the Pt(II) selectivity of the MIP's. Solvent extraction studies were conducted to explore the selectivity of the 3,6- dithiaoctanediamides and 3,7-dithianonanediamides for Pd(U) over CoCII), Cu(U) and Ni(II). The ICP-MS data indicate that, in general, equilibration was achieved within ten minutes and that the longer-chain amides were less selective than the shorter-chain analogues. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
CREWS : a Component-driven, Run-time Extensible Web Service framework
- Authors: Parry, Dominic Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Component software -- Development , Computer software -- Reusability , Software reengineering , Web services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006501 , Component software -- Development , Computer software -- Reusability , Software reengineering , Web services
- Description: There has been an increased focus in recent years on the development of re-usable software, in the form of objects and software components. This increase, together with pressures from enterprises conducting transactions on the Web to support all business interactions on all scales, has encouraged research towards the development of easily reconfigurable and highly adaptable Web services. This work investigates the ability of Component-Based Software Development (CBSD) to produce such systems, and proposes a more manageable use of CBSD methodologies. Component-Driven Software Development (CDSD) is introduced to enable better component manageability. Current Web service technologies are also examined to determine their ability to support extensible Web services, and a dynamic Web service architecture is proposed. The work also describes the development of two proof-of-concept systems, DREW Chat and Hamilton Bank. DREW Chat and Hamilton Bank are implementations of Web services that support extension dynamically and at run-time. DREW Chat is implemented on the client side, where the user is given the ability to change the client as required. Hamilton Bank is a server-side implementation, which is run-time customisable by both the user and the party offering the service. In each case, a generic architecture is produced to support dynamic Web services. These architectures are combined to produce CREWS, a Component-driven Runtime Extensible Web Service solution that enables Web services to support the ever changing needs of enterprises. A discussion of similar work is presented, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of our architecture when compared to other solutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Parry, Dominic Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Component software -- Development , Computer software -- Reusability , Software reengineering , Web services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006501 , Component software -- Development , Computer software -- Reusability , Software reengineering , Web services
- Description: There has been an increased focus in recent years on the development of re-usable software, in the form of objects and software components. This increase, together with pressures from enterprises conducting transactions on the Web to support all business interactions on all scales, has encouraged research towards the development of easily reconfigurable and highly adaptable Web services. This work investigates the ability of Component-Based Software Development (CBSD) to produce such systems, and proposes a more manageable use of CBSD methodologies. Component-Driven Software Development (CDSD) is introduced to enable better component manageability. Current Web service technologies are also examined to determine their ability to support extensible Web services, and a dynamic Web service architecture is proposed. The work also describes the development of two proof-of-concept systems, DREW Chat and Hamilton Bank. DREW Chat and Hamilton Bank are implementations of Web services that support extension dynamically and at run-time. DREW Chat is implemented on the client side, where the user is given the ability to change the client as required. Hamilton Bank is a server-side implementation, which is run-time customisable by both the user and the party offering the service. In each case, a generic architecture is produced to support dynamic Web services. These architectures are combined to produce CREWS, a Component-driven Runtime Extensible Web Service solution that enables Web services to support the ever changing needs of enterprises. A discussion of similar work is presented, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of our architecture when compared to other solutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The new economic geography of SADC free trade area
- Authors: Hess, Simon Peter
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Free trade -- Africa, Southern Economic geography Industries -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001648
