Editorial
- Schudel, Ingrid, Le Grange, Lesley, Reddy, Chris
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid , Le Grange, Lesley , Reddy, Chris
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387193 , vital:68214 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/167508"
- Description: The unprecedented levels of human influence on the global enviroment have drawn the attention of scientists to the extent that in 2002, the Nobel Laureate, Paul Crutzen, helped in postulating a new geological epoch named the Anthropocene (Crutzen, 2002). This idea is not new and Crutzen describes an observation by an Italian geologist named Antonio Stoppani who, in 1873, spoke about an 'anthropozoic era'. Stoppani described this era as a 'new telluric force which in power and universality may be compared to the greater forces of earth' (Stoppani, 1873 in Crutzen, 2002).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Schudel, Ingrid , Le Grange, Lesley , Reddy, Chris
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387193 , vital:68214 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/167508"
- Description: The unprecedented levels of human influence on the global enviroment have drawn the attention of scientists to the extent that in 2002, the Nobel Laureate, Paul Crutzen, helped in postulating a new geological epoch named the Anthropocene (Crutzen, 2002). This idea is not new and Crutzen describes an observation by an Italian geologist named Antonio Stoppani who, in 1873, spoke about an 'anthropozoic era'. Stoppani described this era as a 'new telluric force which in power and universality may be compared to the greater forces of earth' (Stoppani, 1873 in Crutzen, 2002).
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2016
A capability approach: Its potential for transformative education research focusing on education for sustainable development and gender issues in science teacher education
- Authors: Chikunda, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387120 , vital:68208 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122266"
- Description: In this article, I use the capability approach to explore the role that the science, mathematics and technical subjects (SMTs) teacher education curriculum can play as a ‘gender conversion factor’. This comes amidst evidence that a major hindrance to the participation of girls in these disciplines is a lack of gender responsiveness in the pedagogy applied in schools. Seven teacher educators, who were purposively sampled at a Technical Teachers’ College in Zimbabwe, were the research participants. I adopted a case study design in which I used in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions and document analysis to generate data. Data was analysed deductively using predetermined themes based on an analytical tool anchored on Sen’s two, but quite distinct, aspects of freedom, that is, the opportunity aspect and the process aspect of freedom. The findings reveal that there is a limited awareness of gender issues among teacher educators, and that these issues are not being transformed into curriculum practice. All in all, it is evident that curriculum practices of SMTs teacher educators are riddled with gender blindness and so trainee teachers graduate from college without the necessary agency to deal with personal, social and environmental conversion factors that can play a role in girls converting the curriculum into functionings (beings and doings) and wider freedoms and valued beings and doings (capabilities).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chikunda, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387120 , vital:68208 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122266"
- Description: In this article, I use the capability approach to explore the role that the science, mathematics and technical subjects (SMTs) teacher education curriculum can play as a ‘gender conversion factor’. This comes amidst evidence that a major hindrance to the participation of girls in these disciplines is a lack of gender responsiveness in the pedagogy applied in schools. Seven teacher educators, who were purposively sampled at a Technical Teachers’ College in Zimbabwe, were the research participants. I adopted a case study design in which I used in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions and document analysis to generate data. Data was analysed deductively using predetermined themes based on an analytical tool anchored on Sen’s two, but quite distinct, aspects of freedom, that is, the opportunity aspect and the process aspect of freedom. The findings reveal that there is a limited awareness of gender issues among teacher educators, and that these issues are not being transformed into curriculum practice. All in all, it is evident that curriculum practices of SMTs teacher educators are riddled with gender blindness and so trainee teachers graduate from college without the necessary agency to deal with personal, social and environmental conversion factors that can play a role in girls converting the curriculum into functionings (beings and doings) and wider freedoms and valued beings and doings (capabilities).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of the photophysicochemical and antimicrobial properties of two zinc phthalocyanine–silver nanoparticle conjugates
- Rapulenyane, Nomasonto, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232522 , vital:49999 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ41107A"
- Description: This work reports conjugation of two mono carboxy substituted zinc phthalocyanines with glutathione capped silver nanoparticles (GSH-AgNPs). The photophysicochemical behaviour of the novel phthalocyanines–silver nanoparticle conjugates was investigated together with simple mixtures of the silver nanoparticles with low symmetry phthalocyanines (i.e. with no direct chemical bond formation). It was observed that upon conjugation of the phthalocyanines to the silver nanoparticles, a blue shifting of the Q band was induced. The triplet lifetimes and quantum yields improved upon conjugation as compared to the phthalocyanines alone. Fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields decreased for conjugates compared to the phthalocyanines alone due to quenching caused by the silver nanoparticles. The low symmetry phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in the presence and absence of light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rapulenyane, Nomasonto , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232522 , vital:49999 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ41107A"
