Post-impoundment population dynamics of non-native common carp Cyprinus Carpio in relation to two large native cyprinids in Lake Gariep, South Africa
- Authors: Winker, Henning
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Carp -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Fish populations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Fishes -- Physiology -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Barbus aeneus -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Mudfishes -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Freshwater fishes -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005156
- Description: To contribute to the understanding of the invasion biology of common carp Cyprinus carpio in southern Africa, this thesis investigated the life history, relative abundance, long-term population demographics and trophic niche utilisations of non-native common carp C. carpio in relation to two endemic cyprinids, Orange River mudfish Labeo capensis and smallmouth yellowfish Labeobarbus aeneus in South Africa‟s largest impoundment, Lake Gariep. The growth zone deposition rates in astericus otoliths of the three species were validated as biannual for C. carpio and as annual for L. capensis and L. aeneus, which allowed for reliable estimation of lengths-at-age upon which growth, age-at-maturity and mortality rates could be estimated. Cyprinus carpio exhibited fast growth, matured relatively early at two years of age and attained a maximum age of seven years. Labeo capensis grew significantly slower, but attained older ages of up to 12 years. Females showed notably delayed maturation at approximately six years of age. The life history parameter estimates for L. aeneus were similar to those of L. capensis. These species-specific life history characteristics contributed to a substantially higher population growth potential of C. carpio compared to L. capensis and L. aeneus. Delta-lognormal and delta-gamma Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used to analyse patterns of relative abundance of L. capensis, L. aeneus and C. carpio. The application of these GLMs was necessary to account for large proportions of zeros and strong skewness in the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) from experimental gillnet and fisheries-dependent angler surveys. Confidence intervals around predicted abundance indices were obtained through the development of a generalised parametric bootstrap procedure. The resulting standardised abundance indices were coupled with results from analysis of stable isotope ratios of fish tissues and potential food resources and revealed that C. carpio was mainly confined to soft-bottom habitats, where it predominantly foraged on benthic invertebrates. Labeo capensis was abundant in a wide range of benthic habitats and was consumed basal food resources such as detritus. Labeobarbus aeneus was found to feed mostly on pelagic zooplankton. There were no significant interspecific differences in trophic niche space, suggesting limited resource competition among the three species. Standardised historical and contemporary gillnet CPUE data indicated slow population growth rates of L. capensis and L. aeneus during the first ten years postimpoundment, but showed high biomass levels some four decades after impoundment. These results could be corroborated by stochastic age-structured production model (ASPM) simulations. In contrast to the two endemic species, the gillnet CPUE of C. carpio showed a clear „boom and bust‟ pattern, which, based on ASPM simulations, could be best explained by increased food availability during the first five years postimpoundment, followed by suboptimal conditions thereafter. Together, these results provided evidence that the establishment of the C. carpio population did not prevent the slow but successful long-term establishment of the two large endemic cyprinids. Both endemic fishes revealed specialised feeding within the impoundment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Winker, Henning
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Cyprinidae -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Carp -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Fish populations -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Fishes -- Physiology -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Barbus aeneus -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Mudfishes -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam Freshwater fishes -- South Africa -- Gariep Dam
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5311 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005156
- Description: To contribute to the understanding of the invasion biology of common carp Cyprinus carpio in southern Africa, this thesis investigated the life history, relative abundance, long-term population demographics and trophic niche utilisations of non-native common carp C. carpio in relation to two endemic cyprinids, Orange River mudfish Labeo capensis and smallmouth yellowfish Labeobarbus aeneus in South Africa‟s largest impoundment, Lake Gariep. The growth zone deposition rates in astericus otoliths of the three species were validated as biannual for C. carpio and as annual for L. capensis and L. aeneus, which allowed for reliable estimation of lengths-at-age upon which growth, age-at-maturity and mortality rates could be estimated. Cyprinus carpio exhibited fast growth, matured relatively early at two years of age and attained a maximum age of seven years. Labeo capensis grew significantly slower, but attained older ages of up to 12 years. Females showed notably delayed maturation at approximately six years of age. The life history parameter estimates for L. aeneus were similar to those of L. capensis. These species-specific life history characteristics contributed to a substantially higher population growth potential of C. carpio compared to L. capensis and L. aeneus. Delta-lognormal and delta-gamma Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used to analyse patterns of relative abundance of L. capensis, L. aeneus and C. carpio. The application of these GLMs was necessary to account for large proportions of zeros and strong skewness in the catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) from experimental gillnet and fisheries-dependent angler surveys. Confidence intervals around predicted abundance indices were obtained through the development of a generalised parametric bootstrap procedure. The resulting standardised abundance indices were coupled with results from analysis of stable isotope ratios of fish tissues and potential food resources and revealed that C. carpio was mainly confined to soft-bottom habitats, where it predominantly foraged on benthic invertebrates. Labeo capensis was abundant in a wide range of benthic habitats and was consumed basal food resources such as detritus. Labeobarbus aeneus was found to feed mostly on pelagic zooplankton. There were no significant interspecific differences in trophic niche space, suggesting limited resource competition among the three species. Standardised historical and contemporary gillnet CPUE data indicated slow population growth rates of L. capensis and L. aeneus during the first ten years postimpoundment, but showed high biomass levels some four decades after impoundment. These results could be corroborated by stochastic age-structured production model (ASPM) simulations. In contrast to the two endemic species, the gillnet CPUE of C. carpio showed a clear „boom and bust‟ pattern, which, based on ASPM simulations, could be best explained by increased food availability during the first five years postimpoundment, followed by suboptimal conditions thereafter. Together, these results provided evidence that the establishment of the C. carpio population did not prevent the slow but successful long-term establishment of the two large endemic cyprinids. Both endemic fishes revealed specialised feeding within the impoundment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The efficacy and toxicological effects of aloe ferox mill. used in the management of constipation in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Wintola, Olubunmi Abosede A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/485 , Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Herbal remedies are commonly used in developing countries for the treatment of various diseases, including constipation. The rationale for utilizing medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases rested largely on the belief that they are safe and free of side effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of these herbal medicines to back up their continued therapeutic application. Aloe ferox Mill. (Aspodelaceae), known as Cape aloe, locally called ikhala is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape Province for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and constipation. The plant is a perennial shrub with thick succulent leaves bearing brown thorns on the margin and bright orange flowers arranged in oval lanceolate. It occurs in all weather in bush veld, road side, gardens and undisturbed places. According to the ethnomedicinal information, A. ferox is used as purgative. This research project was therefore designed to evaluate its ability in the treatment of constipation and to investigate its possible toxicological property. At the beginning of this programme, a survey of plants used for the treatment of constipation in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. The study revealed 10 plant species from 8 families that are used for the treatment of constipation in the province. Four plants, Aloe ferox Mill, Boophone distischa L.f Herb, Alepidea amatybica Eckl and Artemisia afra Jacq, were repeatedly mentioned. Based on the frequency of usage, perceived efficacy and availability to the rural dwellers and the traditional healers, Aloe ferox was the most commonly used of the plants for the treatment of constipation. The plant was thus, chosen for the study. The invivo laxative effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe ferox in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats was investigated at varying concentrations. The leaf extract at all the dosages investigated (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight in the constipated rats. This was an indication of its laxative properties. However, the laxative property of the herb at 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed best efficacy and compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb by the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa as a laxative agent. Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox in loperamide-induced constipation was studied at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The oral administration of the extracts did not show any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios as well as the kidney and liver function indices. The extracts, at all the dosages investigated, did not alter the levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions. Similarly, the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control. The plant extract appreciably normalized the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated rats following treatment with the extract. The extract did not show a significant effect on the hematological parameters except for the increase in the lymphocyte count in the untreated constipated rats, which was attenuated after administering the herb. ThThe available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. The antioxidant activities against 1, 1 diphenyl- 2 picrylhydrazl (DPPH), 2,2’ – azinobis [3- ethylbenzothiazoline -6- sulfonic acid] diammonium salt (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation and the ferric reducing agents were investigated spectrophotometrically. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin were also determined to assess their effects on the antioxidants activity of this plant. The phytochemical content of the ethanol and acetone extracts were consistently high compared to other solvents extracts. The level of tannins was not significant (P > 0.05) as compared with other solvent extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was high even at lower concentrations (0.025 mg/ml) except in DPPH and lipid peroxidation. The ferric reducing potential of the extracts was concentration dependent and significantly different from Vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that were used as standard drugs. The present study showed a high level of scavenging activity of the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox in all the solvent extracts. Both ethanol and methanolic extract showed potent antioxidant activities than acetone and aqueous extracts. The study indicated that the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox might be a valuable source of natural antioxidant for both medicine and food industries. A. ferox leaf consists of the gel, latex and mesophyll layer; however, the main active constituents of the latex and the leaf exudate of Aloe ferox are anthraquinones which are believed to be responsible for the laxative property. The laxative compound in Aloe ferox leaf extract was isolated and characterized by extracting the plant material in methanol and extract suspended in distilled water. Partitioning was done with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively and was co-spotted with the over-the-counter (OTC) laxative drugs. This led to the successive column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the most active ethyl acetate fraction on silica gel with benzene/ethanol/ammonia hydroxide (BEA: 90:10:1), ethyl acetate/methanol/water (EMW: 40:5.4:5) and chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF: 50:40:10) as the mobile phase. The successive chromatograph and TLC afforded two compounds of Rf 0.420 (blue) and 0.831 (yellow) with the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These compounds were not totally elucidated due to their small quantity and instability. However, hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl groups (COOH) was established as common to the extracted compounds, which might be responsible for the biological activity recorded for the plant extract.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wintola, Olubunmi Abosede A