- Description: The current implementation of a free trade area in SADC has given rise to concerns that the present location of industry in the region will be adversely affected. Specifically, many of the smaller and less-developed countries fear that this change will result in a loss of their industry towards the more developed members, and particularly towards South Africa. This study uses the framework of the new economic geography to address these concerns. The new economic geography is a body of theory that has arisen in the last decade and allows for a dynamic analysis of the process of regional integration. Studies of such dynamic effects in the developing country context are exceedingly scarce, and particularly so in southern Africa. Another area of little research is in the comparison of the evolving industrial structure of different regional blocs. Thus, in response to this gap in the literature and in order to address the concerns of polarisation of industry within the SADC region, a two-pronged empirical approach is taken. The study first conducts a review of the spatial distribution of industry within SADC from 1970 to 1999. This is achieved through the calculation and examination of industrial locational Gini coefficients, measuring the relative degree of concentration of 28 ISIC (rev 2) industries for the years 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999. Secondly, an empirical comparison is conducted with other blocs that are in the process of deepening regional integration, namely the European Union and Mercosur. Again, this is done through the calculation of locational Gini coefficients for individual industries for all three blocs at five year intervals from 1980 to 1995, and then for 1999. The average level of concentration within SADC is found to increase steadily from 1970 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, the level of concentration increases further, but at a lower rate, and, by 1999 industry begins to disperse. The Gini coefficient is a relative measure, and thus does not measure the absolute level of concentration. Thus, much of the increase in concentration seen is towards peripheral countries. To further interpret the Gini, the changes in concentration are compared to the absolute changes in manufacturing employment in South Africa. From this analysis, eight of the 28 industries analysed show particular tendencies to concentrate in the periphery. These are beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, paper and products, rubber products, other non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, and professional and scientific equipment. Likewise, another six industries become more concentrated in South Africa over this time, namely food products, printing and publishing, industrial chemicals, petroleum refineries, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and electrical machinery. According to the Gini coefficient, the tobacco industry is by far the most concentrated, while the wood products industry is the most dispersed. It is also found that scale-intensive industries tend to be among the most concentrated. In the cross-bloc comparison, Mercosur has the lowest level of aggregate concentration with an average Gini of 0.08 in 1999. This compares with Ginis of 0.28 for the EU, and 0.22 for SADC. The EU has the largest increase in concentration over the period, while the concentration in Mercosur falls during the 1980s, increases in the mid 1990s and then falls again by 1999. A common theme, however, between all three blocs is a trend towards dispersion in the late 1990s. This is particularly apparent in SADC and Mercosur where the Gini decreases in value, while in the EU, the Gini only increases marginally in this period. Other studies of the EU have indicated that industry was starting to disperse at this time. This finding would be more apparent at a greater level of industrial disaggregation. The following industries are found to be agglomerated above the average level in all three blocs: tobacco, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and pottery china and earthenware. Conversely, transport equipment, paper and products, machinery except electrical, plastic products, rubber products, and fabricated metal products tend to be more dispersed across all three. Perhaps more interesting is that there appears to be some commonality between industries that become more agglomerated across all three blocs, while industries that dispersed tend to be region specific. The industries that show universal agglomeration tendencies are the highly sensitive wearing apparel and textiles industries, in addition to industrial chemicals, printing and publishing, iron and steel, and plastic products. In relation to SADC, the first two of these industries show an increased concentration in the periphery, as in the EU, while the remaining industries show tendencies to concentrate in the core. The new economic geography predicts that, as the presently high levels of transport costs begin to fall in SADC, industry will tend to concentrate in the core. However, the results of this study indicate that the effect on manufacturing is, to a large extent, sector specific, with some manufacturing industries concentrating in the core and others in the periphery. The study therefore concludes that the mass polarization of industry from the smaller countries in SADC towards South Africa is unlikely to occur with the further reduction in trade costs. Although certain industries may be attracted towards the core, the high degree of wage disparity in the region and present trade concessions from developed markets overseas towards the peripheral countries, will make these countries an attractive location, particularly for export orientated firms. Two main policy recommendations result from the study. Firstly, individual countries in SADC need to promote those industries that show concentration tendencies in their country. Secondly, in order for the periphery to maximize their gain from the free trade area, transport costs within the region need to be reduced rapidly and effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Hess, Simon Peter
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community Free trade -- Africa, Southern Economic geography Industries -- Africa, Southern
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001648
