Small town South Africa: the historical geography of selected Eastern Cape towns and current development initiatives within them
- White, Richard Charles Crookes
- Authors: White, Richard Charles Crookes
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003288 , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Description: Small towns can be seen as the fundamental building blocks of tbe urban system. Through time, some of these towns have lost the primary reason for their existence. Some towns that have been declining or stagnating include old mining and industrial towns, such as Indwe in the Eastern Cape or Welkom in the Free State. Some towns have also changed the main focus of tbeir economy, for example, from that of mining to that of tourism, as in the case of Utrecht in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Nel, 2002). In light of the above, this thesis seeks to critically evaluate what has happened in selected small towns in the Eastern Cape. The research investigated a number of towns in the Eastern Cape, looking at the history and influence of colonisation, population dynamics, education levels, employment opportunities, migration and the influence of capitalism on the economic and social structure of the town, as well as tbe evolution of its economy. The research sample consisted of interviews witb local historians, community leaders, development agencies and individuals who were benefiting from tbe various development initiatives/project in the towns. These interviews, in conjunction with the literature identified, were conducted in the selected small towns, assessing whether development was succeeding and, in conclusion, identifying witb reference to the study sites, what was learnt. The research process generated a number of lessons that need to be taken into consideration when attempting social and economic upliftment in small towns. These include: the need for leadership, support from the local population and the need for financial assistance to support and uplift the community. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: White, Richard Charles Crookes
- Date: 2004 , 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:4805 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003288 , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Growth , Cities and towns -- South Africa -- Population -- Statistics , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- History , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions
- Description: Small towns can be seen as the fundamental building blocks of tbe urban system. Through time, some of these towns have lost the primary reason for their existence. Some towns that have been declining or stagnating include old mining and industrial towns, such as Indwe in the Eastern Cape or Welkom in the Free State. Some towns have also changed the main focus of tbeir economy, for example, from that of mining to that of tourism, as in the case of Utrecht in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Nel, 2002). In light of the above, this thesis seeks to critically evaluate what has happened in selected small towns in the Eastern Cape. The research investigated a number of towns in the Eastern Cape, looking at the history and influence of colonisation, population dynamics, education levels, employment opportunities, migration and the influence of capitalism on the economic and social structure of the town, as well as tbe evolution of its economy. The research sample consisted of interviews witb local historians, community leaders, development agencies and individuals who were benefiting from tbe various development initiatives/project in the towns. These interviews, in conjunction with the literature identified, were conducted in the selected small towns, assessing whether development was succeeding and, in conclusion, identifying witb reference to the study sites, what was learnt. The research process generated a number of lessons that need to be taken into consideration when attempting social and economic upliftment in small towns. These include: the need for leadership, support from the local population and the need for financial assistance to support and uplift the community. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Ionospheric studies of the solar eclipse 25 December, 1954
- Authors: McElhinny, M W
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Ionosphere -- Research , Solar eclipses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012869
- Description: Since the Kennelly- Heaviside hypothesis in 1902 of the existence of a partially conducting layer in the upper atmosphere was proved to be true by the experiments of APPLETON and BARNETT (1925) and BREIT and TUVE (1926), this region has become known as the ionosphere. The ionosphere was soon discovered to consist of, not one but several layers (Fig. 1) (i) A layer at a height of just over 100 km. called the E layer. (ii) A layer at a height of approximately 300km. called the F₂ layer. (iii) A layer at a height of approximately 200 km. called the F₁ layer; this layer differs from the other two in that it is only present during the day time in Summer. (iv) Occasional intense reflections from a height of about 100 km. are found - these cannot be attributed to the normal E layer and have received the name "Sporadic E". The presence of two E layers (E₁ and E₂) has been suggested by HALLIDAY (1936) and BEST and RATCLIFFE (l978) but until recently most workers still seem to attribute these reflections to Sporadic E. Recent measurement by rockets of the electron density at E layer heights still do not confirm whether such bifurcation exists in the E region. The diurnal and seasonal variations of the first three layers indicate that the sun is the chief agent in their production. It is generally agreed that these layers consist of ionised molecules or atoms and free electrons produced by radiation from the sun. The origin of Sporadic E ionisation is still obscure, but it is thought that these sudden increases in ionisation which occur in E layer heights are due to passing meteors. Recently it has also been suggested by SEDDON, PICKAR and JACKSON (1954) from rocket measurements that Sporadic E might be due to a steep electron density gradient above the B layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
- Authors: McElhinny, M W
- Date: 1959
- Subjects: Ionosphere -- Research , Solar eclipses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012869
- Description: Since the Kennelly- Heaviside hypothesis in 1902 of the existence of a partially conducting layer in the upper atmosphere was proved to be true by the experiments of APPLETON and BARNETT (1925) and BREIT and TUVE (1926), this region has become known as the ionosphere. The ionosphere was soon discovered to consist of, not one but several layers (Fig. 1) (i) A layer at a height of just over 100 km. called the E layer. (ii) A layer at a height of approximately 300km. called the F₂ layer. (iii) A layer at a height of approximately 200 km. called the F₁ layer; this layer differs from the other two in that it is only present during the day time in Summer. (iv) Occasional intense reflections from a height of about 100 km. are found - these cannot be attributed to the normal E layer and have received the name "Sporadic E". The presence of two E layers (E₁ and E₂) has been suggested by HALLIDAY (1936) and BEST and RATCLIFFE (l978) but until recently most workers still seem to attribute these reflections to Sporadic E. Recent measurement by rockets of the electron density at E layer heights still do not confirm whether such bifurcation exists in the E region. The diurnal and seasonal variations of the first three layers indicate that the sun is the chief agent in their production. It is generally agreed that these layers consist of ionised molecules or atoms and free electrons produced by radiation from the sun. The origin of Sporadic E ionisation is still obscure, but it is thought that these sudden increases in ionisation which occur in E layer heights are due to passing meteors. Recently it has also been suggested by SEDDON, PICKAR and JACKSON (1954) from rocket measurements that Sporadic E might be due to a steep electron density gradient above the B layer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1959