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11882 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/485 , Asphodelaceae -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Aloe -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Herbs -- Therapeutic use -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Constipation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poisonous plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Herbal remedies are commonly used in developing countries for the treatment of various diseases, including constipation. The rationale for utilizing medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases rested largely on the belief that they are safe and free of side effects. However, there is limited scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of these herbal medicines to back up their continued therapeutic application. Aloe ferox Mill. (Aspodelaceae), known as Cape aloe, locally called ikhala is a medicinal plant used by the people of the Eastern Cape Province for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and constipation. The plant is a perennial shrub with thick succulent leaves bearing brown thorns on the margin and bright orange flowers arranged in oval lanceolate. It occurs in all weather in bush veld, road side, gardens and undisturbed places. According to the ethnomedicinal information, A. ferox is used as purgative. This research project was therefore designed to evaluate its ability in the treatment of constipation and to investigate its possible toxicological property. At the beginning of this programme, a survey of plants used for the treatment of constipation in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province was carried out using a questionnaire, which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. The study revealed 10 plant species from 8 families that are used for the treatment of constipation in the province. Four plants, Aloe ferox Mill, Boophone distischa L.f Herb, Alepidea amatybica Eckl and Artemisia afra Jacq, were repeatedly mentioned. Based on the frequency of usage, perceived efficacy and availability to the rural dwellers and the traditional healers, Aloe ferox was the most commonly used of the plants for the treatment of constipation. The plant was thus, chosen for the study. The invivo laxative effect of the aqueous extract of Aloe ferox in the treatment of loperamide-induced constipation in Wistar rats was investigated at varying concentrations. The leaf extract at all the dosages investigated (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) improved intestinal motility, increased fecal volume and normalized body weight in the constipated rats. This was an indication of its laxative properties. However, the laxative property of the herb at 200 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed best efficacy and compares favourably well with senokot, a standard laxative drug. These findings have therefore, lent scientific credence to the folkloric use of the herb by the people of the Eastern Cape of South Africa as a laxative agent. Toxicological evaluation of aqueous leaf extract of Aloe ferox in loperamide-induced constipation was studied at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The oral administration of the extracts did not show any significant effect on the liver and kidney body weight ratios as well as the kidney and liver function indices. The extracts, at all the dosages investigated, did not alter the levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, calcium and potassium ions. Similarly, the levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different from the control. The plant extract appreciably normalized the elevated activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the untreated constipated rats following treatment with the extract. The extract did not show a significant effect on the hematological parameters except for the increase in the lymphocyte count in the untreated constipated rats, which was attenuated after administering the herb. ThThe available evidence in this study suggests that A. ferox may be safe as an oral remedy for constipation. Generally, the effect of the extract compared favourably well with senokot, a recommended drug for the treatment of constipation. The antioxidant activities against 1, 1 diphenyl- 2 picrylhydrazl (DPPH), 2,2’ – azinobis [3- ethylbenzothiazoline -6- sulfonic acid] diammonium salt (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Nitric oxide (NO), lipid peroxidation and the ferric reducing agents were investigated spectrophotometrically. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidin were also determined to assess their effects on the antioxidants activity of this plant. The phytochemical content of the ethanol and acetone extracts were consistently high compared to other solvents extracts. The level of tannins was not significant (P > 0.05) as compared with other solvent extracts. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was high even at lower concentrations (0.025 mg/ml) except in DPPH and lipid peroxidation. The ferric reducing potential of the extracts was concentration dependent and significantly different from Vitamin C and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that were used as standard drugs. The present study showed a high level of scavenging activity of the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox in all the solvent extracts. Both ethanol and methanolic extract showed potent antioxidant activities than acetone and aqueous extracts. The study indicated that the leaf extracts of Aloe ferox might be a valuable source of natural antioxidant for both medicine and food industries. A. ferox leaf consists of the gel, latex and mesophyll layer; however, the main active constituents of the latex and the leaf exudate of Aloe ferox are anthraquinones which are believed to be responsible for the laxative property. The laxative compound in Aloe ferox leaf extract was isolated and characterized by extracting the plant material in methanol and extract suspended in distilled water. Partitioning was done with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol respectively and was co-spotted with the over-the-counter (OTC) laxative drugs. This led to the successive column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC) of the most active ethyl acetate fraction on silica gel with benzene/ethanol/ammonia hydroxide (BEA: 90:10:1), ethyl acetate/methanol/water (EMW: 40:5.4:5) and chloroform/ethyl acetate/formic acid (CEF: 50:40:10) as the mobile phase. The successive chromatograph and TLC afforded two compounds of Rf 0.420 (blue) and 0.831 (yellow) with the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These compounds were not totally elucidated due to their small quantity and instability. However, hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl groups (COOH) was established as common to the extracted compounds, which might be responsible for the biological activity recorded for the plant extract.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Poverty alleviation and community participation towards development in Bahir-Dar, Amhara regional state, Ethiopia
- Authors: Worku, Askal Tilahun
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- Ethiopia , Poor -- Services for -- Ethiopia , Community development -- Ethiopia , Economic development projects -- Ethiopia , Political participation -- Ethiopia , Economic assistance, Domestic -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018801
- Description: The objective of the research was to assess the trends and forms of community participation to poverty alleviation in Bahir Dar town. The field study was limited to two projects, micro and small scale enterprise activities and credit service, however the finding and recommendation can be applied to all projects aimed to poverty alleviation and community self sustaining projects. In order to achieve the research objectives, a review of relevant literature was done. It began by reviewing definitions and concepts of poverty. The literature also over reviewed the importance of community participation to poverty alleviation efforts of a country and reviews the Ethiopian poverty reduction process. The literature further highlighted the role of community participation in achieving development goals. The data collection was done by means of focus group discussions complimented by face-to-face interviews. The data collected were analyzed thematically with the use of narrative summary and categorization in respect to the objective of the study. The findings of the study showed that there is low participation of community and therefore creating more opportunities for community participation activity and detailed study in the area is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Worku, Askal Tilahun
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- Ethiopia , Poor -- Services for -- Ethiopia , Community development -- Ethiopia , Economic development projects -- Ethiopia , Political participation -- Ethiopia , Economic assistance, Domestic -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9143 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018801
- Description: The objective of the research was to assess the trends and forms of community participation to poverty alleviation in Bahir Dar town. The field study was limited to two projects, micro and small scale enterprise activities and credit service, however the finding and recommendation can be applied to all projects aimed to poverty alleviation and community self sustaining projects. In order to achieve the research objectives, a review of relevant literature was done. It began by reviewing definitions and concepts of poverty. The literature also over reviewed the importance of community participation to poverty alleviation efforts of a country and reviews the Ethiopian poverty reduction process. The literature further highlighted the role of community participation in achieving development goals. The data collection was done by means of focus group discussions complimented by face-to-face interviews. The data collected were analyzed thematically with the use of narrative summary and categorization in respect to the objective of the study. The findings of the study showed that there is low participation of community and therefore creating more opportunities for community participation activity and detailed study in the area is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
'Iron on iron': modernism engaging apartheid in some South African railway poems
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7068 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007459 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00138398.2011.626177
- Description: preprint , Modernism tends to be criticised, internationally, as politically conservative. The objection is often valid, although the charge says little about the quality of artistic achievement involved. This article argues that the alliance between Modernism and political conservatism is by no means a necessary one, and that there are instances where modernist vision has been used to convey substantive political insight, effective social critique and solid resistance. To illustrate the contrast,the article juxtaposes the abstract Modernism associated with Ben Nicholson and World War 2, with a neglected strain of South African railway poetry which uses modernist techniques to effect a powerful critique of South Africa’s apartheid dispensation. The article sustains a distinction between universalising modernist art that requires ethical work from its audiences to achieve artistic completion, and art in which modernist vision performs the requisite ethical work within its own formal constraints. Four very different South African railway poems, by Dennis Brutus, John Hendrickse, Alan Paton, and Leonard Koza, are examined and contextualised to demonstrate ways in which a modernist vision has been used to portray the social disruptions caused by apartheid. Modernist techniques are used to turn railway experience into a metonym for massive social disruption,without betraying the social reality of the transport technology involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7068 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007459 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00138398.2011.626177