- Description: The current implementation of a free trade area in SADC has given rise to concerns that the present location of industry in the region will be adversely affected. Specifically, many of the smaller and less-developed countries fear that this change will result in a loss of their industry towards the more developed members, and particularly towards South Africa. This study uses the framework of the new economic geography to address these concerns. The new economic geography is a body of theory that has arisen in the last decade and allows for a dynamic analysis of the process of regional integration. Studies of such dynamic effects in the developing country context are exceedingly scarce, and particularly so in southern Africa. Another area of little research is in the comparison of the evolving industrial structure of different regional blocs. Thus, in response to this gap in the literature and in order to address the concerns of polarisation of industry within the SADC region, a two-pronged empirical approach is taken. The study first conducts a review of the spatial distribution of industry within SADC from 1970 to 1999. This is achieved through the calculation and examination of industrial locational Gini coefficients, measuring the relative degree of concentration of 28 ISIC (rev 2) industries for the years 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995 and 1999. Secondly, an empirical comparison is conducted with other blocs that are in the process of deepening regional integration, namely the European Union and Mercosur. Again, this is done through the calculation of locational Gini coefficients for individual industries for all three blocs at five year intervals from 1980 to 1995, and then for 1999. The average level of concentration within SADC is found to increase steadily from 1970 to 1990. Between 1990 and 1995, the level of concentration increases further, but at a lower rate, and, by 1999 industry begins to disperse. The Gini coefficient is a relative measure, and thus does not measure the absolute level of concentration. Thus, much of the increase in concentration seen is towards peripheral countries. To further interpret the Gini, the changes in concentration are compared to the absolute changes in manufacturing employment in South Africa. From this analysis, eight of the 28 industries analysed show particular tendencies to concentrate in the periphery. These are beverages, textiles, wearing apparel, paper and products, rubber products, other non-metallic mineral products, transport equipment, and professional and scientific equipment. Likewise, another six industries become more concentrated in South Africa over this time, namely food products, printing and publishing, industrial chemicals, petroleum refineries, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and electrical machinery. According to the Gini coefficient, the tobacco industry is by far the most concentrated, while the wood products industry is the most dispersed. It is also found that scale-intensive industries tend to be among the most concentrated. In the cross-bloc comparison, Mercosur has the lowest level of aggregate concentration with an average Gini of 0.08 in 1999. This compares with Ginis of 0.28 for the EU, and 0.22 for SADC. The EU has the largest increase in concentration over the period, while the concentration in Mercosur falls during the 1980s, increases in the mid 1990s and then falls again by 1999. A common theme, however, between all three blocs is a trend towards dispersion in the late 1990s. This is particularly apparent in SADC and Mercosur where the Gini decreases in value, while in the EU, the Gini only increases marginally in this period. Other studies of the EU have indicated that industry was starting to disperse at this time. This finding would be more apparent at a greater level of industrial disaggregation. The following industries are found to be agglomerated above the average level in all three blocs: tobacco, miscellaneous petroleum and coal products, and pottery china and earthenware. Conversely, transport equipment, paper and products, machinery except electrical, plastic products, rubber products, and fabricated metal products tend to be more dispersed across all three. Perhaps more interesting is that there appears to be some commonality between industries that become more agglomerated across all three blocs, while industries that dispersed tend to be region specific. The industries that show universal agglomeration tendencies are the highly sensitive wearing apparel and textiles industries, in addition to industrial chemicals, printing and publishing, iron and steel, and plastic products. In relation to SADC, the first two of these industries show an increased concentration in the periphery, as in the EU, while the remaining industries show tendencies to concentrate in the core. The new economic geography predicts that, as the presently high levels of transport costs begin to fall in SADC, industry will tend to concentrate in the core. However, the results of this study indicate that the effect on manufacturing is, to a large extent, sector specific, with some manufacturing industries concentrating in the core and others in the periphery. The study therefore concludes that the mass polarization of industry from the smaller countries in SADC towards South Africa is unlikely to occur with the further reduction in trade costs. Although certain industries may be attracted towards the core, the high degree of wage disparity in the region and present trade concessions from developed markets overseas towards the peripheral countries, will make these countries an attractive location, particularly for export orientated firms. Two main policy recommendations result from the study. Firstly, individual countries in SADC need to promote those industries that show concentration tendencies in their country. Secondly, in order for the periphery to maximize their gain from the free trade area, transport costs within the region need to be reduced rapidly and effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The feeding biology and potential impact of introduced giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Parker, Daniel Matthew