Analysis of calendar effects and market anomalies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Atsin, Achiapo Jessica Lisette
- Authors: Atsin, Achiapo Jessica Lisette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Stocks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020372
- Description: This study sought to empirically investigate the existence of calendar effects and market anomalies on the JSE using monthly and daily closing prices of the ALSI, Top 40, Mid Cap and Small Cap index; as well as, daily closing prices on the Value, Growth and Dividend Plus index during the sample period 2002 – 2013. The anomalies analysed are the January effect, the weekend effect, the size effect, the value effect, and the dividend yield effect. The empirical analysis uses a number of MSAR with a different number of regimes and lag orders. The results from the investigation of the January effect show the non-existence of the January effect and the value effect on the JSE during the periods 2002 – 2013 and 2004 – 2013, respectively. However, the weekend effect was found significant in the Mid Cap and the Small Cap index, and the size effect was also found significant during the same period 2002 - 2013. Finally the results from a Granger causality test concluded that there is a relationship between the returns on the Dividend Plus index and the ALSI, effectively proving the existence of the dividend yield effect on the JSE between 2006 and 2013. Additionally, the anomalies found imply the opportunity for investors to make returns above buy-and-hold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Atsin, Achiapo Jessica Lisette
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Stock exchanges -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Stocks -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020372
- Description: This study sought to empirically investigate the existence of calendar effects and market anomalies on the JSE using monthly and daily closing prices of the ALSI, Top 40, Mid Cap and Small Cap index; as well as, daily closing prices on the Value, Growth and Dividend Plus index during the sample period 2002 – 2013. The anomalies analysed are the January effect, the weekend effect, the size effect, the value effect, and the dividend yield effect. The empirical analysis uses a number of MSAR with a different number of regimes and lag orders. The results from the investigation of the January effect show the non-existence of the January effect and the value effect on the JSE during the periods 2002 – 2013 and 2004 – 2013, respectively. However, the weekend effect was found significant in the Mid Cap and the Small Cap index, and the size effect was also found significant during the same period 2002 - 2013. Finally the results from a Granger causality test concluded that there is a relationship between the returns on the Dividend Plus index and the ALSI, effectively proving the existence of the dividend yield effect on the JSE between 2006 and 2013. Additionally, the anomalies found imply the opportunity for investors to make returns above buy-and-hold.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Development and validation of in-process control test kits for biodiesel production
- Authors: Fibi, Pumza Oscarine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012645 , Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Description: The production of biodiesel from vegetable oils is not a new technology; it has been around since the 1950’s and both the research in terms of the different feedstock that can be used and the production of biodiesel has since been gaining momentum as there needs to be a new, sustainable and domestic alternative to petroleum fuels. These petroleum fuels pose enormous threats to the environment and therefore need to be replaced as they are mostly contributing to climate change and global warming not to mention the frequent price hikes which are crippling the South African economy. Biodiesel production using vegetable oils seems to be and is the future and a law has recently been passed which sanctions the production of biofuel locally.[1] South African fuel producers will instigate obligatory blending of fossil fuel with biofuel as the country moves to encourage investment in its biofuels sector. The production of biodiesel locally and the blending of biodiesel with other petroleum products will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The already established petrochemical companies like BP, Sasol and Engine are therefore mandated to purchase these biofuels if and when the biofuels meet the required South African National Standard (SANS) 1935 requirements. This is then where the challenge comes as most of these growing biofuel companies cannot afford to purchase testing equipment.The growing companiesthen discover upon completion of the biofuel manufacturing process that their product does not meet the required standard specification. The failure translates to a financial loss as the final product can possibly not be reworked. The aim of the project is then to assist these companies who are manufacturing biofuel, by providing them with in-house biofuel process methods which will allow for early detection, should there be a need to redo a step in the process and not wait until the completion of the production process. These in-house process-testing methods will range from pH determination, titration tests which will determine the soap content and the percentage free fatty acid content, water determination, density and visual testing. It is not cost-effective for these biodiesel manufacturers to send their samples for outsource testing as evidently the results obtained would be out of specification hence the need to provide these biodiesel manufacturers with in-house analytical testing techniques that will aid in monitoring of the biodiesel production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Fibi, Pumza Oscarine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012645 , Biodiesel fuels -- South Africa , Biomass energy -- South Africa
- Description: The production of biodiesel from vegetable oils is not a new technology; it has been around since the 1950’s and both the research in terms of the different feedstock that can be used and the production of biodiesel has since been gaining momentum as there needs to be a new, sustainable and domestic alternative to petroleum fuels. These petroleum fuels pose enormous threats to the environment and therefore need to be replaced as they are mostly contributing to climate change and global warming not to mention the frequent price hikes which are crippling the South African economy. Biodiesel production using vegetable oils seems to be and is the future and a law has recently been passed which sanctions the production of biofuel locally.