- Description: preprint , Modernism tends to be criticised, internationally, as politically conservative. The objection is often valid, although the charge says little about the quality of artistic achievement involved. This article argues that the alliance between Modernism and political conservatism is by no means a necessary one, and that there are instances where modernist vision has been used to convey substantive political insight, effective social critique and solid resistance. To illustrate the contrast,the article juxtaposes the abstract Modernism associated with Ben Nicholson and World War 2, with a neglected strain of South African railway poetry which uses modernist techniques to effect a powerful critique of South Africa’s apartheid dispensation. The article sustains a distinction between universalising modernist art that requires ethical work from its audiences to achieve artistic completion, and art in which modernist vision performs the requisite ethical work within its own formal constraints. Four very different South African railway poems, by Dennis Brutus, John Hendrickse, Alan Paton, and Leonard Koza, are examined and contextualised to demonstrate ways in which a modernist vision has been used to portray the social disruptions caused by apartheid. Modernist techniques are used to turn railway experience into a metonym for massive social disruption,without betraying the social reality of the transport technology involved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Elephants, compassion, and the largesse of literature
- Authors: Wylie, Dan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018924
- Description: [From the text] Why is it that we do not raise a monument, a mausoleum, nor even a humble gravestone, to mark the death of every elephant? We habitually, even compulsively, do this for other humans, occasionally for treasured pets. Yet we do not do it for the most charismatic, gigantic, culturally resonant land animal we will ever encounter. Why not? Some possible answers. One: too much work. Another: we regard other animals as less conscious than ourselves; we are the only creatures who deserve to have our deaths so commemorated. A third: wild animals are part of wild ecosystems; it is ‘natural’ for them to die and to be reabsorbed namelessly back into those ecosystems. We humans, on the other hand, consider ourselves somehow separate from those ecosystems: we shield ourselves from ‘Nature’ with bricks and literatures while we live, with marble and epitaphs after we die.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wylie, Dan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018924
- Description: [From the text] Why is it that we do not raise a monument, a mausoleum, nor even a humble gravestone, to mark the death of every elephant? We habitually, even compulsively, do this for other humans, occasionally for treasured pets. Yet we do not do it for the most charismatic, gigantic, culturally resonant land animal we will ever encounter. Why not? Some possible answers. One: too much work. Another: we regard other animals as less conscious than ourselves; we are the only creatures who deserve to have our deaths so commemorated. A third: wild animals are part of wild ecosystems; it is ‘natural’ for them to die and to be reabsorbed namelessly back into those ecosystems. We humans, on the other hand, consider ourselves somehow separate from those ecosystems: we shield ourselves from ‘Nature’ with bricks and literatures while we live, with marble and epitaphs after we die.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An investigation on how educators experience their workloads against the background of teacher shortage
- Authors: Xabanisa, X V
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teacher shortage -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18415 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006570
- Description: An investigation on how educators experience their workloads against the background of teacher shortage. This research study seeks to explore educators’ experiences of the effects of educator shortage on the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in the Butterworth Education District, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research study was a result of the South African literature in education which over- emphasises the poor quality of teacher development as though it is the only cause of the poor academic performance of learners in South African Senior Secondary Schools. For example, the Centre for Education Policy Development Evaluation and Management (CEPD) (2000, p.130) asserts that “Training for educators and managers has been spotlighted in the Curriculum Review Report”. Through this study the researcher wanted to explore other possible explanations for the poor academic performance of the Grade 12 learners in the Butterworth Education District. The research study seeks to investigate whether educator shortages in Senior Secondary Schools could be responsible for the poor academic performance of learners in Grade 12. It was imperative therefore to look into the views and experiences of educators in this regard, with the object of finding the extent of educator shortages in schools, and the possible measures to address the situation, if it is a reality in schools. Six schools were selected, with each providing five participants who made a sum of 30 educators who volunteered to participate in the study. The study was an interpretive survey, where the qualitative methodology was used. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. A tape recorder was also used to ensure that participants were not misrepresented in the analysis and discussions of the findings. The data was presented, analysed and discussed according to the patterns and themes derived from the sub-research questions. It emerged from the study that there are educator shortages in most senior secondary schools in the Butterworth Education District. This was due to the policies and reports which were contrary to one another. Contradictory reports were produced by three highly respected research institutions the National Teacher Educator Audit (NTEA) there was an oversupply of educators in South African schools (Hofmeyr and Hall 1996). On the other hand the research was conducted by the Pre-Service Education and Training (PRESET) and In-service Educational Service and Training (INSET) published that there is serious educator shortage in South Africa. There was a lack of insight from the Management of the National Department of Education, together with the Provincial Managers of education. These managers of the DoE failed to note that the decisions that they had made in 1994, of ensuring that all learners between ages of 7 and 15 should be taken by parents to school, would negatively affect the future of education if it was not properly planned for. This call for all learners of the above mentioned ages to go to school was made in line with the South African Schools Act No. 84 0f 1996. The implication of the Governments call to send more learners to school, whether parents had money or not, was that more educators had to be employed in the future but that did not happen. Instead, a once-off policy of severance packages was implemented by the government, which led to a lot of good educators taking their packages and leaving the profession. Literature reveals that Teacher Training Colleges were closed at about the same time. The literature also reveals that before the closure of Teacher Training Colleges there was a challenge of redeployment which was also not properly planned, implemented and monitored by the Provincial Managers of the DoE. The study reveals that poor planning of this process led to overcrowded classrooms, a phenomenon which was further exacerbated by the fact that the salaries of Principals and the HoDs in schools were linked to the number of learners the school had admitted. This had its own ramification like schools over-admitting learners because it meant more money for the principals and Heads of Departments. The study has revealed serious consequences which emanated from the educator shortage as a result of overcrowded classes. The literature also reveal that educators get employed and use the profession of teaching as a stepping stone for better paying professions. According to Peltzer, et al. (2005, p.35) “around 21 000 educators were leaving the system annually, although up to 30% of these were temporary teachers.” South Africa faces challenges with its pool of available educators. One of these challenges is that of attracting new educators into the teaching profession and another is the challenge of how to retain those already in the system (DoE, 2005 p.13). In the event that there are teacher shortage in the system the DoE is using the available educators to teach larger classes than they are capable. This causes problems when these teachers have to teach outside their areas of specialization. These consequences include the fact that educators are teaching more than six classes a day, and educators are overloaded; they do not have sufficient time to provide individual attention to the learners, mark leaner assessments, provide feedback on time, or do remedial work. The study also revealed that most educators are suffering from burnout and stress due to too much workload. The study has also shown that educators work even on Saturdays and holidays to try to finish the syllabus. As a result, there are very few young stars who aspire to making education their career. More educators are changing their careers because they know that life is about improved standards of living. The question is: What is the use of having all the good policies aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning if there are insufficient implementers (educators) of these policies in schools. The policies include School Based Assessment (SBA), Annual National Assessment (ANA), Systemic Evaluation, Common Tasks for Assessments (CATs), Whole School Evaluation (WSE) and the Integrated Quality Management Systems (IQMS). Recommendations have been proposed on the strategies that the DoE may employ to address the educator shortage in schools and the quality of education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Xabanisa, X V
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teacher shortage -- Workload
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18415 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1006570