- Description: This work reports conjugation of two mono carboxy substituted zinc phthalocyanines with glutathione capped silver nanoparticles (GSH-AgNPs). The photophysicochemical behaviour of the novel phthalocyanines–silver nanoparticle conjugates was investigated together with simple mixtures of the silver nanoparticles with low symmetry phthalocyanines (i.e. with no direct chemical bond formation). It was observed that upon conjugation of the phthalocyanines to the silver nanoparticles, a blue shifting of the Q band was induced. The triplet lifetimes and quantum yields improved upon conjugation as compared to the phthalocyanines alone. Fluorescence lifetimes and quantum yields decreased for conjugates compared to the phthalocyanines alone due to quenching caused by the silver nanoparticles. The low symmetry phthalocyanines and their conjugates showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in the presence and absence of light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Adsorption and separation of platinum and palladium by polyamine functionalized polystyrene-based beads and nanofibers
- Fayemi, Omolola E, Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S, Kempgens, Pierre F M, Antunes, Edith M, Torto, Nelson, Nyokong, Tebello, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Fayemi, Omolola E , Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Kempgens, Pierre F M , Antunes, Edith M , Torto, Nelson , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241694 , vital:50961 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2013.06.006"
- Description: Adsorption and separation of platinum and palladium chlorido species (PtCl62- and PdCl42-) on polystyrene beads as well as nanofibers functionalized with ammonium centres based on ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) are described. The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized by microanalysis, SEM, XPS, BET and FTIR. The surface area of the functionalized fibers was in the range 69–241 m2/g while it was 73–107 m2/g for the beads. The adsorption and loading capacities of the sorption materials were investigated using both the batch and column studies at 1 M HCl concentration. The adsorption studies for both PtCl62- and PdCl42- on the different sorbent materials fit the Langmuir isotherm with R2 values >0.99. The highest loading capacity of Pt and Pd were 7.4 mg/g and 4.3 mg/g respectively for the nanofiber sorbent material based on ethylenediamine (EDA) while the beads with ethylenediamine (EDA) gave 1.0 mg/g and 0.2 mg/g for Pt and Pd respectively. Metals loaded on the sorbent materials were recovered by using 3% m/v thiourea solution as the eluting agent with quantitative desorption efficiency under the selected experimental conditions. Separation of platinum from palladium was partially achieved by selective stripping of PtCl62- with 0.5 M of NaClO4 in 1.0 M HCl while PdCl42- was eluted with 0.5 M thiourea in 1.0 M HCl. Separation of platinum from iridium and rhodium under 1 M HCl concentration was successful on triethylenetriamine (TETA)-functionalized Merrifield beads. This material (M-TETA) showed selectivity for platinum albeit the low loading capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fayemi, Omolola E , Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Kempgens, Pierre F M , Antunes, Edith M , Torto, Nelson , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241694 , vital:50961 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2013.06.006"
- Description: Adsorption and separation of platinum and palladium chlorido species (PtCl62- and PdCl42-) on polystyrene beads as well as nanofibers functionalized with ammonium centres based on ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) are described. The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized by microanalysis, SEM, XPS, BET and FTIR. The surface area of the functionalized fibers was in the range 69–241 m2/g while it was 73–107 m2/g for the beads. The adsorption and loading capacities of the sorption materials were investigated using both the batch and column studies at 1 M HCl concentration. The adsorption studies for both PtCl62- and PdCl42- on the different sorbent materials fit the Langmuir isotherm with R2 values >0.99. The highest loading capacity of Pt and Pd were 7.4 mg/g and 4.3 mg/g respectively for the nanofiber sorbent material based on ethylenediamine (EDA) while the beads with ethylenediamine (EDA) gave 1.0 mg/g and 0.2 mg/g for Pt and Pd respectively. Metals loaded on the sorbent materials were recovered by using 3% m/v thiourea solution as the eluting agent with quantitative desorption efficiency under the selected experimental conditions. Separation of platinum from palladium was partially achieved by selective stripping of PtCl62- with 0.5 M of NaClO4 in 1.0 M HCl while PdCl42- was eluted with 0.5 M thiourea in 1.0 M HCl. Separation of platinum from iridium and rhodium under 1 M HCl concentration was successful on triethylenetriamine (TETA)-functionalized Merrifield beads. This material (M-TETA) showed selectivity for platinum albeit the low loading capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Applying a student curriculum discourse in higher education teaching and learning
- Mndzebele, Samuel, McKenna, Sioux
- Authors: Mndzebele, Samuel , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187417 , vital:44633 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2013.786210"