[1] South African fuel producers will instigate obligatory blending of fossil fuel with biofuel as the country moves to encourage investment in its biofuels sector. The production of biodiesel locally and the blending of biodiesel with other petroleum products will reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The already established petrochemical companies like BP, Sasol and Engine are therefore mandated to purchase these biofuels if and when the biofuels meet the required South African National Standard (SANS) 1935 requirements. This is then where the challenge comes as most of these growing biofuel companies cannot afford to purchase testing equipment.The growing companiesthen discover upon completion of the biofuel manufacturing process that their product does not meet the required standard specification. The failure translates to a financial loss as the final product can possibly not be reworked. The aim of the project is then to assist these companies who are manufacturing biofuel, by providing them with in-house biofuel process methods which will allow for early detection, should there be a need to redo a step in the process and not wait until the completion of the production process. These in-house process-testing methods will range from pH determination, titration tests which will determine the soap content and the percentage free fatty acid content, water determination, density and visual testing. It is not cost-effective for these biodiesel manufacturers to send their samples for outsource testing as evidently the results obtained would be out of specification hence the need to provide these biodiesel manufacturers with in-house analytical testing techniques that will aid in monitoring of the biodiesel production.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after Ethio-Eritrean war of 1998-2000
- Authors: Masomelele, Mviko
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Developing countries , Postwar reconstruction -- Ethiopia , Agriculture -- Ethiopia , Eritrean-Ethiopian War, 1998- -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014623
- Description: In this research, the researcher is analysing the models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after the Ethio-Eritrean War of 1998-2000. As a post- conflict country it is always important to know how a country reconstructs its economy after the war. The researcher will give a brief background of Ethiopia with her different regime changes. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and is found in the Horn of Africa. Her boarders are Eritrea on the north and north east, and Djibouti and Somalia on the East, Kenya on the south, on the west and south west by Sudan. (BCC) Ethiopia has been under three remarkably different political regimes; the feudal imperial era under Emperor Haile Selassie; the socialist military dictatorship of Colonel Mangistu’s Derg; and the marketoriented Western aligned democracy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.(Devereux et al,2005:121 ) Each regime had applied different policies on agriculture which employs 80 percent of the population. Feudal policies where the land was in the hands of the landlords failed during Selassie’s regime and this was proved by the famine of 1974. He was overthrown by Derg in a coup in 1974. Derg introduced a “radical agrarian transformation based on land redistribution. His policies on agriculture were based on the Marxist egalitarian ideology and by conviction that feudal relations in agriculture had exposed millions of highland Ethiopians to intolerable levels of poverty and vulnerability.” (Devereux et al, 2005:121-122). According to Derg’s agricultural policy land was confiscated from the landlords and was redistributed to the rural farmers and it was trying to break inequalities over land control and it aimed at achieving agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Derg’s regime was overthrown by Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991. EPRDF further continued with land redistribution in the wake of 1990s and it gave farmlands to demobilised soldiers and tried to correct the inequalities that emerged with time as farming families were growing. (Devereux et al, 2005:122) In all these regimes, land was owned by the state. Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture which contributes 47 percent to GNP and more than 80 percent of exports, and employs 85 percent of the population. Ethiopia’s agriculture is plagued by periodic droughts, soil degradation emanating from poor agricultural practices and overgrazing, deforestation, high population density, underdeveloped water resources and poor transport infrastructure which makes extremely difficult and expensive to get goods to the market. (BCC, 07) The EPRDF came up with the new agricultural policy in the beginning of 1991 and it was known as Agriculture Development Led Industrialisation (ADLI). ADLI is the policy that emphasised on modernising smallholder agriculture and intensifying yield productivity through the supply of appropriate technology, certified seeds, fertilizers, rural credit facilities and technical assistance. (Getachew, 2003:9) This policy introduced some reforms in agriculture as it introduced a nationwide agricultural extension program, the propagation of laws that liberalised the purchasing and distribution of inputs and to increase and to make credit facilities available to rural farmers. In 1995 Minister of Agriculture (MoA) introduced a vehicle to drive the policy, which was called the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PADETES). The PADETES started with 32047 farmers on board. The aim was to educate farmers in new farming methods which will increase productivity and make farmers self sufficient. Agriculture Sample Survey 2009/10 states that ‘country’s experience showed that farmers’ attitude and tendency to adapt and accept new innovations, modern agricultural techniques and technologies, such as use of fertilizers, irrigation, improved seeds and pesticides that help to improve their living standards through attaining enhanced productivity, do have positive impact on the development on the agricultural sector as a whole.’(Central Statistical Agency, 2010: i) Teshome (2006:1) shows complexity of Ethiopian agriculture when he says that it largest contributor to the GDP, exports and foreign earnings and it employs almost 85 percent of the population. On the contrary, despite its socio-economic importance its performance continues to be low due to many natural and manmade factors which will be discussed in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Masomelele, Mviko
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Economic development -- Developing countries , Postwar reconstruction -- Ethiopia , Agriculture -- Ethiopia , Eritrean-Ethiopian War, 1998- -- Ethiopia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014623
- Description: In this research, the researcher is analysing the models of development in Ethiopia on ADLI policy after the Ethio-Eritrean War of 1998-2000. As a post- conflict country it is always important to know how a country reconstructs its economy after the war. The researcher will give a brief background of Ethiopia with her different regime changes. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and is found in the Horn of Africa. Her boarders are Eritrea on the north and north east, and Djibouti and Somalia on the East, Kenya on the south, on the west and south west by Sudan. (BCC) Ethiopia has been under three remarkably different political regimes; the feudal imperial era under Emperor Haile Selassie; the socialist military dictatorship of Colonel Mangistu’s Derg; and the marketoriented Western aligned democracy of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.