- Description: An investigation on how educators experience their workloads against the background of teacher shortage. This research study seeks to explore educators’ experiences of the effects of educator shortage on the academic performance of Grade 12 learners in the Butterworth Education District, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research study was a result of the South African literature in education which over- emphasises the poor quality of teacher development as though it is the only cause of the poor academic performance of learners in South African Senior Secondary Schools. For example, the Centre for Education Policy Development Evaluation and Management (CEPD) (2000, p.130) asserts that “Training for educators and managers has been spotlighted in the Curriculum Review Report”. Through this study the researcher wanted to explore other possible explanations for the poor academic performance of the Grade 12 learners in the Butterworth Education District. The research study seeks to investigate whether educator shortages in Senior Secondary Schools could be responsible for the poor academic performance of learners in Grade 12. It was imperative therefore to look into the views and experiences of educators in this regard, with the object of finding the extent of educator shortages in schools, and the possible measures to address the situation, if it is a reality in schools. Six schools were selected, with each providing five participants who made a sum of 30 educators who volunteered to participate in the study. The study was an interpretive survey, where the qualitative methodology was used. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews. A tape recorder was also used to ensure that participants were not misrepresented in the analysis and discussions of the findings. The data was presented, analysed and discussed according to the patterns and themes derived from the sub-research questions. It emerged from the study that there are educator shortages in most senior secondary schools in the Butterworth Education District. This was due to the policies and reports which were contrary to one another. Contradictory reports were produced by three highly respected research institutions the National Teacher Educator Audit (NTEA) there was an oversupply of educators in South African schools (Hofmeyr and Hall 1996). On the other hand the research was conducted by the Pre-Service Education and Training (PRESET) and In-service Educational Service and Training (INSET) published that there is serious educator shortage in South Africa. There was a lack of insight from the Management of the National Department of Education, together with the Provincial Managers of education. These managers of the DoE failed to note that the decisions that they had made in 1994, of ensuring that all learners between ages of 7 and 15 should be taken by parents to school, would negatively affect the future of education if it was not properly planned for. This call for all learners of the above mentioned ages to go to school was made in line with the South African Schools Act No. 84 0f 1996. The implication of the Governments call to send more learners to school, whether parents had money or not, was that more educators had to be employed in the future but that did not happen. Instead, a once-off policy of severance packages was implemented by the government, which led to a lot of good educators taking their packages and leaving the profession. Literature reveals that Teacher Training Colleges were closed at about the same time. The literature also reveals that before the closure of Teacher Training Colleges there was a challenge of redeployment which was also not properly planned, implemented and monitored by the Provincial Managers of the DoE. The study reveals that poor planning of this process led to overcrowded classrooms, a phenomenon which was further exacerbated by the fact that the salaries of Principals and the HoDs in schools were linked to the number of learners the school had admitted. This had its own ramification like schools over-admitting learners because it meant more money for the principals and Heads of Departments. The study has revealed serious consequences which emanated from the educator shortage as a result of overcrowded classes. The literature also reveal that educators get employed and use the profession of teaching as a stepping stone for better paying professions. According to Peltzer, et al. (2005, p.35) “around 21 000 educators were leaving the system annually, although up to 30% of these were temporary teachers.” South Africa faces challenges with its pool of available educators. One of these challenges is that of attracting new educators into the teaching profession and another is the challenge of how to retain those already in the system (DoE, 2005 p.13). In the event that there are teacher shortage in the system the DoE is using the available educators to teach larger classes than they are capable. This causes problems when these teachers have to teach outside their areas of specialization. These consequences include the fact that educators are teaching more than six classes a day, and educators are overloaded; they do not have sufficient time to provide individual attention to the learners, mark leaner assessments, provide feedback on time, or do remedial work. The study also revealed that most educators are suffering from burnout and stress due to too much workload. The study has also shown that educators work even on Saturdays and holidays to try to finish the syllabus. As a result, there are very few young stars who aspire to making education their career. More educators are changing their careers because they know that life is about improved standards of living. The question is: What is the use of having all the good policies aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning if there are insufficient implementers (educators) of these policies in schools. The policies include School Based Assessment (SBA), Annual National Assessment (ANA), Systemic Evaluation, Common Tasks for Assessments (CATs), Whole School Evaluation (WSE) and the Integrated Quality Management Systems (IQMS). Recommendations have been proposed on the strategies that the DoE may employ to address the educator shortage in schools and the quality of education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Adherence to pre-selected infant feeding practices among mothers on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV/AIDS programme in the Amathole region, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yako, Elizabeth Matseliso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001091 , Child care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Child health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mother and infant -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Parenteral feeding of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections -- Children -- Transmission -- Prevention , Maternal health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Infant feeding in the context of HIV/AIDS poses a challenge among mothers. The implementation of UNICEF guidelines on infant feeding, which state that “when replacement feeding is acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe, avoidance of all breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers is recommended” (WHO, 2003:12) are not easy to meet. In more developed countries, where these criteria are met, almost all HIV-infected mothers have ceased to breast feed. Consequently, infants of mothers in these countries are less likely to be infected with HIV postnatally. In South Africa, more specifically in the Eastern Cape, infant feeding is a challenge as a number of UNICEF criteria cannot be met. The Eastern Cape is one of the poorest Provinces in South Africa, with a number of rural communities. Earlier studies have shown that, if mothers select either exclusive breast feeding or exclusive formula feeding, this reduces mother-to-child transmission of HIV. A limited number of studies on adherence to the method of infant feeding selected before delivery were found in the literature, hence the need for the current study. The purpose of the study was to explore adherence to exclusive breast feeding and exclusive formula feeding among mothers with HIV infection and to determine the problems that mothers may be facing in implementing their pre-selected methods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A framework to evaluate usable security in online social networking
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Security measures , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012933
- Description: It is commonly held in the literature that users find security and privacy difficult to comprehend. It is also acknowledged that most end-user applications and websites have built-in security and privacy features. Users are expected to interact with these in order to protect their personal information. However, security is generally a secondary goal for users. Considering the complexity associated with security in combination with the notion that it is not users’ primary task, it makes sense that users tend to ignore their security responsibilities. As a result, they make poor security-related decisions and, consequently, their personal information is at risk. Usable Security is the field that investigates these types of issue, focusing on the design of security and privacy features that are usable. In order to understand and appreciate the complexities that exist in the field of Usable Security, the research fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Information Security should be examined. Accordingly, the Information Security field is concerned with all aspects pertaining to the security and privacy of information, while the field of Human-Computer Interaction is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. This research delivers a framework to evaluate Usable Security in online social networks. In this study, online social networks that are particular to the health domain were used as a case study and contributed to the development of a framework consisting of three components: a process, a validation tool and a Usable Security heuristic evaluation. There is no existing qualitative process that describes how one would develop and validate a heuristic evaluation. In this regard a heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that is used to evaluate the design of an interface for any usability violations in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Therefore, firstly, a new process and a validation tool were required to be developed. Once this had been achieved, the process could then be followed to develop a new heuristic evaluation that is specific to Usable Security. In order to assess the validity of a new heuristic evaluation a validation tool is used. The development of tools that can improve the design of security and privacy features on end-user applications and websites in terms of their usability is critical, as this will ensure that the intended users experience them as usable and can utilise them effectively. The framework for evaluating Usable Security contributes to this objective in the context of online social networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yeratziotis, Alexandros
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Security measures , Computer security , Data protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9807 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012933
- Description: It is commonly held in the literature that users find security and privacy difficult to comprehend. It is also acknowledged that most end-user applications and websites have built-in security and privacy features. Users are expected to interact with these in order to protect their personal information. However, security is generally a secondary goal for users. Considering the complexity associated with security in combination with the notion that it is not users’ primary task, it makes sense that users tend to ignore their security responsibilities. As a result, they make poor security-related decisions and, consequently, their personal information is at risk. Usable Security is the field that investigates these types of issue, focusing on the design of security and privacy features that are usable. In order to understand and appreciate the complexities that exist in the field of Usable Security, the research fields of Human-Computer Interaction and Information Security should be examined. Accordingly, the Information Security field is concerned with all aspects pertaining to the security and privacy of information, while the field of Human-Computer Interaction is concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use. This research delivers a framework to evaluate Usable Security in online social networks. In this study, online social networks that are particular to the health domain were used as a case study and contributed to the development of a framework consisting of three components: a process, a validation tool and a Usable Security heuristic evaluation. There is no existing qualitative process that describes how one would develop and validate a heuristic evaluation. In this regard a heuristic evaluation is a usability inspection method that is used to evaluate the design of an interface for any usability violations in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Therefore, firstly, a new process and a validation tool were required to be developed. Once this had been achieved, the process could then be followed to develop a new heuristic evaluation that is specific to Usable Security. In order to assess the validity of a new heuristic evaluation a validation tool is used. The development of tools that can improve the design of security and privacy features on end-user applications and websites in terms of their usability is critical, as this will ensure that the intended users experience them as usable and can utilise them effectively. The framework for evaluating Usable Security contributes to this objective in the context of online social networks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Comparative structural bioinformatics analysis of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens chemotaxis proteins within Bacillus subtilis group
- Yssel, Anna, Reva, Oleg, Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Authors: Yssel, Anna , Reva, Oleg , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123966 , vital:35521 , https://doi.10.1007/s00253-011-3582-y