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Giraffe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal-plant relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Giraffe -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5694 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005380
- Description: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) are extralimital (non-native) to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa yet they have and continue to be introduced to the region. Financial gain has arguably been the driving force behind these introductions as foreign tourists associate giraffe with Africa and the African wildlife experience. This raises a number of ethical, ecological and philosophical questions especially when it is considered that the impact of these browsers on the indigenous vegetation has remained largely unquantified. In this study I assessed the diet and potential impact of three populations of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province between January 2002 and October 2003. The diet was assessed by both direct observations and faecal analysis. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the results of the two methods of analysis, although direct observations appeared to be a superior method for assessing the diet of giraffe. The diet of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province was similar to that within their native range with a deciduous species from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo) being the most important component of the diet. However, giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province consumed more evergreen plant species than those within their native range. The relative lack of deciduous species in the Eastern Cape Province provides a likely explanation for such a result. Seasonal variation in the consumption of the most important species in the diet was evident and this was attributed to the deciduous nature of A. karroo and the seasonal growth of new shoots which were more palatable. The vegetation of the areas most commonly utilised by giraffe at each site was sampled using the point-centred-quarter method and the results related to the frequency of each species in the diet to calculate preference indices. Giraffe preference was strongest for A. karroo and this was attributed to the highly favourable chemical composition of the species. The browse utilisation of giraffe at each site was determined using the twig-length method and intake rates for the three most important species in the diet calculated using a pre-existing regression equation. Male giraffe fed at a higher rate than females. This was probably due to males adopting a “time-minimising” strategy to their feeding in order to allow more time for reproductive pursuits. Giraffe browse utilisation was highest where giraffe density was highest. However, several species were more heavily browsed than others even when giraffe density was low, suggesting that giraffe are capable of negatively affecting the indigenous flora of the province. I conclude that giraffe numbers should be reduced relative to property size in the Eastern Cape Province and that research into the impact of not only giraffe but the combined effects of giraffe and other extralimital herbivores on the indigenous flora and fauna be continued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Parker, Daniel Matthew
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Giraffe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Animal-plant relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Giraffe -- Food -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5694 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005380
- Description: Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) are extralimital (non-native) to the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa yet they have and continue to be introduced to the region. Financial gain has arguably been the driving force behind these introductions as foreign tourists associate giraffe with Africa and the African wildlife experience. This raises a number of ethical, ecological and philosophical questions especially when it is considered that the impact of these browsers on the indigenous vegetation has remained largely unquantified. In this study I assessed the diet and potential impact of three populations of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province between January 2002 and October 2003. The diet was assessed by both direct observations and faecal analysis. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the results of the two methods of analysis, although direct observations appeared to be a superior method for assessing the diet of giraffe. The diet of giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province was similar to that within their native range with a deciduous species from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo) being the most important component of the diet. However, giraffe in the Eastern Cape Province consumed more evergreen plant species than those within their native range. The relative lack of deciduous species in the Eastern Cape Province provides a likely explanation for such a result. Seasonal variation in the consumption of the most important species in the diet was evident and this was attributed to the deciduous nature of A. karroo and the seasonal growth of new shoots which were more palatable. The vegetation of the areas most commonly utilised by giraffe at each site was sampled using the point-centred-quarter method and the results related to the frequency of each species in the diet to calculate preference indices. Giraffe preference was strongest for A. karroo and this was attributed to the highly favourable chemical composition of the species. The browse utilisation of giraffe at each site was determined using the twig-length method and intake rates for the three most important species in the diet calculated using a pre-existing regression equation. Male giraffe fed at a higher rate than females. This was probably due to males adopting a “time-minimising” strategy to their feeding in order to allow more time for reproductive pursuits. Giraffe browse utilisation was highest where giraffe density was highest. However, several species were more heavily browsed than others even when giraffe density was low, suggesting that giraffe are capable of negatively affecting the indigenous flora of the province. I conclude that giraffe numbers should be reduced relative to property size in the Eastern Cape Province and that research into the impact of not only giraffe but the combined effects of giraffe and other extralimital herbivores on the indigenous flora and fauna be continued.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Attitudes of isiXhosa-speaking students at the University of Fort Hare towards the use of isiXhosa as a language of learning and teaching (LOLT)
- Authors: Dalvit, Lorenzo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Native language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual , Language and education -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , University of Fort Hare -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002625 , Native language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual , Language and education -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , University of Fort Hare -- Students -- Attitudes
- Description: The present work presents and discusses the results of a survey of a sample of isiXhosa-speaking students at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus) and their attitudes towards the possible introduction of isiXhosa as a medium of instruction at this institution. More specifically, the research focuses on, among other things, the students’ attitudes towards English and isiXhosa and their opinions and beliefs about the introduction of dual-mediumship and its possible consequences. The survey methods used are a questionnaire survey as well as follow-up interviews, supplemented by on-campus observation. The results are first analysed as a whole, and then split into different categories according to a set of background variables (gender, year of study, subject studied etc). This analysis indicates that, while English is recognised as the dominant language in South Africa and, more specifically, in the domain of education, some categories of respondents acknowledge the usefulness of isiXhosa as an additional medium of instruction. This survey clearly shows that it makes little sense to present isiXhosa-speaking students with a rigid choice between the existing English-medium and a dual-medium (English and isiXhosa) policy. If dual-mediumship is ever to be implemented, respondents seem to consider the use of isiXhosa as a medium of instruction more appropriate in the first years of study, for selected subjects and in some domains within the academic context rather than others. This study is part of a growing set of surveys on the attitudes of university students towards the use of African languages in education, and can be fruitfully compared with similar research at other institutions. Moreover, the results of the present research can be used to inform future decisions regarding language policy at the University of Fort Hare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Dalvit, Lorenzo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Native language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual , Language and education -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , University of Fort Hare -- Students -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002625 , Native language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , English language -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Education, Bilingual , Language and education -- South Africa , Language policy -- South Africa , University of Fort Hare -- Students -- Attitudes
- Description: The present work presents and discusses the results of a survey of a sample of isiXhosa-speaking students at the University of Fort Hare (Alice campus) and their attitudes towards the possible introduction of isiXhosa as a medium of instruction at this institution. More specifically, the research focuses on, among other things, the students’ attitudes towards English and isiXhosa and their opinions and beliefs about the introduction of dual-mediumship and its possible consequences. The survey methods used are a questionnaire survey as well as follow-up interviews, supplemented by on-campus observation. The results are first analysed as a whole, and then split into different categories according to a set of background variables (gender, year of study, subject studied etc). This analysis indicates that, while English is recognised as