(Devereux et al,2005:121 ) Each regime had applied different policies on agriculture which employs 80 percent of the population. Feudal policies where the land was in the hands of the landlords failed during Selassie’s regime and this was proved by the famine of 1974. He was overthrown by Derg in a coup in 1974. Derg introduced a “radical agrarian transformation based on land redistribution. His policies on agriculture were based on the Marxist egalitarian ideology and by conviction that feudal relations in agriculture had exposed millions of highland Ethiopians to intolerable levels of poverty and vulnerability.” (Devereux et al, 2005:121-122). According to Derg’s agricultural policy land was confiscated from the landlords and was redistributed to the rural farmers and it was trying to break inequalities over land control and it aimed at achieving agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Derg’s regime was overthrown by Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in 1991. EPRDF further continued with land redistribution in the wake of 1990s and it gave farmlands to demobilised soldiers and tried to correct the inequalities that emerged with time as farming families were growing. (Devereux et al, 2005:122) In all these regimes, land was owned by the state. Ethiopian economy is based on agriculture which contributes 47 percent to GNP and more than 80 percent of exports, and employs 85 percent of the population. Ethiopia’s agriculture is plagued by periodic droughts, soil degradation emanating from poor agricultural practices and overgrazing, deforestation, high population density, underdeveloped water resources and poor transport infrastructure which makes extremely difficult and expensive to get goods to the market. (BCC, 07) The EPRDF came up with the new agricultural policy in the beginning of 1991 and it was known as Agriculture Development Led Industrialisation (ADLI). ADLI is the policy that emphasised on modernising smallholder agriculture and intensifying yield productivity through the supply of appropriate technology, certified seeds, fertilizers, rural credit facilities and technical assistance. (Getachew, 2003:9) This policy introduced some reforms in agriculture as it introduced a nationwide agricultural extension program, the propagation of laws that liberalised the purchasing and distribution of inputs and to increase and to make credit facilities available to rural farmers. In 1995 Minister of Agriculture (MoA) introduced a vehicle to drive the policy, which was called the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty (PADETES). The PADETES started with 32047 farmers on board. The aim was to educate farmers in new farming methods which will increase productivity and make farmers self sufficient. Agriculture Sample Survey 2009/10 states that ‘country’s experience showed that farmers’ attitude and tendency to adapt and accept new innovations, modern agricultural techniques and technologies, such as use of fertilizers, irrigation, improved seeds and pesticides that help to improve their living standards through attaining enhanced productivity, do have positive impact on the development on the agricultural sector as a whole.’(Central Statistical Agency, 2010: i) Teshome (2006:1) shows complexity of Ethiopian agriculture when he says that it largest contributor to the GDP, exports and foreign earnings and it employs almost 85 percent of the population. On the contrary, despite its socio-economic importance its performance continues to be low due to many natural and manmade factors which will be discussed in this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
How can I create a stimulating environment to promote awareness of and love for reading in my classroom?
- Authors: Jantjies, Beverley Esther
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading (Early childhood) , Reading readiness , Reading -- Language experience approach
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9523 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/987 , Reading (Primary) , Reading (Early childhood) , Reading readiness , Reading -- Language experience approach
- Description: This study critically examines my classroom practice in teaching young learners aged four-and-a-half to six years old. It focuses on the following research question: How can I create a stimulating environment in my classroom to promote awareness of and a love for reading? My classroom-based action research methodology places me, the practitioner, at the centre of the investigation. The work examines closely my professional values and my strong belief in the capacity of learners to be curious, absorb and make sense of what they encounter and experience in a stimulating environment. It investigates how such an environment develops the potential of learners to love and embrace reading. The process of engaging reflectively and analytically in practitioner research has helped me to gain a better understanding of my learners’ needs and to improve the ways in which I promote reading in the reception year of formal schooling. I claim that the creating of a stimulating environment in my classroom is grounded in my ability to motivate, model and scaffold the learners to engage in reading confidently. Together, the learners and I have created a living theory of education, one that is open to further reflection and development. Ongoing interaction between theoretical discourse and practical experiences enable me to develop my professional knowledge and to synthesize my values and practice. The investigation continuously confirms the advantages of a print-rich environment and how it can be used to promote a love for reading amongst young learners. The claims and knowledge generated in this study are personal and true for me, while the living transformational process demonstrates how I have developed professionally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Jantjies, Beverley Esther
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading (Early childhood) , Reading readiness , Reading -- Language experience approach
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9523 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/987 , Reading (Primary) , Reading (Early childhood) , Reading readiness , Reading -- Language experience approach
- Description: This study critically examines my classroom practice in teaching young learners aged four-and-a-half to six years old. It focuses on the following research question: How can I create a stimulating environment in my classroom to promote awareness of and a love for reading? My classroom-based action research methodology places me, the practitioner, at the centre of the investigation. The work examines closely my professional values and my strong belief in the capacity of learners to be curious, absorb and make sense of what they encounter and experience in a stimulating environment. It investigates how such an environment develops the potential of learners to love and embrace reading. The process of engaging reflectively and analytically in practitioner research has helped me to gain a better understanding of my learners’ needs and to improve the ways in which I promote reading in the reception year of formal schooling. I claim that the creating of a stimulating environment in my classroom is grounded in my ability to motivate, model and scaffold the learners to engage in reading confidently. Together, the learners and I have created a living theory of education, one that is open to further reflection and development. Ongoing interaction between theoretical discourse and practical experiences enable me to develop my professional knowledge and to synthesize my values and practice. The investigation continuously confirms the advantages of a print-rich environment and how it can be used to promote a love for reading amongst young learners. The claims and knowledge generated in this study are personal and true for me, while the living transformational process demonstrates how I have developed professionally.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Evaluation of Gratiana spadicea (Klug, 1829) and Metriona elatior (Klug, 1829) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) for the biological control of sticky nightshade Solanum sisymbriifolium Lamarck (Solanaceae) in South Africa
- Authors: Hill, Martin Patrick