- Description: Chemotaxis is a process in which bacteria sense their chemical environment and move towards more favorable conditions. Since plant colonization by bacteria is a multifaceted process which requires a response to the complex chemical environment, a finely tuned and sensitive chemotaxis system is needed. Members of the Bacillus subtilis group including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are industrially important, for example, as bio-pesticides. The group exhibits plant growth-promoting characteristics, with different specificity towards certain host plants. Therefore, we hypothesize that while the principal molecular mechanisms of bacterial chemotaxis may be conserved, the bacterial chemotaxis system may need an evolutionary tweaking to adapt it to specific requirements, particularly in the process of evolution of free-living soil organisms, towards plant colonization behaviour. To date, almost nothing is known about what parts of the chemotaxis proteins are subjected to positive amino acid substitutions, involved in adjusting the chemotaxis system of bacteria during speciation. In this novel study, positively selected and purified sites of chemotaxis proteins were calculated, and these residues were mapped onto homology models that were built for the chemotaxis proteins, in an attempt to understand the spatial evolution of the chemotaxis proteins. Various positively selected amino acids were identified in semi-conserved regions of the proteins away from the known active sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yssel, Anna , Reva, Oleg , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/123966 , vital:35521 , https://doi.10.1007/s00253-011-3582-y
- Description: Chemotaxis is a process in which bacteria sense their chemical environment and move towards more favorable conditions. Since plant colonization by bacteria is a multifaceted process which requires a response to the complex chemical environment, a finely tuned and sensitive chemotaxis system is needed. Members of the Bacillus subtilis group including Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are industrially important, for example, as bio-pesticides. The group exhibits plant growth-promoting characteristics, with different specificity towards certain host plants. Therefore, we hypothesize that while the principal molecular mechanisms of bacterial chemotaxis may be conserved, the bacterial chemotaxis system may need an evolutionary tweaking to adapt it to specific requirements, particularly in the process of evolution of free-living soil organisms, towards plant colonization behaviour. To date, almost nothing is known about what parts of the chemotaxis proteins are subjected to positive amino acid substitutions, involved in adjusting the chemotaxis system of bacteria during speciation. In this novel study, positively selected and purified sites of chemotaxis proteins were calculated, and these residues were mapped onto homology models that were built for the chemotaxis proteins, in an attempt to understand the spatial evolution of the chemotaxis proteins. Various positively selected amino acids were identified in semi-conserved regions of the proteins away from the known active sites.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The spatial evolution of the chemotaxis proteins of the Bacillus subtilis group
- Yssel, Anna Elizabeth Johanna
- Authors: Yssel, Anna Elizabeth Johanna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chemotaxis , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Homology (Biology) , Plants -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004087 , Chemotaxis , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Homology (Biology) , Plants -- Microbiology
- Description: The aim of this work was to study spatial evolution of the chemotaxis proteins of a group of plant-associated soil-dwelling bacteria vernacularly referred to as the B. subtilis group. This was achieved by creating homology models for the chemotaxis proteins if a suitable template was available, and by analysing the selective forces (positive, purifying or neutral) acting upon the chemotaxis proteins. Chemotaxis is the phenomenon in which bacteria direct their movement towards more favourable conditions, and is critical for processes such as obtaining nutrients, escaping toxic compounds, host colonization and bio-film formation. Members of the B. subtilis group exhibit different preferences for certain host plants, and it is therefore feasible that their chemotactic machinery are fine-tuned to respond optimally to the conditions of the various niches that the strains inhabit. Homology models were inferred for the plant growth promoting B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 proteins CheB, CheC, CheD, CheR, CheW and CheY. The interactions between: CheC-CheD, the P1 and P2 domains of CheA with CheY and CheB, and the P4 and P5 domains of CheA with CheW were also modelled. The hydrophobic interactions contributing to intra- and inter-protein contacts were analysed. The models of the interactions between CheB and the various domains of CheA are of particular interest, because to date no structures have been solved that show an interaction between a histidine kinase (such as CheA) and a multidomain response regulator (such as CheB). Furthermore, evidence that phospho-CheB may inhibit the formation of phospho-CheY by competitively binding to the P2 domain of CheA is also presented. Proteins were analysed to determine if individual amino acid sites are under positive, neutral or purifying selection. The Methyl Accepting Chemotaxis Proteins (MCPs), CheA and CheV were also analyzed, but due to a lack of suitable templates, no homology models were constructed. Site-specific positive and purifying selection were estimated by comparing the ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions at each site in the sequences for the chemotaxis proteins as well as for the receptors McpA, McpB, and McpC. Homology models were coloured according to intensity of selective forces. It was found that the chemotaxis proteins of member of the B. subtilis group are under strong evolutionary constraints, hence it is unlikely that positive selection in these proteins are responsible for the differences in habitat preference that these organism exhibit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yssel, Anna Elizabeth Johanna
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chemotaxis , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Homology (Biology) , Plants -- Microbiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004087 , Chemotaxis , Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus (Bacteria) , Homology (Biology) , Plants -- Microbiology
- Description: The aim of this work was to study spatial evolution of the chemotaxis proteins of a group of plant-associated soil-dwelling bacteria vernacularly referred to as the B. subtilis group. This was achieved by creating homology models for the chemotaxis proteins if a suitable template was available, and by analysing the selective forces (positive, purifying or neutral) acting upon the chemotaxis proteins. Chemotaxis is the phenomenon in which bacteria direct their movement towards more favourable conditions, and is critical for processes such as obtaining nutrients, escaping toxic compounds, host colonization and bio-film formation. Members of the B. subtilis group exhibit different preferences for certain host plants, and it is therefore feasible that their chemotactic machinery are fine-tuned to respond optimally to the conditions of the various niches that the strains inhabit. Homology models were inferred for the plant growth promoting B. amyloliquefaciens FZB42 proteins CheB, CheC, CheD, CheR, CheW and CheY. The interactions between: CheC-CheD, the P1 and P2 domains of CheA with CheY and CheB, and the P4 and P5 domains of CheA with CheW were also modelled. The hydrophobic interactions contributing to intra- and inter-protein contacts were analysed. The models of the interactions between CheB and the various domains of CheA are of particular interest, because to date no structures have been solved that show an interaction between a histidine kinase (such as CheA) and a multidomain response regulator (such as CheB). Furthermore, evidence that phospho-CheB may inhibit the formation of phospho-CheY by competitively binding to the P2 domain of CheA is also presented. Proteins were analysed to determine if individual amino acid sites are under positive, neutral or purifying selection. The Methyl Accepting Chemotaxis Proteins (MCPs), CheA and CheV were also analyzed, but due to a lack of suitable templates, no homology models were constructed. Site-specific positive and purifying selection were estimated by comparing the ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions at each site in the sequences for the chemotaxis proteins as well as for the receptors McpA, McpB, and McpC. Homology models were coloured according to intensity of selective forces. It was found that the chemotaxis proteins of member of the B. subtilis group are under strong evolutionary constraints, hence it is unlikely that positive selection in these proteins are responsible for the differences in habitat preference that these organism exhibit.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa: a case study of the Balfour Formation in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Yu, Liuji
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/415 , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Hydrogeologists have faced serious challenges worldwide in the characterization of fractured rock aquifers due to the heterogeneous nature of the imbedded geology. The bulk flow parameters in the Karoo strata in South Africa are specifically uncertain since most models are based on homogenous block systems. As part of a WRC research project, entitled “Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa”, this study focuses on the characterization, borehole drilling, flow parameter measurements and groundwater quality assessment of the Balfour Formation in the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which is seriously heterogeneous in deposition and has also been largely neglected as drilling targets for groundwater. The Balfour Formation comprises mostly mudstone, shale and sandstone, formed in a braided and meandering river system. In addition to the heterogeneous deposition, the flow pathways in this aquifer system are not fully understood due to lack of actual measurement data. The methods used in this study include field mapping, site characterization, borehole drilling, and pumping and tracer testing in order to obtain the borehole yield, aquifer transmissivity, storativity and groundwater flow velocity. In addition, the groundwater chemistry was also studied to determine quality for use and possible connectivity with the nearby Tyume River and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. The results obtained include: 1) The study area is predominantly mudstone/shale with thin layers and lenses of siltstone and sandstone, which are interbedded; 2) Two boreholes were successfully drilled, which had yields in excess of 10 l/s in four water levels (at 7, 22, 54 and 65 m); 3) The estimated average transmissivity is 246 m 2/day according to the recovery test; 4) The estimated seepage velocity is 120 m/day according to tracer tests in the aquifer between the two boreholes which are 5 m apart; and 5) The water chemical type is the combination of HCO3-, Cl-and SO42- , which is distinguishable from that of the Tyume river; 6) There is no evidence for groundwater recharge to the deep aquifers from the Tyume river, based on the differences of the water chemistry; 7) The elements Ca, Cl, Na and C are distributed more than 90% as free ion species in BH2 borehole water; and 8) The groundwater in BH2 borehole is undersaturated (negative SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: anhydrite, fluorite, gypsum and halite), oversaturated (positive SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: aragonite, calcite and dolomite). It is concluded that there is a great potential to obtain drilling targets for high yielding boreholes in the sedimentary rocks of the Balfour Formation in the Karoo Supergroup.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Yu, Liuji
