The taxonomy, life-history and population dynamics of blacktail, Diplodus Capensis (Perciformes: Sparidae), in southern Angola
- Authors: Richardson, Timothy John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005170 , Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Description: The blacktail, Diplodus capensis, is an inshore sparid fish distributed from Mozambique to Angola. This species forms an important component of coastal fisheries within its distribution, one being the subsistence handline fishery in southern Angola. With this fishery being critically important to the livelihoods of local communities, a biological study and stock assessment was conducted to provide information for the management of this species in southern Angola. However, with molecular evidence suggesting that the Benguela current may have separated the southern African populations of many inshore fish species over two million years ago, a morphological, taxonomic analysis was considered necessary to first investigate whether there was evidence for allopatry in this species. A total of 46 morphometric measurements and 18 counts were carried out on specimens collected from various locations in southern Angola and South Africa. Results were analysed using multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and the significance of clusters was tested using analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). Biological samples of D. capensis were collected monthly from an unexploited area from April 2008 to March 2009. Additional biological samples were collected from the subsistence fishers in an exploited area during May, June and December 2009. Standard biological laboratory techniques were employed for the lifehistory comparison between the exploited and unexploited area. A per-recruit analysis was conducted using the life-history parameters from both areas in order to assess the current status of the subsistence fishery and to investigate the potential short-falls of the per-recruit assessment approach. The morphometric comparison showed that there was not sufficient evidence for speciation between the southern Angolan and South African populations of D. capensis. There was, however, sufficient morphological evidence to suggest that these populations are separate stocks. This indicated that the existing reference points on which the management of the South African population is based are unsuitable for the Angolan population. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola is omnivorous, feeding predominantly on algae, barnacles and mussels. An ontogenetic shift from algae to barnacles and mussels was correlated with allometric growth patterns in their feeding apparatus. This species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite in southern Angola with peak spawning in June and July. The overall sex ratio (M: F) was 1: 4.7 in the unexploited area and 50% maturity was attained at 149.5mm FL and five years. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola exhibits very slow growth with the maximum age observed being 31 years (validated using mark recapture of chemically injected fish). Females [L(t) = 419.5(1-e⁻°·°⁴⁵⁽t⁻³·⁴ ⁾)] grew significantly faster (LRT, p < 0.05) than males [L(t) = 297.4(1-e⁻°·°⁷⁷⁽t⁻²·⁷⁾)], and females dominated the larger size classes and older age classes. In the exploited area, the length and age frequencies were severely truncated, the maximum observed age was greatly reduced (17 years) and the sex ratio was less female biased at 1: 2.2. Although there was no evidence for a physiological response to exploitation through alterations in growth or size/age at sexual maturity between the two areas, there was an increase in the proportion of small females in the exploited area, which may have been a compensatory response for the loss of large females. A combination of an underestimate of longevity, different estimates of the Von Bertalanffy growth parameters and overestimates of the natural mortality rate in the exploited population resulted in a 92% underestimate of the pristine spawner biomass-per-recruit (SBR) value. An assessment based on the actual pristine SBR estimate from the unexploited area revealed that the subsistence fishery had actually reduced D. capensis to 20% of its pristine SBR levels and highlighted the value of pre-exploitation life-history information for the application of per-recruit models. This study has shown that D. capensis in southern Angola displays life-history characteristics that render it susceptible to overexploitation, even at low levels of fishing pressure. The current lack of infrastructure and enforcement capacity in the fisheries department of Angola renders traditional linefish regulatory tools, such as size limits, bag limits and closed seasons, inappropriate. Therefore, suitably designed marine protected areas are recommended as the best management option for this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Richardson, Timothy John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5324 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005170 , Diplodus -- Angola , Perciformes -- Angola , Sparidae -- Angola , Fish populations -- Angola , Fishes -- Classification -- Angola , Fisheries -- Angola
- Description: The blacktail, Diplodus capensis, is an inshore sparid fish distributed from Mozambique to Angola. This species forms an important component of coastal fisheries within its distribution, one being the subsistence handline fishery in southern Angola. With this fishery being critically important to the livelihoods of local communities, a biological study and stock assessment was conducted to provide information for the management of this species in southern Angola. However, with molecular evidence suggesting that the Benguela current may have separated the southern African populations of many inshore fish species over two million years ago, a morphological, taxonomic analysis was considered necessary to first investigate whether there was evidence for allopatry in this species. A total of 46 morphometric measurements and 18 counts were carried out on specimens collected from various locations in southern Angola and South Africa. Results were analysed using multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and the significance of clusters was tested using analysis of similarities (ANOSIM). Biological samples of D. capensis were collected monthly from an unexploited area from April 2008 to March 2009. Additional biological samples were collected from the subsistence fishers in an exploited area during May, June and December 2009. Standard biological laboratory techniques were employed for the lifehistory comparison between the exploited and unexploited area. A per-recruit analysis was conducted using the life-history parameters from both areas in order to assess the current status of the subsistence fishery and to investigate the potential short-falls of the per-recruit assessment approach. The morphometric comparison showed that there was not sufficient evidence for speciation between the southern Angolan and South African populations of D. capensis. There was, however, sufficient morphological evidence to suggest that these populations are separate stocks. This indicated that the existing reference points on which the management of the South African population is based are unsuitable for the Angolan population. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola is omnivorous, feeding predominantly on algae, barnacles and mussels. An ontogenetic shift from algae to barnacles and mussels was correlated with allometric growth patterns in their feeding apparatus. This species is a rudimentary hermaphrodite in southern Angola with peak spawning in June and July. The overall sex ratio (M: F) was 1: 4.7 in the unexploited area and 50% maturity was attained at 149.5mm FL and five years. Diplodus capensis in southern Angola exhibits very slow growth with the maximum age observed being 31 years (validated using mark recapture of chemically injected fish). Females [L(t) = 419.5(1-e⁻°·°⁴⁵⁽t⁻³·⁴ ⁾)] grew significantly faster (LRT, p < 0.05) than males [L(t) = 297.4(1-e⁻°·°⁷⁷⁽t⁻²·⁷⁾)], and females dominated the larger size classes and older age classes. In the exploited area, the length and age frequencies were severely truncated, the maximum observed age was greatly reduced (17 years) and the sex ratio was less female biased at 1: 2.2. Although there was no evidence for a physiological response to exploitation through alterations in growth or size/age at sexual maturity between the two areas, there was an increase in the proportion of small females in the exploited area, which may have been a compensatory response for the loss of large females. A combination of an underestimate of longevity, different estimates of the Von Bertalanffy growth parameters and overestimates of the natural mortality rate in the exploited population resulted in a 92% underestimate of the pristine spawner biomass-per-recruit (SBR) value. An assessment based on the actual pristine SBR estimate from the unexploited area revealed that the subsistence fishery had actually reduced D. capensis to 20% of its pristine SBR levels and highlighted the value of pre-exploitation life-history information for the application of per-recruit models. This study has shown that D. capensis in southern Angola displays life-history characteristics that render it susceptible to overexploitation, even at low levels of fishing pressure. The current lack of infrastructure and enforcement capacity in the fisheries department of Angola renders traditional linefish regulatory tools, such as size limits, bag limits and closed seasons, inappropriate. Therefore, suitably designed marine protected areas are recommended as the best management option for this species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The ultrastructure and histology of the defensive epidermal glands of some marine pulmonates
- Authors: Pinchuck, Shirley Clare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005481 , Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Description: Histology and electron microscopy were used to describe and compare the structure of the dorso-lateral pedal defensive glands of three species of marine Basommatophora, Siphonaria capensis, S. serrata and S. gigas. All three species possessed multi-cellular glands that were larger and most abundant in S. capensis. In S. capensis and S. serrata, defensive glands were composed of two types (type I and II) of large secretory cells filled with product and some irregularly shaped support cells that surrounded a central lumen. The product of both cell types was produced by organelles confined to the bases of the cells. The entire gland was surrounded by a well developed layer of smooth muscle and collagen. Type I cells stained positively for neutral and sulphated mucins, and at the transmission electron microscope level the product had a reticulated appearance. By contrast type II gland cells stained very positively for acidic mucins and the secretory product was formed as large granular vesicles. The product from both types of cell, which appeared to be secreted by holocrine secretion, mixed in the lumen of the duct. Individuals of Siphonaria gigas had two types of lateral pedal glands, a large multi-cellular type and a tubular unicellular gland. The multi-cellular glands, which were surrounded by poorly developed muscle, contained one type of gland cell that stained for neutral and sulphated mucins only, as well as some support cells. The tubular glands contained a heterogeneous product that stained very positively for neutral and sulphated mucins. In addition two species of shell-less marine Systellommatophorans, Onchidella capensis and O. hildae, were examined. Onchidellids also posses large marginal, multi-cellular, epidermal glands that produce a repugnatorial secretion. Like the multi-cellular epidermal glands of siphonariids, those of onchidellids