the dominant language in South Africa and, more specifically, in the domain of education, some categories of respondents acknowledge the usefulness of isiXhosa as an additional medium of instruction. This survey clearly shows that it makes little sense to present isiXhosa-speaking students with a rigid choice between the existing English-medium and a dual-medium (English and isiXhosa) policy. If dual-mediumship is ever to be implemented, respondents seem to consider the use of isiXhosa as a medium of instruction more appropriate in the first years of study, for selected subjects and in some domains within the academic context rather than others. This study is part of a growing set of surveys on the attitudes of university students towards the use of African languages in education, and can be fruitfully compared with similar research at other institutions. Moreover, the results of the present research can be used to inform future decisions regarding language policy at the University of Fort Hare.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An evaluation of the MMPI-2 using South African pre-trial forensic patients prediction of criminal responsibility and assessment of personality characteristics
- Authors: Du Toit, Emile
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory , Forensic psychiatry -- South Africa , Criminal investigation -- South Africa , Medical jurisprudence -- South Africa , Evidence, Criminal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002476 , Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory , Forensic psychiatry -- South Africa , Criminal investigation -- South Africa , Medical jurisprudence -- South Africa , Evidence, Criminal -- South Africa
- Description: This study examines the utility of the MMPI-2 in predicting responsibility in pre-trial forensic patients, using a post hoc sample of 94 offenders from Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in Gauteng. Firstly, the overall characteristics of the pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, following an analysis of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 pre-trial data, as well as an overview of the Megargee typological classification of offenders. The sample is classified into Criminally Responsible (CR), Diminished Criminal Responsibility (DCR) and Not Criminally Responsible (NCR), and the CR and DCR groups are collapsed (CR/DCR) for many of the analyses when comparing them to the NCR group. Secondly, the variance of variables with responsibility is discussed, after examining one-way ANOVA’s of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 variables, as well as an overview of high point pairs. Thirdly, discriminant analyses were conducted of demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables. When comparing the collapsed CR/DCR group to the NCR group, psychiatric diagnosis, presence of psychosis, the MMPI-2 Pa and Es scales, as well as race and substance abuse each had unique predictive power and created a substantial discriminative equation (F (6,70) = 45.732, p <0.0005) with a successful prediction rate of 96%. Using only MMPI-2 variables to predict responsibility showed significant unique contributions for the Pa, Es, MAC-R and Mf scales, with the BIZ scale not quite significant, and a fairly significant overall discriminant equation (F (5,73) = 6.474, p < 0.0005), with an overall successful prediction rate of 82%, with the MMPI-2 variables adding an additional 3% to the predictive power of the demographic and clinical variables. Similarly, when examining the more complex 3 group responsibility classification of CR, DCR and NCR, it was found that the demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables of psychiatric diagnosis, psychosis, race, substance abuse, and the Pa, Es and Ma scales all had significant contributions to a powerful discriminant analysis (F (14, 136) = 19.758, p < 0.0005) that was capable of correctly reclassifying almost 95% of the sample, and the MMPI-2 variables providing an increase in predictive power of 8%. Differences in responsible and not responsible pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, as well as the role of the MMPI-2 in assessing these differences, and the fact that it is highly likely that it adds more to the forensic assessment of responsibility than a 3% (CR/DCR versus NCR) or 8% (CR versus DCR versus NCR) increase in predictive power. Limitations of the study are discussed, together with recommendations for future research with the MMPI-2 for assessment of criminal responsibility. The suggestion is made that the MMPI-2 can become a valuable tool in South African forensic settings, not only in the assessment of responsibility and malingering, but also in the placement, management, follow-up and treatment of offenders, to maximize the limited resources in South Africa allocated for the rehabilitation of offenders, and minimize the risk of recidivism or rehospitalization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Du Toit, Emile
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory , Forensic psychiatry -- South Africa , Criminal investigation -- South Africa , Medical jurisprudence -- South Africa , Evidence, Criminal -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002476 , Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory , Forensic psychiatry -- South Africa , Criminal investigation -- South Africa , Medical jurisprudence -- South Africa , Evidence, Criminal -- South Africa