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11522 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/415 , Aquifers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Groundwater -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water well drilling -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sedimentary structures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Hydrogeologists have faced serious challenges worldwide in the characterization of fractured rock aquifers due to the heterogeneous nature of the imbedded geology. The bulk flow parameters in the Karoo strata in South Africa are specifically uncertain since most models are based on homogenous block systems. As part of a WRC research project, entitled “Measurement of the bulk flow and transport characteristics of selected fractured rock aquifer systems in South Africa”, this study focuses on the characterization, borehole drilling, flow parameter measurements and groundwater quality assessment of the Balfour Formation in the Beaufort Group of the Karoo Supergroup in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, which is seriously heterogeneous in deposition and has also been largely neglected as drilling targets for groundwater. The Balfour Formation comprises mostly mudstone, shale and sandstone, formed in a braided and meandering river system. In addition to the heterogeneous deposition, the flow pathways in this aquifer system are not fully understood due to lack of actual measurement data. The methods used in this study include field mapping, site characterization, borehole drilling, and pumping and tracer testing in order to obtain the borehole yield, aquifer transmissivity, storativity and groundwater flow velocity. In addition, the groundwater chemistry was also studied to determine quality for use and possible connectivity with the nearby Tyume River and to determine potential sources of groundwater contamination. The results obtained include: 1) The study area is predominantly mudstone/shale with thin layers and lenses of siltstone and sandstone, which are interbedded; 2) Two boreholes were successfully drilled, which had yields in excess of 10 l/s in four water levels (at 7, 22, 54 and 65 m); 3) The estimated average transmissivity is 246 m 2/day according to the recovery test; 4) The estimated seepage velocity is 120 m/day according to tracer tests in the aquifer between the two boreholes which are 5 m apart; and 5) The water chemical type is the combination of HCO3-, Cl-and SO42- , which is distinguishable from that of the Tyume river; 6) There is no evidence for groundwater recharge to the deep aquifers from the Tyume river, based on the differences of the water chemistry; 7) The elements Ca, Cl, Na and C are distributed more than 90% as free ion species in BH2 borehole water; and 8) The groundwater in BH2 borehole is undersaturated (negative SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: anhydrite, fluorite, gypsum and halite), oversaturated (positive SI) with respect to some minerals (for example: aragonite, calcite and dolomite). It is concluded that there is a great potential to obtain drilling targets for high yielding boreholes in the sedimentary rocks of the Balfour Formation in the Karoo Supergroup.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Heritage–A conceptually evolving and dissonant phenomenon: Implications for heritage management and education practices in post-colonial Southern Africa
- Authors: Zazu, Clayton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387208 , vital:68215 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122250"
- Description: This conceptual paper is based on experiences and insights which have emerged from my quest to develop a conceptual framework for working with the term ‘heritage’ within an education for sustainable development study that I am currently conducting. Of specific interest to me, and having potential to improve the relevance and quality of heritage education in southern Africa, given the region’s inherent cultural diversity and colonial history, is the need for ‘heritage construct inclusivity’ within the processes constituting heritage education practices. Working around this broad research goal, I therefore needed to be clear about what I mean or refer to as heritage. I realised, however, how elusive and conceptually problematic the term ‘heritage’ is. I therefore, drawing from literature and experiences gained during field observations and focus group interviews, came up with the idea of working with three viewpoints of heritage. Drawing on real life cases I argue that current heritage management and education practices’ failure to recognise and respect the evolving, interconnectedness and multi layered nature of heritage, partly explain the same practices’ lack of relevance and agency to enhance the sustainable management of local heritage resources. I also suggest a few ideas which heritage educators in the context of post-colonial southern Africa may need to consider in their everyday heritage education practices. I also introduce the notion of conceptualising heritage as ‘cultural landscapes’, within which the evolving, dissonant and interconnected nature of heritage, and associated heritage constructs, may be reconciled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zazu, Clayton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387208 , vital:68215 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122250"
- Description: This conceptual paper is based on experiences and insights which have emerged from my quest to develop a conceptual framework for working with the term ‘heritage’ within an education for sustainable development study that I am currently conducting. Of specific interest to me, and having potential to improve the relevance and quality of heritage education in southern Africa, given the region’s inherent cultural diversity and colonial history, is the need for ‘heritage construct inclusivity’ within the processes constituting heritage education practices. Working around this broad research goal, I therefore needed to be clear about what I mean or refer to as heritage. I realised, however, how elusive and conceptually problematic the term ‘heritage’ is. I therefore, drawing from literature and experiences gained during field observations and focus group interviews, came up with the idea of working with three viewpoints of heritage. Drawing on real life cases I argue that current heritage management and education practices’ failure to recognise and respect the evolving, interconnectedness and multi layered nature of heritage, partly explain the same practices’ lack of relevance and agency to enhance the sustainable management of local heritage resources. I also suggest a few ideas which heritage educators in the context of post-colonial southern Africa may need to consider in their everyday heritage education practices. I also introduce the notion of conceptualising heritage as ‘cultural landscapes’, within which the evolving, dissonant and interconnected nature of heritage, and associated heritage constructs, may be reconciled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Investigating the relationship between the social phenomenon of Facebook and narcissistic socio-cultural tendencies
- Authors: Zdanow, Carla
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Narcissism , Self , Culture , Online social networks -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1445 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Narcissism , Self , Culture , Online social networks -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa
- Description: Narcissism is increasingly being regarded as one of the biggest socio-cultural problems of the contemporary era. Indeed, recent studies by Baldwin and Stroman (2007) and Buffardi and Campbell (2008), among others, have advanced that new media technologies – in particular social networking websites – have significantly exacerbated the rise and spread of narcissism in contemporary society. Based on this premise, namely that social media provide the perfect platform for the promotion of self-infatuation, this research project will provide a critical analysis of the potential influence of social media in the development of a widespread narcissistic socio-cultural condition. In this regard, claims that increasingly consumerist, individualist and media-saturated societies are nurturing a culture of extreme narcissism, vanity and entitlement, will be examined in relation to an increase in the use of consumerorientated new media technologies. In particular, by examining the structural components of the popular social networking site, Facebook, this treatise will highlight the connection between the use of this form of new media and the engenderment of an acutely consumerist and narcissistic subjectivity – namely, commodity narcissism. That is, by examining the growth of narcissism from the 1940s through to the new millennium, the role of the media, and most recently new media technologies, in the promotion of commodity narcissism will be examined as factors of particular significance in the formation of contemporary subjectivity. In relation to this, the impact of commodity narcissism on the perpetuation and propagation of capitalist isolation, alienation and insecurity will be investigated with a view to exploring the potential impact of such narcissism on the efficacy of the democratic process. Finally, some remedial measures, which co-opt rather than negate such social media, will be proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zdanow, Carla
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Facebook (Electronic resource) , Narcissism , Self , Culture , Online social networks -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8377 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1445 , Facebook (Electronic resource) , Narcissism , Self , Culture , Online social networks -- South Africa , Social media -- South Africa
- Description: Narcissism is increasingly being regarded as one of the biggest socio-cultural problems of the contemporary era. Indeed, recent studies by Baldwin and Stroman (2007) and Buffardi and Campbell (2008), among others, have advanced that new media technologies – in particular social networking websites – have significantly exacerbated the rise and spread of narcissism in contemporary society. Based on this premise, namely that social media provide the perfect platform for the promotion of self-infatuation, this research project will provide a critical analysis of the potential influence of social media in the development of a widespread narcissistic socio-cultural condition. In this regard, claims that increasingly consumerist, individualist and media-saturated societies are nurturing a culture of extreme narcissism, vanity and entitlement, will be examined in relation to an increase in the use of consumerorientated new media technologies. In particular, by examining the structural components of the popular social networking site, Facebook, this treatise will highlight the connection between the use of this form of new media and the engenderment of an acutely consumerist and narcissistic subjectivity – namely, commodity narcissism. That is, by examining the growth of narcissism from the 1940s through to the new millennium, the role of the media, and most recently new media technologies, in the promotion of commodity narcissism will be examined as factors of particular significance in the formation of contemporary subjectivity. In relation to this, the impact of commodity narcissism on the perpetuation and propagation of capitalist isolation, alienation and insecurity will be investigated with a view to exploring the potential impact of such narcissism on the efficacy of the democratic process. Finally, some remedial measures, which co-opt rather than negate such social media, will be proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth manufacturing plant : an empirical study
- Authors: Zerbst, Nicolaas Jacobus
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial productivity , Manufacturing industries -- Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013009
- Description: Manufacturing in South Africa constantly face competition from both local as well as foreign entities. Productivity growth is viewed by many executives and business leaders as the key element in maintaining competitiveness in the global economy. The success of the South African manufacturing and its global competitiveness lie in its productivity. By focusing on promoting productivity, South African manufacturers will establish a source of sustained competitive gains, while labour will establish a sustainable source of income growth. The Eberspacher South Africa Port Elizabeth (ESA) is not in any way immune to the level of competition that impacts all businesses in South Africa. ESA not only competeswith other local catalytic converter companies in terms of a high level of productivity, but also with other manufacturing plants within the Eberspacher Group globally. In Eberspacher all exhaust manufacturing plants are constantly benchmarked, comparing productivity levels, quality levels, cost and delivery. This data is used not only to determine goals, but also forms a key determinant as to where any new business is placed. The internal competition encourages all manufacturing plants within Eberspacher to continously improve plant productivity within group. A company is competitive if it is able to produce products that are either cheaper or better than those of other firms. Most of ESA customers are internal final assembly plants from Europe, USA, India and China. ESA therefore constantly have to ensure that they are competitive in all aspects of business, including productivity. In ESA, the overall productivity performance of the manufacturing plant is of utmost importance to ensure the ability to supply all the customers with cost competitive products, at the right time and with zero defects. Productivity in Eberspacher is used as a vital measurement to the sourcing decision for any new business awarded to the group. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth Manufacturing Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zerbst, Nicolaas Jacobus