are surrounded by layers of smooth muscle. The muscular capsule was particularly well developed in both species of onchidellid, but more so in O. hildae. In addition, this study has shown that unlike siphonariids, muscle fibres run between the gland cells of O. capensis and O. hildae. Unlike siphonariids, onchidellids have a layer of epithelial cells lining the lumen of the gland. The well developed muscle layer and the strands of muscle running between the different gland cells indicates that the glands can be constricted to forcibly propel their secretions along the length of the duct and away from the body of the animal. Based on their product, glands of O. capensis were comprised of five different types of secretory cell and O. hildae only four. Histological and histochemical staining of the glands of showed that the secretory product is largely made up of acidic mucopolysaccharides and neutral and sulphated mucins. A single species from the order Eupulmonata, Trimusculus costatus, was examined and the glands were very different to the species from the siphonariids and onchidellids. Trimusculus costatus does not have large multi-cellular glands encapsulated in a well developed muscle layer, but based on their cell contents, three different types of large unicellular gland cell can be recognised. The glands of T. costatus gave positive results for acid, neutral and sulphated mucins, but negative results for carboxylated mucin. It is possible that the mucous secreted by T. costatus is also an anti-bacterial agent and whilst not totally eliminating bacteria may prevent the accumulation of epibionts on these sedentary limpets. The acidic or sulphated nature of the secretions may help in this role. The defensive mucous secretions of Siphonaria and Onchidella contain polypropionate derivatives, whilst the active ingredients of Trimusculus mucus have been identified as labdane diterpenes, similar to those produced by opisthobranchs. The structure of the glands thought to produce these repungnatorial secretions is very different, with the glands of T. costatus resembling those of the opisthobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Pinchuck, Shirley Clare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005481 , Snails -- Histology , Snails -- Physiology , Snails -- Cytology
- Description: Histology and electron microscopy were used to describe and compare the structure of the dorso-lateral pedal defensive glands of three species of marine Basommatophora, Siphonaria capensis, S. serrata and S. gigas. All three species possessed multi-cellular glands that were larger and most abundant in S. capensis. In S. capensis and S. serrata, defensive glands were composed of two types (type I and II) of large secretory cells filled with product and some irregularly shaped support cells that surrounded a central lumen. The product of both cell types was produced by organelles confined to the bases of the cells. The entire gland was surrounded by a well developed layer of smooth muscle and collagen. Type I cells stained positively for neutral and sulphated mucins, and at the transmission electron microscope level the product had a reticulated appearance. By contrast type II gland cells stained very positively for acidic mucins and the secretory product was formed as large granular vesicles. The product from both types of cell, which appeared to be secreted by holocrine secretion, mixed in the lumen of the duct. Individuals of Siphonaria gigas had two types of lateral pedal glands, a large multi-cellular type and a tubular unicellular gland. The multi-cellular glands, which were surrounded by poorly developed muscle, contained one type of gland cell that stained for neutral and sulphated mucins only, as well as some support cells. The tubular glands contained a heterogeneous product that stained very positively for neutral and sulphated mucins. In addition two species of shell-less marine Systellommatophorans, Onchidella capensis and O. hildae, were examined. Onchidellids also posses large marginal, multi-cellular, epidermal glands that produce a repugnatorial secretion. Like the multi-cellular epidermal glands of siphonariids, those of onchidellids are surrounded by layers of smooth muscle. The muscular capsule was particularly well developed in both species of onchidellid, but more so in O. hildae. In addition, this study has shown that unlike siphonariids, muscle fibres run between the gland cells of O. capensis and O. hildae. Unlike siphonariids, onchidellids have a layer of epithelial cells lining the lumen of the gland. The well developed muscle layer and the strands of muscle running between the different gland cells indicates that the glands can be constricted to forcibly propel their secretions along the length of the duct and away from the body of the animal. Based on their product, glands of O. capensis were comprised of five different types of secretory cell and O. hildae only four. Histological and histochemical staining of the glands of showed that the secretory product is largely made up of acidic mucopolysaccharides and neutral and sulphated mucins. A single species from the order Eupulmonata, Trimusculus costatus, was examined and the glands were very different to the species from the siphonariids and onchidellids. Trimusculus costatus does not have large multi-cellular glands encapsulated in a well developed muscle layer, but based on their cell contents, three different types of large unicellular gland cell can be recognised. The glands of T. costatus gave positive results for acid, neutral and sulphated mucins, but negative results for carboxylated mucin. It is possible that the mucous secreted by T. costatus is also an anti-bacterial agent and whilst not totally eliminating bacteria may prevent the accumulation of epibionts on these sedentary limpets. The acidic or sulphated nature of the secretions may help in this role. The defensive mucous secretions of Siphonaria and Onchidella contain polypropionate derivatives, whilst the active ingredients of Trimusculus mucus have been identified as labdane diterpenes, similar to those produced by opisthobranchs. The structure of the glands thought to produce these repungnatorial secretions is very different, with the glands of T. costatus resembling those of the opisthobranchs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The use and appreciation of botanical gardens as urban green spaces in South Africa
- Ward, Catherine D, Parker, Caitlin M, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Parker, Caitlin M , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181146 , vital:43702 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2009.11.001"
- Description: There are few formal studies on the contribution of botanical gardens as urban green spaces, particularly within developing countries. Therefore, this paper reports on an assessment of the use and appreciation of botanical gardens as urban green spaces in South Africa. Users and staff were surveyed in six national botanical gardens. The gardens provided numerous benefits in terms of conservation, education and recreation. However, the people using the gardens were not demographically representative of the general population of the surrounding city or town. Generally, most of the visitors were middle- to old-aged, well-educated professionals with medium to high incomes. Most were white and English was their home language. There was an even gender representation. Most visited only a few times per year. The majority of users visited the gardens for recreation and psychological reasons rather than educational ones. However, the staff of each garden placed emphasis on education in the gardens and amongst surrounding schools. Most visitors appreciated the conservation dimensions of botanical gardens, and felt that there was insufficient public green space in their town or city. Understanding how people perceive and use the botanical gardens of South Africa is important to inform future research and strategies regarding the conservation of urban green space within a developing country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Parker, Caitlin M , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181146 , vital:43702 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2009.11.001"
- Description: There are few formal studies on the contribution of botanical gardens as urban green spaces, particularly within developing countries. Therefore, this paper reports on an assessment of the use and appreciation of botanical gardens as urban green spaces in South Africa. Users and staff were surveyed in six national botanical gardens. The gardens provided numerous benefits in terms of conservation, education and recreation. However, the people using the gardens were not demographically representative of the general population of the surrounding city or town. Generally, most of the visitors were middle- to old-aged, well-educated professionals with medium to high incomes. Most were white and English was their home language. There was an even gender representation. Most visited only a few times per year. The majority of users visited the gardens for recreation and psychological reasons rather than educational ones. However, the staff of each garden placed emphasis on education in the gardens and amongst surrounding schools. Most visitors appreciated the conservation dimensions of botanical gardens, and felt that there was insufficient public green space in their town or city. Understanding how people perceive and use the botanical gardens of South Africa is important to inform future research and strategies regarding the conservation of urban green space within a developing country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The use and appreciation of urban green spaces: the case of selected botanical gardens in South Africa
- Ward, Catherine D, Parker, Caitlin M, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Parker, Caitlin M , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007086
- Description: There are few formal studies on the contribution of botanical gardens as urban green spaces, particularly within developing countries. Therefore, this paper reports on an assessment of the use and appreciation of botanical gardens as urban green spaces in South Africa. Users and staff were surveyed in six national botanical gardens. The gardens provided numerous benefits in terms of conservation, education and recreation. However, the people using the gardens were not demographically representative of the general population of the surrounding city or town. Generally, most of the visitors were middle- to old-aged, well-educated professionals with medium to high incomes. Most were white and English was their home language. There was an even gender representation. Most visited only a few times per year. The majority of users visited the gardens for recreation and psychological reasons rather than educational ones. However, the staff of each garden placed emphasis on education in the gardens and amongst surrounding schools. Most visitors appreciated the conservation dimensions of botanical gardens, and felt that there was insufficient public green space in their town or city. Understanding how people perceive and use the botanical gardens of South Africa is important to inform future research and strategies regarding the conservation of urban green space within a developing country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ward, Catherine D , Parker, Caitlin M , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007086