- Description: Indications of poor quality in students’ written work necessitated the need for deeper investigations aimed at designing and applying appropriate teaching/learning and assessment innovations in the course curriculum. The project-exercise engaged a conceptual-explorative approach through: reviews/investigations; educational diagnosis; design/application of innovations and evaluation processes. In addition to other challenges, diagnosed problems included: students’ ignorance on key curriculum components; imbalance in teaching/learning and assessment tasks engaging all 3-learning domains; less intensiveness of the e-learning mode; and superficial formative feedback. Included a “Student-Curriculum-Discourse” self-tutorial guide, and tasks alignment of the teaching/learning and assessment. Learners’ performance can be improved through a curriculum-discourse self-tutorial exercise, complemented with: intellectual, social, experiential, and emotional structures. Both educators and learners share specific responsibilities in the teaching/learning environment. There is need to expand/probe the theoretical dimension within which the on-line distance education occurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mndzebele, Samuel , McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187417 , vital:44633 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2013.786210"
- Description: Indications of poor quality in students’ written work necessitated the need for deeper investigations aimed at designing and applying appropriate teaching/learning and assessment innovations in the course curriculum. The project-exercise engaged a conceptual-explorative approach through: reviews/investigations; educational diagnosis; design/application of innovations and evaluation processes. In addition to other challenges, diagnosed problems included: students’ ignorance on key curriculum components; imbalance in teaching/learning and assessment tasks engaging all 3-learning domains; less intensiveness of the e-learning mode; and superficial formative feedback. Included a “Student-Curriculum-Discourse” self-tutorial guide, and tasks alignment of the teaching/learning and assessment. Learners’ performance can be improved through a curriculum-discourse self-tutorial exercise, complemented with: intellectual, social, experiential, and emotional structures. Both educators and learners share specific responsibilities in the teaching/learning environment. There is need to expand/probe the theoretical dimension within which the on-line distance education occurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Axial coordination of zinc and silicon phthalocyanines to silver and gold nanoparticles: an investigation of their photophysicochemical and antimicrobial behavior
- Masilela, Nkosiphile, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241818 , vital:50972 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424613500016"
- Description: This work reports on the axial coordination of zinc phthalocyanine and bis-(1,6-hexanedithiol) silicon phthalocyanine to silver and gold nanoparticles. Red shifting of absorption spectra of the phthalocyanine complexes was observed after conjugation with the nanoparticles. An improvement in the photophysicochemical behavior and antimicrobial activity was achieved in the presence of metal nanoparticles for both complexes. A decrease in triplet lifetimes was observed for all the phthalocyanine metal nanoparticle conjugates. The Zn phthalocyanine complex gave the highest triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yield in the presence of gold nanoparticles. On the other hand, the bacterial inhibition was found to be best for the Si phthalocyanine derivative in the presence of nanoparticles compared to the Zn phthalocyanine counterpart. The highest antimicrobial activity was achieved for both conjugates against B. subtilis compared to S. aureaus both in the dark and under illumination with light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Masilela, Nkosiphile , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241818 , vital:50972 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424613500016"
- Description: This work reports on the axial coordination of zinc phthalocyanine and bis-(1,6-hexanedithiol) silicon phthalocyanine to silver and gold nanoparticles. Red shifting of absorption spectra of the phthalocyanine complexes was observed after conjugation with the nanoparticles. An improvement in the photophysicochemical behavior and antimicrobial activity was achieved in the presence of metal nanoparticles for both complexes. A decrease in triplet lifetimes was observed for all the phthalocyanine metal nanoparticle conjugates. The Zn phthalocyanine complex gave the highest triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yield in the presence of gold nanoparticles. On the other hand, the bacterial inhibition was found to be best for the Si phthalocyanine derivative in the presence of nanoparticles compared to the Zn phthalocyanine counterpart. The highest antimicrobial activity was achieved for both conjugates against B. subtilis compared to S. aureaus both in the dark and under illumination with light.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Catalytic oxidation of thioanisole using oxovanadium (IV)‐functionalized electrospun polybenzimidazole nanofibers
- Walmsley, Ryan S, Hlangothi, Percy, Litwinski, Christian, Nyokong, Tebello, Torto, Nelson, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Walmsley, Ryan S , Hlangothi, Percy , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242083 , vital:51000 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38067"
- Description: Polybenzimidazole fibers, with an average diameter of 262 nm, were produced by the process of electrospinning. These fibers were used as a solid support material for the immobilization of oxovanadium(IV) which was achieved via a reaction with vanadyl sulfate. The oxovanadium(IV)-functionalized nanofibers were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of thioanisole under both batch and pseudo-continuous flow conditions with great success. Under batch conditions near quantitative oxidation of thioanisole was achieved in under 90 min, even after four successive catalytic reactions. Under continuous conditions, excellent conversion of thioanisole was maintained throughout the period studied at flow rates of up to 2 mLh−1. This study, therefore, proposes that electrospun polybenzimidazole nanofibers, with their small diameters, impressive chemical and thermal stability, as well as coordinating benzimidazole group, may be a desirable support material for immobilization of homogeneous catalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Walmsley, Ryan S , Hlangothi, Percy , Litwinski, Christian , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242083 , vital:51000 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38067"