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Solanaceae Solanaceae -- Biological control Chrysomelidae Chrysomelidae -- Host plants Cassida
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005374 , https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0579-5298
- Description: Solanum sisymbriifolium (sticky nightshade) is a shrubby weed of South American origin that was introduced to South Africa at the turn of the century. Despite being indicative of disturbed habitats, the weed was found to be invasive in conservation, agricultural recreational and suburban areas; this, coupled with the failure of both chemical and mechanical control attempts suggested that the weed was a good candidate for biological control. A biological control programme which followed a standard protocol was initiated. Observations suggested that S. sisymbriifolium dispersed primarily by seeds. Plants produced large quantities of fleshy fruit, favoured by frugivorous birds, which facilitated the rapid spread of the weed into new habitats. The seeds germinated quickly, especially in disturbed soil, often below the parent plant where they dropped from burst fruit, and along fences where birds roost. The pre-introductory survey of the weed revealed that S. sisymbriifolium was attacked by a relatively small number of, mainly polyphagous, herbivorous insects. These were localised and sporadic in incidence and inflicted very little observable damage. The herbivore fauna of S. sisymbriifolium was depauperate even in relation to two other exotic weeds, S. elaeaglllfolium and S. mauritianum, in South Africa. The paucity of native herbivores on S. sisymbriifoliwn was ascribed to a combination of the weed's taxonomic distinctness from South African Solanum species, and the dense covering of glandular trichomes on its leaves. Although it was shown that the exudate produced by these glandular trichomes of S. sisymbriifolium seriously impeded the movement and feeding of native herbivores, there was not enough evidence to suggest that the glandular trichomes, alone could have been responsible the lack of herbivores on the weed. Two leaf-feeding Cassidinae Gratiana spadicea and MetJ-iona elatior were screened as agents for the biological control of S. sisymbrilfolium. Favourable biological characteristics for both species included a high rate of increase, long-lived adults, many generations per year, and a high per capita feeding rate. Host range was investigated in larval survival tests and adult choice tests. The larvae of both species were reared through to the adult stage on several of the native Solanum species tested, and also on eggplant (S. melongena). However, the survival of G. spadicea on the majority of these species was very low, suggesting that the beetles would be unlikely to attack them in the field. This was supported by the adult choice tests, where G. spadicea females displayed, a strong oviposition preference for their natural host. In contrast, M. elatior larvae survived well on non-host plants, and the females selected several non-host species, including eggplant for oviposition. It was argued that the conflict of interests involving eggplant was overrated because eggplant is subjected to a stringent insecticide spray regime. Based on this evidence, permission for release was granted for G. spadicea. The impact of native parasitoid host range extensions to weed biological control agents in South Africa was investigated. Native parasitoids were recorded from nearly half of the agent species that had established on their target weed. The level of concealment and taxon influenced susceptibility of the agents to parasitoid attack Poorly concealed endophagous agents were most susceptible to attack, while exposed feeders were fairly free from attack. However, native parasitoids were reported not to strongly influence weed biological control agent populations and it was concluded that no agent should be rejected based only on its susceptibility to native parasitoid attack. Finally, several predictions are made as to the potential success of G. spadicea on S. sisymbriifolium and some of the challenges facing the biological control of weeds are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Hill, Martin Patrick
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Solanaceae Solanaceae -- Biological control Chrysomelidae Chrysomelidae -- Host plants Cassida
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5688 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005374 , https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0579-5298
- Description: Solanum sisymbriifolium (sticky nightshade) is a shrubby weed of South American origin that was introduced to South Africa at the turn of the century. Despite being indicative of disturbed habitats, the weed was found to be invasive in conservation, agricultural recreational and suburban areas; this, coupled with the failure of both chemical and mechanical control attempts suggested that the weed was a good candidate for biological control. A biological control programme which followed a standard protocol was initiated. Observations suggested that S. sisymbriifolium dispersed primarily by seeds. Plants produced large quantities of fleshy fruit, favoured by frugivorous birds, which facilitated the rapid spread of the weed into new habitats. The seeds germinated quickly, especially in disturbed soil, often below the parent plant where they dropped from burst fruit, and along fences where birds roost. The pre-introductory survey of the weed revealed that S. sisymbriifolium was attacked by a relatively small number of, mainly polyphagous, herbivorous insects. These were localised and sporadic in incidence and inflicted very little observable damage. The herbivore fauna of S. sisymbriifolium was depauperate even in relation to two other exotic weeds, S. elaeaglllfolium and S. mauritianum, in South Africa. The paucity of native herbivores on S. sisymbriifoliwn was ascribed to a combination of the weed's taxonomic distinctness from South African Solanum species, and the dense covering of glandular trichomes on its leaves. Although it was shown that the exudate produced by these glandular trichomes of S. sisymbriifolium seriously impeded the movement and feeding of native herbivores, there was not enough evidence to suggest that the glandular trichomes, alone could have been responsible the lack of herbivores on the weed. Two leaf-feeding Cassidinae Gratiana spadicea and MetJ-iona elatior were screened as agents for the biological control of S. sisymbrilfolium. Favourable biological characteristics for both species included a high rate of increase, long-lived adults, many generations per year, and a high per capita feeding rate. Host range was investigated in larval survival tests and adult choice tests. The larvae of both species were reared through to the adult stage on several of the native Solanum species tested, and also on eggplant (S. melongena). However, the survival of G. spadicea on the majority of these species was very low, suggesting that the beetles would be unlikely to attack them in the field. This was supported by the adult choice tests, where G. spadicea females displayed, a strong oviposition preference for their natural host. In contrast, M. elatior larvae survived well on non-host plants, and the females selected several non-host species, including eggplant for oviposition. It was argued that the conflict of interests involving eggplant was overrated because eggplant is subjected to a stringent insecticide spray regime. Based on this evidence, permission for release was granted for G. spadicea. The impact of native parasitoid host range extensions to weed biological control agents in South Africa was investigated. Native parasitoids were recorded from nearly half of the agent species that had established on their target weed. The level of concealment and taxon influenced susceptibility of the agents to parasitoid attack Poorly concealed endophagous agents were most susceptible to attack, while exposed feeders were fairly free from attack. However, native parasitoids were reported not to strongly influence weed biological control agent populations and it was concluded that no agent should be rejected based only on its susceptibility to native parasitoid attack. Finally, several predictions are made as to the potential success of G. spadicea on S. sisymbriifolium and some of the challenges facing the biological control of weeds are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
