Developing a form-process framework to describe the functioning of semi-arid alluvial fans in the Baviaanskloof Valley, South Africa
- Authors: Bobbins, Kerry Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Alluvial fans -- Research -- South Africa Sedimentation and deposition -- Research -- South Africa Geomorphology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005500
- Description: The Baviaanskloof catchment is a semi-arid catchment located in the Cape Fold Mountains of South Africa. Little is known about the functioning of the complicated Baviaanskloof fluvial system and the role alluvial fans in the fluvial landscape. This thesis will contribute to field of geomorphology and, more specifically, to the field of fan morphometry by producing a standalone fan framework outlining methods to investigate the influence of external and internal control variables on alluvial fans. In this thesis, outcomes of the applied framework and case study are used to develop fan restoration guidelines for the Baviaanskloof Valley. The framework incorporates external and internal fan control variables at a valley-wide and local fan scale. External control variables include accommodation space, base-level change, and drainage basin inputs. Internal control variables include fan style, morphometry and fan channels. In order to apply the framework, fan morphometry data was required. This data was collected by creating a spatial plan of fans and basins in the valley. Outcomes of the applied framework include; an understanding of baselevel change on fans, relationships between fan basin characteristics and the fan surface and insight into fan channel processes. Results of the applied framework are investigated further using bivariate (correlation matrix) and multivariate (principle component analysis and regression analysis) analysis techniques. Significant relationships identified are: drainage basin area versus fan area, fan area and fan slope and drainage basin ruggedness and basin size. The primary outcomes of this thesis include an alluvial fan form-process framework, key considerations to be included in alluvial fan restoration projects and fan restoration guidelines. Contributions of this thesis to broader alluvial fan morphology science includes new insights into general fan literature by compiling a form-process alluvial fan classification framework to identify external and internal fan control variables and identify fan form. Additions have been made to Clarke’s (2010) evolutionary stages to describe stages 4 and 5 of fan evolution that has been adapted to describe fan evolution and differentiate between stages of mature fan evolution. This thesis has also contributed to the study of alluvial fans in South Africa, particularly in the Baviaanskloof Valley. The layout of the procedural guidelines and key considerations for an alluvial fan project provides a guide for rapid fan assessment for maximum cost and time benefits for stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bobbins, Kerry Leigh
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Alluvial fans -- Research -- South Africa Sedimentation and deposition -- Research -- South Africa Geomorphology -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005500
- Description: The Baviaanskloof catchment is a semi-arid catchment located in the Cape Fold Mountains of South Africa. Little is known about the functioning of the complicated Baviaanskloof fluvial system and the role alluvial fans in the fluvial landscape. This thesis will contribute to field of geomorphology and, more specifically, to the field of fan morphometry by producing a standalone fan framework outlining methods to investigate the influence of external and internal control variables on alluvial fans. In this thesis, outcomes of the applied framework and case study are used to develop fan restoration guidelines for the Baviaanskloof Valley. The framework incorporates external and internal fan control variables at a valley-wide and local fan scale. External control variables include accommodation space, base-level change, and drainage basin inputs. Internal control variables include fan style, morphometry and fan channels. In order to apply the framework, fan morphometry data was required. This data was collected by creating a spatial plan of fans and basins in the valley. Outcomes of the applied framework include; an understanding of baselevel change on fans, relationships between fan basin characteristics and the fan surface and insight into fan channel processes. Results of the applied framework are investigated further using bivariate (correlation matrix) and multivariate (principle component analysis and regression analysis) analysis techniques. Significant relationships identified are: drainage basin area versus fan area, fan area and fan slope and drainage basin ruggedness and basin size. The primary outcomes of this thesis include an alluvial fan form-process framework, key considerations to be included in alluvial fan restoration projects and fan restoration guidelines. Contributions of this thesis to broader alluvial fan morphology science includes new insights into general fan literature by compiling a form-process alluvial fan classification framework to identify external and internal fan control variables and identify fan form. Additions have been made to Clarke’s (2010) evolutionary stages to describe stages 4 and 5 of fan evolution that has been adapted to describe fan evolution and differentiate between stages of mature fan evolution. This thesis has also contributed to the study of alluvial fans in South Africa, particularly in the Baviaanskloof Valley. The layout of the procedural guidelines and key considerations for an alluvial fan project provides a guide for rapid fan assessment for maximum cost and time benefits for stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing Health Informatics as a New Scientific Discipline
- Authors: Wright, G
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration Information technology -- Management Health informatics -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1089 , vital:30594
- Description: This lecture is predominately about the development of Health Informatics as a discipline and the author’s involvement in this emerging academic subject over the last three decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Wright, G
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Health services administration Information technology -- Management Health informatics -- Development
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1089 , vital:30594
- Description: This lecture is predominately about the development of Health Informatics as a discipline and the author’s involvement in this emerging academic subject over the last three decades.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing images of self: childhood, youth and family photographs in works by three South African women artists
- Authors: Schmahmann, Brenda
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147571 , vital:38650 , https://doi.org/10.1162/AFAR_a_00024
- Description: In 1996, South African artist Bridget Baker (b. 1971), completed So It Goes (Fig. 1), a work comprising four Vicks Vapour Rub containers which each feature the same photograph. A representation of the artist being taught to swim by her father, who died when she was a child, this is the only shot she possesses that shows them together. The photograph is overlaid with progressively increased amounts of the Vapour Rub until, in the last of the four tins, the image is almost entirely obliterated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Schmahmann, Brenda
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147571 , vital:38650 , https://doi.org/10.1162/AFAR_a_00024
- Description: In 1996, South African artist Bridget Baker (b. 1971), completed So It Goes (Fig. 1), a work comprising four Vicks Vapour Rub containers which each feature the same photograph. A representation of the artist being taught to swim by her father, who died when she was a child, this is the only shot she possesses that shows them together. The photograph is overlaid with progressively increased amounts of the Vapour Rub until, in the last of the four tins, the image is almost entirely obliterated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing marine pollution awareness among new recruits at SAS Saldanha Naval Gymnasium: a training needs analysis
- Authors: Kwak, Gerrit Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marine pollution -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Naval education -- South Africa -- Evaluation Training needs -- Armed forces -- South Africa -- Evaluation S.A.S. Saldanha (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:774 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003895
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the marine pollution awareness training needs of newly recruited SAN employees. It uses Training Needs Analysis (TNA) as a tool to gain a better understanding of what knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) recruits should have about the marine environment and if their level of competency meets the requirement to effectively and efficiently contribute to the sustainable use of the maritime environment in which they will be deployed. Ultimately, their individual and collective abilities will be a determining factor in the strategic intent of the SAN to be unchallenged at sea. The absence therefore of a Marine Pollution Awareness Training Programme (MPTAP) within the Basic Military Training (BMT) curriculum of new recruits at SAS SALDANHA Naval Gymnasium necessitated a TNA. Based on prior research on training conducted by subject matter experts both internal and external to the SAN it was decided to conduct a TNA on the KSA‟s required in terms of marine pollution awareness amongst newly recruited members. The literature provided discusses education, training, development of employees and focuses then on the role and importance of TNA‟s. Information was gathered from various subject matter experts, archival records, policy documents, internet-based resources and newly recruited naval learners consisting of a sample of 25 new recruits. Theory was used to determine the KSA expected from naval employees in terms of marine pollution awareness. Data obtained from each of the research resources was coded and grouped in order to establish themes. This allowed the researcher to determine what KSA‟s recruits should have about the marine environment and if their level of competency meets the requirement to effectively and efficiently contribute to the sustainable use of the maritime environment in which they will be deployed. The researcher therefore found that first priority in terms of KSA‟s should be given to a basic legal understanding of the regulatory framework that is applicable on marine pollution. This understanding will form the foundation for recruits to have the ability to know “what to do when” during observed transgressions. The legal understanding in combination with the Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) unit standards will help new recruits to be skilful when applying safe working practices thereby ensuring their own and others' safety. Ultimately, a basic but well entrenched knowledge about marine pollution together with applied skills on how to use the knowledge should influence the attitude of new recruits in a positive manner. The researcher concluded that there is a need on the macro, meso and micro level for a MPATP amongst new recruits at SAS SALDANHA. It is recommended that since this research appears to establish the first empirical confirmation of the training need amongst new recruits, it will require further research in terms of curriculum design, curriculum implementation and the evaluation thereof. It would therefore be in the best interest of the SAN to ensure the integration of a MPATP into the planning phase of future BMT Curriculum‟s. It would also be advisable to communicate this intent with all the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure alignment with governmental organisations as well as the private sector where these new recruits can be employed based on their newly acquired competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kwak, Gerrit Werner