- Description: Polybenzimidazole fibers, with an average diameter of 262 nm, were produced by the process of electrospinning. These fibers were used as a solid support material for the immobilization of oxovanadium(IV) which was achieved via a reaction with vanadyl sulfate. The oxovanadium(IV)-functionalized nanofibers were used as heterogeneous catalysts for the oxidation of thioanisole under both batch and pseudo-continuous flow conditions with great success. Under batch conditions near quantitative oxidation of thioanisole was achieved in under 90 min, even after four successive catalytic reactions. Under continuous conditions, excellent conversion of thioanisole was maintained throughout the period studied at flow rates of up to 2 mLh−1. This study, therefore, proposes that electrospun polybenzimidazole nanofibers, with their small diameters, impressive chemical and thermal stability, as well as coordinating benzimidazole group, may be a desirable support material for immobilization of homogeneous catalysts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterization and electrocatalytic behaviour of glassy carbon electrode modified with nickel nanoparticles towards amitrole detection
- Maringa, Audacity, Mugadza, Tawanda, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Mugadza, Tawanda , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241793 , vital:50970 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2013.04.022"
- Description: We report on the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) and their application in electrocatalysis in comparison with nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc). UV–vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance were used in the characterization of NiNPs. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used in electrocatalytic studies of amitrole on the glassy carbon electrode modified with NiNPs. The apparent and catalytic rate constants for amitrole on the NiNP-GCE were found to be 2.58 × 10−5 cm s−1 and 1.11 × 103 M−1 s−1, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Maringa, Audacity , Mugadza, Tawanda , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241793 , vital:50970 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2013.04.022"
- Description: We report on the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles (NiNPs) and their application in electrocatalysis in comparison with nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc). UV–vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance were used in the characterization of NiNPs. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used in electrocatalytic studies of amitrole on the glassy carbon electrode modified with NiNPs. The apparent and catalytic rate constants for amitrole on the NiNP-GCE were found to be 2.58 × 10−5 cm s−1 and 1.11 × 103 M−1 s−1, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterization and photophysical behavior of phthalocyanines when grafted onto silica nanoparticles
- Fashina, Adedayo, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Fashina, Adedayo , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241981 , vital:50989 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2013.01.037"
- Description: This work reports on the functionalization of silica nanoparticles with zinc phthalocyanine complexes tetra-substituted non-peripherally with 4-carboxyphenoxyl and 3-carboxyphenoxyl groups. The phthalocyanine dyes have a free carboxyl group, facilitating the covalent attachment of the dyes on the silica surface via amide bond formation. The phthalocyanine functionalized silica nanoparticles showed higher fluorescence and triplet quantum yields as well as longer triplet lifetimes compared to the free phthalocyanines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fashina, Adedayo , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241981 , vital:50989 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2013.01.037"
- Description: This work reports on the functionalization of silica nanoparticles with zinc phthalocyanine complexes tetra-substituted non-peripherally with 4-carboxyphenoxyl and 3-carboxyphenoxyl groups. The phthalocyanine dyes have a free carboxyl group, facilitating the covalent attachment of the dyes on the silica surface via amide bond formation. The phthalocyanine functionalized silica nanoparticles showed higher fluorescence and triplet quantum yields as well as longer triplet lifetimes compared to the free phthalocyanines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Characterization of glassy carbon electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes and iron phthalocyanine through grafting and click chemistry
- Coates, Megan, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193746 , vital:45392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.12.112"
- Description: A glassy carbon electrode was modified by adsorption of single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by electrochemical grafting of 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt, which was in turn reacted with ethynylpyridine through the Sharpless “click chemistry” reaction. Thereafter, iron phthalocyanine was attached to the electrode through axial ligation to the pyridine group. The modified electrode was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, and well as electrochemistry. The electrocatalytic ability of the modified electrode was tested using hydrazine as a sample analyte, and showed a significant 10-fold improvement in the detection of hydrazine compared to the surface without nanotubes, and comparable stability. The linear range for this surface was over 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3, with a limit of detection of 1.10 ± 0.06 μmol dm−3 and sensitivity of 15.61 μA mM−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Coates, Megan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193746 , vital:45392 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.12.112"