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial productivity , Manufacturing industries -- Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013009
- Description: Manufacturing in South Africa constantly face competition from both local as well as foreign entities. Productivity growth is viewed by many executives and business leaders as the key element in maintaining competitiveness in the global economy. The success of the South African manufacturing and its global competitiveness lie in its productivity. By focusing on promoting productivity, South African manufacturers will establish a source of sustained competitive gains, while labour will establish a sustainable source of income growth. The Eberspacher South Africa Port Elizabeth (ESA) is not in any way immune to the level of competition that impacts all businesses in South Africa. ESA not only competeswith other local catalytic converter companies in terms of a high level of productivity, but also with other manufacturing plants within the Eberspacher Group globally. In Eberspacher all exhaust manufacturing plants are constantly benchmarked, comparing productivity levels, quality levels, cost and delivery. This data is used not only to determine goals, but also forms a key determinant as to where any new business is placed. The internal competition encourages all manufacturing plants within Eberspacher to continously improve plant productivity within group. A company is competitive if it is able to produce products that are either cheaper or better than those of other firms. Most of ESA customers are internal final assembly plants from Europe, USA, India and China. ESA therefore constantly have to ensure that they are competitive in all aspects of business, including productivity. In ESA, the overall productivity performance of the manufacturing plant is of utmost importance to ensure the ability to supply all the customers with cost competitive products, at the right time and with zero defects. Productivity in Eberspacher is used as a vital measurement to the sourcing decision for any new business awarded to the group. The main purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of productivity improvement initiatives at the Eberspacher Port Elizabeth Manufacturing Plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Conflict within the church: a theological approach to conflict resolution with special reference to the boundary disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma synods in Malawi
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zgambo, Humphreys F C
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Th
- Identifier: vital:11801 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/497 , Conflict management -- Malawi , Councils and synods -- Malawi
- Description: The research study acknowledges that life is possibly full of conflict, be it psychological, spiritual or otherwise. Conflict is an inescapable reality that confronts Churches and societies regardless of how loving and caring the people are. Conflict brings both the negative and positive impact on the life of Church and society. Conflict presents us with challenges and choices that reflect and shape our personal identity. Technically the challenge is not to avoid conflict, but rather to deal with it constructively. Conflict could be dangerous and destructive. Conflict could also be an opportunity for self-examination, for growth, service to people and giving glory to God. Hence the serious need for developing a theological approach to conflict resolution within the Church and society. Generally, there are two methods to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine effort to conflict respectively. Using mere psychological and legal experience, the Law court models deal with immediate substantive offenses, injustices and inequity faced by people. The Law court methods are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable and short-lived, while the Atonement methods radically deal with deep rooted matters and sinful motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, lusts and cravings. The Atonement models are reliable, fruitful and long-lasting. The purpose of conflict resolution must be to uproot the negative elements and destructive results of conflict, while at the same time preserving it’s beneficial, life- giving qualities to achieve genuine reconciliation. Therefore this new theology of conflict resolution calls for radical change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict in order to accelerate transformation, growth, maturity and peace. Chapter one will provide a general background to the research study. Chapter two before looking at the case of disputes between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods, it will firstly, cite briefly some conflicts in the history of the Church to get an appreciation of the impact of conflict in the life of the Church. Secondly, the chapter will outline the historical background of the Church of Central Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre and Livingstonia Synods, Nkhoma Synod and the General Assembly and how the boundary disputes between the two rival Synods started in Malawi. Chapter three will discuss the question of sin and its effects. Humanity cherishes sin in the heart (Ps 51:3-10, 66:19). Milne (1982:107) asserts that sin causes racial prejudice and antagonisms. The problem of sin is the world’s biggest problem. The study will also define conflict and its root causes using Marxist’s conflict conception. The argument of the study will base on the fact that sin brings conflict and produces great divisions among human beings. Therefore, if sin brings conflict with God, His will and between humans, God has provided a divine means to deal with the problem. Chapter four will discuss the answer to question of sin and conflict. There are two dimensions to conflict resolution namely: the Law court and Atonement Models based on human and divine efforts respectively. Contemporary Christian conflict theories are deficient in the God ward dimensions of conflict and most theories and practices come from within the human legal or political professions. Deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart such as idolatry, anger, revenge, lusts and cravings in opposition to God are better addressed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The study will review and critique contemporary models of conflict resolution including the atonement with a view to understand the antithesis of conflict. The study will lastly formulate a synthetic model from various aspects of atonement to bring about a better understanding of conflict resolution. Chapter five will discuss the general application of the full concept of atonement. The question for discussion will be: how can the life, sufferings and death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ that occurred almost 2000 years ago affect us today? How can the atonement conception be applied to resolve human conflict? The atonement of Christ will be ineffective unless it is applied to the lives of human beings. The actualization of the atonement could be done through power of the Holy Spirit who unites a person with Jesus Christ and in their close relationship, the penalty for the person’s sin is paid both together, so by Christ (Stott 1986:256ff). As we relate to God in through confession, repentance of sin and sanctification, we relate to each other that removes the cause of conflict between persons. Chapter six will discuss the application of atonement and reconciliation aspects to specific disputes in Malawi. It will also suggest recommendations on how to deal with those disputes. Christianity is not just a creed, it involves action. What is needed in Christian salvation is the practical restoration of broken relationships between God and creation, the removal of rupture within human race in order to facilitate reconciliation. Reconciliation in Malawian context means restoration, amendment, making up, settling an argument of boundary and bringing back lost relationship between the Livingstonia and Nkhoma Synods. Chapter seven will just deal with summary and conclusion. The theology of conflict resolution calls for change. Change of the heart and on how to deal with conflict. All human efforts in conflict are sometimes unproductive, unprofitable, and short-lived while divine efforts radically deal with deep rooted matters and motivations of the human heart. Divine efforts are fruitful and long-lasting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Comparison between Endothelin, Nitric Oxide and their Association to Blood Pressure and Body Composition in HIV Patients, in Mthatha
- Authors: Zono, Sinethemba
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3550 , vital:43627
- Description: The motivation for this study is that Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape ought to provide access to high quality, relevant and appropriate information that is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of health professionals thereby assisting health professionals accomplish their tasks. In order to provide access to quality information, the Health Resource Centres are expected to provide information services within an acceptable framework of service standards. This study seeks to explore the implementation of standards in the Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape. The study was carried out in two phases namely a literature review and a survey. The study used the quantitative method of collecting data by means of a cross-sectional survey. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was piloted in the Queenstown Health Resource Centre, after which appropriate changes were made before the commencement of data collection. The study was conducted in the three other Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape, namely Umtata Health Resource Centre, East London Health Resource Centre and Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre. Health Resource Centre managers completed the questionnaires. The overall findings of this study show that the three Health Resource Centres uphold service standards. The results show that the Health Resource Centres were compliant with the service standards relating to both services and management areas. The Health Resource Centres were more compliant with standards relating to service areas than they were to standards relating to management areas. The results of the study furthermore demonstrate that the Umtata Health Resource Centre was most compliant regarding service areas (86,20%) compared to the East London Health Resource Centre (82,75%) and the Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre (72,41%). In regard to management areas, the results show that the Umtata Health Resource Centre and East London Health Resource were more compliant than the Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre. However certain aspects of their service such as availability of space, health and safety, staff performance and development, quality leadership and design and financial management need further attention. The study suggests that further research is required to objectively verify implementation of standards, to solicit health professionals’ opinions and experiences about the services provided by these Health Resource Centres and to find out if there is any connection between the quality of services provided and the quality of patient care. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zono, Sinethemba
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/3550 , vital:43627
- Description: The motivation for this study is that Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape ought to provide access to high quality, relevant and appropriate information that is evidence-based and responsive to the needs of health professionals thereby assisting health professionals accomplish their tasks. In order to provide access to quality information, the Health Resource Centres are expected to provide information services within an acceptable framework of service standards. This study seeks to explore the implementation of standards in the Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape. The study was carried out in two phases namely a literature review and a survey. The study used the quantitative method of collecting data by means of a cross-sectional survey. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was piloted in the Queenstown Health Resource Centre, after which appropriate changes were made before the commencement of data collection. The study was conducted in the three other Health Resource Centres of the Eastern Cape, namely Umtata Health Resource Centre, East London Health Resource Centre and Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre. Health Resource Centre managers completed the questionnaires. The overall findings of this study show that the three Health Resource Centres uphold service standards. The results show that the Health Resource Centres were compliant with the service standards relating to both services and management areas. The Health Resource Centres were more compliant with standards relating to service areas than they were to standards relating to management areas. The results of the study furthermore demonstrate that the Umtata Health Resource Centre was most compliant regarding service areas (86,20%) compared to the East London Health Resource Centre (82,75%) and the Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre (72,41%). In regard to management areas, the results show that the Umtata Health Resource Centre and East London Health Resource were more compliant than the Port Elizabeth Health Resource Centre. However certain aspects of their service such as availability of space, health and safety, staff performance and development, quality leadership and design and financial management need further attention. The study suggests that further research is required to objectively verify implementation of standards, to solicit health professionals’ opinions and experiences about the services provided by these Health Resource Centres and to find out if there is any connection between the quality of services provided and the quality of patient care. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Photophysical and photochemical behavior of electrospun fibers of a polyurethane polymer chemically linked to lutetium carboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine
- Zugle, Ruhpino, Litwinski, Christian, Torto, Nelson, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruhpino , Litwinski, Christian , Torto, Nelson , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/248428 , vital:51685 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C1NJ20126C"
- Description: A phthalocyanine complex of lutetium substituted with four peripherally substituted 4-carboxyphenoxy groups was synthesized using cyclotetramerisation reaction. Its structure was elucidated using conventional spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The spectral behavior of the complex was studied in DMF solution and in a solid polyurethane fiber matrix. The UV-Visible spectrum showed a red shift in its Q-band maximum absorption within the fiber as compared to that in solution. The triplet quantum yield in DMF was determined to be 0.51 with a lifetime of 2.7 μs and a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.33 with a lifetime of 19.85 μs in the same solvent. The functionalized phthalocyanine fiber could be a promising fabric material for applications such as self-disinfecting in wound dressing. A method based on the conversion of ADMA was used to estimate the singlet oxygen quantum yield of the Pc in the hybrid fiber. An estimated singlet oxygen quantum yield value of 0.11 in aqueous medium was obtained. The fluorescence quantum yield of the Pc was found to be 0.01 with a lifetime of 3.20 ns in DMF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zugle, Ruhpino , Litwinski, Christian , Torto, Nelson , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/248428 , vital:51685 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C1NJ20126C"
- Description: A phthalocyanine complex of lutetium substituted with four peripherally substituted 4-carboxyphenoxy groups was synthesized using cyclotetramerisation reaction. Its structure was elucidated using conventional spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The spectral behavior of the complex was studied in DMF solution and in a solid polyurethane fiber matrix. The UV-Visible spectrum showed a red shift in its Q-band maximum absorption within the fiber as compared to that in solution. The triplet quantum yield in DMF was determined to be 0.51 with a lifetime of 2.7 μs and a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.33 with a lifetime of 19.85 μs in the same solvent. The functionalized phthalocyanine fiber could be a promising fabric material for applications such as self-disinfecting in wound dressing. A method based on the conversion of ADMA was used to estimate the singlet oxygen quantum yield of the Pc in the hybrid fiber. An estimated singlet oxygen quantum yield value of 0.11 in aqueous medium was obtained. The fluorescence quantum yield of the Pc was found to be 0.01 with a lifetime of 3.20 ns in DMF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Photophysical characterization of dysprosium, erbium and lutetium phthalocyanines tetrasubstituted with phenoxy groups at non-peripheral positions
- Zugle, Ruphino, Litwinski, Christian, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247561 , vital:51595 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2011.03.030"
- Description: Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine and monomeric phthalocyanines of erbium and lutetium with non-peripheral phenoxy substituents have been synthesized using two different preparative routes. Photophysical studies on these phthalocyanines revealed that the triplet states of dysprosium and erbium are not populated while the monomeric phthalocyanine complex of lutetium is populated with a quantum yield of 0.83 and a lifetime of 25 μs in DMSO. It was further found that the phthalocyanine complex of lutetium was capable of photochemical generation of singlet state molecular oxygen with yield of 0.71 in THF, thus a promising photosensitizer. However, the three phthalocyanine molecules have very low fluorescence quantum yields of less than 0.01.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247561 , vital:51595 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2011.03.030"
- Description: Dysprosium bis-phthalocyanine and monomeric phthalocyanines of erbium and lutetium with non-peripheral phenoxy substituents have been synthesized using two different preparative routes. Photophysical studies on these phthalocyanines revealed that the triplet states of dysprosium and erbium are not populated while the monomeric phthalocyanine complex of lutetium is populated with a quantum yield of 0.83 and a lifetime of 25 μs in DMSO. It was further found that the phthalocyanine complex of lutetium was capable of photochemical generation of singlet state molecular oxygen with yield of 0.71 in THF, thus a promising photosensitizer. However, the three phthalocyanine molecules have very low fluorescence quantum yields of less than 0.01.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An impact assessment of the poverty alleviation projects: a case study of Thuthukani project in Dannhauser local municipality, Kwazulu Natal
- Authors: Zungu, Nomsa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008583 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The South African government has introduced mechanisms and plans to alleviate poverty and to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policies and programmes to the reduction of poverty. In its quest to eradicate and alleviate poverty, the government has prioritized poverty alleviation in its development agenda. In efforts to fight poverty, the government has since 1994, implemented various programmes that are aimed at alleviating poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. The poverty alleviation programme is one of the strategies that was implemented by the government, as a means to eradicate poverty. At the community level, depending on the nature of the programme, efforts have been made to incorporate mechanisms which enable poor people to play an active role in deciding how the benefits from programmes are distributed. The study was based on the projects identified by the community of Amajuba district in Dannhauser area in KwaZulu Natal. The Dannhauser Municipality in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs have played a vital role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Thuthukani project in 2004. In an attempt to assess the impact of the poverty alleviation projects, this study investigated the role played by the Thuthukani project in local economic development of the Dannhauser community in the Dannhauser Municipality. Participants included the Thuthukani project members, and the extension officer from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs. The study found that, indeed poverty alleviation projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards job creation and improvement of the socio-economic status of the local community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zungu, Nomsa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008583 , Poverty -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: The South African government has introduced mechanisms and plans to alleviate poverty and to monitor and evaluate the impact of the policies and programmes to the reduction of poverty. In its quest to eradicate and alleviate poverty, the government has prioritized poverty alleviation in its development agenda. In efforts to fight poverty, the government has since 1994, implemented various programmes that are aimed at alleviating poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. The poverty alleviation programme is one of the strategies that was implemented by the government, as a means to eradicate poverty. At the community level, depending on the nature of the programme, efforts have been made to incorporate mechanisms which enable poor people to play an active role in deciding how the benefits from programmes are distributed. The study was based on the projects identified by the community of Amajuba district in Dannhauser area in KwaZulu Natal. The Dannhauser Municipality in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs have played a vital role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Thuthukani project in 2004. In an attempt to assess the impact of the poverty alleviation projects, this study investigated the role played by the Thuthukani project in local economic development of the Dannhauser community in the Dannhauser Municipality. Participants included the Thuthukani project members, and the extension officer from the Department of Agriculture and Environmental affairs. The study found that, indeed poverty alleviation projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards job creation and improvement of the socio-economic status of the local community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An analysis of the factors influencing the provision of water in the Buffalo City Municipality, province of the Eastern Cape
- Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Zwelibanzi, Mantombi Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8260 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013011
- Description: Factors affecting the provision of water constitute a great challenge to water officials not only in Buffalo City Municipality but also globally. Interviews form the basic data collection instrument used to provide empirical evidence to the objectives of the study. The objectives of the study are: To evaluate the underlying challenges encountered by water sector Engineers; To evaluate the role of municipal water sector officials in the provision of clean water; To analyse the factors influencing the provision of water in Buffllo City Municipality. Recommendations are provided which could assist Buffalo City Municipality in addressing the challenges affecting the provision of water as follows: The involvement of national and provincial governments in order to improve the Buffalo City Municipal infrastructure and capacity building is highly recommended. Power failure and water interruptions caused by mechanical problems and natural disasters, are further municipal challenges that need to be addressed irrespective of financial constraints. Public and private sector sponsors can be approached to join the initiative. Informal settlements should be formalised and limited to a certain number of people per site or household, depending on the infrastructure. If the infrastructure is not conducive they should be relocated elsewhere. Public and private sector sponsors should offer assistance to Buffalo City Municipality to develop the required water skills, by financing water officials who are interested in furthering their education at tertiary level. Public consultation, through meetings and public forums, and public participation, by the street committees and police forums, are recommended. Coupon systems for basic services like water and electricity for all residents is highly recommended. A generator for the municipal water sector is needed. This will overcome the power failure problem. The provision of water is affected by power outages as water equipment needs electricity to be able to operate. Installation of a water plant in Buffalo City Municipality‟s main dam, the Maden dam, that is supposed to supply King Williams town and the surrounding areas directly.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011