Synthetic and bioactivity studies of antiplasmodial and antibacterial marine natural products
- Authors: Young, Ryan Mark
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Antibacterial agents Marine natural products Marine pharmacology Plasmodium falciparum Staphylococcus aureus Isocyanides Imidazoles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4378 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005043
- Description: This thesis is divided into two parts, assessing marine and synthetic compounds active firstly against Plasmodium falciparum (Chapter 3 and 4) and secondly active against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, Chapter 5). In Chapter 3 the synthesis of nine new tricyclic podocarpanes (3.203-3.207 and 3.209-3.212) from the diterpene (+)-manool is described. Initial SAR study of synthetic podocarpanes concluded that the most active compound was a C-13 phenyl substituted podocarpane (3.204, IC₅₀ 6.6 μM). By preparing analogues with varying halogenated substituents on the phenyl ring (3.209-3.212) the antiplasmodial activity was improved (IC₅₀ 1.4 μM), while simultaneously decreasing the haemolysis previously reported for this class of compounds. Inspired by the antiplasmodial activity of Wright and Wattanapiromsakul’s tricycle marine isonitriles (2.16-2.21 and 2.24-2.27) an unsuccessfully attempt was made to convert tertiary alcohol moieties to isonitrile functionalities in compounds 3.188, 3.204-3.207 and 3.209-3.212. Over a decade ago Wright et al. proposed a putative antiplasmodial mechanism of action for marine isonitriles (2.4, 2.9, 2.15, 2.19 and 2.35) and isothiocyanate (2.34) which involved interference in haem detoxification by P. falciparum thus inhibiting the growth of the parasite. In Chapter 4 we describe how we successfully managed to scale down Egan’s β-haematin inhibition assay for the analyses of small quantities of marine natural products as potential β-haematin inhibitors. Our modified assay revealed that the most active antiplasmodial marine isonitrile 2.9 (IC₅₀ 13 nM) showed total β-haematin inhibition while 2.15 (IC₅₀ 81 nM) and 2.19 (IC₅₀ 31 nM) showed partial inhibition at three equivalents relative to haem. Using contempary molecular modelling techniques the charge on the isonitrile functionality was more accurately describe and the modified charge data sets was used to explore docking of marine isonitriles to haem using AutoDock. In Chapter 5 we describe how a lead South African marine bisindole MRSA pyruvate kinase inhibitor (5.8) was discovered in collaboration with colleagues at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and how this discovery inspired us to design a synthetic route to the dibrominated bisindole, isobromotopsentin (5.20) in an attempt to increase the bioactivity displayed by 5.8. We devised a fast and high yielding synthetic route using microwave assited organic synthesis. We first tested this synthesis using simple aryl glyoxals (5.27-5.32) as precursors to synthesize biphenylimidazoles (5.21-5.26), which later allowed us to synthesize the ascidian natural product 5.111. This method was sucessfully extended to the synthesis of deoxytopsentin (5.33) from an N-Boc protected indole methyl ketone (5.89). We subsequently were able to effectively remove the carbamate protection via thermal decomposition by heating the protected bisindole imidazole (5.90) in a microwave reactor for 5 min under argon. The synthesis of 5.20 resulted in an inseparable mixture of monoprotected and totally deprotected topsentin products, and due to time constraints we were not able to optimise this synthesis. Nonetheless our synthesis of the marine natural product 5.33 which was faster and higher yielding than previously reported routes could be extended to the synthesis of other topsentin bisindoles (5.138-5.140). Work towards this goal continues in our laboratory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Young, Ryan Mark
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Antibacterial agents Marine natural products Marine pharmacology Plasmodium falciparum Staphylococcus aureus Isocyanides Imidazoles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4378 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005043
- Description: This thesis is divided into two parts, assessing marine and synthetic compounds active firstly against Plasmodium falciparum (Chapter 3 and 4) and secondly active against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, Chapter 5). In Chapter 3 the synthesis of nine new tricyclic podocarpanes (3.203-3.207 and 3.209-3.212) from the diterpene (+)-manool is described. Initial SAR study of synthetic podocarpanes concluded that the most active compound was a C-13 phenyl substituted podocarpane (3.204, IC₅₀ 6.6 μM). By preparing analogues with varying halogenated substituents on the phenyl ring (3.209-3.212) the antiplasmodial activity was improved (IC₅₀ 1.4 μM), while simultaneously decreasing the haemolysis previously reported for this class of compounds. Inspired by the antiplasmodial activity of Wright and Wattanapiromsakul’s tricycle marine isonitriles (2.16-2.21 and 2.24-2.27) an unsuccessfully attempt was made to convert tertiary alcohol moieties to isonitrile functionalities in compounds 3.188, 3.204-3.207 and 3.209-3.212. Over a decade ago Wright et al. proposed a putative antiplasmodial mechanism of action for marine isonitriles (2.4, 2.9, 2.15, 2.19 and 2.35) and isothiocyanate (2.34) which involved interference in haem detoxification by P. falciparum thus inhibiting the growth of the parasite. In Chapter 4 we describe how we successfully managed to scale down Egan’s β-haematin inhibition assay for the analyses of small quantities of marine natural products as potential β-haematin inhibitors. Our modified assay revealed that the most active antiplasmodial marine isonitrile 2.9 (IC₅₀ 13 nM) showed total β-haematin inhibition while 2.15 (IC₅₀ 81 nM) and 2.19 (IC₅₀ 31 nM) showed partial inhibition at three equivalents relative to haem. Using contempary molecular modelling techniques the charge on the isonitrile functionality was more accurately describe and the modified charge data sets was used to explore docking of marine isonitriles to haem using AutoDock. In Chapter 5 we describe how a lead South African marine bisindole MRSA pyruvate kinase inhibitor (5.8) was discovered in collaboration with colleagues at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and how this discovery inspired us to design a synthetic route to the dibrominated bisindole, isobromotopsentin (5.20) in an attempt to increase the bioactivity displayed by 5.8. We devised a fast and high yielding synthetic route using microwave assited organic synthesis. We first tested this synthesis using simple aryl glyoxals (5.27-5.32) as precursors to synthesize biphenylimidazoles (5.21-5.26), which later allowed us to synthesize the ascidian natural product 5.111. This method was sucessfully extended to the synthesis of deoxytopsentin (5.33) from an N-Boc protected indole methyl ketone (5.89). We subsequently were able to effectively remove the carbamate protection via thermal decomposition by heating the protected bisindole imidazole (5.90) in a microwave reactor for 5 min under argon. The synthesis of 5.20 resulted in an inseparable mixture of monoprotected and totally deprotected topsentin products, and due to time constraints we were not able to optimise this synthesis. Nonetheless our synthesis of the marine natural product 5.33 which was faster and higher yielding than previously reported routes could be extended to the synthesis of other topsentin bisindoles (5.138-5.140). Work towards this goal continues in our laboratory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Youth development through basketball in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thuo, Andrew G