- Description: A glassy carbon electrode was modified by adsorption of single-walled carbon nanotubes, followed by electrochemical grafting of 4-azidobenzenediazonium salt, which was in turn reacted with ethynylpyridine through the Sharpless “click chemistry” reaction. Thereafter, iron phthalocyanine was attached to the electrode through axial ligation to the pyridine group. The modified electrode was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy, and well as electrochemistry. The electrocatalytic ability of the modified electrode was tested using hydrazine as a sample analyte, and showed a significant 10-fold improvement in the detection of hydrazine compared to the surface without nanotubes, and comparable stability. The linear range for this surface was over 1.0 × 10−5 to 1.0 × 10−4 mol dm−3, with a limit of detection of 1.10 ± 0.06 μmol dm−3 and sensitivity of 15.61 μA mM−1.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Comparative phototransformation of environmental pollutants using metallophthalocyanines supported on electrospun polymer fibers
- Zugle, Ruphino, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190509 , vital:45001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38381"
- Description: The fluorescence and photoactivity of a series of Zn and Lu phthalocyanine complexes incorporated in various polymer fibers were investigated for the phototransformation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange. The phthalocyanine complexes functionalized on polystyrene and polysulfone polymer fibers could be applied in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange with 4-chlorophenol being much more susceptible to degradation while methyl orange was the least. Also polymer fibers of polystyrene were found to be reusable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Zugle, Ruphino , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190509 , vital:45001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/app.38381"
- Description: The fluorescence and photoactivity of a series of Zn and Lu phthalocyanine complexes incorporated in various polymer fibers were investigated for the phototransformation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange. The phthalocyanine complexes functionalized on polystyrene and polysulfone polymer fibers could be applied in the degradation of 4-chlorophenol, 4-nitrophenol, and methyl orange with 4-chlorophenol being much more susceptible to degradation while methyl orange was the least. Also polymer fibers of polystyrene were found to be reusable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Current and potential carbon stocks of trees in urban parking lots in towns of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- O'Donoghue, Alexandra, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Alexandra , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181037 , vital:43689 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2013.07.001"
- Description: Greening of shopping centre parking lots is a potentially important strategy that can contribute to urban carbon mitigation efforts, improve aesthetics and the shopping experience of consumers, whilst adding to urban biodiversity. Twenty-eight shopping centre parking lots in six Eastern Cape urban centres, South Africa, were sampled to determine tree species composition, density and annual carbon sequestration potential. The best case parking lot found during the study was used as a benchmark to display the difference between current tree density and above-ground carbon stocks relative to the potential optimum. The highest tree density was 66 trees ha−1, whereas the average density across all sampled parking lots was less than half that (27.2 ± 22.6 trees ha−1). The average annual carbon sequestration potential per parking lot was 1390 ± 2503 kg ha−1. Planting density was positively related to annual sequestration rates, whilst parking lot age and the mean annual rainfall of the town had no influence. Mean tree species richness per parking lot was 2.3 ± 1.8 species, with a positive relationship to parking lot size, but not to mean annual rainfall of the site. The majority of trees (62.5%) in parking lots were alien species, although newer parking lots had significantly greater proportions of indigenous species. There was no difference in mean annual carbon sequestration rate per tree between indigenous and alien trees species. Low tree densities and small parking lot areas constrained the potential for earning carbon credits from trees in parking lots. Nonetheless, planners and designers need to be more aware of the potential contribution of trees towards urban sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: O'Donoghue, Alexandra , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181037 , vital:43689 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2013.07.001"
- Description: Greening of shopping centre parking lots is a potentially important strategy that can contribute to urban carbon mitigation efforts, improve aesthetics and the shopping experience of consumers, whilst adding to urban biodiversity. Twenty-eight shopping centre parking lots in six Eastern Cape urban centres, South Africa, were sampled to determine tree species composition, density and annual carbon sequestration potential. The best case parking lot found during the study was used as a benchmark to display the difference between current tree density and above-ground carbon stocks relative to the potential optimum. The highest tree density was 66 trees ha−1, whereas the average density across all sampled parking lots was less than half that (27.2 ± 22.6 trees ha−1). The average annual carbon sequestration potential per parking lot was 1390 ± 2503 kg ha−1. Planting density was positively related to annual sequestration rates, whilst parking lot age and the mean annual rainfall of the town had no influence. Mean tree species richness per parking lot was 2.3 ± 1.8 species, with a positive relationship to parking lot size, but not to mean annual rainfall of the site. The majority of trees (62.5%) in parking lots were alien species, although newer parking lots had significantly greater proportions of indigenous species. There was no difference in mean annual carbon sequestration rate per tree between indigenous and alien trees species. Low tree densities and small parking lot areas constrained the potential for earning carbon credits from trees in parking lots. Nonetheless, planners and designers need to be more aware of the potential contribution of trees towards urban sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Design and evaluation of an electrochemical immunosensor for measles serodiagnosis using measles-specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies
- Mashazi, Philani N, Vilakazi, Sibulelo, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241705 , vital:50962 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.036"
- Description: The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies is reported. The measles-antigen modified surface was used as an antibody capture surface. The detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies was accomplished using the voltammetric method and horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled secondary antibody (anti-IgG) as a detecting antibody. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in buffer and serum solutions. The immunosensor exhibited good linearity at concentrations less than 100 ng mL−1 with R2=0.997 and the limit of detection of 6.60 ng mL−1 at 3σ. The potential application of the immunosensor was evaluated in the deliberately infected human and newborn calf serum samples with measles-IgG antibody mimicking real-life samples. The designed electrochemical immunosensor could differentiate between infected and un-infected serum samples as higher catalytic currents were obtained for infected serum samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241705 , vital:50962 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.036"
- Description: The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies is reported. The measles-antigen modified surface was used as an antibody capture surface. The detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies was accomplished using the voltammetric method and horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled secondary antibody (anti-IgG) as a detecting antibody. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in buffer and serum solutions. The immunosensor exhibited good linearity at concentrations less than 100 ng mL−1 with R2=0.997 and the limit of detection of 6.60 ng mL−1 at 3σ. The potential application of the immunosensor was evaluated in the deliberately infected human and newborn calf serum samples with measles-IgG antibody mimicking real-life samples. The designed electrochemical immunosensor could differentiate between infected and un-infected serum samples as higher catalytic currents were obtained for infected serum samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Does national sporting performance affect stock market returns in South Africa?
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , De Beer, Carl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396023 , vital:69144 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC135922"
- Description: This study explores whether South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa's most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby, and examines if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Botha, Ferdi , De Beer, Carl
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/396023 , vital:69144 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC135922"
- Description: This study explores whether South African national sporting performance can influence investors in such a way that it has the ability to impact on market returns. Using standard event study methodology, this study determines the constant mean return using the daily All-Share price index on the JSE for the period of 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2010. This study focuses on three of South Africa's most popular sports, namely soccer, cricket and rugby, and examines if these three sports have the ability to influence market returns. Although there is some evidence of a relationship between stock returns and sporting performance in the descriptive analysis, the regression results indicate that sporting performance in South Africa does not significantly explain abnormal market returns on the JSE. The study provides a number of possible reasons for this finding and concludes by suggesting areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Editorial. Methodology, Context and Quality
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387220 , vital:68216 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122254"
- Description: This edition of the Southern African Journal of Environmental Education (SAJEE) is a ‘double volume’ and contains papers submitted in 2012 and 2013. The production of a double volume has been necessitated by administrative problems experienced by the journal production team in 2012, which affected the successful publication of a 2012 edition. However, the Council of the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) agreed to respond by producing a double-volume edition for 2012/2013. Journal readers are reminded that the production of this journal is voluntary and depends heavily on voluntary administration and other systems. The patience of authors and readers in the 2012/2013 years of production is much appreciated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387220 , vital:68216 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122254"
- Description: This edition of the Southern African Journal of Environmental Education (SAJEE) is a ‘double volume’ and contains papers submitted in 2012 and 2013. The production of a double volume has been necessitated by administrative problems experienced by the journal production team in 2012, which affected the successful publication of a 2012 edition. However, the Council of the Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) agreed to respond by producing a double-volume edition for 2012/2013. Journal readers are reminded that the production of this journal is voluntary and depends heavily on voluntary administration and other systems. The patience of authors and readers in the 2012/2013 years of production is much appreciated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effect of the relative humidity on the fibre morphology of polyamide 4.6 and polyamide 6.9 nanofibres
- De Schoenmaker, Bert, Van de Schueren, Lien, Zugle, Ruphino, Goethals, Annelies, Westbroek, Philippe, Kiekens, Paul, Nyokong, Tebello, De Clerck, Karen
- Authors: De Schoenmaker, Bert , Van de Schueren, Lien , Zugle, Ruphino , Goethals, Annelies , Westbroek, Philippe , Kiekens, Paul , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242131 , vital:51004 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-012-6934-9"
- Description: To obtain uniform and reproducible nanofibres, it is important to understand the effect of the different electrospinning parameters on the nanofibre morphology. Even though a lot of literature is available on the electrospinning of nanofibres, only minor research has been performed on the effect of the relative humidity (RH). This paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the electrospinning process and fibre morphology of the hydrophilic polyamide 4.6 and the less hydrophilic polyamide 6.9. First, the electrospinning process and deposition area of the nanofibres is examined at 10, 50 and 70 % RH. Subsequently, the effect of the polyamide concentration and solvent ratio on the fibre morphology is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the nanofibre diameter decreased with increasing RH. This resulted in less stable crystals for polyamide 4.6 while electrospinning of polyamide 6.9 at higher RH led to slightly more stable crystals. In conclusion, the water affinity of a polymer is an important factor in predicting the nanofibre morphology at different humidities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Schoenmaker, Bert , Van de Schueren, Lien , Zugle, Ruphino , Goethals, Annelies , Westbroek, Philippe , Kiekens, Paul , Nyokong, Tebello , De Clerck, Karen
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/242131 , vital:51004 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-012-6934-9"
- Description: To obtain uniform and reproducible nanofibres, it is important to understand the effect of the different electrospinning parameters on the nanofibre morphology. Even though a lot of literature is available on the electrospinning of nanofibres, only minor research has been performed on the effect of the relative humidity (RH). This paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the electrospinning process and fibre morphology of the hydrophilic polyamide 4.6 and the less hydrophilic polyamide 6.9. First, the electrospinning process and deposition area of the nanofibres is examined at 10, 50 and 70 % RH. Subsequently, the effect of the polyamide concentration and solvent ratio on the fibre morphology is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the nanofibre diameter decreased with increasing RH. This resulted in less stable crystals for polyamide 4.6 while electrospinning of polyamide 6.9 at higher RH led to slightly more stable crystals. In conclusion, the water affinity of a polymer is an important factor in predicting the nanofibre morphology at different humidities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Effects of gold nanoparticle shape on the aggregation and fluorescence behaviour of water soluble zinc phthalocyanines
- D'Souza, Sarah, Moeno, Sharon, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Moeno, Sharon , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232500 , vital:49997 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ00146F"
- Description: The absorption and fluorescence response as well as the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of sulfonated phthalocyanines and alkyl carboxylic acid substituted zinc phthalocyanines in the presence of differently shaped water soluble gold nanoparticles were studied. The respective phthalocyanines are known to be highly aggregated in water, which is reported to markedly reduce the excited state lifetimes. This paper shows that in the presence of star shaped gold nanoparticles, the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water is greatly reduced, but the aggregation status of the phthalocyanines does not change for spherical Au nanoparticles. Since gold nanoparticles have already proven to be useful in numerous nanomedicinal and nanomedical applications, the disaggregation of phthalocyanines is an added advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Moeno, Sharon , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232500 , vital:49997 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C3NJ00146F"
- Description: The absorption and fluorescence response as well as the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes of sulfonated phthalocyanines and alkyl carboxylic acid substituted zinc phthalocyanines in the presence of differently shaped water soluble gold nanoparticles were studied. The respective phthalocyanines are known to be highly aggregated in water, which is reported to markedly reduce the excited state lifetimes. This paper shows that in the presence of star shaped gold nanoparticles, the degree of phthalocyanine aggregation in water is greatly reduced, but the aggregation status of the phthalocyanines does not change for spherical Au nanoparticles. Since gold nanoparticles have already proven to be useful in numerous nanomedicinal and nanomedical applications, the disaggregation of phthalocyanines is an added advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies after measles infections
- Mashazi, Philani N, Tetyana, Phumlani, Vilakazi, Sibulelo, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Tetyana, Phumlani , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241677 , vital:50960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2013.04.028"