- Description: There are few formal studies on the contribution of botanical gardens as urban green spaces, particularly within developing countries. Therefore, this paper reports on an assessment of the use and appreciation of botanical gardens as urban green spaces in South Africa. Users and staff were surveyed in six national botanical gardens. The gardens provided numerous benefits in terms of conservation, education and recreation. However, the people using the gardens were not demographically representative of the general population of the surrounding city or town. Generally, most of the visitors were middle- to old-aged, well-educated professionals with medium to high incomes. Most were white and English was their home language. There was an even gender representation. Most visited only a few times per year. The majority of users visited the gardens for recreation and psychological reasons rather than educational ones. However, the staff of each garden placed emphasis on education in the gardens and amongst surrounding schools. Most visitors appreciated the conservation dimensions of botanical gardens, and felt that there was insufficient public green space in their town or city. Understanding how people perceive and use the botanical gardens of South Africa is important to inform future research and strategies regarding the conservation of urban green space within a developing country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The use of learning support materials in rural schools of Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Michelle
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386888 , vital:68186 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122865"
- Description: The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) was established in 2002 after the discovery of a colony of coelacanths off the Maputaland coast at Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The environmental education and awareness sub-programme developed learning support materials for use in schools and the materials were disseminated annually through teacher education workshops. This study aimed to uncover the use of these learning support materials in the rural schools of Maputaland. The active learning framework, originally proposed and developed by O’Donoghue (2001), was used to analyse the materials. Collectively, the ACEP materials cover a range of active learning aspects; however alignment with the curriculum has resulted in an increased focus on experiments, accompanied by a loss of environmental content and a narrowing scope for active environmental learning. Workshop questionnaires and four school case studies revealed the patterns of practice of use of materials in schools. The stated use of materials by teachers is not fully realised in the actual classroom practice which centres on learning content and concept definitions. There is no culture of use of materials in the schools following the annual introduction of ACEP materials. It was also found that the marine and coastal knowledge holding power is outside the realm of the teachers’ practice and control. The findings of this study come at a time when there is uncertainty over the future of South African education and the curriculum. This research may inform the environmental education and coastal and marine education field as to their role in education and more specifically the development of learning support materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Van der Merwe, Michelle
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386888 , vital:68186 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122865"
- Description: The African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) was established in 2002 after the discovery of a colony of coelacanths off the Maputaland coast at Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The environmental education and awareness sub-programme developed learning support materials for use in schools and the materials were disseminated annually through teacher education workshops. This study aimed to uncover the use of these learning support materials in the rural schools of Maputaland. The active learning framework, originally proposed and developed by O’Donoghue (2001), was used to analyse the materials. Collectively, the ACEP materials cover a range of active learning aspects; however alignment with the curriculum has resulted in an increased focus on experiments, accompanied by a loss of environmental content and a narrowing scope for active environmental learning. Workshop questionnaires and four school case studies revealed the patterns of practice of use of materials in schools. The stated use of materials by teachers is not fully realised in the actual classroom practice which centres on learning content and concept definitions. There is no culture of use of materials in the schools following the annual introduction of ACEP materials. It was also found that the marine and coastal knowledge holding power is outside the realm of the teachers’ practice and control. The findings of this study come at a time when there is uncertainty over the future of South African education and the curriculum. This research may inform the environmental education and coastal and marine education field as to their role in education and more specifically the development of learning support materials.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The use of response surface methodology and artificial neural networks for the establishment of a design space for a sustained release salbutamol sulphate formulation
- Authors: Chaibva, Faith Anesu
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Salbutamol sulphate Artificial intelligence -- Medical applications Neural networks (Computer science) Response surfaces (Statistics) Pharmaceutical biotechnology -- Quality contro Drugs -- Design Pharmacokinetics Drugs -- Dosage forms Drugs -- Controlled release
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010432
- Description: Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach that has been recommended as suitable for the development of quality pharmaceutical products. The QbD approach commences with the definition of a quality target drug profile and predetermined objectives that are then used to direct the formulation development process with an emphasis on understanding the pharmaceutical science and manufacturing principles that apply to a product. The design space is directly linked to the use of QbD for formulation development and is a multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide an assurance of quality. The objective of these studies was to apply the principles of QbD as a framework for the optimisation of a sustained release (SR) formulation of salbutamol sulphate (SBS), and for the establishment of a design space using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). SBS is a short-acting ♭₂ agonist that is used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of a SR formulation of SBS may provide clinical benefits in the management of these respiratory disorders. Ashtalin®8 ER (Cipla Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) was selected as a reference formulation for use in these studies. An Ishikawa or Cause and Effect diagram was used to determine the impact of formulation and process factors that have the potential to affect product quality. Key areas of concern that must be monitored include the raw materials, the manufacturing equipment and processes, and the analytical and assessment methods employed. The conditions in the laboratory and manufacturing processes were carefully monitored and recorded for any deviation from protocol, and equipment for assessment of dosage form performance, including dissolution equipment, balances and hardness testers, underwent regular maintenance. Preliminary studies to assess the potential utility of Methocel® Kl OOM, alone and in combination with other matrix forming polymers, revealed that the combination of this polymer with xanthan gum and Carbopol® has the potential to modulate the release of SBS at a specific rate, for a period of 12 hr. A central composite design using Methocel® KlOOM, xanthan gum, Carbopol® 974P and Surelease® as the granulating fluid was constructed to fully evaluate the impact of these formulation variables on the rate and extent of SBS release from manufactured formulations. The results revealed that although Methocel® KlOOM and xanthan gum had the greatest retardant effect on drug release, interactions between the polymers used in the study were also important determinants of the measureable responses. An ANN model was trained for optimisation using the data generated from a central composite study. The efficiency of the network was optimised by assessing the impact of the number of nodes in the hidden layer using a three layer Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). The results revealed that a network with nine nodes in the hidden layer had the best predictive ability, suitable for application to formulation optimisation studies. Pharmaceutical optimisation was conducted using both the RSM and the trained ANN models. The results from the two optimisation procedures yielded two different formulation compositions that were subjected to in vitro dissolution testing using USP Apparatus 3. The results revealed that, although the formulation compositions that were derived from the optimisation procedures were different, both solutions gave reproducible results for which the dissolution profiles were indeed similar to that of the reference formulation. RSM and ANN were further investigated as possible means of establishing a design space for formulation compositions that would result in dosage forms that have similar in vitro release test profiles comparable to the reference product. Constraint plots were used to determine the bounds of the formulation variables that would result in the manufacture of dosage forms with the desired release profile. ANN simulations with hypothetical formulations that were generated within a small region of the experimental domain were investigated as a means of understanding the impact of varying the composition of the formulation on resultant dissolution profiles. Although both methods were suitable for the establishment of a design space, the use of ANN may be better suited for this purpose because of the manner in which ANN handles data. As more information about the behaviour of a formulation and its processes is generated during the product Iifecycle, ANN may be used to evaluate the impact of formulation and process variables on measureable responses. It is recommended that ANN may be suitable for the optimisation of pharmaceutical formulations and establishment of a design space in line with ICH Pharmaceutical Development [1], Quality Risk Management [2] and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems [3]
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chaibva, Faith Anesu
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Salbutamol sulphate Artificial intelligence -- Medical applications Neural networks (Computer science) Response surfaces (Statistics) Pharmaceutical biotechnology -- Quality contro Drugs -- Design Pharmacokinetics Drugs -- Dosage forms Drugs -- Controlled release
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010432