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Youth development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Youth -- Services for Sports and state Basketball -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43776 , vital:37046
- Description: Limited research exists, both internationally and in the South African context, on the use of basketball as tool for youth development through sport. In almost all sport-based youth development programs, the desired sport is football and occasionally rugby. Developing the youth is crucial for the development of a nation and the United Nations has highlighted the progress sport has had as a development tool over the past 20 years. South Africa has recently received international acclaim by becoming the focal point of the National Basketball Associations (NBA) presence in Africa by hosting the last three NBA Africa games. South Africa’s Eastern Cape province was the home of elite basketball in the early eighties and is no stranger to the sport of basketball. The study aimed to explore the possibility of using basketball as a tool for youth development in Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study employed a mixed methods research approach that was explorative, descriptive and contextual in design. The empirical data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to target basketball players in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. While the data analysis and literature favoured basketball as a suitable tool to be used in sport-based youth development programs, there were limitations with respect to the number of female participants in the study. It was recommended that further research be considered within this field of study and on a wider scale, in an effort to expand the knowledge base on youth development through basketball across South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An intervention for high-risk type 2 diabetic clients during preconception and internatal in re-engineering of primary health care
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngoma, Siphokazi Amanda
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , (MCur) Nursing
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10199 , vital:35375
- Description: The South African disease profile has changed significantly and has increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to body mass index. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is greatly associated with increased body mass index and poses a great health concern for women of childbearing age. Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has life-threatening for the mother and baby. South African women have a tendency of avoiding and neglecting routine screening before pregnancy, that is part of preconception care or internatal care. The aim of the study sought to identify women of childbearing age with predisposing factors of type 2 diabetes, in order to intervene, using a lifestyle modification to delay and prevent the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. A quantitative intervention study using parallel group randomized control trials was used. One hundred and forty-six women of childbearing age (18-45 years) were recruited and assigned to either control (n=73 + 9) or experimental group (n=73 +9). using a computer software randomizer application to avoid bias in selection of participants by the researcher. Both groups received health education from the researcher and the dietician from hospital. The control group had no intervention done, whereas the experimental group attended physical activity sessions which were administered by a hired lay coach. The findings showed that both groups are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes although they both groups lose weight. The weight loss of the control group was owed to education during recruitment. Vegetable consumption was minimal to the younger age group than the older age groups. Waist circumference above 105cm consumed less vegetables, a higher waist circumference is associated with insulin resistance. There was also minimal exercises and knowledge about the preconception care. Diabetes prevention is vital for the women of childbearing age as it affects both mother and child. The study recommends lifestyle modification (exercise and healthy diet) to prevent and delay of type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes mellitus. The study also recommends Preconception care and Re- engineering of Primary health care uses community health care workers for screening high risk women during home visits.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Reporting on radiographic images in after-hours trauma units :Experiences of radiographers and medical practitioners
- Authors: Van der Venter, Riaan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Image quality Radiography, Medical -- Examinations, questions, etc Nurse practitioners -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23779 , vital:30619
- Description: Globally there is a lack of radiologists, which results in unreported radiographic examinations, or a delay in reporting on radiographic images even in emergency situations. In order to mitigate and alleviate the situation, and optimise the utilisation of radiographers a red dot system was introduced in the United Kingdom, which later aided in the transformation of the role of radiographers in terms of formal reporting of various radiographic examinations. Although there is a shortage of medical practitioners and radiologists in South Africa the extended role of radiographers has not been yet realised for radiographers. At present, radiographers and medical practitioners work in collaboration to interpret and report on radiographic examinations informally, to facilitate effective and efficient patient management, but this is done illegally because the regulations defining the scope of the profession of radiography does not allow for such practice, putting radiographers and organisations at risk of litigation. In order to gain an in-depth knowledge of the phenomena, to enable the researcher to provide recommendations to the Professional Board of Radiography and Clinical Technology (PBRCT) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research study was undertaken. Radiographers and medical practitioners were interviewed in order to elicit rich descriptions of their experiences regarding reporting of trauma related radiographic images in the after-hours trauma units. Data were gathered using in-depth semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed using kesch’s method of thematic synthesis. Three themes emerged from the data, namely the challenges radiographers and medical practitioners face in the after-hours trauma units respectively, with regards to reporting of trauma related adiographs, and suggestions were proposed to optimize the participation of radiographers with regard to trauma related radiographs in these units. A thick description and literature control was done using quotes from participants. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices were also implemented. Thereafter, recommendations were put forward for the PBRCT of the HPCSA, using current literature and inferences made from the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van der Venter, Riaan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Radiography, Medical -- Image quality Radiography, Medical -- Examinations, questions, etc Nurse practitioners -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23779 , vital:30619