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marine pollution -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Naval education -- South Africa -- Evaluation Training needs -- Armed forces -- South Africa -- Evaluation S.A.S. Saldanha (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:774 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003895
- Description: This dissertation focuses on the marine pollution awareness training needs of newly recruited SAN employees. It uses Training Needs Analysis (TNA) as a tool to gain a better understanding of what knowledge, skills and attitude (KSA) recruits should have about the marine environment and if their level of competency meets the requirement to effectively and efficiently contribute to the sustainable use of the maritime environment in which they will be deployed. Ultimately, their individual and collective abilities will be a determining factor in the strategic intent of the SAN to be unchallenged at sea. The absence therefore of a Marine Pollution Awareness Training Programme (MPTAP) within the Basic Military Training (BMT) curriculum of new recruits at SAS SALDANHA Naval Gymnasium necessitated a TNA. Based on prior research on training conducted by subject matter experts both internal and external to the SAN it was decided to conduct a TNA on the KSA‟s required in terms of marine pollution awareness amongst newly recruited members. The literature provided discusses education, training, development of employees and focuses then on the role and importance of TNA‟s. Information was gathered from various subject matter experts, archival records, policy documents, internet-based resources and newly recruited naval learners consisting of a sample of 25 new recruits. Theory was used to determine the KSA expected from naval employees in terms of marine pollution awareness. Data obtained from each of the research resources was coded and grouped in order to establish themes. This allowed the researcher to determine what KSA‟s recruits should have about the marine environment and if their level of competency meets the requirement to effectively and efficiently contribute to the sustainable use of the maritime environment in which they will be deployed. The researcher therefore found that first priority in terms of KSA‟s should be given to a basic legal understanding of the regulatory framework that is applicable on marine pollution. This understanding will form the foundation for recruits to have the ability to know “what to do when” during observed transgressions. The legal understanding in combination with the Sector Education Training Authority (SETA) unit standards will help new recruits to be skilful when applying safe working practices thereby ensuring their own and others' safety. Ultimately, a basic but well entrenched knowledge about marine pollution together with applied skills on how to use the knowledge should influence the attitude of new recruits in a positive manner. The researcher concluded that there is a need on the macro, meso and micro level for a MPATP amongst new recruits at SAS SALDANHA. It is recommended that since this research appears to establish the first empirical confirmation of the training need amongst new recruits, it will require further research in terms of curriculum design, curriculum implementation and the evaluation thereof. It would therefore be in the best interest of the SAN to ensure the integration of a MPATP into the planning phase of future BMT Curriculum‟s. It would also be advisable to communicate this intent with all the relevant stakeholders in order to ensure alignment with governmental organisations as well as the private sector where these new recruits can be employed based on their newly acquired competencies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a degreasing and anti-fogging formulation for wet wipe application for automotive glass surfaces
- Authors: Bosch, Tanya
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Porous materials -- Transport properties , Hydrophobic surfaces , Vapor degreasing , Cleaning compounds , Water-soluble polymers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013177
- Description: It was the objective of this project to provide a glass cleaner formulation for a wet wipe application with cleaning and anti-fogging properties. This glass cleaner formulation was developed for automotive glass i.e. interior of windscreens. This formulation relates to a glass cleaner with a composition comprising of: (a) a blend of amphoteric surfactants; (b) a solvent system with a combination of glycol ethers; and (c) an aqueous solvent system. This glass formulation must provide good cleaning properties while also providing good wetting and sheeting properties to assist with anti-fogging properties. The objectives were obtained using 2 specific approaches: The first was by using a blend of 2 amphoteric surfactants in an alkaline medium, allowing the glass surface to become more hydrophilic which will also assist with reduction of surface tension on the glass surface. The second was by using the glycol ethers that have good coupling properties and surface tension reducing properties. The formulation was evaluated using commercial standard test methods as per the industry. A predictive model was successfully obtained for each of the five criteria that were evaluated using the 25 formulations derived from the statistical design. There were variables and variable interactions that were antagonistic for some of the criteria which were found to be synergistic for others. To achieve satisfactory cleaning, the fogging rating had to be compromised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Bosch, Tanya
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Porous materials -- Transport properties , Hydrophobic surfaces , Vapor degreasing , Cleaning compounds , Water-soluble polymers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10418 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013177
- Description: It was the objective of this project to provide a glass cleaner formulation for a wet wipe application with cleaning and anti-fogging properties. This glass cleaner formulation was developed for automotive glass i.e. interior of windscreens. This formulation relates to a glass cleaner with a composition comprising of: (a) a blend of amphoteric surfactants; (b) a solvent system with a combination of glycol ethers; and (c) an aqueous solvent system. This glass formulation must provide good cleaning properties while also providing good wetting and sheeting properties to assist with anti-fogging properties. The objectives were obtained using 2 specific approaches: The first was by using a blend of 2 amphoteric surfactants in an alkaline medium, allowing the glass surface to become more hydrophilic which will also assist with reduction of surface tension on the glass surface. The second was by using the glycol ethers that have good coupling properties and surface tension reducing properties. The formulation was evaluated using commercial standard test methods as per the industry. A predictive model was successfully obtained for each of the five criteria that were evaluated using the 25 formulations derived from the statistical design. There were variables and variable interactions that were antagonistic for some of the criteria which were found to be synergistic for others. To achieve satisfactory cleaning, the fogging rating had to be compromised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a hydraulic sub-model as part of a desktop environmental flow assessment method
- Authors: Desai, Ahmed Yacoob
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Research -- South Africa Hydraulic engineering -- South Africa Rivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006200
- Description: Countries around the world have been developing ecological policies to protect their water resources and minimise the impacts of development on their river systems. The concept of ‘minimum flows’ was initially established as a solution but it did not provide sufficient protection as all elements of a flow regime were found to be important for the protection of the river ecosystem. “Environmental flows” were developed to determine these flow regimes to maintain a river in some defined ecological condition. Rapid, initial estimates of the quantity component of environmental flows may be determined using the Desktop Reserve Model in South Africa. However, the Desktop Reserve Model is dependent upon the characteristics of the reference natural hydrology used. The advancements in hydraulic and ecological relationships from the past decade have prompted the development of a Revised Desktop Reserve Model (RDRM) that would incorporate these relationships. The research in this thesis presents the development of the hydraulic sub-model for the RDRM. The hydraulic sub-model was designed to produce a realistic representation of the hydraulic conditions using hydraulic parameters/characteristics from readily available information for any part of South Africa. Hydraulic data from past EWR studies were used to estimate the hydraulic parameters. These estimated hydraulic parameters were used to develop hydraulic estimation relationships and these relationships were developed based on a combination of regression and rule-based procedures. The estimation relationships were incorporated into the hydraulic sub-model of the integrated RDRM and assessments of the hydraulic outputs and EWR results were undertaken to assess the ‘applicability’ of the hydraulic sub-model. The hydraulic sub-model was assessed to be at a stage where it can satisfactorily be incorporated in the RDRM and that it is adequately robust in many situations. Recommendations for future work include the refinement of estimation of the channel forming discharge or the use of spatial imagery to check the maximum channel width estimation. It is also proposed that a future version of the hydraulic sub-model could include flow regime change impacts on channel geomorphology and sedimentology so that flow management scenarios can be more effectively assessed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Desai, Ahmed Yacoob
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Hydrologic models -- Research -- South Africa Hydraulic engineering -- South Africa Rivers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:6041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006200
- Description: Countries around the world have been developing ecological policies to protect their water resources and minimise the impacts of development on their river systems. The concept of ‘minimum flows’ was initially established as a solution but it did not provide sufficient protection as all elements of a flow regime were found to be important for the protection of the river ecosystem. “Environmental flows” were developed to determine these flow regimes to maintain a river in some defined ecological condition. Rapid, initial estimates of the quantity component of environmental flows may be determined using the Desktop Reserve Model in South Africa. However, the Desktop Reserve Model is dependent upon the characteristics of the reference natural hydrology used. The advancements in hydraulic and ecological relationships from the past decade have prompted the development of a Revised Desktop Reserve Model (RDRM) that would incorporate these relationships. The research in this thesis presents the development of the hydraulic sub-model for the RDRM. The hydraulic sub-model was designed to produce a realistic representation of the hydraulic conditions using hydraulic parameters/characteristics from readily available information for any part of South Africa. Hydraulic data from past EWR studies were used to estimate the hydraulic parameters. These estimated hydraulic parameters were used to develop hydraulic estimation relationships and these relationships were developed based on a combination of regression and rule-based procedures. The estimation relationships were incorporated into the hydraulic sub-model of the integrated RDRM and assessments of the hydraulic outputs and EWR results were undertaken to assess the ‘applicability’ of the hydraulic sub-model. The hydraulic sub-model was assessed to be at a stage where it can satisfactorily be incorporated in the RDRM and that it is adequately robust in many situations. Recommendations for future work include the refinement of estimation of the channel forming discharge or the use of spatial imagery to check the maximum channel width estimation. It is also proposed that a future version of the hydraulic sub-model could include flow regime change impacts on channel geomorphology and sedimentology so that flow management scenarios can be more effectively assessed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a navigation system for an autonomous guided vehicle using android technology
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mechatronics , Engeering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Snyman, Christo Johannes
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Mechatronics , Engeering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a value based pricing index for new drugs in metastatic colorectal cancer
- Authors: Dranitsaris, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drug -- Prices , Prescription pricing , Pharmaceutical industry -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009310 , Drug -- Prices , Prescription pricing , Pharmaceutical industry -- Prices
- Description: Background: Worldwide, prices for cancer drugs have been under downward pressure where several governments have mandated price cuts of branded and generic products. A better alternative to mandated price cuts would be the estimation of a launch price based on drug performance, cost effectiveness and a country’s ability to pay. In this study, the development of a global pricing index for new drugs that encompasses all of these attributes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is described. Methods: A pharmacoeconomic model was developed to simulate clinical outcomes in mCRC patients receiving chemotherapy with the addition of a “new drug” that improves survival by 1.4, 3 and 6 months. Cost and health state utility data were obtained from cancer centers and oncology nurses (total n=112) in Canada (n=24), Spain (n=24), India (n=24), South Africa (n=16) and Malaysia (n=24). A price per dose was estimated for each survival increment using a target value threshold of three times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for each country, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Multivariable analysis was then used to develop the pricing index, which considers survival benefit, per capita GDP and income dispersion as measured by the Gini coefficient as predictor variables. Results: Higher survival benefits were associated with elevated drug prices, especially in wealthier countries such as Canada and Spain. For a nation like Argentina with a per capita GDP of $15,000 and a Gini coefficient of 51, it is estimated that for a drug which provides a 4 month survival benefit in mCRC, the value based price would be $US 630 per dose. In contrast, the same drug in a wealthier country like Norway could command a price of $US 2,775 and still be considered cost effective according to the WHO criteria. Conclusions: A global pricing index was presented that can be used to estimate a value based price in different countries for new drugs in mCRC. The application of this index to estimate a price based on cost effectiveness would be a good starting point for opening dialogue between the key stakeholders and a better alternative to governments’ mandated price cuts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dranitsaris, George
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drug -- Prices , Prescription pricing , Pharmaceutical industry -- Prices
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10140 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009310 , Drug -- Prices , Prescription pricing , Pharmaceutical industry -- Prices
- Description: Background: Worldwide, prices for cancer drugs have been under downward pressure where several governments have mandated price cuts of branded and generic products. A better alternative to mandated price cuts would be the estimation of a launch price based on drug performance, cost effectiveness and a country’s ability to pay. In this study, the development of a global pricing index for new drugs that encompasses all of these attributes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is described. Methods: A pharmacoeconomic model was developed to simulate clinical outcomes in mCRC patients receiving chemotherapy with the addition of a “new drug” that improves survival by 1.4, 3 and 6 months. Cost and health state utility data were obtained from cancer centers and oncology nurses (total n=112) in Canada (n=24), Spain (n=24), India (n=24), South Africa (n=16) and Malaysia (n=24). A price per dose was estimated for each survival increment using a target value threshold of three times the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for each country, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Multivariable analysis was then used to develop the pricing index, which considers survival benefit, per capita GDP and income dispersion as measured by the Gini coefficient as predictor variables. Results: Higher survival benefits were associated with elevated drug prices, especially in wealthier countries such as Canada and Spain. For a nation like Argentina with a per capita GDP of $15,000 and a Gini coefficient of 51, it is estimated that for a drug which provides a 4 month survival benefit in mCRC, the value based price would be $US 630 per dose. In contrast, the same drug in a wealthier country like Norway could command a price of $US 2,775 and still be considered cost effective according to the WHO criteria. Conclusions: A global pricing index was presented that can be used to estimate a value based price in different countries for new drugs in mCRC. The application of this index to estimate a price based on cost effectiveness would be a good starting point for opening dialogue between the key stakeholders and a better alternative to governments’ mandated price cuts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of a visible light active, photo-catalytic and antimicrobial nanocomposite of titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide for water treatment
- Authors: Mungondori, Henry Heroe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Titanium dioxide , Silica , Catalysis , Nanocomposites (Materials) , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/471 , Titanium dioxide , Silica , Catalysis , Nanocomposites (Materials) , Water -- Purification
- Description: The aim of this study was to prepare composite materials based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), and to evaluate their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial properties. Carbon and nitrogen doped TiO2nano-particles were prepared via a sol gel synthesis, which is a simple hydrolysis and condensation technique. In situ doping was carried out using glucose and urea as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Doping increased the spectral response of titanium dioxide photo-catalyst, allowing it to utilise the visible region which is much wider than the UV region (about 40 % of the solar spectrum), thus making it a more efficient photo-catalyst. The carbon and nitrogen doped TiO2-SiO2nano-particles were immobilized on glass support material to allow for easy separation of the spent photo-catalyst after the photo-degradation process. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was employed as both a binder and precursor for silicon dioxide. A mixture of TiO2 and TEOS in a 1:1 ratio was allowed to polymerize on a glass support which had been treated with hydrofluoric acid to introduce OH groups. The prepared photo-catalytic material was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DRS, TEM, EDX, and BET analyses. Carbon was found to be more effective as a dopant than nitrogen. It brought about a band gap reduction of 0.30 eV and a BET surface area of 95.4 m2g-1 on the photo-catalyst as compared to a gap reduction of 0.2 eV and surface area of 52.2 m2g-1 for nitrogen doped TiO2. On the other hand, introduction of SiO2 allowed utilization of visible light by the TiO2-SiO2 nano-composite leading to an improved rate of photo-degradation of both methyl orange and phenol red. However, the immobilization of TiO2 on support material made it less effective towards inactivation of E. coli ATCC 25922 bacterial cells when compared to powdered TiO2 which was able to inactivate about 98 % of the bacterial cells within an hour of treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mungondori, Henry Heroe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Titanium dioxide , Silica , Catalysis , Nanocomposites (Materials) , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11335 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/471 , Titanium dioxide , Silica , Catalysis , Nanocomposites (Materials) , Water -- Purification
- Description: The aim of this study was to prepare composite materials based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), and to evaluate their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial properties. Carbon and nitrogen doped TiO2nano-particles were prepared via a sol gel synthesis, which is a simple hydrolysis and condensation technique. In situ doping was carried out using glucose and urea as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Doping increased the spectral response of titanium dioxide photo-catalyst, allowing it to utilise the visible region which is much wider than the UV region (about 40 % of the solar spectrum), thus making it a more efficient photo-catalyst. The carbon and nitrogen doped TiO2-SiO2nano-particles were immobilized on glass support material to allow for easy separation of the spent photo-catalyst after the photo-degradation process. Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was employed as both a binder and precursor for silicon dioxide. A mixture of TiO2 and TEOS in a 1:1 ratio was allowed to polymerize on a glass support which had been treated with hydrofluoric acid to introduce OH groups. The prepared photo-catalytic material was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DRS, TEM, EDX, and BET analyses. Carbon was found to be more effective as a dopant than nitrogen. It brought about a band gap reduction of 0.30 eV and a BET surface area of 95.4 m2g-1 on the photo-catalyst as compared to a gap reduction of 0.2 eV and surface area of 52.2 m2g-1 for nitrogen doped TiO2. On the other hand, introduction of SiO2 allowed utilization of visible light by the TiO2-SiO2 nano-composite leading to an improved rate of photo-degradation of both methyl orange and phenol red. However, the immobilization of TiO2 on support material made it less effective towards inactivation of E. coli ATCC 25922 bacterial cells when compared to powdered TiO2 which was able to inactivate about 98 % of the bacterial cells within an hour of treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of corona-based power supplies for remote repeater stations for overhead HVDC power transmission systems
- Authors: Kaseke, R
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006787
- Description: More and more people worldwide are becoming “carbon conscious”. This means they are becoming increasingly aware of the imminent adverse effects of global warming. Of late there has been an urgent drive for governments to be on the forefront of all carbon mitigation initiatives. One such drive involves the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change whose parties have been meeting regularly under the banner of Conference of Parties (COP) since 1995. At this conference, parties to the convention review progress made in dealing with climate change. Also key to the deliberations in such meetings are better ways of developing cleaner “carbon free” energy sources. Energy sources of this nature are commonly known as renewable energy sources. In essence global energy trends are constantly moving towards development of more renewable energy sources. It is an undeniable fact that some of viable renewable energy sources especially those with bulk capacity are usually located remotely from load centers. This inevitable reality necessitates the construction of long distance bulk power transmission corridors to link generation sites with load centers. Due to its many inherent advantages over High Voltage Alternate Current (HVAC) for long distance power transmission, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is gradually winning the favor of many utilities. In fact, recent advances in HVDC technology have encouraged many utilities to explore the possibility of harnessing remotely located renewable energy sources which would have otherwise not been viable with HVAC transmission. Through the unfortunate and inevitable phenomenon known as corona effect, overhead HVDC conductors suffer real power losses to the air dielectric surrounding them. Through corona, part of the energy carried on the transmission line is expended through ionization and movement of charges in the air dielectric. This study combined physics, mathematical as well engineering concepts to review corona phenomenon around HVDC lines with specific emphasis on space charge generation and motion within ionized DC fields as well as the influence of temperature on corona discharge or power loss. Also, unlike HVAC, performance of an HVDC system relies heavily on the availability of a reliable and robust telecommunication system. One of the key ways of ensuring reliability of a telecommunication system is by making sure that reliable power supplies are in place to power remote repeater stations. A novel concept of quasi-autonomous corona-based power supply (or QC power supply in short) that works on the principle of magnetohydrodymic (MHD) power generation was developed. A small scale experiment was then designed to assess the feasibility of such power supplies. The experiment was conducted with DC supply of a maximum rated voltage of 30 kVDC and generated up to 6 VDC at an optimum ambient temperature of 23°C. These results have confirmed that with further development QC power supplies have the potential of proving reliable power to remotely located repeaters or any other small critical loads along the stretch of the HVDC transmission line. Practical HVDC transmission systems operate voltages in the excess of 500 kV. By linear extrapolation of the above mentioned results; one would expect to yield up to 100-, 120- and 160-VDC from a 500-, 600- and 800- kV HVDC system, respectively. Although the study succeeded in conceptualizing a CMHD idea upon which the novel QC power supply was developed, quite extensive and rigorous design, modeling, prototyping and experimentation processes are still required before the first QC power supply can be commissioned on a practical HVDC line
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kaseke, R
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006787
- Description: More and more people worldwide are becoming “carbon conscious”. This means they are becoming increasingly aware of the imminent adverse effects of global warming. Of late there has been an urgent drive for governments to be on the forefront of all carbon mitigation initiatives. One such drive involves the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change whose parties have been meeting regularly under the banner of Conference of Parties (COP) since 1995. At this conference, parties to the convention review progress made in dealing with climate change. Also key to the deliberations in such meetings are better ways of developing cleaner “carbon free” energy sources. Energy sources of this nature are commonly known as renewable energy sources. In essence global energy trends are constantly moving towards development of more renewable energy sources. It is an undeniable fact that some of viable renewable energy sources especially those with bulk capacity are usually located remotely from load centers. This inevitable reality necessitates the construction of long distance bulk power transmission corridors to link generation sites with load centers. Due to its many inherent advantages over High Voltage Alternate Current (HVAC) for long distance power transmission, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) is gradually winning the favor of many utilities. In fact, recent advances in HVDC technology have encouraged many utilities to explore the possibility of harnessing remotely located renewable energy sources which would have otherwise not been viable with HVAC transmission. Through the unfortunate and inevitable phenomenon known as corona effect, overhead HVDC conductors suffer real power losses to the air dielectric surrounding them. Through corona, part of the energy carried on the transmission line is expended through ionization and movement of charges in the air dielectric. This study combined physics, mathematical as well engineering concepts to review corona phenomenon around HVDC lines with specific emphasis on space charge generation and motion within ionized DC fields as well as the influence of temperature on corona discharge or power loss. Also, unlike HVAC, performance of an HVDC system relies heavily on the availability of a reliable and robust telecommunication system. One of the key ways of ensuring reliability of a telecommunication system is by making sure that reliable power supplies are in place to power remote repeater stations. A novel concept of quasi-autonomous corona-based power supply (or QC power supply in short) that works on the principle of magnetohydrodymic (MHD) power generation was developed. A small scale experiment was then designed to assess the feasibility of such power supplies. The experiment was conducted with DC supply of a maximum rated voltage of 30 kVDC and generated up to 6 VDC at an optimum ambient temperature of 23°C. These results have confirmed that with further development QC power supplies have the potential of proving reliable power to remotely located repeaters or any other small critical loads along the stretch of the HVDC transmission line. Practical HVDC transmission systems operate voltages in the excess of 500 kV. By linear extrapolation of the above mentioned results; one would expect to yield up to 100-, 120- and 160-VDC from a 500-, 600- and 800- kV HVDC system, respectively. Although the study succeeded in conceptualizing a CMHD idea upon which the novel QC power supply was developed, quite extensive and rigorous design, modeling, prototyping and experimentation processes are still required before the first QC power supply can be commissioned on a practical HVDC line
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development of molecularly imprinted polymer based solid phase extraction sorbents for the selective cleanup of food and pharmaceutical residue samples
- Authors: Batlokwa, Bareki Shima
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Sorbents -- Research Nanofibers -- Research Aflatoxins -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004967
- Description: This thesis presents the development of chlorophyll, cholic acid, aflatoxin B1 molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles and cholic acid MIP nanofibers for application as selective solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents. The particles were prepared by bulk polymerization and the nanofibers by a novel approach combining molecular imprinting and electrospinning technology. The AFB1 MIP particles were compared with an aflatoxin specific immunoextraction sorbent in cleaning-up and pre-concentrating aflatoxins from nut extracts. They both recorded high extraction efficiencies (EEs) of > 97 % in selectively extracting the aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2). High reproducibility marked by the low %RSDs of < 1% and low LODs of ≤ 0.02 ng/g were calculated in all cases. The LODs were within the monitoring requirements of the European Commission. The results were validated with a peanut butter certified reference material. The chlorophyll MIP on the other hand selectively removed chlorophyll that would otherwise interfere during pesticide residue analysis (PRA) from > 0.6 to <0.09 Au in green plants extracts. The extracted chlorophyll was removed to far below the level of ≥ 0.399 Au that is usually associated with interference during PRA. Furthermore, the MIP demonstrated better selectivity by removing only chlorophyll (> 99%) in the presence of planar pesticides than the currently employed graphitized carbon black (GCB) that removed both the chlorophyll (> 88%) and planar pesticides (> 89%). For the interfering cholic acid during drug residue analysis, cholic acid MIP electrospun nanofibers demonstrated to be more sensitive and possessing higher loading capacity than the MIP particles. 100% cholic acid was removed by the nanofibers from standard solutions relative to 80% by the particles. This showed that the nanofibers have better performance than the micro particles and as such have potential to replace the particle based SPE sorbents that are currently in use. All the templates were optimally removed from the prepared MIPs by employing a novel pressurized hot water extraction template removal method that was used for the first time in this thesis. The method employed only water, an environmentally friendly solvent to remove templates to ≥ 99.6% with template residual bleeding of ≤ 0.02%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Batlokwa, Bareki Shima
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Sorbents -- Research Nanofibers -- Research Aflatoxins -- Research Electrospinning -- Research Extraction (Chemistry) -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004967
- Description: This thesis presents the development of chlorophyll, cholic acid, aflatoxin B1 molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles and cholic acid MIP nanofibers for application as selective solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbents. The particles were prepared by bulk polymerization and the nanofibers by a novel approach combining molecular imprinting and electrospinning technology. The AFB1 MIP particles were compared with an aflatoxin specific immunoextraction sorbent in cleaning-up and pre-concentrating aflatoxins from nut extracts. They both recorded high extraction efficiencies (EEs) of > 97 % in selectively extracting the aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2). High reproducibility marked by the low %RSDs of < 1% and low LODs of ≤ 0.02 ng/g were calculated in all cases. The LODs were within the monitoring requirements of the European Commission. The results were validated with a peanut butter certified reference material. The chlorophyll MIP on the other hand selectively removed chlorophyll that would otherwise interfere during pesticide residue analysis (PRA) from > 0.6 to <0.09 Au in green plants extracts. The extracted chlorophyll was removed to far below the level of ≥ 0.399 Au that is usually associated with interference during PRA. Furthermore, the MIP demonstrated better selectivity by removing only chlorophyll (> 99%) in the presence of planar pesticides than the currently employed graphitized carbon black (GCB) that removed both the chlorophyll (> 88%) and planar pesticides (> 89%). For the interfering cholic acid during drug residue analysis, cholic acid MIP electrospun nanofibers demonstrated to be more sensitive and possessing higher loading capacity than the MIP particles. 100% cholic acid was removed by the nanofibers from standard solutions relative to 80% by the particles. This showed that the nanofibers have better performance than the micro particles and as such have potential to replace the particle based SPE sorbents that are currently in use. All the templates were optimally removed from the prepared MIPs by employing a novel pressurized hot water extraction template removal method that was used for the first time in this thesis. The method employed only water, an environmentally friendly solvent to remove templates to ≥ 99.6% with template residual bleeding of ≤ 0.02%.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Development, assessment and optimisation of oral famciclovir formulations for paediatric use
- Authors: Magnus, Laura
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drugs -- Analysis , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Antiviral agents , Pediatrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018244
- Description: Many Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) such as the antiviral agent famciclovir (FCV) are required for paediatric treatment but are not commercially available in age-appropriate dosage forms. It is common practice to prepare oral liquid dosage forms using commercially available tablets, capsules or powdered API and then dispersing or dissolving the crushed and/or powdered materials in a vehicle that the patient can swallow. Vehicles that are commonly used for this purpose include methylcellulose, syrup or combinations of these carriers where possible or commercially available suspending agents such as Ora-Sweet®, if available, can be used. However, several critical factors are overlooked when manufacturing extemporaneous formulations including, but not limited to, physical and chemical properties of the API, excipients, compatibility, stability and bioavailability issues. A stability-indicating High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method for the analysis of FCV was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method is sensitive, selective, precise, accurate and linear over the concentration range 2-120 μg/ml. The stability of 25 mg/ml FCV formulations was assessed in vehicles manufactured from syrup simplex, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Ora-Sweet® and an aqueous buffer (pH 6) following storage at 25 °C/60% RH and 40 °C/75% RH over six (6) to eight (8) weeks. The shelf life of the products was calculated as the longest period of storage for approximately 90% of the added FCV to be recovered. Formulations were manufactured using syrup simplex or HPMC with methylparaben and propylparaben individually or in combination and with sodium metabisulphite, ascorbic acid or citric acid as antioxidants. The resultant products were subject to quality control analysis for API content, viscosity, pH and appearance and the resultant data were subject to statistical analysis. The degradation rates were calculated for each product and a degradation profile plotted. The degradation rates of FCV in extemporaneous formulations were compared to those of FCV manufactured using a commercially available suspending agent and a buffered vehicle. FCV undergoes major degradation in the presence of sucrose, as observed for formulations in which the vehicle was syrup and Ora-Sweet®. FCV was found to be most stable when dissolved/dispersed in an HPMC vehicle incorporating sodium metabisulphite and a combination of parabens. The formulation that exhibited the maximum stability was manufactured using an aqueous solution buffered to pH 6. Due to the enhanced stability of FCV when added to a buffered vehicle a formulation in which an HPMC vehicle buffered to pH 6 with sodium metabisulphite, methylparaben and propylparaben was selected for optimisation using a Central Composite Design approach (CCD). In this way it was possible to establish a relationship between input variables such as pH, % w/v HPMC, % w/v antioxidant and % w/v preservative and the responses selected for monitoring by means of response surface modelling. A quadratic model was found to be the most appropriate to describe the relationship between input and output variables. Thirty batches of product were randomly manufactured according to the CCD and analysed to establish the stability in respect of viscosity, pH and the amount of FCV remaining following storage and the data were fitted to models using Design-Expert® software. A correlation between input variables and the responses was best described by a quadratic polynomial model. Analysis of Variance indicated that the response surface models were significant (P-value < 0.0001). The pH to which a FCV formulation was buffered was the most significant factor to effect the % drug content and the ultimate pH of the formulation, while the % w/v HPMC had the most significant effect on the viscosity of the product. The optimum composition for the manufacture of an oral liquid FCV formulation was predicted using the optimisation function of the Design-Expert® software. A low % error of prediction was established, indicating that the model is robust and that RSM is an appropriate formulation optimisation tool as it has a high prognostic ability. A liquid FCV formulation was developed, optimised and found to be suitable for its intended purpose. However further optimisation is required in respect of colourants, sweeteners and/or flavourants. The approach followed is useful in ensuring the development of quality products and can be applied in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Magnus, Laura
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Drugs -- Dosage forms , Drugs -- Analysis , Capsules (Pharmacy) , Antiviral agents , Pediatrics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018244
- Description: Many Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) such as the antiviral agent famciclovir (FCV) are required for paediatric treatment but are not commercially available in age-appropriate dosage forms. It is common practice to prepare oral liquid dosage forms using commercially available tablets, capsules or powdered API and then dispersing or dissolving the crushed and/or powdered materials in a vehicle that the patient can swallow. Vehicles that are commonly used for this purpose include methylcellulose, syrup or combinations of these carriers where possible or commercially available suspending agents such as Ora-Sweet®, if available, can be used. However, several critical factors are overlooked when manufacturing extemporaneous formulations including, but not limited to, physical and chemical properties of the API, excipients, compatibility, stability and bioavailability issues. A stability-indicating High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method for the analysis of FCV was developed and validated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. The method is sensitive, selective, precise, accurate and linear over the concentration range 2-120 μg/ml. The stability of 25 mg/ml FCV formulations was assessed in vehicles manufactured from syrup simplex, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), Ora-Sweet® and an aqueous buffer (pH 6) following storage at 25 °C/60% RH and 40 °C/75% RH over six (6) to eight (8) weeks. The shelf life of the products was calculated as the longest period of storage for approximately 90% of the added FCV to be recovered. Formulations were manufactured using syrup simplex or HPMC with methylparaben and propylparaben individually or in combination and with sodium metabisulphite, ascorbic acid or citric acid as antioxidants. The resultant products were subject to quality control analysis for API content, viscosity, pH and appearance and the resultant data were subject to statistical analysis. The degradation rates were calculated for each product and a degradation profile plotted. The degradation rates of FCV in extemporaneous formulations were compared to those of FCV manufactured using a commercially available suspending agent and a buffered vehicle. FCV undergoes major degradation in the presence of sucrose, as observed for formulations in which the vehicle was syrup and Ora-Sweet®. FCV was found to be most stable when dissolved/dispersed in an HPMC vehicle incorporating sodium metabisulphite and a combination of parabens. The formulation that exhibited the maximum stability was manufactured using an aqueous solution buffered to pH 6. Due to the enhanced stability of FCV when added to a buffered vehicle a formulation in which an HPMC vehicle buffered to pH 6 with sodium metabisulphite, methylparaben and propylparaben was selected for optimisation using a Central Composite Design approach (CCD). In this way it was possible to establish a relationship between input variables such as pH, % w/v HPMC, % w/v antioxidant and % w/v preservative and the responses selected for monitoring by means of response surface modelling. A quadratic model was found to be the most appropriate to describe the relationship between input and output variables. Thirty batches of product were randomly manufactured according to the CCD and analysed to establish the stability in respect of viscosity, pH and the amount of FCV remaining following storage and the data were fitted to models using Design-Expert® software. A correlation between input variables and the responses was best described by a quadratic polynomial model. Analysis of Variance indicated that the response surface models were significant (P-value < 0.0001). The pH to which a FCV formulation was buffered was the most significant factor to effect the % drug content and the ultimate pH of the formulation, while the % w/v HPMC had the most significant effect on the viscosity of the product. The optimum composition for the manufacture of an oral liquid FCV formulation was predicted using the optimisation function of the Design-Expert® software. A low % error of prediction was established, indicating that the model is robust and that RSM is an appropriate formulation optimisation tool as it has a high prognostic ability. A liquid FCV formulation was developed, optimised and found to be suitable for its intended purpose. However further optimisation is required in respect of colourants, sweeteners and/or flavourants. The approach followed is useful in ensuring the development of quality products and can be applied in future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Diagnosing organizational effectiveness in the tourism sector of Zanzibar
- Authors: Raja, Sanjay Kanji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- Zanzibar Management by objectives -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Management -- Zanzibar Job satisfaction -- Zanzibar Employee motivation -- Zanzibar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003901
- Description: The tourism sector in Zanzibar Tanzania has emerged strongly in the past 15 years, helping the development of other Industries that support it. As a result, Industries such as telecommunication, IT, transport and hospitality have also emerged recently. It is, however, speculated that organizations in the tourism sector in Zanzibar generally lack the effective performance that is required of them to compete in the contemporary complex and turbulent market environment. This research thus set out to explore and diagnose the organizational effectiveness of the accommodation units of the tourism sector in Zanzibar. The research had specific objectives of diagnosing and finding the gap between the current and the optimal organizational performance in two particular units of accommodation as well as determining the factors affecting organizational performance in these units. The study furthermore set out to recommend implementation of suitable intervention activities to improve organizational performance in the units analyzed. In order to achieve the above objectives the research deployed an action research strategy with the Weisbord’s six box model as a framework to diagnose two five star grade accommodation units in Zanzibar. A qualitative method was used to collect data. Key findings of the research are briefly presented below: - The service output of the accommodation units analyzed was not very consistent and fell short of the expectation of their customers. This showed a gap in terms of the organizations’ performance. - Factors affecting organizational effectiveness were found to be mainly in the Purpose and Rewards functions of the organizations. - The specific areas in the Purpose function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- Goals of the organization were not clearly stated -- Employees did not understand the purpose of the organization -- Employees were not involved in deciding their work unit goals -- Employees were not in agreement with the goals of their work units. -- Employees did not understand priorities of the organization The specific areas in the Reward function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- The pay scale and benefits of the organization did not treat employees equitably. -- Employees felt that the salary they received was not commensurate with the jobs they performed. -- Not all tasks to be accomplished were associated with incentives. Following the diagnostics findings above, the research suggested the following intervention activities that could possibly help to address the above mentioned problems: - A Management by Objectives (MBO) process was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Purpose function. This would help to set clearly agreed goals at all levels of the organizations. Employees and resources would then be directed towards achieving these goals that would enable the organizations to perform more effectively. - Revision of the current reward system was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Reward function. The reward system should be implemented in a manner that creates a feeling of both internal as well as external (market) equity among employees. Furthermore, rewards should be linked to performance in order to direct behaviour and motivation among employees. The performance based reward system can also help to achieve the MBO process proposed above since rewards will be designated for achievement of individual, departmental and finally organizational objectives, thus increasing organizational effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Raja, Sanjay Kanji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- Zanzibar Management by objectives -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Zanzibar Tourism -- Management -- Zanzibar Job satisfaction -- Zanzibar Employee motivation -- Zanzibar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003901
- Description: The tourism sector in Zanzibar Tanzania has emerged strongly in the past 15 years, helping the development of other Industries that support it. As a result, Industries such as telecommunication, IT, transport and hospitality have also emerged recently. It is, however, speculated that organizations in the tourism sector in Zanzibar generally lack the effective performance that is required of them to compete in the contemporary complex and turbulent market environment. This research thus set out to explore and diagnose the organizational effectiveness of the accommodation units of the tourism sector in Zanzibar. The research had specific objectives of diagnosing and finding the gap between the current and the optimal organizational performance in two particular units of accommodation as well as determining the factors affecting organizational performance in these units. The study furthermore set out to recommend implementation of suitable intervention activities to improve organizational performance in the units analyzed. In order to achieve the above objectives the research deployed an action research strategy with the Weisbord’s six box model as a framework to diagnose two five star grade accommodation units in Zanzibar. A qualitative method was used to collect data. Key findings of the research are briefly presented below: - The service output of the accommodation units analyzed was not very consistent and fell short of the expectation of their customers. This showed a gap in terms of the organizations’ performance. - Factors affecting organizational effectiveness were found to be mainly in the Purpose and Rewards functions of the organizations. - The specific areas in the Purpose function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- Goals of the organization were not clearly stated -- Employees did not understand the purpose of the organization -- Employees were not involved in deciding their work unit goals -- Employees were not in agreement with the goals of their work units. -- Employees did not understand priorities of the organization The specific areas in the Reward function that appeared to have substantial problems were: -- The pay scale and benefits of the organization did not treat employees equitably. -- Employees felt that the salary they received was not commensurate with the jobs they performed. -- Not all tasks to be accomplished were associated with incentives. Following the diagnostics findings above, the research suggested the following intervention activities that could possibly help to address the above mentioned problems: - A Management by Objectives (MBO) process was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Purpose function. This would help to set clearly agreed goals at all levels of the organizations. Employees and resources would then be directed towards achieving these goals that would enable the organizations to perform more effectively. - Revision of the current reward system was suggested to redress the problems indicated in the Reward function. The reward system should be implemented in a manner that creates a feeling of both internal as well as external (market) equity among employees. Furthermore, rewards should be linked to performance in order to direct behaviour and motivation among employees. The performance based reward system can also help to achieve the MBO process proposed above since rewards will be designated for achievement of individual, departmental and finally organizational objectives, thus increasing organizational effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Differential regulation of monocyte cytokine release by αV and β2 integrins that bind CD23:
- Edkins, Adrienne L, Borland, Gillian, Acharya, Mridu, Cogdell, Richard, Ozanne, Bradford W, Cushley, William
- Authors: Edkins, Adrienne L , Borland, Gillian , Acharya, Mridu , Cogdell, Richard , Ozanne, Bradford W , Cushley, William
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165153 , vital:41213 , DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2012.03576.x
- Description: The human soluble CD23 (sCD23) protein displays highly pleiotropic cytokine‐like activity. Monocytic cells express the sCD23‐binding integrins αVβ3, αVβ5, αMβ2 and αXβ2, but it is unclear which of these four integrins most acutely regulates sCD23‐driven cytokine release. The hypothesis that ligation of different sCD23‐binding integrins promoted release of distinct subsets of cytokines was tested. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sCD23 promoted release of distinct groups of cytokines from the THP‐1 model cell line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Edkins, Adrienne L , Borland, Gillian , Acharya, Mridu , Cogdell, Richard , Ozanne, Bradford W , Cushley, William
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/165153 , vital:41213 , DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2012.03576.x
- Description: The human soluble CD23 (sCD23) protein displays highly pleiotropic cytokine‐like activity. Monocytic cells express the sCD23‐binding integrins αVβ3, αVβ5, αMβ2 and αXβ2, but it is unclear which of these four integrins most acutely regulates sCD23‐driven cytokine release. The hypothesis that ligation of different sCD23‐binding integrins promoted release of distinct subsets of cytokines was tested. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and sCD23 promoted release of distinct groups of cytokines from the THP‐1 model cell line.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses
- Authors: Kpalou, Jean-Yves Gaba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marketing , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018635
- Description: The small business sector in today‘s world is considered seriously by researchers, scholars, policy-makers and governments as an important answer in addressing problems of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and redistribution of wealth. Promoting and encouraging the development of the small business sector is without any doubt a key factor for economic growth. However, this sector faced a high rate of businesses failure due to the many challenges among them, for example, the lack of marketing strategy and implementation in the conduct of the business. Several researches show the important role of marketing in a business but unfortunately it is still not a strong component in many organisations especially within the small business sector.For this reason the aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses. Taking the aim of this study into consideration, the primary objectives were to firstly look at the practice of marketing in small businesses and secondly to identify the difficulties of marketing experienced by small business managers.The literature study provided a brief overview of the small business sector, followed by a presentation of the practice of marketing in an organisation especially within small business enterprises. Moreover a discussion of the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses was also addressed through the literature review. The literature classified those difficulties into two types; (a)internal factors (lack of marketing planning and strategy, cost of marketing, lack of marketing expertise, perception of marketing) and (b) external factors (lack of knowledge of the market environment).The empirical study was conducted to evaluate the practice of marketing in small businesses and to see what marketing difficulties were experienced by small business owners and/or managers. Data were collected by means of a survey, using a questionnaire. Respondents were identified using the snowball sampling technique through the database of the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce. The data gathered from 67 usable questionnaires were analysed and interpreted. The results of the empirical study revealed that the biggest problems experienced by small business managers in the sample were the heavy cost of marketing followed by the lack of marketing expertise and finally the lack of marketing segmentation strategy. This study contributes to the enhancement of the literature on small business marketing with a focus on the difficulties experienced by owners and/or managers in implementing marketing. As a result this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist managers in marketing their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kpalou, Jean-Yves Gaba
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Marketing , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9016 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018635
- Description: The small business sector in today‘s world is considered seriously by researchers, scholars, policy-makers and governments as an important answer in addressing problems of unemployment, poverty alleviation, and redistribution of wealth. Promoting and encouraging the development of the small business sector is without any doubt a key factor for economic growth. However, this sector faced a high rate of businesses failure due to the many challenges among them, for example, the lack of marketing strategy and implementation in the conduct of the business. Several researches show the important role of marketing in a business but unfortunately it is still not a strong component in many organisations especially within the small business sector.For this reason the aim of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses. Taking the aim of this study into consideration, the primary objectives were to firstly look at the practice of marketing in small businesses and secondly to identify the difficulties of marketing experienced by small business managers.The literature study provided a brief overview of the small business sector, followed by a presentation of the practice of marketing in an organisation especially within small business enterprises. Moreover a discussion of the difficulties experienced by small business managers in marketing their businesses was also addressed through the literature review. The literature classified those difficulties into two types; (a)internal factors (lack of marketing planning and strategy, cost of marketing, lack of marketing expertise, perception of marketing) and (b) external factors (lack of knowledge of the market environment).The empirical study was conducted to evaluate the practice of marketing in small businesses and to see what marketing difficulties were experienced by small business owners and/or managers. Data were collected by means of a survey, using a questionnaire. Respondents were identified using the snowball sampling technique through the database of the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce. The data gathered from 67 usable questionnaires were analysed and interpreted. The results of the empirical study revealed that the biggest problems experienced by small business managers in the sample were the heavy cost of marketing followed by the lack of marketing expertise and finally the lack of marketing segmentation strategy. This study contributes to the enhancement of the literature on small business marketing with a focus on the difficulties experienced by owners and/or managers in implementing marketing. As a result this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist managers in marketing their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Difficulties experienced by small businesses in accessing finance
- Kouadio, Gbogbo Nina Marie-Laure
- Authors: Kouadio, Gbogbo Nina Marie-Laure
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economics , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018633
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to the growth of the economy and the employment sector. However, it is indicated that SMEs lack access to the financial products and services that are critical to their growth. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small businesses in accessing finance. An online questionnaire survey was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included all small businesses operating in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. Thus, some 208 companies were identified as part of the study sampling frame. A total number of 66 questionnaires were returned out of the 208 targeted companies - giving a response rate of 29 percent. The quantitative data were processed using a STATISTICA program, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of the difficulties experienced by small businesses in accessing finance, hypotheses were also formulated and a t-test was used to establish the statistical significance of certain demographic variables and company characteristics regarding the problems experienced by small businesses in accessing finance. The results of the empirical study revealed that the major difficulties faced by small businesses in their access to finance were the lack of collateral and security, the high cost of borrowing interest and the delay in feedback from the financial institutions. Further, by testing the hypotheses, it was also revealed that the ethnic group of the applicant, the total years of business experience of the applicant and the annual turnover of the business have an impact on the access to finance. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to address the identified problems. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive small business database in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could investigate the reasons why in many cases financial institutions reject the funding of small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kouadio, Gbogbo Nina Marie-Laure
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economics , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018633
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to the growth of the economy and the employment sector. However, it is indicated that SMEs lack access to the financial products and services that are critical to their growth. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the difficulties experienced by small businesses in accessing finance. An online questionnaire survey was considered an appropriate measurement method for this study. The targeted population of the study included all small businesses operating in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. Thus, some 208 companies were identified as part of the study sampling frame. A total number of 66 questionnaires were returned out of the 208 targeted companies - giving a response rate of 29 percent. The quantitative data were processed using a STATISTICA program, leading to appropriate descriptive statistical analyses, including frequencies, means, medians and standard deviations. In order to obtain a better understanding of the difficulties experienced by small businesses in accessing finance, hypotheses were also formulated and a t-test was used to establish the statistical significance of certain demographic variables and company characteristics regarding the problems experienced by small businesses in accessing finance. The results of the empirical study revealed that the major difficulties faced by small businesses in their access to finance were the lack of collateral and security, the high cost of borrowing interest and the delay in feedback from the financial institutions. Further, by testing the hypotheses, it was also revealed that the ethnic group of the applicant, the total years of business experience of the applicant and the annual turnover of the business have an impact on the access to finance. Based on the relevant literature study and the empirical results, recommendations were made in order to address the identified problems. However, the unavailability of an exhaustive small business database in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole did not allow the research to draw on a larger representative sample. Thus, this limitation has impeded in-depth statistical analysis that would have allowed the research to obtain more accurate findings. Further studies could investigate the reasons why in many cases financial institutions reject the funding of small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Discrimination against women under customary law in South Africa with reference to inheritance and succession
- Mashalaba, Siyabulela Welcome
- Authors: Mashalaba, Siyabulela Welcome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Inheritance and succession -- South Africa , Customary law -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/505 , Inheritance and succession -- South Africa , Customary law -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Description: In South Africa, it is evident that women are uniformed of their essential human rights, especially their inheritance and succession rights, including protection of such rights. Human rights are international norms that protect individuals everywhere from the states’ political, legal and social abuse. Human rights are entitlements which human beings have in order to enhance their human condition. They are the fundamental entitlements or minimum standards to be met for individual so that they live with dignity. This study focused on discrimination of women under customary law in South Africa with reference to inheritance and succession. The study validated the findings of other researchers on the impact of cultural practices on women’s rights to inheritance and succession. In addition the findings revealed that efforts t eliminate traditional practices, should foremost come from men and from communities that hold such destructive attitudes towards women. The outcomes and recommendations of this study would assist the government and other institutions to adopt effective measures to empower women and especially educate them so that they can assert and defend their human rights
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mashalaba, Siyabulela Welcome
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Inheritance and succession -- South Africa , Customary law -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA (Human Rights)
- Identifier: vital:11099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/505 , Inheritance and succession -- South Africa , Customary law -- South Africa , Sex discrimination -- South Africa
- Description: In South Africa, it is evident that women are uniformed of their essential human rights, especially their inheritance and succession rights, including protection of such rights. Human rights are international norms that protect individuals everywhere from the states’ political, legal and social abuse. Human rights are entitlements which human beings have in order to enhance their human condition. They are the fundamental entitlements or minimum standards to be met for individual so that they live with dignity. This study focused on discrimination of women under customary law in South Africa with reference to inheritance and succession. The study validated the findings of other researchers on the impact of cultural practices on women’s rights to inheritance and succession. In addition the findings revealed that efforts t eliminate traditional practices, should foremost come from men and from communities that hold such destructive attitudes towards women. The outcomes and recommendations of this study would assist the government and other institutions to adopt effective measures to empower women and especially educate them so that they can assert and defend their human rights
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Domestic workers: discussion document 27-29 March 2012
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor unions South Africa , Household employees South Africa , Cosatu
- Language: English
- Type: book , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68711 , vital:29307
- Description: The 5th Cosatu Congress resolved that a research be commissioned by the CEC and conducted by Naledi on the need for establishment of advice centres for servicing and assisting domestic workers. Again, part of the resolution indicated that we should consider finding a viable home for domestic workers. As we move towards the 11th Cosatu Gender Conference, we need to reflect and take stock of the previous resolutions passed on domestic workers, assess the strategies/ steps taken for implementation and make a way forward. This paper has arisen as a follow-up of the afore-mentioned resolution including the commitment made by Cosatu on the Summit held between 27-28 August 2011 which the federation hosted in partnership with the South African Domestic Services and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU) and the South African Office of the ILO. The aim is to stimulate and resuscitate discussions on domestic work acknowledging the positive steps taken at international level of adoption of ILO Convention 189 (C189) on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and its Recommendation 201 (R201).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Labor unions South Africa , Household employees South Africa , Cosatu
- Language: English
- Type: book , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68711 , vital:29307
- Description: The 5th Cosatu Congress resolved that a research be commissioned by the CEC and conducted by Naledi on the need for establishment of advice centres for servicing and assisting domestic workers. Again, part of the resolution indicated that we should consider finding a viable home for domestic workers. As we move towards the 11th Cosatu Gender Conference, we need to reflect and take stock of the previous resolutions passed on domestic workers, assess the strategies/ steps taken for implementation and make a way forward. This paper has arisen as a follow-up of the afore-mentioned resolution including the commitment made by Cosatu on the Summit held between 27-28 August 2011 which the federation hosted in partnership with the South African Domestic Services and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU) and the South African Office of the ILO. The aim is to stimulate and resuscitate discussions on domestic work acknowledging the positive steps taken at international level of adoption of ILO Convention 189 (C189) on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and its Recommendation 201 (R201).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Dragging young people down the drain: the mobile phone, gossip mobile website Outoilet and the creation of a mobile ghetto
- Authors: Schoon, Alette
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147858 , vital:38679 , DOI: 10.1080/02560046.2012.744723
- Description: This qualitative study uses the domestication model to describe how a geographically based gossip mobile website, Outoilet (old toilet), helped to shape the meanings of everyday life for young adults in Hooggenoeg, a poor black low-income urban settlement in Grahamstown, South Africa. All the residents here know one another and there is very little privacy, and the mobile phone, during the period of this research, reinforced the lack of privacy through gossip. Such gossip promoted an inward-looking collective sociability. As this article demonstrates, subjects of gossip avoided the streets to escape collective surveillance. Outoilet's explicit sexual language seemed to target those who attempted social mobility by replicating local discourses of respectability and shame. Contrary to findings from other contexts, the mobile phone here thus promoted a collective sociability and may have discouraged mobility as well as economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Schoon, Alette
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147858 , vital:38679 , DOI: 10.1080/02560046.2012.744723
- Description: This qualitative study uses the domestication model to describe how a geographically based gossip mobile website, Outoilet (old toilet), helped to shape the meanings of everyday life for young adults in Hooggenoeg, a poor black low-income urban settlement in Grahamstown, South Africa. All the residents here know one another and there is very little privacy, and the mobile phone, during the period of this research, reinforced the lack of privacy through gossip. Such gossip promoted an inward-looking collective sociability. As this article demonstrates, subjects of gossip avoided the streets to escape collective surveillance. Outoilet's explicit sexual language seemed to target those who attempted social mobility by replicating local discourses of respectability and shame. Contrary to findings from other contexts, the mobile phone here thus promoted a collective sociability and may have discouraged mobility as well as economic development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Dreams, sexuality and fantasy: a psychoanalytic reading of K. Sello Duiker’s novels
- Authors: Kirton-Els, Teneille
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt et Phil
- Identifier: vital:11890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020154
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis is to provide a text-based literary study exploring the characters and themes created by K. Sello Duiker in the three novels, Thirteen Cents, The Quiet Violence of Dreams and The Hidden Star. Duiker’s work is significant because it highlights prominent societal challenges prevalent in post-apartheid society. By analysing Duiker’s novels one acquires a better understanding of this author, an understanding of the world that contributed to the creation of his texts and his contribution to South African literature. Insight into Duiker’s fictional world allows for a careful investigation of the prominent societal issues prevalent in Duiker’s work - a world riddled with violence, issues of sexuality and psychological distress. For this purpose this thesis is premised on the notion that underpinning K. Sello Duiker’s oeuvre is a central focus on dreams, sexuality and fantasy. Logically, therefore, the main focus of the study is specifically on the inner working of the characters’ minds and how they deal/ or are unable to cope with contemporary social concerns, often resulting in psychological turmoil and dysfunctionality. For this reason, prominent themes examined in this study are the interpretation of dreams, an exploration of sexuality and an examination of fantasy in the three novels. Psychoanalytic literary theory, with the main focus being specifically on the theories presented by Sigmund Freud is used as an analytic tool to read Duiker’s texts. Psychoanalytic theory is arguably the most appropriate for analysing Duiker’s novels as it allows one to investigate the characters’ psyches and the psychological effect of societal influences on these characters. In addition, one is also able to examine how the characters are able/ unable to deal with the trauma caused by the contemporary issues in society – issues of violence, sexuality and psychological distress. Thus, one is able to grasp an overall understanding of the characters’ behaviour and actions. Furthermore, the characters’ experiences are based on the behaviour and incidents of real people, people suffering from psychological dysfunctionality, sexuality issues and identity crisis. The first chapter discusses post-apartheid literature, and provides a brief background on Duiker, his works and his conception as a writer. Chapter two provides an overview of psychoanalytic theory and on the relevant theories of Sigmund Freud. Chapter three offers a reading of Thirteen Cents, a novel that pays particular attention to the lives of children living on the streets of Cape Town. In the next chapter The Quiet Violence of Dreams is examined with a special focus on Duiker’s experimentation with form in the construction of this novel. Aspects pertaining to sexuality and dreams are also examined. Chapter five pays particular attention to magical realism and fantasy in The Hidden Star.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kirton-Els, Teneille
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DLitt et Phil
- Identifier: vital:11890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1020154
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis is to provide a text-based literary study exploring the characters and themes created by K. Sello Duiker in the three novels, Thirteen Cents, The Quiet Violence of Dreams and The Hidden Star. Duiker’s work is significant because it highlights prominent societal challenges prevalent in post-apartheid society. By analysing Duiker’s novels one acquires a better understanding of this author, an understanding of the world that contributed to the creation of his texts and his contribution to South African literature. Insight into Duiker’s fictional world allows for a careful investigation of the prominent societal issues prevalent in Duiker’s work - a world riddled with violence, issues of sexuality and psychological distress. For this purpose this thesis is premised on the notion that underpinning K. Sello Duiker’s oeuvre is a central focus on dreams, sexuality and fantasy. Logically, therefore, the main focus of the study is specifically on the inner working of the characters’ minds and how they deal/ or are unable to cope with contemporary social concerns, often resulting in psychological turmoil and dysfunctionality. For this reason, prominent themes examined in this study are the interpretation of dreams, an exploration of sexuality and an examination of fantasy in the three novels. Psychoanalytic literary theory, with the main focus being specifically on the theories presented by Sigmund Freud is used as an analytic tool to read Duiker’s texts. Psychoanalytic theory is arguably the most appropriate for analysing Duiker’s novels as it allows one to investigate the characters’ psyches and the psychological effect of societal influences on these characters. In addition, one is also able to examine how the characters are able/ unable to deal with the trauma caused by the contemporary issues in society – issues of violence, sexuality and psychological distress. Thus, one is able to grasp an overall understanding of the characters’ behaviour and actions. Furthermore, the characters’ experiences are based on the behaviour and incidents of real people, people suffering from psychological dysfunctionality, sexuality issues and identity crisis. The first chapter discusses post-apartheid literature, and provides a brief background on Duiker, his works and his conception as a writer. Chapter two provides an overview of psychoanalytic theory and on the relevant theories of Sigmund Freud. Chapter three offers a reading of Thirteen Cents, a novel that pays particular attention to the lives of children living on the streets of Cape Town. In the next chapter The Quiet Violence of Dreams is examined with a special focus on Duiker’s experimentation with form in the construction of this novel. Aspects pertaining to sexuality and dreams are also examined. Chapter five pays particular attention to magical realism and fantasy in The Hidden Star.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012