- Description: Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach that has been recommended as suitable for the development of quality pharmaceutical products. The QbD approach commences with the definition of a quality target drug profile and predetermined objectives that are then used to direct the formulation development process with an emphasis on understanding the pharmaceutical science and manufacturing principles that apply to a product. The design space is directly linked to the use of QbD for formulation development and is a multidimensional combination and interaction of input variables and process parameters that have been demonstrated to provide an assurance of quality. The objective of these studies was to apply the principles of QbD as a framework for the optimisation of a sustained release (SR) formulation of salbutamol sulphate (SBS), and for the establishment of a design space using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). SBS is a short-acting ♭₂ agonist that is used for the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The use of a SR formulation of SBS may provide clinical benefits in the management of these respiratory disorders. Ashtalin®8 ER (Cipla Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) was selected as a reference formulation for use in these studies. An Ishikawa or Cause and Effect diagram was used to determine the impact of formulation and process factors that have the potential to affect product quality. Key areas of concern that must be monitored include the raw materials, the manufacturing equipment and processes, and the analytical and assessment methods employed. The conditions in the laboratory and manufacturing processes were carefully monitored and recorded for any deviation from protocol, and equipment for assessment of dosage form performance, including dissolution equipment, balances and hardness testers, underwent regular maintenance. Preliminary studies to assess the potential utility of Methocel® Kl OOM, alone and in combination with other matrix forming polymers, revealed that the combination of this polymer with xanthan gum and Carbopol® has the potential to modulate the release of SBS at a specific rate, for a period of 12 hr. A central composite design using Methocel® KlOOM, xanthan gum, Carbopol® 974P and Surelease® as the granulating fluid was constructed to fully evaluate the impact of these formulation variables on the rate and extent of SBS release from manufactured formulations. The results revealed that although Methocel® KlOOM and xanthan gum had the greatest retardant effect on drug release, interactions between the polymers used in the study were also important determinants of the measureable responses. An ANN model was trained for optimisation using the data generated from a central composite study. The efficiency of the network was optimised by assessing the impact of the number of nodes in the hidden layer using a three layer Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP). The results revealed that a network with nine nodes in the hidden layer had the best predictive ability, suitable for application to formulation optimisation studies. Pharmaceutical optimisation was conducted using both the RSM and the trained ANN models. The results from the two optimisation procedures yielded two different formulation compositions that were subjected to in vitro dissolution testing using USP Apparatus 3. The results revealed that, although the formulation compositions that were derived from the optimisation procedures were different, both solutions gave reproducible results for which the dissolution profiles were indeed similar to that of the reference formulation. RSM and ANN were further investigated as possible means of establishing a design space for formulation compositions that would result in dosage forms that have similar in vitro release test profiles comparable to the reference product. Constraint plots were used to determine the bounds of the formulation variables that would result in the manufacture of dosage forms with the desired release profile. ANN simulations with hypothetical formulations that were generated within a small region of the experimental domain were investigated as a means of understanding the impact of varying the composition of the formulation on resultant dissolution profiles. Although both methods were suitable for the establishment of a design space, the use of ANN may be better suited for this purpose because of the manner in which ANN handles data. As more information about the behaviour of a formulation and its processes is generated during the product Iifecycle, ANN may be used to evaluate the impact of formulation and process variables on measureable responses. It is recommended that ANN may be suitable for the optimisation of pharmaceutical formulations and establishment of a design space in line with ICH Pharmaceutical Development [1], Quality Risk Management [2] and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems [3]
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The utility of Coleoptera in forensic investigations
- Midgley, John M, Richards, Cameron S, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Midgley, John M , Richards, Cameron S , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442783 , vital:74033 , ISBN 978-1-4020-9684-6 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9684-6_4
- Description: Forensic entomology is a developing field of forensic science, so there are many avenues to investigate. These avenues include novel directions that have never been addressed, as well as more critical and rigorous research into areas which have already been explored. Most research in forensic entomology has focused on flies, and beetles (Coleoptera) have been at best under-emphasized. A good example of this is the review by Smith (1986), where 70 pages are dedicated to Diptera and only 12 to Coleoptera; this situation has changed little in the subsequent 20 years. To contextualize the neglect, throughout the world there are at least as many species of Coleoptera that may visit a particular carcass as Diptera (Braack 1986; Louw and van der Linde 1993; Bourel et al. 1999; Lopes de Carvalho et al. 2000; Pérez et al. 2005; Shea 2005; Watson and Carlton 2005a; Salazar 2006; Martinez et al. 2007). A common assumption underlying the neglect of Coleoptera is that Diptera locate corpses faster, and thus give a more accurate estimate of minimum Post Mortem Interval (PMImin). Recent observations (Midgley and Villet 2009b) have shown that Thanatophilus micans (Silphidae) can locate corpses and start breeding within 24 h of death, and thus the potential utility of estimates based on this species is equal to that of those based on flies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Midgley, John M , Richards, Cameron S , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442783 , vital:74033 , ISBN 978-1-4020-9684-6 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9684-6_4
- Description: Forensic entomology is a developing field of forensic science, so there are many avenues to investigate. These avenues include novel directions that have never been addressed, as well as more critical and rigorous research into areas which have already been explored. Most research in forensic entomology has focused on flies, and beetles (Coleoptera) have been at best under-emphasized. A good example of this is the review by Smith (1986), where 70 pages are dedicated to Diptera and only 12 to Coleoptera; this situation has changed little in the subsequent 20 years. To contextualize the neglect, throughout the world there are at least as many species of Coleoptera that may visit a particular carcass as Diptera (Braack 1986; Louw and van der Linde 1993; Bourel et al. 1999; Lopes de Carvalho et al. 2000; Pérez et al. 2005; Shea 2005; Watson and Carlton 2005a; Salazar 2006; Martinez et al. 2007). A common assumption underlying the neglect of Coleoptera is that Diptera locate corpses faster, and thus give a more accurate estimate of minimum Post Mortem Interval (PMImin). Recent observations (Midgley and Villet 2009b) have shown that Thanatophilus micans (Silphidae) can locate corpses and start breeding within 24 h of death, and thus the potential utility of estimates based on this species is equal to that of those based on flies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The valuation of campus built heritage from the student perspective: comparative analysis of Rhodes University in South Africa and St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the United States
- Poor, Joan P, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Poor, Joan P , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67488 , vital:29102 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2009.05.002
- Description: Pre-print , Many universities and colleges around the world have done extensive surveys of their campus built heritage resources. A detailed description and accounting of a campus's built heritage, landscape heritage and archaeology, are often used for historic preservation planning, and sustaining built culture is also an important aspect of campus master planning of future buildings. Such institutions of higher education have deep historical roots, in Europe it is not uncommon for buildings to be dated prior to the sixteenth century. In countries where European colonies were established, institutions of higher education often date to the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Once students have arrived at their chosen campus, however, except for perhaps the first week orientation rituals, do the students actually develop ties to their campus built heritage? This research investigates the knowledge students possess of their respective campus built heritage and the importance of built heritage as a legacy to them. Two institutions are included in this study in an effort of draw comparative assessments. A student questionnaire was administered at Rhodes University in South Africa and St. Mary's College of Maryland in the United States during April 2008. Results indicate students on both campuses place positive intrinsic value on their respective campus built heritage. Just over half (52%) of Rhodes students and about 68% of St. Mary's students were willing to pay some positive amount to protect campus built heritage. Empirical probit model results combining the data from both institutions found that current student knowledge of their respective campus built heritage did not positively relate to the value they place on preservation, even though the visual identity was significant for students and influenced their decision to attend the particular institution. The lack of significance regarding a racial variable coefficient estimate suggests that the use of an institution's visual identity in terms of built heritage may have important marketing implications, particularly in cases where universities or colleges are trying to attract students from more diverse backgrounds. We found no significant relationships between willingness to pay to preserve an institution's built heritage and the demographic variables included in our empirical model. Fundraising data analysis includes positive willingness to pay for conserving built heritage, yet funding for new construction was not significant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Poor, Joan P , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67488 , vital:29102 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2009.05.002
- Description: Pre-print , Many universities and colleges around the world have done extensive surveys of their campus built heritage resources. A detailed description and accounting of a campus's built heritage, landscape heritage and archaeology, are often used for historic preservation planning, and sustaining built culture is also an important aspect of campus master planning of future buildings. Such institutions of higher education have deep historical roots, in Europe it is not uncommon for buildings to be dated prior to the sixteenth century. In countries where European colonies were established, institutions of higher education often date to the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Once students have arrived at their chosen campus, however, except for perhaps the first week orientation rituals, do the students actually develop ties to their campus built heritage? This research investigates the knowledge students possess of their respective campus built heritage and the importance of built heritage as a legacy to them. Two institutions are included in this study in an effort of draw comparative assessments. A student questionnaire was administered at Rhodes University in South Africa and St. Mary's College of Maryland in the United States during April 2008. Results indicate students on both campuses place positive intrinsic value on their respective campus built heritage. Just over half (52%) of Rhodes students and about 68% of St. Mary's students were willing to pay some positive amount to protect campus built heritage. Empirical probit model results combining the data from both institutions found that current student knowledge of their respective campus built heritage did not positively relate to the value they place on preservation, even though the visual identity was significant for students and influenced their decision to attend the particular institution. The lack of significance regarding a racial variable coefficient estimate suggests that the use of an institution's visual identity in terms of built heritage may have important marketing implications, particularly in cases where universities or colleges are trying to attract students from more diverse backgrounds. We found no significant relationships between willingness to pay to preserve an institution's built heritage and the demographic variables included in our empirical model. Fundraising data analysis includes positive willingness to pay for conserving built heritage, yet funding for new construction was not significant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The value of a Rhodes University degree and securing employment