- Description: The detection of measles-specific primary antibodies (IgG) using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensors is reported. The optimum conditions for electrode saturation were reached after 40 min for 1 μg ml−1 antibody concentrations. Surface roughness using AFM increased with each immobilization or antigen-antibody reaction step clearly confirming the surface modification and recognition between antigen and antibody. The human serum (HS) and new-born calf serum (NCS) spiked with antigen-specific antibody were studied to mimic the real sample analysis. The HS and NCS sera containing antibodies due to measles exhibited correlation between the increasing antibody serum concentrations and the charge-transfer resistance (electrochemically measured). This work clearly showed the potential use of impedance as the preferred electrochemical method for detecting measles-antibodies in label-free manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Tetyana, Phumlani , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241677 , vital:50960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2013.04.028"
- Description: The detection of measles-specific primary antibodies (IgG) using electrochemical impedimetric immunosensors is reported. The optimum conditions for electrode saturation were reached after 40 min for 1 μg ml−1 antibody concentrations. Surface roughness using AFM increased with each immobilization or antigen-antibody reaction step clearly confirming the surface modification and recognition between antigen and antibody. The human serum (HS) and new-born calf serum (NCS) spiked with antigen-specific antibody were studied to mimic the real sample analysis. The HS and NCS sera containing antibodies due to measles exhibited correlation between the increasing antibody serum concentrations and the charge-transfer resistance (electrochemically measured). This work clearly showed the potential use of impedance as the preferred electrochemical method for detecting measles-antibodies in label-free manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Electrospun fibers functionalized with phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photocatalytic applications
- Tombe, Sekai, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193769 , vital:45394 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2013.01.033"
- Description: The heterogeneous photocatalytic activity of Zn(II) phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates immobilized on electrospun polystyrene fibers was investigated using 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model pollutants. The phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanines did not restrict the formation of excited singlet states, triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. It was concluded that hybrid electrospun fibers provide great potential as active photocatalysts for oxidizing organic pollutants using singlet oxygen as an oxidant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tombe, Sekai , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193769 , vital:45394 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2013.01.033"
- Description: The heterogeneous photocatalytic activity of Zn(II) phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates immobilized on electrospun polystyrene fibers was investigated using 4-chlorophenol and Orange G as model pollutants. The phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized via a ligand exchange reaction and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The interaction between the gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanines did not restrict the formation of excited singlet states, triplet states and hence the formation of singlet oxygen required for photocatalysis. The conjugates showed significantly higher singlet oxygen quantum yields and enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to the phthalocyanines. It was concluded that hybrid electrospun fibers provide great potential as active photocatalysts for oxidizing organic pollutants using singlet oxygen as an oxidant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Exploring a systems approach to mainstreaming sustainability in universities: A case study of Rhodes University in South Africa
- Togo, Muchaiteyi, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182857 , vital:43886 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2012.749974"
- Description: This paper explores the use of systems theory to inform the mainstreaming of sustainability in a university’s functions as it responds to sustainable development challenges in its local context. Offering a case study of Rhodes University, the paper shows how the use of systems models and concepts, underpinned by a critical realist ontology and an understanding of morphogenetic change processes, have the potential to enable universities to mobilise their operations to respond to local sustainability challenges. In this instance, the success of such an approach is shown to depend on commitments from the university community and the availability of enabling inputs, such as financial and human resources. The paper concludes with reflections and recommendations to inform further development of a newly emerging systems approach in sustainability mainstreaming at Rhodes University, and other institutions pursuing similar approaches and goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182857 , vital:43886 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2012.749974"
- Description: This paper explores the use of systems theory to inform the mainstreaming of sustainability in a university’s functions as it responds to sustainable development challenges in its local context. Offering a case study of Rhodes University, the paper shows how the use of systems models and concepts, underpinned by a critical realist ontology and an understanding of morphogenetic change processes, have the potential to enable universities to mobilise their operations to respond to local sustainability challenges. In this instance, the success of such an approach is shown to depend on commitments from the university community and the availability of enabling inputs, such as financial and human resources. The paper concludes with reflections and recommendations to inform further development of a newly emerging systems approach in sustainability mainstreaming at Rhodes University, and other institutions pursuing similar approaches and goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013