- Description: This study examines the utility of the MMPI-2 in predicting responsibility in pre-trial forensic patients, using a post hoc sample of 94 offenders from Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in Gauteng. Firstly, the overall characteristics of the pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, following an analysis of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 pre-trial data, as well as an overview of the Megargee typological classification of offenders. The sample is classified into Criminally Responsible (CR), Diminished Criminal Responsibility (DCR) and Not Criminally Responsible (NCR), and the CR and DCR groups are collapsed (CR/DCR) for many of the analyses when comparing them to the NCR group. Secondly, the variance of variables with responsibility is discussed, after examining one-way ANOVA’s of demographic, clinical, criminal and MMPI-2 variables, as well as an overview of high point pairs. Thirdly, discriminant analyses were conducted of demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables. When comparing the collapsed CR/DCR group to the NCR group, psychiatric diagnosis, presence of psychosis, the MMPI-2 Pa and Es scales, as well as race and substance abuse each had unique predictive power and created a substantial discriminative equation (F (6,70) = 45.732, p <0.0005) with a successful prediction rate of 96%. Using only MMPI-2 variables to predict responsibility showed significant unique contributions for the Pa, Es, MAC-R and Mf scales, with the BIZ scale not quite significant, and a fairly significant overall discriminant equation (F (5,73) = 6.474, p < 0.0005), with an overall successful prediction rate of 82%, with the MMPI-2 variables adding an additional 3% to the predictive power of the demographic and clinical variables. Similarly, when examining the more complex 3 group responsibility classification of CR, DCR and NCR, it was found that the demographic, clinical and MMPI-2 variables of psychiatric diagnosis, psychosis, race, substance abuse, and the Pa, Es and Ma scales all had significant contributions to a powerful discriminant analysis (F (14, 136) = 19.758, p < 0.0005) that was capable of correctly reclassifying almost 95% of the sample, and the MMPI-2 variables providing an increase in predictive power of 8%. Differences in responsible and not responsible pre-trial forensic patients are discussed, as well as the role of the MMPI-2 in assessing these differences, and the fact that it is highly likely that it adds more to the forensic assessment of responsibility than a 3% (CR/DCR versus NCR) or 8% (CR versus DCR versus NCR) increase in predictive power. Limitations of the study are discussed, together with recommendations for future research with the MMPI-2 for assessment of criminal responsibility. The suggestion is made that the MMPI-2 can become a valuable tool in South African forensic settings, not only in the assessment of responsibility and malingering, but also in the placement, management, follow-up and treatment of offenders, to maximize the limited resources in South Africa allocated for the rehabilitation of offenders, and minimize the risk of recidivism or rehospitalization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Employees' experience of job satisfaction within a successful organisation
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Milne, Claire
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Employee motivation Job satisfaction Employees -- Rating of Performance standards Management -- Employee participation Organizational effectiveness Organizational behavior Employees -- Psychology Wages -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007639
- Description: In the present organisational climate characterised by intense competition, the success of an organisation is increasingly dependent on its employees' expertise and knowledge (Carrel, Elbert, Hatfield, Grobler, Marx & Van der Schyf, 1997). Employees need to be motivated to contribute to the organisation's goals, for their knowledge and expertise to benefit an organisation (Lawler III, 1994). Organisations need to foster a situation in which employees have a positive attitude towards work and are able to benefit personally through directing their effort towards organisational goals. (Robbins, 2000) This study focuses on an organisation that has managed to link job satisfaction with organisational gain, and explores the link between these two subjects. A case study of a South African mining operation is reported on, and examined in-depth. The mine, a successful operation in terms of productivity, is recognised by its holding company as exemplary and is competing with the best base metal producers in the world. The research was conducted in two stages. The first stage consisted of 20 semi-structured individual interviews. Ten employees were selected from both the lower employee-levels and the higher employee-levels. The individual interviews focused on the experience of working at the mine with particular reference to interpersonal dynamics, job satisfaction, leadership style, and reward systems. During the second stage of the research, focus groups were conducted with two groups of seven employees each, one group from the lower-levels and one from the higher-levels. The focus groups aimed at obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues that emerged from the individual interviews. Grounded theory analysis was used during both the first, and second phase of the study. The results indicated that the mine's employees experience a high level fulfilment of higher-order needs, and that this experience is a reaction to the mine's performance enhancing culture. It is further shown that the same factors that create job satisfaction, when applied in excess, or in certain circumstances may lead to dissatisfaction within the same context.
- Full Text: