Putting the ‘T’ into South African human rights: transsexuality in the post-apartheid order
- Vincent, Louise, Camminga, Bianca
- Authors: Vincent, Louise , Camminga, Bianca
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141606 , vital:37989 , DOI: 10.1177/1363460709346108
- Description: Informed by narratives provided by self-identified South African transsexuals, whose lives span different periods of South Africa’s political and social history, this article seeks to explore how South Africa’s medical, legal and military establishments have exerted power over the transsexual body. A variety of studies outline the extent to which the apartheid state was a highly gendered state characterized by inflexible patriarchal norms and the dominance of violent and authoritarian forms of masculine expression. Hyper masculinization and militarization were explicit goals of the apartheid state. Deviance from the state’s prescribed gender norms was not simply socially unacceptable, it was, in many cases, punishable. South Africa’s post-1994 democratic Constitution, in contrast, explicitly outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But the democratic legal framework, which provides significant protections for freedom of sexual expression and freedom from discrimination for homosexuals has arguably had less of an impact on the lives of South Africa’s transsexual community. The state, even the post-apartheid state, has been loathe to move beyond the idea of a necessary correlation between the physical make-up of the body and the gender identity of a person in the way in which it has treated the idea of transsexualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Vincent, Louise , Camminga, Bianca
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/141606 , vital:37989 , DOI: 10.1177/1363460709346108
- Description: Informed by narratives provided by self-identified South African transsexuals, whose lives span different periods of South Africa’s political and social history, this article seeks to explore how South Africa’s medical, legal and military establishments have exerted power over the transsexual body. A variety of studies outline the extent to which the apartheid state was a highly gendered state characterized by inflexible patriarchal norms and the dominance of violent and authoritarian forms of masculine expression. Hyper masculinization and militarization were explicit goals of the apartheid state. Deviance from the state’s prescribed gender norms was not simply socially unacceptable, it was, in many cases, punishable. South Africa’s post-1994 democratic Constitution, in contrast, explicitly outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. But the democratic legal framework, which provides significant protections for freedom of sexual expression and freedom from discrimination for homosexuals has arguably had less of an impact on the lives of South Africa’s transsexual community. The state, even the post-apartheid state, has been loathe to move beyond the idea of a necessary correlation between the physical make-up of the body and the gender identity of a person in the way in which it has treated the idea of transsexualism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of ordinary differential equations
- Authors: Ogundare, Babatunde Sunday
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Applied Mathematics)
- Identifier: vital:11588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/244 , Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Description: This thesis is concerned with the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of certain classes of ordinary di erential equations (ODEs); in particular linear boundary value problems of second order ODE's and non-linear ODEs of order at most four. The Lyapunov's second method of special functions called Lyapunov functions are employed extensively in this thesis. We construct suitable complete Lyapunov functions to discuss the qualitative properties of solutions to certain classes of non-linear ordinary di erential equations considered. Though there is no unique way of constructing Lyapunov functions, We adopt Cartwright's method to construct complete Lyapunov functions that are required in this thesis. Su cient conditions were established to discuss the qualitative properties such as boundedness, convergence, periodicity and stability of the classes of equations of our focus. Another aspect of this thesis is on the quantitative properties of solutions. New scheme based on interpolation and collocation is derived for solving initial value problem of ODEs. This scheme is derived from the general method of deriving the spline functions. Also by exploiting the Trigonometric identity property of the Chebyshev polynomials, We develop a new scheme for approximating the solutions of two-point boundary value problems. These schemes are user-friendly, easy to develop algorithm (computer program) and execute. They compare favorably with known standard methods used in solving the classes of problems they were derived for
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ogundare, Babatunde Sunday
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Applied Mathematics)
- Identifier: vital:11588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/244 , Differential equations , Lyapunov functions , Chebyshev polynomials , Algorithms
- Description: This thesis is concerned with the qualitative and quantitative properties of solutions of certain classes of ordinary di erential equations (ODEs); in particular linear boundary value problems of second order ODE's and non-linear ODEs of order at most four. The Lyapunov's second method of special functions called Lyapunov functions are employed extensively in this thesis. We construct suitable complete Lyapunov functions to discuss the qualitative properties of solutions to certain classes of non-linear ordinary di erential equations considered. Though there is no unique way of constructing Lyapunov functions, We adopt Cartwright's method to construct complete Lyapunov functions that are required in this thesis. Su cient conditions were established to discuss the qualitative properties such as boundedness, convergence, periodicity and stability of the classes of equations of our focus. Another aspect of this thesis is on the quantitative properties of solutions. New scheme based on interpolation and collocation is derived for solving initial value problem of ODEs. This scheme is derived from the general method of deriving the spline functions. Also by exploiting the Trigonometric identity property of the Chebyshev polynomials, We develop a new scheme for approximating the solutions of two-point boundary value problems. These schemes are user-friendly, easy to develop algorithm (computer program) and execute. They compare favorably with known standard methods used in solving the classes of problems they were derived for
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Quantitative post-release evaluation of biological control of floating fern, Salvinia molesta DS Mitchell (Salviniaceae), with Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera Curculionidae) on the Senegal River and Senegal River Delta
- Diop Ousseynou, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Diop Ousseynou , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451467 , vital:75051 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC32802
- Description: The floating aquatic fern, Salvinia molesta D.S Mitchell (Salviniaceae) was first recorded in Senegal in 1999 and by 2000 it covered an estimated area of 18 000 ha on the Senegal River Left Bank and tributaries (Senegal) and 7840 ha on the Senegal River Right Bank (Mauritania). The weevil, Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was considered the best option for control and some 48 953 weevils were released at 270 sites during 2002. Within one year, weevils had established and were recovered up to 50km from the release sites. At most of the release sites, the S. molesta infestation was reduced from 100 % to less than 5 % within 24 months of release. These results are discussed in the context of the weed's negative impact on aquatic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Diop Ousseynou , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451467 , vital:75051 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC32802
- Description: The floating aquatic fern, Salvinia molesta D.S Mitchell (Salviniaceae) was first recorded in Senegal in 1999 and by 2000 it covered an estimated area of 18 000 ha on the Senegal River Left Bank and tributaries (Senegal) and 7840 ha on the Senegal River Right Bank (Mauritania). The weevil, Cyrtobagous salviniae Calder and Sands (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was considered the best option for control and some 48 953 weevils were released at 270 sites during 2002. Within one year, weevils had established and were recovered up to 50km from the release sites. At most of the release sites, the S. molesta infestation was reduced from 100 % to less than 5 % within 24 months of release. These results are discussed in the context of the weed's negative impact on aquatic systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Quantity and significance of wild meat off-take by a rural community in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Kaschula, Sarah A H, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Kaschula, Sarah A H , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006864
- Description: When compared to tropical forest zones in west and central Africa, off-take of wild meat from savannah and grassland biomes by local rural communities has not been well assessed. This case study of wild meat collection activities within a rural community in the Mount Frere region of the Eastern Cape (South Africa) uses last-catch records derived from 50 wild meat gatherers to calculate average off-take of taxa, species and fresh mass of wild meat per collection event. When per-event off take is overlaid onto household hunting frequency data, annual off-take would be 268.6 kg km−2 yr−1 or 3 kg person−1 yr−1 presuming constant off-take over an annual period. Monetary value of off-take would be South African R 307 (US$ 39) per household annually. For some species, off-take weight per km2 shows similar values to data from tropical forest zones, but high human population densities tend to dilute off-takes to less nutritionally significant amounts at the per person scale. However, unlike many tropical zones, none of the species harvested can be considered high-priority conservation species. Even densely populated and heavily harvested communal lands appear to offer high wild meat off-takes from low conservation priority species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kaschula, Sarah A H , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006864
- Description: When compared to tropical forest zones in west and central Africa, off-take of wild meat from savannah and grassland biomes by local rural communities has not been well assessed. This case study of wild meat collection activities within a rural community in the Mount Frere region of the Eastern Cape (South Africa) uses last-catch records derived from 50 wild meat gatherers to calculate average off-take of taxa, species and fresh mass of wild meat per collection event. When per-event off take is overlaid onto household hunting frequency data, annual off-take would be 268.6 kg km−2 yr−1 or 3 kg person−1 yr−1 presuming constant off-take over an annual period. Monetary value of off-take would be South African R 307 (US$ 39) per household annually. For some species, off-take weight per km2 shows similar values to data from tropical forest zones, but high human population densities tend to dilute off-takes to less nutritionally significant amounts at the per person scale. However, unlike many tropical zones, none of the species harvested can be considered high-priority conservation species. Even densely populated and heavily harvested communal lands appear to offer high wild meat off-takes from low conservation priority species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Racism and law : implementing the right to equality in selected South African equality courts
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 , Equality -- South Africa , Discrimination -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Racism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Constitutional law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003192 , South Africa Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 , Equality -- South Africa , Discrimination -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Racism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Constitutional law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: Racism has informed South African society since colonial times. Racist beliefs found expression in the laws of colonial and apartheid South Africa and shaped both state and society. The constitutional state that South Africa has become since 1994, is based on the values of ‘human dignity’, ‘the achievement of equality’ and ‘nonracialism’, among others. Law formed the basis of the racist state prior to 1994, and now law has a fundamental role to play in the transformation of the state and society in an egalitarian direction by addressing socio-economic inequalities on the one hand, and by changing patterns of behaviour based on racist beliefs forged in the past, on the other. This thesis examines one of the legal instruments that is intended to contribute to transformation in the latter sense, namely the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (the Equality Act), with specific reference to the issue of racism. The provisions of this Act and the framework for its operation against the background of South Africa’s racist past, and within the broader framework of international and constitutional law, are examined. These two legal frameworks are analysed for the purpose of determining the standards set by international and constitutional law regarding racial equality in order to determine whether the Equality Act measures up. This thesis also incorporates an analysis of the practical application of the provisions of the Equality Act to complaints of racism in selected equality courts. The theoretical analysis of the Act’s provisions and their application in the equality courts point to various problematic formulations and obstacles which negatively affect the application of the provisions and thus hamper social change. The thesis concludes with recommendations for refining the Act’s provisions and its application.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South Africa Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 , Equality -- South Africa , Discrimination -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Racism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Constitutional law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003192 , South Africa Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000 , Equality -- South Africa , Discrimination -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Racism -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Apartheid -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Constitutional law -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: Racism has informed South African society since colonial times. Racist beliefs found expression in the laws of colonial and apartheid South Africa and shaped both state and society. The constitutional state that South Africa has become since 1994, is based on the values of ‘human dignity’, ‘the achievement of equality’ and ‘nonracialism’, among others. Law formed the basis of the racist state prior to 1994, and now law has a fundamental role to play in the transformation of the state and society in an egalitarian direction by addressing socio-economic inequalities on the one hand, and by changing patterns of behaviour based on racist beliefs forged in the past, on the other. This thesis examines one of the legal instruments that is intended to contribute to transformation in the latter sense, namely the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (the Equality Act), with specific reference to the issue of racism. The provisions of this Act and the framework for its operation against the background of South Africa’s racist past, and within the broader framework of international and constitutional law, are examined. These two legal frameworks are analysed for the purpose of determining the standards set by international and constitutional law regarding racial equality in order to determine whether the Equality Act measures up. This thesis also incorporates an analysis of the practical application of the provisions of the Equality Act to complaints of racism in selected equality courts. The theoretical analysis of the Act’s provisions and their application in the equality courts point to various problematic formulations and obstacles which negatively affect the application of the provisions and thus hamper social change. The thesis concludes with recommendations for refining the Act’s provisions and its application.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Raman spectroscopy of ternary III-V semiconducting films
- Authors: Mashigo, Donald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Compound semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1011 , Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Compound semiconductors
- Description: The III-V semiconductor compounds (i.e. In Ga As x 1-x , 1 x x InAs Sb - , In Ga Sb x 1-x and Al Ga As x 1-x ) have been studied using room temperature Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction has been used as a complementary characterization technique. In this study all the III-V semiconductor compounds were grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) on GaAs and GaSb substrates. The layers were studied with respect to composition, strain variation and critical thickness. Raman spectroscopy has been employed to assess the composition dependence of optical phonons in the layers. The alloy composition was varied, while the thickness was kept constant in order to investigate compositional effects. A significant frequency shift of the phonon modes were observed as the composition changed. The composition dependence of the phonon frequencies were described by linear and polynomial expressions. The results of this study were compared with previous Raman and infrared work on III-V semiconductor compounds. Strain relaxation in InGaAs and InGaSb has been investigated by Raman and X-ray diffraction. Measurements were performed on several series of layers. For each series, the thickness was varied, while keeping the composition constant. For a given composition, the layer thicknesses were such that some layers should be fully strained, some partially relaxed and some fully relaxed. The Raman peak shifts and XRD confirm that a layer grows up to the critical thickness and then releases the strain as the thickness increases. Critical layer thickness values measured in this study were compared with published data, in which various techniques had been used to estimate the critical thickness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mashigo, Donald
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Compound semiconductors
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1011 , Raman spectroscopy , Semiconductor films , Compound semiconductors
- Description: The III-V semiconductor compounds (i.e. In Ga As x 1-x , 1 x x InAs Sb - , In Ga Sb x 1-x and Al Ga As x 1-x ) have been studied using room temperature Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction has been used as a complementary characterization technique. In this study all the III-V semiconductor compounds were grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) on GaAs and GaSb substrates. The layers were studied with respect to composition, strain variation and critical thickness. Raman spectroscopy has been employed to assess the composition dependence of optical phonons in the layers. The alloy composition was varied, while the thickness was kept constant in order to investigate compositional effects. A significant frequency shift of the phonon modes were observed as the composition changed. The composition dependence of the phonon frequencies were described by linear and polynomial expressions. The results of this study were compared with previous Raman and infrared work on III-V semiconductor compounds. Strain relaxation in InGaAs and InGaSb has been investigated by Raman and X-ray diffraction. Measurements were performed on several series of layers. For each series, the thickness was varied, while keeping the composition constant. For a given composition, the layer thicknesses were such that some layers should be fully strained, some partially relaxed and some fully relaxed. The Raman peak shifts and XRD confirm that a layer grows up to the critical thickness and then releases the strain as the thickness increases. Critical layer thickness values measured in this study were compared with published data, in which various techniques had been used to estimate the critical thickness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Rapid biological assessment of the fishery potential of Xonxa Dam, near Queenstown, South Africa
- Richardson, T J, Booth, Anthony J, Weyl, Olaf L F
- Authors: Richardson, T J , Booth, Anthony J , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125798 , vital:35818 , https://doi.10.2989/AJAS.2009.34.1.9.734
- Description: In Africa, the harvesting of fish from small reservoirs has been identified as an important food resource for small rural communities, particularly those living close to waterbodies (Kapetsky and Petr 1984, Marshall and Maes 1994, van der Knaap 1994). Development of fisheries to utilize these resources has recently been identified by the African Union as a priority investment area for poverty alleviation and regional economic development (NEPAD 2005). Within a South African context, it is suspected that there will be increased interest in developing these fisheries to address major national policy objectives, which include food security, economic empowerment, optimal economic benefit from water, and poverty eradication (RSA 1998a, 1998b). South Africa, however, presents a somewhat anomalous situation. The lack of a fishing history in communities, the lack of species with a high fisheries potential, inadequate inland fisheries policy and a lack of directed fisheries development have resulted in low utilisation levels of fish resources in South African reservoirs (Weyl et al. 2007).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Richardson, T J , Booth, Anthony J , Weyl, Olaf L F
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/125798 , vital:35818 , https://doi.10.2989/AJAS.2009.34.1.9.734
- Description: In Africa, the harvesting of fish from small reservoirs has been identified as an important food resource for small rural communities, particularly those living close to waterbodies (Kapetsky and Petr 1984, Marshall and Maes 1994, van der Knaap 1994). Development of fisheries to utilize these resources has recently been identified by the African Union as a priority investment area for poverty alleviation and regional economic development (NEPAD 2005). Within a South African context, it is suspected that there will be increased interest in developing these fisheries to address major national policy objectives, which include food security, economic empowerment, optimal economic benefit from water, and poverty eradication (RSA 1998a, 1998b). South Africa, however, presents a somewhat anomalous situation. The lack of a fishing history in communities, the lack of species with a high fisheries potential, inadequate inland fisheries policy and a lack of directed fisheries development have resulted in low utilisation levels of fish resources in South African reservoirs (Weyl et al. 2007).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Rapid method for the quantitative determination of efavirenz in human plasma
- Kanfer, Isadore, Mogatle, Seloi
- Authors: Kanfer, Isadore , Mogatle, Seloi
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006309
- Description: A pharmacokinetic interaction study between efavirenz (EFV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, and an African traditional medicine, African potato in human subjects was undertaken. This necessitated the development and validation of a quantitative method for the analysis of EFV in plasma. A simple mobile phase consisting of 0.1 M formic acid, acetonitrile and methanol (43:52:5) was pumped at a low flow rate of 0.3 ml/min through a reverse phase Phenomenex® Luna C18 (2) (5 μm, 150 mm × 2.0 mm i.d.) column maintained at 40 °C. Diclofenac sodium was used as an internal standard (IS) and EFV and IS were monitored at 247 nm and 275 nm, respectively. A simple and rapid sample preparation involved the addition of mobile phase to 100 μl of plasma to precipitate plasma proteins followed by direct injection of 10 μl of supernatant onto the column. The procedures were validated according to international standards with good reproducibility and linear response (r = 0.9990). The intra- and inter-day accuracies were between 12.3 and 17.7% at the LLOQ and between −5.8 and 9.1% for the QC samples. The intra- and inter-day precision of EFV determinations were 5.1 or less and 7.2% RSD or less, respectively across the entire QC concentration range. Mean recovery based on high, medium and low quality control standards ranged between 92.7 and 94.1% with %RSD values better than 3%. Plasma samples were evaluated for short-term (ambient temperature for 6 h) and long-term (−10 ± 2 °C for 60 days) storage conditions and were found to be stable. The method described is cost-effective and has the necessary accuracy and precision for the rapid quantitative determination of EFV in human plasma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Kanfer, Isadore , Mogatle, Seloi
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6388 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006309
- Description: A pharmacokinetic interaction study between efavirenz (EFV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, and an African traditional medicine, African potato in human subjects was undertaken. This necessitated the development and validation of a quantitative method for the analysis of EFV in plasma. A simple mobile phase consisting of 0.1 M formic acid, acetonitrile and methanol (43:52:5) was pumped at a low flow rate of 0.3 ml/min through a reverse phase Phenomenex® Luna C18 (2) (5 μm, 150 mm × 2.0 mm i.d.) column maintained at 40 °C. Diclofenac sodium was used as an internal standard (IS) and EFV and IS were monitored at 247 nm and 275 nm, respectively. A simple and rapid sample preparation involved the addition of mobile phase to 100 μl of plasma to precipitate plasma proteins followed by direct injection of 10 μl of supernatant onto the column. The procedures were validated according to international standards with good reproducibility and linear response (r = 0.9990). The intra- and inter-day accuracies were between 12.3 and 17.7% at the LLOQ and between −5.8 and 9.1% for the QC samples. The intra- and inter-day precision of EFV determinations were 5.1 or less and 7.2% RSD or less, respectively across the entire QC concentration range. Mean recovery based on high, medium and low quality control standards ranged between 92.7 and 94.1% with %RSD values better than 3%. Plasma samples were evaluated for short-term (ambient temperature for 6 h) and long-term (−10 ± 2 °C for 60 days) storage conditions and were found to be stable. The method described is cost-effective and has the necessary accuracy and precision for the rapid quantitative determination of EFV in human plasma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Rapid UPLC - MS/MS method for the determination of ketoprofen in human dermal microdialysis samples
- Tettey-Amlalo, Ralph N O, Kanfer, Isadore
- Authors: Tettey-Amlalo, Ralph N O , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006631
- Description: Dermal microdialysis (DMD) is a technique capable of determining the percutaneous penetration of drugs from topical formulations intended for local and/or regional activity. Typically, the concentrations of drug collected in dialysates are very low, generally in the ng/ml or even pg/ml range. An additional challenge is the very low volume of sample collected at each collection time and which can range from 1 to 30 μl only. Hence the objective was to develop and validate a rapid, accurate, precise, reproducible and highly sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of ketoprofen (KET) in dialystes following application of a topical gel product to the skin of human subjects. UPLC–MS/MS was used and KET was separated on an Acquity™ UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 μm) and analysed in negative-ion (NI) electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode. The mobile phase (MP) consisted of acetonitrile:methanol:water (60:20:20, v/v/v) under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. Samples were extracted using ethyl acetate with ibuprofen (IBU) as internal standard (IS) and the organic solvent was then evaporated to dryness and the residue re-constituted in methanol. 5 μl samples were injected and analysis was performed at ambient temperature 22 ± 0.5 °C. KET and IBU eluted at 1.07 and 1.49 min, respectively. KET and IBU responses were optimised at the transitions 253.00 > 209.00 and 205.00 > 161.00, respectively. Calibration curves were linear over the range 0.5–500 ng/ml with correlation coefficients > 0.999. The accuracy and precision of the method were found to be between 99.97% and 104.67% (R.S.D. < 2%) and the mean recovery of KET from normal saline was 88.03 ± 0.3% (R.S.D. < 2.20%). The LLOQ and LOD values were found to be 0.5 and 0.1 ng/ml respectively whereas the ULOD was set at 500 ng/ml. The method was successfully applied to determine the bioavailability of KET following application of topical KET gel, Fastum® gel, to the skin of human volunteers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Tettey-Amlalo, Ralph N O , Kanfer, Isadore
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006631
- Description: Dermal microdialysis (DMD) is a technique capable of determining the percutaneous penetration of drugs from topical formulations intended for local and/or regional activity. Typically, the concentrations of drug collected in dialysates are very low, generally in the ng/ml or even pg/ml range. An additional challenge is the very low volume of sample collected at each collection time and which can range from 1 to 30 μl only. Hence the objective was to develop and validate a rapid, accurate, precise, reproducible and highly sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of ketoprofen (KET) in dialystes following application of a topical gel product to the skin of human subjects. UPLC–MS/MS was used and KET was separated on an Acquity™ UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 μm) and analysed in negative-ion (NI) electrospray ionisation (ESI) mode. The mobile phase (MP) consisted of acetonitrile:methanol:water (60:20:20, v/v/v) under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. Samples were extracted using ethyl acetate with ibuprofen (IBU) as internal standard (IS) and the organic solvent was then evaporated to dryness and the residue re-constituted in methanol. 5 μl samples were injected and analysis was performed at ambient temperature 22 ± 0.5 °C. KET and IBU eluted at 1.07 and 1.49 min, respectively. KET and IBU responses were optimised at the transitions 253.00 > 209.00 and 205.00 > 161.00, respectively. Calibration curves were linear over the range 0.5–500 ng/ml with correlation coefficients > 0.999. The accuracy and precision of the method were found to be between 99.97% and 104.67% (R.S.D. < 2%) and the mean recovery of KET from normal saline was 88.03 ± 0.3% (R.S.D. < 2.20%). The LLOQ and LOD values were found to be 0.5 and 0.1 ng/ml respectively whereas the ULOD was set at 500 ng/ml. The method was successfully applied to determine the bioavailability of KET following application of topical KET gel, Fastum® gel, to the skin of human volunteers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Re(viewing) the constitutional court's decision in Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Ltd
- Authors: Partington, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Unfair labour practices -- South Africa -- Cases , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa -- Cases , Constitutional courts -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1032 , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Unfair labour practices -- South Africa -- Cases , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa -- Cases , Constitutional courts -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Description: In Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Ltd ((2007) 12 BLLR 1097 (CC); (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC); 2008 (2) SA 24 (CC)) the Constitutional Court made two findings of immense significance for dismissed employees: firstly, the court rejected the use of the so-called “reasonable employer” test in our law, a test which traditionally required arbitrators and courts evaluating the fairness of a dismissal for proven misconduct to treat the employer’s decision on sanction with a measure of deference; and secondly, on scrutiny of the more controversial issue before the court, to wit, the basis, if any, upon which arbitrators are obliged to make reasonable decisions, the court (in confirming that arbitrators are so obliged) held that the obligation to do so suffuses section 145 of the LRA, and that the extended review grounds legislated under PAJA do not apply. In the present article these judicial conclusions are critically analysed and evaluated, and a number of submissions are made, inter alia: it is submitted that the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the “reasonable employer” test was premised on a fundamental misinterpretation of the test; that while the court’s attempt to locate the reasonableness standard within the LRA was perhaps justifiable, the court failed to consider properly, or at all, the wording of section 145 and its history, with the consequence that the court failed to appreciate that section 145 of the LRA (save on an unduly strained interpretation) could not conceivably be construed to cater, in itself and without more, for the constitutional right to lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action; and further, that the labour landscape post-Sidumo is, to an extent, unquestionably one bathed in greater uncertainty. In conclusion, the author poses the question whether, on a review of Sidumo, the Constitutional Court should not be considered to have fallen short of fulfilling its constitutional obligations under the rule of law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Partington, Jonathan
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Unfair labour practices -- South Africa -- Cases , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa -- Cases , Constitutional courts -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10228 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1032 , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa -- Cases , Unfair labour practices -- South Africa -- Cases , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa -- Cases , Constitutional courts -- South Africa -- Decision making
- Description: In Sidumo v Rustenburg Platinum Ltd ((2007) 12 BLLR 1097 (CC); (2007) 28 ILJ 2405 (CC); 2008 (2) SA 24 (CC)) the Constitutional Court made two findings of immense significance for dismissed employees: firstly, the court rejected the use of the so-called “reasonable employer” test in our law, a test which traditionally required arbitrators and courts evaluating the fairness of a dismissal for proven misconduct to treat the employer’s decision on sanction with a measure of deference; and secondly, on scrutiny of the more controversial issue before the court, to wit, the basis, if any, upon which arbitrators are obliged to make reasonable decisions, the court (in confirming that arbitrators are so obliged) held that the obligation to do so suffuses section 145 of the LRA, and that the extended review grounds legislated under PAJA do not apply. In the present article these judicial conclusions are critically analysed and evaluated, and a number of submissions are made, inter alia: it is submitted that the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the “reasonable employer” test was premised on a fundamental misinterpretation of the test; that while the court’s attempt to locate the reasonableness standard within the LRA was perhaps justifiable, the court failed to consider properly, or at all, the wording of section 145 and its history, with the consequence that the court failed to appreciate that section 145 of the LRA (save on an unduly strained interpretation) could not conceivably be construed to cater, in itself and without more, for the constitutional right to lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair administrative action; and further, that the labour landscape post-Sidumo is, to an extent, unquestionably one bathed in greater uncertainty. In conclusion, the author poses the question whether, on a review of Sidumo, the Constitutional Court should not be considered to have fallen short of fulfilling its constitutional obligations under the rule of law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Recent progress in electrochemical oxidation of saccharides at gold and copper electrodes in alkaline solutions
- Authors: Torto, Nelson
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004348
- Description: This article reviews the progress made in the past 10 years, on electrochemical oxidation of saccharides in alkaline media for gold and copper electrodes. The mechanism and processes associated with the electrochemical oxidation of saccharides at native and surface coated electrodes continues to be of great interest. Despite the effort and various mechanisms proposed, still the need for an electrochemically active material that understands the complexity associated with saccharides continues to increase as their detection poses a challenge for bioanalytical chemistry and liquid chromatography.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Torto, Nelson
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004348
- Description: This article reviews the progress made in the past 10 years, on electrochemical oxidation of saccharides in alkaline media for gold and copper electrodes. The mechanism and processes associated with the electrochemical oxidation of saccharides at native and surface coated electrodes continues to be of great interest. Despite the effort and various mechanisms proposed, still the need for an electrochemically active material that understands the complexity associated with saccharides continues to increase as their detection poses a challenge for bioanalytical chemistry and liquid chromatography.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Recontextualising issues in the 'NISTCOL" environmental education curriculum module for Primary Diploma by Distance Learning in Zambia
- Authors: Moose, John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003605
- Description: This study investigated the recontextualising of the NISTCOL environmental education curriculum module for the Primary Teachers’ Diploma by Distance Learning (PTDDL) in Zambia. It focused on three case sites, the NISTCOL EE curriculum module for PTDDL and the University of Zambia, the National In-Service Teacher’s College (NISTCOL) and four basic schools: chalimbana, Bimbe, Chongwe and Silver Rest. The study looked at teacher professional development in environmental education in Zambia. The aims and goals were to investigate the NISTCOL EE curriculum and identifying issues that were associated with lecturers in the recontextualising process and further examine what issues were associated with curriculum recontextualisation in Zambian schools. For the conceptual constructs, the research drew on Bernstein’s (1990) framework of pedagogic discourse, it traced how the pedagogic discourse was de-located from the field of production and re-located into the pedagogic practice of each stated case above. It further examined the continuities, discontinuities and changes in the official environmental discourse as it was recontextualised. The study particularly focused on Bernstein’s conceptual constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation. In each case the Bernstein framework is used to analyze the process to identify recontextualising issues influencing pedagogical practice in the Zambian schools and college. The study revealed that each case under focus was unique but through examining the environmental discourse and pedagogical discourse in each case recontextalising issues were identified. Each case was influenced by different factors, such as lack of policy synergy, lack of EE vision at national level in Zambia, experience and knowledge, ideologies and emphasis, and depth of engagement. These factors provided me with a deeper insight into the curriculum recontextualising processes in Zambian schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Moose, John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003605
- Description: This study investigated the recontextualising of the NISTCOL environmental education curriculum module for the Primary Teachers’ Diploma by Distance Learning (PTDDL) in Zambia. It focused on three case sites, the NISTCOL EE curriculum module for PTDDL and the University of Zambia, the National In-Service Teacher’s College (NISTCOL) and four basic schools: chalimbana, Bimbe, Chongwe and Silver Rest. The study looked at teacher professional development in environmental education in Zambia. The aims and goals were to investigate the NISTCOL EE curriculum and identifying issues that were associated with lecturers in the recontextualising process and further examine what issues were associated with curriculum recontextualisation in Zambian schools. For the conceptual constructs, the research drew on Bernstein’s (1990) framework of pedagogic discourse, it traced how the pedagogic discourse was de-located from the field of production and re-located into the pedagogic practice of each stated case above. It further examined the continuities, discontinuities and changes in the official environmental discourse as it was recontextualised. The study particularly focused on Bernstein’s conceptual constructs of selective appropriation and ideological transformation. In each case the Bernstein framework is used to analyze the process to identify recontextualising issues influencing pedagogical practice in the Zambian schools and college. The study revealed that each case under focus was unique but through examining the environmental discourse and pedagogical discourse in each case recontextalising issues were identified. Each case was influenced by different factors, such as lack of policy synergy, lack of EE vision at national level in Zambia, experience and knowledge, ideologies and emphasis, and depth of engagement. These factors provided me with a deeper insight into the curriculum recontextualising processes in Zambian schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Redress : debates informing exhibitions and acquisitions in selected South African public art galleries (1990-1994)
- Authors: Cook, Shashi Chailey
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South African National Gallery Exhibitions Durban Art Gallery Exhibitions Joahnnesburg Art Gallery Exhibitions Art -- South Africa -- Exhibitions Art, South African Exhibitions South Africa History Exhibitions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002195
- Description: This thesis centres on the debates informing the progress of three public art galleries in South Africa between 1990 and 1994. This was a period of great change in the country, spanning from the unbanning of left-wing political parties and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, to the first democratic elections which resulted in his inauguration as President of South Africa. The study focuses specifically on the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the South African National Gallery, and the Durban Art Gallery, delineating the events and exhibitions held, the programmes initiated, and the artists represented by these galleries during this post-apartheid/pre-democracy phase of the country’s history. The debates relevant to these galleries linked to those prevalent in the arts, museology, and politics at the time. Many contemporary South African artists called attention to apartheid oppression and human rights abuses during the 1980s. After 1990, with these pressures alleviating, there was a stage of uncertainty as to the role, responsibility, and focus of visual art in a post-‘struggle’ context, however there was also an unprecedented upswing in interest and investment in it. On a practical level, the administration of the arts was being re-evaluated and contested by both independent and politically-aligned arts groups. Public art museums and sponsored art competitions and exhibitions made increasing efforts to be ‘representative’ of South Africans of all races, cultures, creeds, sexes and genders. The many conferences, committees, and conventions created during this transitional era focused on the creation of policies that would assist in nation-building; historical and cultural redress and regeneration; and the education and representation of previously disadvantaged groups. This coincided with a revolution in museological discourses internationally, from the theorization of a museum as a place of commemoration and conservation, to a forum for discussion and revision between both academic and non-academic communities. With the sharing of the process of constructing history and knowledge, came the challenging dynamics involved in the representation of identity and history. In all of these groups - the arts, museology, and South African politics - the predominant issue seemed to be a negotiation between the bid to open up control to more parties, and the reluctance of some parties to relinquish control. While the emphasis is on significant changes that were implemented in the transitional period, the study locates the changes at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the South African National Gallery and the Durban Art Gallery within their historical, geographical, and socio-political context. Various artists working in these locations during this era are also discussed, as the changes in their status, and the progressions in their subject matter, materials, and concerns are interesting to examine more nuanced definitions of the ‘political’, probing the politics of identity, sexuality, gender, race, geography, and belief systems. Some artists also focused specifically on post-apartheid preoccupations with territory, trauma, conflict, memory and freedom. This kind of artwork was assiduously acquired during the early ‘90s by public art galleries, whose exhibitions and collecting focus and policies were undergoing considerable revision and redress. This thesis examines these changes in light of their socio-political contexts, as well as in light of shifting national and international imperatives and conceptions of museums and museum practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cook, Shashi Chailey
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: South African National Gallery Exhibitions Durban Art Gallery Exhibitions Joahnnesburg Art Gallery Exhibitions Art -- South Africa -- Exhibitions Art, South African Exhibitions South Africa History Exhibitions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002195
- Description: This thesis centres on the debates informing the progress of three public art galleries in South Africa between 1990 and 1994. This was a period of great change in the country, spanning from the unbanning of left-wing political parties and Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, to the first democratic elections which resulted in his inauguration as President of South Africa. The study focuses specifically on the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the South African National Gallery, and the Durban Art Gallery, delineating the events and exhibitions held, the programmes initiated, and the artists represented by these galleries during this post-apartheid/pre-democracy phase of the country’s history. The debates relevant to these galleries linked to those prevalent in the arts, museology, and politics at the time. Many contemporary South African artists called attention to apartheid oppression and human rights abuses during the 1980s. After 1990, with these pressures alleviating, there was a stage of uncertainty as to the role, responsibility, and focus of visual art in a post-‘struggle’ context, however there was also an unprecedented upswing in interest and investment in it. On a practical level, the administration of the arts was being re-evaluated and contested by both independent and politically-aligned arts groups. Public art museums and sponsored art competitions and exhibitions made increasing efforts to be ‘representative’ of South Africans of all races, cultures, creeds, sexes and genders. The many conferences, committees, and conventions created during this transitional era focused on the creation of policies that would assist in nation-building; historical and cultural redress and regeneration; and the education and representation of previously disadvantaged groups. This coincided with a revolution in museological discourses internationally, from the theorization of a museum as a place of commemoration and conservation, to a forum for discussion and revision between both academic and non-academic communities. With the sharing of the process of constructing history and knowledge, came the challenging dynamics involved in the representation of identity and history. In all of these groups - the arts, museology, and South African politics - the predominant issue seemed to be a negotiation between the bid to open up control to more parties, and the reluctance of some parties to relinquish control. While the emphasis is on significant changes that were implemented in the transitional period, the study locates the changes at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the South African National Gallery and the Durban Art Gallery within their historical, geographical, and socio-political context. Various artists working in these locations during this era are also discussed, as the changes in their status, and the progressions in their subject matter, materials, and concerns are interesting to examine more nuanced definitions of the ‘political’, probing the politics of identity, sexuality, gender, race, geography, and belief systems. Some artists also focused specifically on post-apartheid preoccupations with territory, trauma, conflict, memory and freedom. This kind of artwork was assiduously acquired during the early ‘90s by public art galleries, whose exhibitions and collecting focus and policies were undergoing considerable revision and redress. This thesis examines these changes in light of their socio-political contexts, as well as in light of shifting national and international imperatives and conceptions of museums and museum practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Reeds as indicators of nutrient enrichment in the East Kleinemonde Estuary
- Authors: Human, Lucienne Ryno Daniel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary , Nutrient cycles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1252 , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary , Nutrient cycles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary
- Description: The release of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) via land clearing, application of fertilisers, discharge of human waste and combustion of fossil fuels, is one of the most harmful effects of anthropogenic stresses on aquatic environments. This study investigated the use of reeds as indicators of nutrient input to estuaries. Small estuaries such as the oligotrophic East Kleinemonde where the research was mostly conducted are sensitive to nutrient enrichment from septic tanks, stormwater runoff and fertiliser application to lawns in close proximity to the estuary. Nutrient concentrations were sampled at different positions, in the groundwater, at the water’s edge, in the reed bed and in the main estuary channel at five sites in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. The NH4+ and SRP concentrations showed a definite trend as concentrations decreased from the groundwater or water’s edge into the main estuary channel. Groundwater introduced nutrients to the estuary which were then taken up by the fringing reeds (Phragmites australis (Cavinelles) Trinius ex Steudel). The water column nutrients were either below detectable limits or in very low concentrations. Low TOxN concentrations were consistently found at the different sites and probably resulted from P. australis assimilating N-TOxN for growth more efficiently than N- NH4+. The roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of the reeds were measured for δ15N as an indicator of nutrient enrichment as nitrogen stable isotope analysis of plant tissue is an effective method for assessing and monitoring septic tank and other anthropogenic inputs. All plant parts for the three sampling sessions at Site 1 (mouth region) in the East Kleinemonde Estuary had significantly higher δ15N signatures (~20 percent) than the leaves at Site 5 (upper reaches). These differences were related to the surrounding land-use of the East Kleinemonde catchment, where the lower part of the estuary has moderate to low residential development and the upper reaches are utilized mainly for livestock farming. The high δ15N signatures at Site 1 were attributed to septic tank wastewater and stormwater run-off entering the estuary. Nutrient enrichment also influenced the morphology of the reeds. Reed biomass, height and stem density was significantly higher at Site 1 compared to Site 5. Similar studies were conducted in August 2008 in the Sundays Estuary and October 2008 in the nearby Mtati and Mpekweni estuaries to see if the results were similar. iii The same patterns were found where the groundwater NH4+ and SRP concentrations were higher than the estuary channel in the Mtati and Mpekweni estuaries. In the Mpekweni and Sundays estuaries Phragmites australis leaves had high δ15N signatures (10 and 11 percent) similar to that of Site 1 in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. Lower signatures (-2 to +4 percent) were found in the Mtati Estuary. This sampling site was sheltered by a bridge with a steep slope and the concentrations were similar to Site 3 and 5 in the East Kleinemonde Estuary where the derived nutrient was the result of stormwater runoff or fertilisers. Density and biomass of reeds in the Sundays and East Kleinemonde (Site 1) estuaries were similar and this could be related to different nutrient sources, agricultural return flow and septic tank input respectively. Reeds in the Sundays Estuary were significantly taller than in the other estuaries which showed that factors such as shelter and salinity also influence reed growth and therefore morphology alone would not be a good indicator of nutrient enrichment. Indicators of nutrient enrichment are important as the status of temporarily open / closed estuaries in South Africa is threatened by deteriorating water quality. Measurements of the water column may provide an inaccurate assessment of water quality whereas macrophytes are outstanding potential indicators of nutrient enrichment as they are widely distributed, abundant and long-lived. The findings from this study indicate that δ15N concentrations in reeds can be used to indicate nutrient loading.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Human, Lucienne Ryno Daniel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary , Nutrient cycles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1252 , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary , Nutrient cycles -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- East Kleinemonde Estuary
- Description: The release of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) via land clearing, application of fertilisers, discharge of human waste and combustion of fossil fuels, is one of the most harmful effects of anthropogenic stresses on aquatic environments. This study investigated the use of reeds as indicators of nutrient input to estuaries. Small estuaries such as the oligotrophic East Kleinemonde where the research was mostly conducted are sensitive to nutrient enrichment from septic tanks, stormwater runoff and fertiliser application to lawns in close proximity to the estuary. Nutrient concentrations were sampled at different positions, in the groundwater, at the water’s edge, in the reed bed and in the main estuary channel at five sites in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. The NH4+ and SRP concentrations showed a definite trend as concentrations decreased from the groundwater or water’s edge into the main estuary channel. Groundwater introduced nutrients to the estuary which were then taken up by the fringing reeds (Phragmites australis (Cavinelles) Trinius ex Steudel). The water column nutrients were either below detectable limits or in very low concentrations. Low TOxN concentrations were consistently found at the different sites and probably resulted from P. australis assimilating N-TOxN for growth more efficiently than N- NH4+. The roots, rhizomes, stems and leaves of the reeds were measured for δ15N as an indicator of nutrient enrichment as nitrogen stable isotope analysis of plant tissue is an effective method for assessing and monitoring septic tank and other anthropogenic inputs. All plant parts for the three sampling sessions at Site 1 (mouth region) in the East Kleinemonde Estuary had significantly higher δ15N signatures (~20 percent) than the leaves at Site 5 (upper reaches). These differences were related to the surrounding land-use of the East Kleinemonde catchment, where the lower part of the estuary has moderate to low residential development and the upper reaches are utilized mainly for livestock farming. The high δ15N signatures at Site 1 were attributed to septic tank wastewater and stormwater run-off entering the estuary. Nutrient enrichment also influenced the morphology of the reeds. Reed biomass, height and stem density was significantly higher at Site 1 compared to Site 5. Similar studies were conducted in August 2008 in the Sundays Estuary and October 2008 in the nearby Mtati and Mpekweni estuaries to see if the results were similar. iii The same patterns were found where the groundwater NH4+ and SRP concentrations were higher than the estuary channel in the Mtati and Mpekweni estuaries. In the Mpekweni and Sundays estuaries Phragmites australis leaves had high δ15N signatures (10 and 11 percent) similar to that of Site 1 in the East Kleinemonde Estuary. Lower signatures (-2 to +4 percent) were found in the Mtati Estuary. This sampling site was sheltered by a bridge with a steep slope and the concentrations were similar to Site 3 and 5 in the East Kleinemonde Estuary where the derived nutrient was the result of stormwater runoff or fertilisers. Density and biomass of reeds in the Sundays and East Kleinemonde (Site 1) estuaries were similar and this could be related to different nutrient sources, agricultural return flow and septic tank input respectively. Reeds in the Sundays Estuary were significantly taller than in the other estuaries which showed that factors such as shelter and salinity also influence reed growth and therefore morphology alone would not be a good indicator of nutrient enrichment. Indicators of nutrient enrichment are important as the status of temporarily open / closed estuaries in South Africa is threatened by deteriorating water quality. Measurements of the water column may provide an inaccurate assessment of water quality whereas macrophytes are outstanding potential indicators of nutrient enrichment as they are widely distributed, abundant and long-lived. The findings from this study indicate that δ15N concentrations in reeds can be used to indicate nutrient loading.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Reflections on the sine causa requirements and the condictiones in South African law
- Authors: Glover, Graham B
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70668 , vital:29687 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC54716
- Description: The condictiones present interesting and difficult challenges of classification for the modern South African jurist. Their casuistic development has made them difficult to work with, and for a long time it was argued that a single general enrichment action should take their place. But the Supreme Court of Appeal in McCarthy Retail Ltd v Shortdistance Carriers CC 2001 3 SA 482 (SCA) chose not to follow this path, and instead preferred the idea that a general enrichment action should be subsidiary to the traditional actions. This has breathed new life into debates on the future of the condictiones. This article first examines the current range of application of the condictiones. It then proceeds to show how the courts in the first decade of the 21st century seem to have eschewed the technicalities inherent in pleading the condictiones, and have preferred rather to resolve cases by applying the general requirements of enrichment liability, in contrast to the injunction in McCarthy. The difficulty with this approach is the lack of substance that is given to the sine causa requirement. The article proceeds to examine the various theories about how we in South Africa should understand and give content to the sine causa requirement. This provides a springboard for considering the possible futures of the condictiones. Broadly, it seems that two options are possible: either to collapse the condictiones into one action to deal with cases of enrichment by transfer; or largely to retain the status quo. The most recent decisions of the Supreme Court of Appeal indicate that the latter, more conservative option is likely to be chosen in the short-term. If this approach is to be adopted, it will require a further review of how each of the constituent condictiones fulfils a particular function. A revisionist view of the condictio indebiti is postulated by way of example.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Glover, Graham B
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/70668 , vital:29687 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC54716
- Description: The condictiones present interesting and difficult challenges of classification for the modern South African jurist. Their casuistic development has made them difficult to work with, and for a long time it was argued that a single general enrichment action should take their place. But the Supreme Court of Appeal in McCarthy Retail Ltd v Shortdistance Carriers CC 2001 3 SA 482 (SCA) chose not to follow this path, and instead preferred the idea that a general enrichment action should be subsidiary to the traditional actions. This has breathed new life into debates on the future of the condictiones. This article first examines the current range of application of the condictiones. It then proceeds to show how the courts in the first decade of the 21st century seem to have eschewed the technicalities inherent in pleading the condictiones, and have preferred rather to resolve cases by applying the general requirements of enrichment liability, in contrast to the injunction in McCarthy. The difficulty with this approach is the lack of substance that is given to the sine causa requirement. The article proceeds to examine the various theories about how we in South Africa should understand and give content to the sine causa requirement. This provides a springboard for considering the possible futures of the condictiones. Broadly, it seems that two options are possible: either to collapse the condictiones into one action to deal with cases of enrichment by transfer; or largely to retain the status quo. The most recent decisions of the Supreme Court of Appeal indicate that the latter, more conservative option is likely to be chosen in the short-term. If this approach is to be adopted, it will require a further review of how each of the constituent condictiones fulfils a particular function. A revisionist view of the condictio indebiti is postulated by way of example.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009
Reform in defence of sovereignty: South Africa in the UN Security Council, 2007–2008
- Authors: Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161431 , vital:40626 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1177/000203970904400205
- Description: After 1994, South Africa became the sine qua non of an internationalist state, willing to promote cooperation amongst a plurality of actors, believing common interests to be more important than their differences. This raised the hopes of constitutionalists, and those who believed in the expansion of a liberal democratic peace. South Africa has acted out two seemingly contradictory roles: those of a reformer and those of a conserver. By 2007–2008 she had shifted towards the latter, conservative-reformist position. Thus, South Africa's voting record at the General Assembly expressed her overriding concern to regionalise African issues and minimise the US and the West shaping political events. This brought her foreign policy into sharper relief. But while in some sense successful, it came at a price: a controversy about her surrendering her internationalism and principles on human rights for African unity and traditional sovereignty. But it also marked the arrival of South Africa in the world of international Realpolitik.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Bischoff, Paul, 1954-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/161431 , vital:40626 , https://0-doi.org.wam.seals.ac.za/10.1177/000203970904400205
- Description: After 1994, South Africa became the sine qua non of an internationalist state, willing to promote cooperation amongst a plurality of actors, believing common interests to be more important than their differences. This raised the hopes of constitutionalists, and those who believed in the expansion of a liberal democratic peace. South Africa has acted out two seemingly contradictory roles: those of a reformer and those of a conserver. By 2007–2008 she had shifted towards the latter, conservative-reformist position. Thus, South Africa's voting record at the General Assembly expressed her overriding concern to regionalise African issues and minimise the US and the West shaping political events. This brought her foreign policy into sharper relief. But while in some sense successful, it came at a price: a controversy about her surrendering her internationalism and principles on human rights for African unity and traditional sovereignty. But it also marked the arrival of South Africa in the world of international Realpolitik.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Regime politics and service delivery in the Cape Town Unicity Council
- Authors: Okecha, Kem
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/216 , Local government -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Description: The study will account for the local state conflicts between several political parties governing the city of Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, and the resulting effect on service delivery. These conflicts take the form of shifting political alliances (e.g., political floor crossing) and differing agendas about governing the city. The research statement is that the emerging conflicts between these political parties, particularly the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Independent Democrats (ID) and the recent local regime changes in the city have impacted on service delivery. Using urban regime theory, it seeks to explain how the two communities of Parkwood Estate and Ottery are governed and how these governing arrangements have operated with respect to ANC and DA control over the areas. In South Africa, while the politics of opposition between political parties has received much attention, especially at the national level, the role of these parties in service delivery at the local level has not received such consideration. With this in mind, this study attempts to contribute to an understanding of the association between local state politics and service delivery in Cape Town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Okecha, Kem
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/216 , Local government -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Description: The study will account for the local state conflicts between several political parties governing the city of Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, and the resulting effect on service delivery. These conflicts take the form of shifting political alliances (e.g., political floor crossing) and differing agendas about governing the city. The research statement is that the emerging conflicts between these political parties, particularly the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Independent Democrats (ID) and the recent local regime changes in the city have impacted on service delivery. Using urban regime theory, it seeks to explain how the two communities of Parkwood Estate and Ottery are governed and how these governing arrangements have operated with respect to ANC and DA control over the areas. In South Africa, while the politics of opposition between political parties has received much attention, especially at the national level, the role of these parties in service delivery at the local level has not received such consideration. With this in mind, this study attempts to contribute to an understanding of the association between local state politics and service delivery in Cape Town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Regional trade agreements and South-South FDI: potential benefits and challenges for SACU-MERCOSUR investment relations
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470256 , vital:77341
- Description: In December 2004, the countries of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 1 signed an initial preferential trade agreement (PTA) as a step towards the eventual formation of a free trade area. The PTA was expanded and consolidated during subsequent negotia-tions that took place between 2004 and 2008, and the new agreement, signed by SACU ministers in April 2009 and MER-COSUR in December 2008, is expected to enter into force at the beginning of 2010. At present, the PTA provides for preferences on a limited range of products, and includes annexes relating to rules of origin, safeguards, dispute settlement, sanitary and phy-tosanitary measures and customs administration. 2 While trade between MERCOSUR and SACU comprises only a small propor-tion (1-2%) of each bloc’s total trade, bilateral trade has trebled since 2001 (Woolfrey, 2009). From SACU’s perspective, this trade largely involves the export of primary products in exchange for higher value-added goods from MERCOSUR, effectively reinforc-ing North-South trade patterns (Roberts, 2004: 10). 3 The ra-tionale for the PTA thus appears to rest on trade and investment potential and, more broadly, on growing moves to intensify South-South trade and investment cooperation. Such moves have gath-ered momentum with the increasing influence of emerging econ-omies such as the BRIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Cattaneo, Nicolette S
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/470256 , vital:77341
- Description: In December 2004, the countries of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 1 signed an initial preferential trade agreement (PTA) as a step towards the eventual formation of a free trade area. The PTA was expanded and consolidated during subsequent negotia-tions that took place between 2004 and 2008, and the new agreement, signed by SACU ministers in April 2009 and MER-COSUR in December 2008, is expected to enter into force at the beginning of 2010. At present, the PTA provides for preferences on a limited range of products, and includes annexes relating to rules of origin, safeguards, dispute settlement, sanitary and phy-tosanitary measures and customs administration. 2 While trade between MERCOSUR and SACU comprises only a small propor-tion (1-2%) of each bloc’s total trade, bilateral trade has trebled since 2001 (Woolfrey, 2009). From SACU’s perspective, this trade largely involves the export of primary products in exchange for higher value-added goods from MERCOSUR, effectively reinforc-ing North-South trade patterns (Roberts, 2004: 10). 3 The ra-tionale for the PTA thus appears to rest on trade and investment potential and, more broadly, on growing moves to intensify South-South trade and investment cooperation. Such moves have gath-ered momentum with the increasing influence of emerging econ-omies such as the BRIC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Registered nurses' knowledge of infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex of private hospitals
- Authors: Malan, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1079 , Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Description: Infections are a major source of morbidity and cause of mortality during the post-operative phase for patients. Wound infections are the second most commonly encountered type of nosocomial, hospital-acquired, infection in the United States (Nichols, 2007:8). Owing to the fact that wound infection may be induced, such as, by not applying infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex, it is imperative to implement infection control principles and apply sterile technique principles. The researcher noticed that some of the sterile technique principles were not carried out in the operating room complex which lead to the necessity to assess the knowledge of registered nurses’ regarding the implementation of infection control and sterile technique principles. The main goal of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of registered nurses’ in two private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, related to infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex. Following the analysis of the data, the researcher made recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex. The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The sample consisted of all the registered nurses known as scrub nurses, in the operating room complex. The unit managers were excluded from the study, because the researcher utilized their assistance with the handing out and collecting of the questionnaires because, not all scrub nurses were at work at the same time. Firstly a pilot study was conducted (in both private hospitals) to confirm the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was self-administered and consisted out of three sections: Section A – Biographical Data; Section B – Knowledge Base Related to Infection Control Principles and Section C – Knowledge Base Related to the Principles of Asepsis. The researcher consulted experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and to ensure that the iv questionnaires would measure what it is intended to measure and that it will remain consistent. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by means of statistical and inferential analysis and included descriptive statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Following the analysis of the data, recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex was made. This was done with relevant literature and the guidelines were discussed with experts in the field. The researcher ensured that all the legal and ethical requirements, such as the participants’ right to privacy, were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Malan, Kim
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: vital:10034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1079 , Infection -- Prevention and control , Infection -- Nursing , Hospitals buildings -- Disinfection
- Description: Infections are a major source of morbidity and cause of mortality during the post-operative phase for patients. Wound infections are the second most commonly encountered type of nosocomial, hospital-acquired, infection in the United States (Nichols, 2007:8). Owing to the fact that wound infection may be induced, such as, by not applying infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex, it is imperative to implement infection control principles and apply sterile technique principles. The researcher noticed that some of the sterile technique principles were not carried out in the operating room complex which lead to the necessity to assess the knowledge of registered nurses’ regarding the implementation of infection control and sterile technique principles. The main goal of the study was to explore and describe the knowledge of registered nurses’ in two private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole, related to infection control and sterile technique principles in the operating room complex. Following the analysis of the data, the researcher made recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex. The research design was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The sample consisted of all the registered nurses known as scrub nurses, in the operating room complex. The unit managers were excluded from the study, because the researcher utilized their assistance with the handing out and collecting of the questionnaires because, not all scrub nurses were at work at the same time. Firstly a pilot study was conducted (in both private hospitals) to confirm the reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire that was self-administered and consisted out of three sections: Section A – Biographical Data; Section B – Knowledge Base Related to Infection Control Principles and Section C – Knowledge Base Related to the Principles of Asepsis. The researcher consulted experts to ensure the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and to ensure that the iv questionnaires would measure what it is intended to measure and that it will remain consistent. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed by means of statistical and inferential analysis and included descriptive statistics with the assistance of a statistician. Following the analysis of the data, recommendations for changes to be made to the existing infection control guidelines in the operating room complex was made. This was done with relevant literature and the guidelines were discussed with experts in the field. The researcher ensured that all the legal and ethical requirements, such as the participants’ right to privacy, were maintained throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Regulating franchise operations in South Africa : a study of the existing legal framework with suggestions for reform.
- Authors: Woker, Tanya Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Franchise Association of Southern Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Dept. of Trade and Industry , Common law -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015719
- Description: This thesis analyses the existing legal framework that applies to franchising in South Africa today. The study begins with an examination of the history and nature of the franchise contract, focusing particularly on the nature of the franchise relationship. This study is undertaken in order to substantiate the argument that franchising is a unique method of doing business. There is a need therefore to recognise that the franchise contract is a special contract in its own right, just like contracts of sale, lease, insurance and suretyship. The study then goes on to examine the problems which are experienced in the sector, as well as the law which must provide solutions to these problems. The research will show that in a modern commercial world the existing legal framework, especially the common law, cannot adequately deal with many of these problems. The complex relationship between franchising and competition law is also explored. A common thread that emerges from franchise disputes is the lack of protection afforded to the interests of franchisees. Franchisees tend to be at the mercy of economically stronger franchisors, hence the belief that there is a need for a stronger regulatory framework. The study then shifts to proposals for reform. In 2000 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established the Franchise Steering Committee in conjunction with the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) to review the regulatory environment. This Committee drafted franchise legislation which aimed to bring the regulation of the sector under the control of the DTI. This legislation has not been implemented and the DTI has changed its strategy. Instead of dealing with franchising independently, franchising will fall within the scope of consumer protection legislation. Both the consumer protection legislation and the legislation proposed by the Franchise Steering Committee are thoroughly examined and explained. Shortcomings in the proposals are highlighted and an alternative approach is recommended. It is proposed that franchise-specific legislation should be introduced but that this legislation should establish a system of co-regulation between the government and the franchise sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Woker, Tanya Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Franchise Association of Southern Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Dept. of Trade and Industry , Common law -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015719
- Description: This thesis analyses the existing legal framework that applies to franchising in South Africa today. The study begins with an examination of the history and nature of the franchise contract, focusing particularly on the nature of the franchise relationship. This study is undertaken in order to substantiate the argument that franchising is a unique method of doing business. There is a need therefore to recognise that the franchise contract is a special contract in its own right, just like contracts of sale, lease, insurance and suretyship. The study then goes on to examine the problems which are experienced in the sector, as well as the law which must provide solutions to these problems. The research will show that in a modern commercial world the existing legal framework, especially the common law, cannot adequately deal with many of these problems. The complex relationship between franchising and competition law is also explored. A common thread that emerges from franchise disputes is the lack of protection afforded to the interests of franchisees. Franchisees tend to be at the mercy of economically stronger franchisors, hence the belief that there is a need for a stronger regulatory framework. The study then shifts to proposals for reform. In 2000 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established the Franchise Steering Committee in conjunction with the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) to review the regulatory environment. This Committee drafted franchise legislation which aimed to bring the regulation of the sector under the control of the DTI. This legislation has not been implemented and the DTI has changed its strategy. Instead of dealing with franchising independently, franchising will fall within the scope of consumer protection legislation. Both the consumer protection legislation and the legislation proposed by the Franchise Steering Committee are thoroughly examined and explained. Shortcomings in the proposals are highlighted and an alternative approach is recommended. It is proposed that franchise-specific legislation should be introduced but that this legislation should establish a system of co-regulation between the government and the franchise sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009