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chambers, Tracy Laura
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Graduate students -- Employment Education, Higher -- South Africa Graduate students -- Employment -- South Africa Labor supply -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa Labor market -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003890
- Description: In South Africa, reform policies and frameworks introduced since the 1994 democratic election have sought to bring about change to a highly ineffective and unfair system. In spite of all the changes which have occurred, however, there is evidence to suggest that the system is still not functioning as effectively as it might, given that a relatively large number of graduates remain unemployed in a country with a high skills shortage. This thesis aims to explore the experiences of graduates from one university, Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, as they enter the job market. It does this through the administration of a first job destination survey administered at the 2009 Graduation Ceremonies held in Grahamstown. Analysis of the survey takes into account the idea that it is not a degree per se, or even a degree from a prestigious university which brings employment, but also the social, cultural and human capital that graduates can bring to their job search.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Therapist metamorphosis : beginner and experienced psychotherapists' journeys of professional therapeutic development
- Authors: Laidlaw, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007912 , Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: This research aimed to trace the development of psychologists as therapists within a South African context. Two distinct career levels were explored in relation to a competency model, a skills development model, and a developmental phase model of psychotherapists' professional development. Through purposive sampling five intern psychologists and six registered psychologists with at least seven years post-qualification client contact were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Through semi-structured interviews, couched in the social constructionist position, the participants' experiences were thematically analysed. In addition, the researcher's own personal journey of developing as a psychotherapist was reflected upon. The current research study found that a number of aspects fostered the development of psychotherapists. Across the two career levels the life experiences of participants particularly featured events that were personally wounding or placed the participant in the helper role. The theoretical orientation(s) of participants were voiced as influential in their development, yet the ability to adjust their theoretical orientation to clients' needs was of overriding importance. Participants emphasised forming a strong therapeutic relationship with clients as the centrepiece of psychotherapy and depicted the therapeutic process using diverse metaphors. No key differences in use of metaphors emerged between intern and established psychologists. Catalysts for professional growth included personal therapy, "unforgettable cases", group supervision and, in the case of established psychologists, continuing professional development workshops. xiii Shifts in competency were recognised by intern psychologists as they gained more experience, namely, dissolution of naivety, a decrease in anxiety regarding their clinical work, a greater flexibility in the therapeutic process, a decreased sense of inappropriate responsibility for clients' progress, and an ongoing process of negotiating the interface of their personal and professional lives. Established psychologists spoke of having gained more confidence through their years of practice and yet experienced moments of anxiety which they found fostered humility. Limitations of the study and potential future research directions were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Laidlaw, Christine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007912 , Clinical psychologists -- Training of -- South Africa , Interns (Clinical psychology) -- Training of -- South Africa , Psychotherapy -- South Africa
- Description: This research aimed to trace the development of psychologists as therapists within a South African context. Two distinct career levels were explored in relation to a competency model, a skills development model, and a developmental phase model of psychotherapists' professional development. Through purposive sampling five intern psychologists and six registered psychologists with at least seven years post-qualification client contact were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. Through semi-structured interviews, couched in the social constructionist position, the participants' experiences were thematically analysed. In addition, the researcher's own personal journey of developing as a psychotherapist was reflected upon. The current research study found that a number of aspects fostered the development of psychotherapists. Across the two career levels the life experiences of participants particularly featured events that were personally wounding or placed the participant in the helper role. The theoretical orientation(s) of participants were voiced as influential in their development, yet the ability to adjust their theoretical orientation to clients' needs was of overriding importance. Participants emphasised forming a strong therapeutic relationship with clients as the centrepiece of psychotherapy and depicted the therapeutic process using diverse metaphors. No key differences in use of metaphors emerged between intern and established psychologists. Catalysts for professional growth included personal therapy, "unforgettable cases", group supervision and, in the case of established psychologists, continuing professional development workshops. xiii Shifts in competency were recognised by intern psychologists as they gained more experience, namely, dissolution of naivety, a decrease in anxiety regarding their clinical work, a greater flexibility in the therapeutic process, a decreased sense of inappropriate responsibility for clients' progress, and an ongoing process of negotiating the interface of their personal and professional lives. Established psychologists spoke of having gained more confidence through their years of practice and yet experienced moments of anxiety which they found fostered humility. Limitations of the study and potential future research directions were outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Thermoregulation under seminatural conditions in two species of African barbets (Piciformes Lybiidae)
- McKechnie, Andrew E, Smit, Ben
- Authors: McKechnie, Andrew E , Smit, Ben
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448413 , vital:74728 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2010.488384
- Description: Torpor has been documented in a number of avian orders, but our understanding of the phylogenetic distribution of this phenomenon is far from complete, and several groups have yet to be investigated. We examined patterns of rest- and active-phase thermoregulation in Acacia Pied Barbets Lybius leucomelas and Crested Barbets Trachyphonus vaillantii held in outdoor aviaries, using surgically-implanted miniature data loggers to record body temperature (Tb). Both species exhibited large circadian rhythms of Tb, with maximum active-phase and minimum rest-phase Tb (ρTbmin) values of 42.3 ± 0.1 °C and 37.7 ± 0.6 °C, respectively, in Acacia Pied Barbets (n = 3) and 42.5 ± 0.4 °C and 37.0 ± 0.6 °C, respectively, in Crested Barbets (n = 5).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: McKechnie, Andrew E , Smit, Ben
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448413 , vital:74728 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2010.488384
- Description: Torpor has been documented in a number of avian orders, but our understanding of the phylogenetic distribution of this phenomenon is far from complete, and several groups have yet to be investigated. We examined patterns of rest- and active-phase thermoregulation in Acacia Pied Barbets Lybius leucomelas and Crested Barbets Trachyphonus vaillantii held in outdoor aviaries, using surgically-implanted miniature data loggers to record body temperature (Tb). Both species exhibited large circadian rhythms of Tb, with maximum active-phase and minimum rest-phase Tb (ρTbmin) values of 42.3 ± 0.1 °C and 37.7 ± 0.6 °C, respectively, in Acacia Pied Barbets (n = 3) and 42.5 ± 0.4 °C and 37.0 ± 0.6 °C, respectively, in Crested Barbets (n = 5).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Thinking about South African tabloid newspapers:
- Strelitz, Larry N, Steenveld, Lynette N
- Authors: Strelitz, Larry N , Steenveld, Lynette N
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159825 , vital:40347 , DOI: 10.1080/02560054.2005.9653337
- Description: A popular view of tabloids is that they pander to the lowest common denominator of public taste, they simplify complex issues, and they generally fail to provide information that citizens need in order to make informed political judgments - the latter being the raison d’etre of serious newspapers. In summary, tabloids “lower the standards of public discourse” (Ornerbring and Jonson, 2004:283).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Strelitz, Larry N , Steenveld, Lynette N
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159825 , vital:40347 , DOI: 10.1080/02560054.2005.9653337
- Description: A popular view of tabloids is that they pander to the lowest common denominator of public taste, they simplify complex issues, and they generally fail to provide information that citizens need in order to make informed political judgments - the latter being the raison d’etre of serious newspapers. In summary, tabloids “lower the standards of public discourse” (Ornerbring and Jonson, 2004:283).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Third World Express: trains and “revolution” in Southern African poetry
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007453 , https://doi.org/10.4102/lit.v31i1.34
- Description: preprint , This article examines political dimensions of the train metaphor in selected southern African poems, some of them in English translation. Exploring work by Mongane Serote, B.W. Vilakazi, Demetrius Segooa, Phedi Tlhobolo, Thami Mseleku, Jeremy Cronin, Alan Lennox-Short, Anthony Farmer, Freedom T.V. Nyamubaya, Abduraghiem Johnstone and Mondli Gwala, the argument shows some of the ways in which the technological character of trains and railways is made to carry a message of political insurrection and revolution. The author shows that the political potential of the railway metaphor builds on the general response to railways evident in poems indebted to traditional African praise poetry. The piece also demonstrates that political contention within different strands of the southern African liberation movement could also find expression using the railway metaphor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7066 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007453 , https://doi.org/10.4102/lit.v31i1.34
- Description: preprint , This article examines political dimensions of the train metaphor in selected southern African poems, some of them in English translation. Exploring work by Mongane Serote, B.W. Vilakazi, Demetrius Segooa, Phedi Tlhobolo, Thami Mseleku, Jeremy Cronin, Alan Lennox-Short, Anthony Farmer, Freedom T.V. Nyamubaya, Abduraghiem Johnstone and Mondli Gwala, the argument shows some of the ways in which the technological character of trains and railways is made to carry a message of political insurrection and revolution. The author shows that the political potential of the railway metaphor builds on the general response to railways evident in poems indebted to traditional African praise poetry. The piece also demonstrates that political contention within different strands of the southern African liberation movement could also find expression using the railway metaphor.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Three's a crowd: the process of triadic translation in a South African psychiatric institution
- Authors: Slabbert, Meggan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002565 , Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Mental health care in South Africa has long been governed by inequalities (Foster & Swartz, 1997). During apartheid, those who did not speak English and Afrikaans could not access mental health services in the same way as those who did (Foster & Swartz, 1997). One main reason for this is the majority of mental health practitioners could not, and were not required to speak languages other than English and Afrikaans (Swartz, 1991). The South African mental health literature suggests that language and communication must be prioritised if there is to be an improvement in mental health care services for those individuals who do not speak English and Afrikaans (Bantjes, 1999; Drennan & Swartz, 1999; Swartz & Drennan, 2000; Swartz & MacGregor, 2002). Drawing on Prasad's (2002) interpretation of Gadamer's critical hermeneutic theory and utilising thematic networks analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001), this study investigated the process of translated clinical assessment interviews within a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape Province within South Africa. Results of the study revealed that contextual factors, issues concerning linguistic and cultural heritage, clinicians' role expectations regarding translators' role performance, as well as relational dynamics regarding individual levels of control and influence within the translation triad, all impacted on the effectiveness of communication, translation and service provision. These fmdings are supported by literature on the theory and practice of translation that identifies these issues as prominent (Robinson, 2003). Specific recommendations regarding the formalisation of translation practices within the hospital setting, as well as the familiari~ation of clinical practitioners and psychiatric nurses with the intricacies of translation processes are offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Slabbert, Meggan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3056 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002565 , Mental health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Psychiatric hospitals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Translating and interpreting -- Psychological aspects , Translating and interpreting -- Social aspects , Content analysis (Communication) , South Africa -- Languages -- Translating and interpreting , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Culture conflict -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Physician and patient -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communication in medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Mental health care in South Africa has long been governed by inequalities (Foster & Swartz, 1997). During apartheid, those who did not speak English and Afrikaans could not access mental health services in the same way as those who did (Foster & Swartz, 1997). One main reason for this is the majority of mental health practitioners could not, and were not required to speak languages other than English and Afrikaans (Swartz, 1991). The South African mental health literature suggests that language and communication must be prioritised if there is to be an improvement in mental health care services for those individuals who do not speak English and Afrikaans (Bantjes, 1999; Drennan & Swartz, 1999; Swartz & Drennan, 2000; Swartz & MacGregor, 2002). Drawing on Prasad's (2002) interpretation of Gadamer's critical hermeneutic theory and utilising thematic networks analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001), this study investigated the process of translated clinical assessment interviews within a psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape Province within South Africa. Results of the study revealed that contextual factors, issues concerning linguistic and cultural heritage, clinicians' role expectations regarding translators' role performance, as well as relational dynamics regarding individual levels of control and influence within the translation triad, all impacted on the effectiveness of communication, translation and service provision. These fmdings are supported by literature on the theory and practice of translation that identifies these issues as prominent (Robinson, 2003). Specific recommendations regarding the formalisation of translation practices within the hospital setting, as well as the familiari~ation of clinical practitioners and psychiatric nurses with the intricacies of translation processes are offered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Tillage and crop rotation impacts on soil, quality parameters and maize yield in Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme, South Africa
- Authors: Njaimwe, Arnold Ngare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: No-tillage , Soil mechanics , Soils -- Quality , Cover crops , Corn -- Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11962 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/460 , No-tillage , Soil mechanics , Soils -- Quality , Cover crops , Corn -- Irrigation
- Description: Intensive tillage and monoculture cropping practices reduce soil C accumulation hence increasing soil vulnerability to chemical, physical and biological degradation. This study focussed on enhancing biomass production of wheat and oat winter cover crops as a means of increasing C sequestration in the low organic C soils of the central part of Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives were (i) to evaluate the short-term effects of no till and cereal-fallow based crop rotations on; soil organic matter related parameters, pH and electrical conductivity, (ii) soil bulk density, water retention and aggregate stability, (iii) soil microbial biomass C and N, mineralizable N, soil respiration, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity, (iv) grain yield, soil nutrient concentration (N, P and K) and their uptake by maize, and (v) to identify soil parameters with high sensitivity to tillage under maize-fallow-maize, maize-wheat-maize and maize-oat-maize rotational cover cropping practices. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Tillage treatments (CT and NT) were applied on the main plots which measured 8 × 18 m while crop rotation treatments were applied in the subplots which measured 8 × 6 m. The rotation treatments were maize-fallow-maize (MFM), maize-wheat-maize (MWM) and maize-oat-maize (MOM). Weed control in NT plots involved preplant application of glyphosate to control mainly the grass weeds while post emergence weed management was done using Atrazine (485 atrazine and 15 g l-1 triazines). Initial weed control in CT plots was achieved through ploughing to a depth of 20 cm followed by disking while post emergence weed iii management was done by hand hoeing. Soil parameters measured were; (i) particulate organic matter (POM), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH and electrical conductivity (EC), (ii) soil bulk density (b), moisture at field capacity (FC), aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) determined by fast wetting (FW), slow wetting (SW), mechanical breakdown by shaking (MB) and the stability index (SI), (iii) soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), mineralizable N (MN), soil respiration (SR), and dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHEA). No-till increased POM and TN compared to CT in Lenye and Burnshill, respectively. The MWM and the MOM rotations increased TN relative to the MFM rotation in Lenye. The MWM and MOM rotations enhanced SOC relative to MFM in all sampled soil depths at Burnshill and similar observations were made under MOM rotation in the 5-20 cm depth in Lenye. The MWM and MOM rotations tended to depress soil pH relative to the MFM rotation in both sampled soil depths in Lenye while NT reduced soil pH relative to CT on the surface soil layer in Burnshill. Soil EC and pH varied with depth across tillage practices but both parameters remained within the ideal range for successful crop production over the study period. Soil stability index (SI) and aggregate MWD determined by FW, SW and MB were higher in Lenye compared to Burnshill. The MOM rotation enhanced the SI relative to MFM and MWM rotations at both sites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that more organic C was incorporated into the soil under NT and MOM rotation compared to CT and MFM rotation which had few organic coatings on the soil particles. Microbial properties varied with plant biomass input as influenced by tillage and type of rotational cover crop at both sites. Like in other past studies, NT showed higher levels of MBC, MBN, NM and SR at the soil surface layer compared to CT in Burnshill. No till increased MN iv relative to CT in both sampled soil depths in Lenye and resulted in higher DHEA compared to CT in Burnshill. The MOM rotation increased MBC, MBN, MN relative to MFM rotation especially within surface soil layer. Similar observations were made with respect to MN and SR in both sampled soil layers at Lenye. By contrast, the DHEA was higher under the MFM relative to the MWM and MOM rotations in Lenye but similar under the MFM and MOM rotations in Burnshill. Maize grain yield was not affected by both tillage and crop rotations but varied with cropping season. Comparable grain yields observed under the two tillage practices with similar fertilizer application rates indicated the advantage of NT over CT in saving on labour costs in maize production without compromising yields. High plant biomass retention under NT relative to CT contributed to high soil N and P levels under the former compared to the latter tillage practice especially on soil surface layer at both study sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that soil chemical and biological parameters closely linked to organic matter, namely SOC, MN, MBC and MBN showed the highest sensitivity to tillage and crop rotation treatments. Soil aggregate MWD determined by SW and b were the physical parameters which were highly altered by agronomic management practice. The MWM and MOM rotations were clustered together and clearly separated from the MFM rotation and this observed trend only applied to the 0-5 and 5-20 cm depths in Lenye site only. No till, MWM and MOM rotations enhanced POM, SOC and TN relative to CT and MFM rotation suggesting these practices have greater potential to improve soil chemical properties compared to intensive tillage and maize monoculture based production practices. Reduced soil b under MOM rotation and improved SI under NT compared to MFM and CT, respectively v indicate that these practices have the potential to improve degraded soils. Although not significantly different, NT values for MBC, MBN, MN, SR and DHEA were higher compared to CT indicating the potential of the practice to improve soil biotic activity relative to conventional tillage practices. No till enhanced surface soil nitrate N and extractable P compared to CT at both sites revealing the long-term potential of NT in improving the supply of these essential plant nutrients compared to CT. Principal component analysis showed that SOC, MN, K, P, MBC, MBN, soil aggregate MWD determined by SW and b were the most sensitive parameters to tillage and crop rotations. Therefore, these parameters could constitute the minimum data set for assessments of the impact of selected CA practices on soil quality attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Njaimwe, Arnold Ngare
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: No-tillage , Soil mechanics , Soils -- Quality , Cover crops , Corn -- Irrigation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Soil Science)
- Identifier: vital:11962 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/460 , No-tillage , Soil mechanics , Soils -- Quality , Cover crops , Corn -- Irrigation
- Description: Intensive tillage and monoculture cropping practices reduce soil C accumulation hence increasing soil vulnerability to chemical, physical and biological degradation. This study focussed on enhancing biomass production of wheat and oat winter cover crops as a means of increasing C sequestration in the low organic C soils of the central part of Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives were (i) to evaluate the short-term effects of no till and cereal-fallow based crop rotations on; soil organic matter related parameters, pH and electrical conductivity, (ii) soil bulk density, water retention and aggregate stability, (iii) soil microbial biomass C and N, mineralizable N, soil respiration, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity, (iv) grain yield, soil nutrient concentration (N, P and K) and their uptake by maize, and (v) to identify soil parameters with high sensitivity to tillage under maize-fallow-maize, maize-wheat-maize and maize-oat-maize rotational cover cropping practices. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. Tillage treatments (CT and NT) were applied on the main plots which measured 8 × 18 m while crop rotation treatments were applied in the subplots which measured 8 × 6 m. The rotation treatments were maize-fallow-maize (MFM), maize-wheat-maize (MWM) and maize-oat-maize (MOM). Weed control in NT plots involved preplant application of glyphosate to control mainly the grass weeds while post emergence weed management was done using Atrazine (485 atrazine and 15 g l-1 triazines). Initial weed control in CT plots was achieved through ploughing to a depth of 20 cm followed by disking while post emergence weed iii management was done by hand hoeing. Soil parameters measured were; (i) particulate organic matter (POM), soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH and electrical conductivity (EC), (ii) soil bulk density (b), moisture at field capacity (FC), aggregate mean weight diameter (MWD) determined by fast wetting (FW), slow wetting (SW), mechanical breakdown by shaking (MB) and the stability index (SI), (iii) soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), mineralizable N (MN), soil respiration (SR), and dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHEA). No-till increased POM and TN compared to CT in Lenye and Burnshill, respectively. The MWM and the MOM rotations increased TN relative to the MFM rotation in Lenye. The MWM and MOM rotations enhanced SOC relative to MFM in all sampled soil depths at Burnshill and similar observations were made under MOM rotation in the 5-20 cm depth in Lenye. The MWM and MOM rotations tended to depress soil pH relative to the MFM rotation in both sampled soil depths in Lenye while NT reduced soil pH relative to CT on the surface soil layer in Burnshill. Soil EC and pH varied with depth across tillage practices but both parameters remained within the ideal range for successful crop production over the study period. Soil stability index (SI) and aggregate MWD determined by FW, SW and MB were higher in Lenye compared to Burnshill. The MOM rotation enhanced the SI relative to MFM and MWM rotations at both sites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that more organic C was incorporated into the soil under NT and MOM rotation compared to CT and MFM rotation which had few organic coatings on the soil particles. Microbial properties varied with plant biomass input as influenced by tillage and type of rotational cover crop at both sites. Like in other past studies, NT showed higher levels of MBC, MBN, NM and SR at the soil surface layer compared to CT in Burnshill. No till increased MN iv relative to CT in both sampled soil depths in Lenye and resulted in higher DHEA compared to CT in Burnshill. The MOM rotation increased MBC, MBN, MN relative to MFM rotation especially within surface soil layer. Similar observations were made with respect to MN and SR in both sampled soil layers at Lenye. By contrast, the DHEA was higher under the MFM relative to the MWM and MOM rotations in Lenye but similar under the MFM and MOM rotations in Burnshill. Maize grain yield was not affected by both tillage and crop rotations but varied with cropping season. Comparable grain yields observed under the two tillage practices with similar fertilizer application rates indicated the advantage of NT over CT in saving on labour costs in maize production without compromising yields. High plant biomass retention under NT relative to CT contributed to high soil N and P levels under the former compared to the latter tillage practice especially on soil surface layer at both study sites. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that soil chemical and biological parameters closely linked to organic matter, namely SOC, MN, MBC and MBN showed the highest sensitivity to tillage and crop rotation treatments. Soil aggregate MWD determined by SW and b were the physical parameters which were highly altered by agronomic management practice. The MWM and MOM rotations were clustered together and clearly separated from the MFM rotation and this observed trend only applied to the 0-5 and 5-20 cm depths in Lenye site only. No till, MWM and MOM rotations enhanced POM, SOC and TN relative to CT and MFM rotation suggesting these practices have greater potential to improve soil chemical properties compared to intensive tillage and maize monoculture based production practices. Reduced soil b under MOM rotation and improved SI under NT compared to MFM and CT, respectively v indicate that these practices have the potential to improve degraded soils. Although not significantly different, NT values for MBC, MBN, MN, SR and DHEA were higher compared to CT indicating the potential of the practice to improve soil biotic activity relative to conventional tillage practices. No till enhanced surface soil nitrate N and extractable P compared to CT at both sites revealing the long-term potential of NT in improving the supply of these essential plant nutrients compared to CT. Principal component analysis showed that SOC, MN, K, P, MBC, MBN, soil aggregate MWD determined by SW and b were the most sensitive parameters to tillage and crop rotations. Therefore, these parameters could constitute the minimum data set for assessments of the impact of selected CA practices on soil quality attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and cross bred cows
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dodzi, Madodana Sunson
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11817 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/474 , Dairy products -- Analysis , Jersey cattle , Milk yield , Dairy cattle -- Feed utilization efficiency , Dairy farming
- Description: Time budgets, avoidance distance scores-related behaviour and milk yield of pasture-based Jersey, Friesland and crossbred cows. by Madodana Sunson Dodzi The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare farm to determine the time budgets, the avoidance-related behaviour variables and their relationship with milk yield in three pasturebased dairy genotypes: Jersey, Friesland and crossbreed. Twenty one clinically health dairy cows aged between 52 and 55 months, in mid lactation and comprising of seven cows from each genotype were used in the study. The time spent on different activities (grazing, lying down, standing and others) at pasture was recorded using stop watches across four seasons. The behavioural responses of the three genotypes to humans were determined by recording their avoidance distance scores (AD), exit speed (ES), pen scores (PS), pen behaviour scores (PBS), plat form scores (PLS) and the occurrence of kicking (KCK) and stepping (SPG) during milking on four consecutive days in four seasons. Time spent standing was higher (P < 0.05) for Friesland compared to Jersey and crossbred during the hot-wet season. In the cool-dry season the Jersey spent more time (P < 0.05) grazing than the other breeds. The Friesland and crossbred on the other hand devoted most of their time lying down compared to Jersey in the cool- dry season (P < 0.05). There were season differences in time spent on all activities (P < 0.05). Time spent on grazing was longest in post-rainy seasonal and lowest in hot- wet season (P < 0.05). The longest lying down period was observed in the hot-dry season and lowest in hot-wet season (P < 0.05). iii Daily milk yield Varied (P < 0.05) with genotype with the Friesland and Jersey producing higher yield than the crossbred. The highest amount was produced in hot-dry and the least in hot-wet season. Milk yield was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with lying down. Standing was negatively correlated with milk yield (P < 0.05). The Friesland had the highest avoidance distance scores (P < 0.05) and the Jersey had the lowest avoidance distance scores in all seasons. There was an association (P < 0.05) between genotype and exit speed scores, pen scores and stepping behaviour scores. The Friesland exhibited the highest exit speed scores than the other breeds. The Jersey had the lowest (P < 0.05) kicking behaviour scores. There was a relationship (r = 0.64) between avoidance distance scores and exit speed. Exit speed scores were correlated with pen score(r= 0.23). Milk yield was significant related (r= 0.17) to the occurrence of kicking behaviour. The genotypes showed different levels of sensitivity to season and milk yield was influenced by breed and season. It can be concluded that time budgets vary with season and farmers need to adopt measures that buffer the effect of season on welfare of dairy cows. It can also be concluded that avoidance distance scores differs according to genotype with Jersey being more confident to humans than other two breeds. It is therefore recommended that provision of shades or cooling mechanism should be adopted to buffer the effects of hot-wet season. Improving quality of feed during the cool-dry season may be critical for Jersey cows. Finally positive handling of the dairy cows is recommended in order to improve the welfare and milk yield of pasture based dairy cows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Time course of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for the ironman triathlon
- Authors: Joiner, Alexander Jason
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005212 , Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Description:
Suboptimal preparation for the Ironman triathlon can have detrimental effects on mental and physical condition. The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the relationship between a number of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for an Ironman as well as immediately after the event, in an attempt to better understand the effects of ultraendurance training. Eighteen athletes training for the Ironman; South Africa, 2009 were recruited for the study. Over the 6 month data collection period body mass, training load (TRIMP and Session x RPE methods), physiological responses (waking heart rate, postural dizziness, sleep ratings), changes in psychological state (profile of mood states - POMS), reported immunological responses (symptoms of illness), biochemical changes (salivary cortisol and alpha amylase) and performance (8 km submaximal running time trial (TT) and race day performance) were measured. These responses were compared to a control sample (n=15). Results show a significant increase (p<0.05) in training load (3899.4 ± 2517.8) four weeks prior to the event. Fatigue scores significantly increased (p<0.05) concurrently with this significant increase (p<0.05) in training. TT performance did not significantly (p<0.05) alter during the time course of training. It was however strongly correlated to training load (R2=0.85) and modestly related to race performance (R2=0.65). The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were prevalent during the training period, decreasing during the taper and race period. Large standard deviations were found within the majority of the responses. During the final two weeks of preparation, tension scores were significantly increased (p<0.05) while training load significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the final week of preparation. Cortisol increased significantly (p<0.05) immediately post race (0.507±0.15
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Joiner, Alexander Jason
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005212 , Ironman triathlons -- Training , Physical education and training -- Physiological aspects , Endurance sports -- Training , Sports -- Physiological aspects , Fatigue
- Description:
Suboptimal preparation for the Ironman triathlon can have detrimental effects on mental and physical condition. The purpose of this longitudinal investigation was to examine the relationship between a number of performance changes and fatigue markers during training for an Ironman as well as immediately after the event, in an attempt to better understand the effects of ultraendurance training. Eighteen athletes training for the Ironman; South Africa, 2009 were recruited for the study. Over the 6 month data collection period body mass, training load (TRIMP and Session x RPE methods), physiological responses (waking heart rate, postural dizziness, sleep ratings), changes in psychological state (profile of mood states - POMS), reported immunological responses (symptoms of illness), biochemical changes (salivary cortisol and alpha amylase) and performance (8 km submaximal running time trial (TT) and race day performance) were measured. These responses were compared to a control sample (n=15). Results show a significant increase (p<0.05) in training load (3899.4 ± 2517.8) four weeks prior to the event. Fatigue scores significantly increased (p<0.05) concurrently with this significant increase (p<0.05) in training. TT performance did not significantly (p<0.05) alter during the time course of training. It was however strongly correlated to training load (R2=0.85) and modestly related to race performance (R2=0.65). The signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were prevalent during the training period, decreasing during the taper and race period. Large standard deviations were found within the majority of the responses. During the final two weeks of preparation, tension scores were significantly increased (p<0.05) while training load significantly decreased (p<0.05) during the final week of preparation. Cortisol increased significantly (p<0.05) immediately post race (0.507±0.15
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Timing of primary wing moult in sexually dimorphic passerines from the Western Cape, South Africa
- Bonnevie, Bo T, Oschadleus, Hans-Dieter
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo T , Oschadleus, Hans-Dieter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448355 , vital:74724 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2010.455821
- Description: SAFRING ringing data was used to investigate the differences in the timing and duration of primary wing moult between males and females of sexually dimorphic passerines from the Western Cape, South Africa. In the sunbirds, weavers and canaries that were considered, the males generally started moult before the females, whereas this was not so for other species. In the species where males started moult before the females, the standard deviation of the start of moult was generally smaller in the males and the males generally took longer to moult. These differences in the patterns of moult are discussed in the context of differences in parental care between males and females of each species and within their taxonomic groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo T , Oschadleus, Hans-Dieter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448355 , vital:74724 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2010.455821
- Description: SAFRING ringing data was used to investigate the differences in the timing and duration of primary wing moult between males and females of sexually dimorphic passerines from the Western Cape, South Africa. In the sunbirds, weavers and canaries that were considered, the males generally started moult before the females, whereas this was not so for other species. In the species where males started moult before the females, the standard deviation of the start of moult was generally smaller in the males and the males generally took longer to moult. These differences in the patterns of moult are discussed in the context of differences in parental care between males and females of each species and within their taxonomic groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
To be Xhosa or not to be Xhosa… that is the question:
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158096 , vital:40148 , https://doi.org/10.1080/01434630008666401
- Description: It has long been recognised that indigenous languages are endangered because of powerful social, political and economic pressures. In South Africa, the legacy of apartheid has left its indigenous languages particularly vulnerable, and since 1994 huge efforts have been made to reverse the situation. Despite the new language policy and accompanying legislation, it would seem that many Xhosa speakers themselves want English, and not Xhosa,for their children. This paper reports on a multi-faceted quantitative and qualitative survey in and around Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province, which focused on the steady trickle of speakers of Xhosa into English-medium schools in thearea, and examined the reasons underlying decisions to send Xhosa children to these schools and the subsequent linguistic and psycho-social effects of the move on the children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: De Klerk, Vivian A
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158096 , vital:40148 , https://doi.org/10.1080/01434630008666401
- Description: It has long been recognised that indigenous languages are endangered because of powerful social, political and economic pressures. In South Africa, the legacy of apartheid has left its indigenous languages particularly vulnerable, and since 1994 huge efforts have been made to reverse the situation. Despite the new language policy and accompanying legislation, it would seem that many Xhosa speakers themselves want English, and not Xhosa,for their children. This paper reports on a multi-faceted quantitative and qualitative survey in and around Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province, which focused on the steady trickle of speakers of Xhosa into English-medium schools in thearea, and examined the reasons underlying decisions to send Xhosa children to these schools and the subsequent linguistic and psycho-social effects of the move on the children.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Towards creating a legally literate WSU community for today and tomorrow
- Authors: Mammen, Kuttickattu John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Legal literacy -- South Africa Law -- Literacy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/790 , vital:29777
- Description: Legal literacy has been gaining significance in literature in recent years as can be seen from several publications, for example, amongst others, Van Wyk (1983), White (1983), Barrell and Partington (1985), Kawatoko (1995), Andretta (2001), Fischer, Schimmel and Stellman (2003), Oosthuizen (2003), Barry (2006), Hasl-Kelchner (2006), and Schimmel and Militello (2007). In 1948, the world community spoke through the United Nations by establishing a framework for human rights awareness and protection with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In 1987, several Commonwealth associations founded the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) to promote human rights issues. CHRI’s International Right to Information (RTI) Program focuses on monitoring and supporting the push for recognition and implementation of the right to information throughout the 53 states of the Commonwealth and the institutions of the Commonwealth itself. Generally, legal literacy efforts focus on human rights. It was originally used in a context where citizens, particularly from the marginalized or underprivileged groups, were made to know what the law had to offer them so that they could recognise and challenge injustices much more forcefully. The first step towards that knowledge of the law, which can transform people’s lives, is legal literacy. Legal literacy puts one in the driver’s seat of risk management. Generally, legal literacy efforts focus on human rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mammen, Kuttickattu John
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Legal literacy -- South Africa Law -- Literacy
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/790 , vital:29777
- Description: Legal literacy has been gaining significance in literature in recent years as can be seen from several publications, for example, amongst others, Van Wyk (1983), White (1983), Barrell and Partington (1985), Kawatoko (1995), Andretta (2001), Fischer, Schimmel and Stellman (2003), Oosthuizen (2003), Barry (2006), Hasl-Kelchner (2006), and Schimmel and Militello (2007). In 1948, the world community spoke through the United Nations by establishing a framework for human rights awareness and protection with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In 1987, several Commonwealth associations founded the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) to promote human rights issues. CHRI’s International Right to Information (RTI) Program focuses on monitoring and supporting the push for recognition and implementation of the right to information throughout the 53 states of the Commonwealth and the institutions of the Commonwealth itself. Generally, legal literacy efforts focus on human rights. It was originally used in a context where citizens, particularly from the marginalized or underprivileged groups, were made to know what the law had to offer them so that they could recognise and challenge injustices much more forcefully. The first step towards that knowledge of the law, which can transform people’s lives, is legal literacy. Legal literacy puts one in the driver’s seat of risk management. Generally, legal literacy efforts focus on human rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010