- Description: Globally there is a lack of radiologists, which results in unreported radiographic examinations, or a delay in reporting on radiographic images even in emergency situations. In order to mitigate and alleviate the situation, and optimise the utilisation of radiographers a red dot system was introduced in the United Kingdom, which later aided in the transformation of the role of radiographers in terms of formal reporting of various radiographic examinations. Although there is a shortage of medical practitioners and radiologists in South Africa the extended role of radiographers has not been yet realised for radiographers. At present, radiographers and medical practitioners work in collaboration to interpret and report on radiographic examinations informally, to facilitate effective and efficient patient management, but this is done illegally because the regulations defining the scope of the profession of radiography does not allow for such practice, putting radiographers and organisations at risk of litigation. In order to gain an in-depth knowledge of the phenomena, to enable the researcher to provide recommendations to the Professional Board of Radiography and Clinical Technology (PBRCT) of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research study was undertaken. Radiographers and medical practitioners were interviewed in order to elicit rich descriptions of their experiences regarding reporting of trauma related radiographic images in the after-hours trauma units. Data were gathered using in-depth semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed using kesch’s method of thematic synthesis. Three themes emerged from the data, namely the challenges radiographers and medical practitioners face in the after-hours trauma units respectively, with regards to reporting of trauma related adiographs, and suggestions were proposed to optimize the participation of radiographers with regard to trauma related radiographs in these units. A thick description and literature control was done using quotes from participants. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical research practices were also implemented. Thereafter, recommendations were put forward for the PBRCT of the HPCSA, using current literature and inferences made from the findings of the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An investigation into the nature of grade 4 learners’ evolving mathematics learning dispositions: a case study of 3 learners participating in an after school mathematics club
- Authors: Hewana, Diliza Ronald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Case studies , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Psychological aspects , After-school programs -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Students -- Attitudes -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013140
- Description: Through a qualitative case study approach this research investigated the nature of three Grade 4 learners’ mathematical learning dispositions. It further explored how these dispositions evolve within the context of their participation in a weekly after school mathematics club over time. Of particular significance the research drew on the dispositional frameworks of Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell’s (2001) and Carr & Claxton (2002) and pointed to ways in which these framework can be usefully brought together to provide a richer picture of learning dispositions. Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell’s (2001) framework of mathematical proficiency involves five interrelated strands of which productive disposition is the fifth strand and largely underresearched (Graven, 2012). This strand is defined as ‘the tendency to see sense in mathematics, to perceive it as both useful and worthwhile, to believe that steady effort in learning mathematics pays off, and to see oneself as an effective learner and doer of mathematics’ (Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell, 2001, p. 131). Carr & Claxton (2002) similarly argue for the importance of learning dispositions and point to the importance of resilience, playfulness and resourcefulness as three key indicators. The research outlines findings of the three case study learners in terms of data obtained from a questionnaire and interview about students’ learning dispositions. The interview asked learners various questions including for example, complete the sentence ‘Maths is…’, describe an effective learner of mathematics and say what you do if you don’t know an answer. The instrument was first administered orally and learners were asked to write their answers (in May 2012) and a year later it was administered as an interview by the club facilitator (in May 2013). While there is the limitation of comparison due to the different ways in which learners responded in 2012 (written) and 2013 (oral) the shifting nature of responses in certain respects provides some indication of shifts towards increasingly productive dispositions. Additionally the research analysed detailed transcripts of video recordings of several club sessions over a five-month period. Findings suggest ways of extending dispositional frameworks and that learners have restricted dispositions particularly in terms of sense making and resourcefulness across time. The findings also suggest shifts in dispositions over time especially in terms of seeing steady effort as paying off.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hewana, Diliza Ronald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Case studies , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Psychological aspects , After-school programs -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Students -- Attitudes -- Case studies , Education, Elementary -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013140
- Description: Through a qualitative case study approach this research investigated the nature of three Grade 4 learners’ mathematical learning dispositions. It further explored how these dispositions evolve within the context of their participation in a weekly after school mathematics club over time. Of particular significance the research drew on the dispositional frameworks of Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell’s (2001) and Carr & Claxton (2002) and pointed to ways in which these framework can be usefully brought together to provide a richer picture of learning dispositions. Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell’s (2001) framework of mathematical proficiency involves five interrelated strands of which productive disposition is the fifth strand and largely underresearched (Graven, 2012). This strand is defined as ‘the tendency to see sense in mathematics, to perceive it as both useful and worthwhile, to believe that steady effort in learning mathematics pays off, and to see oneself as an effective learner and doer of mathematics’ (Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell, 2001, p. 131). Carr & Claxton (2002) similarly argue for the importance of learning dispositions and point to the importance of resilience, playfulness and resourcefulness as three key indicators. The research outlines findings of the three case study learners in terms of data obtained from a questionnaire and interview about students’ learning dispositions. The interview asked learners various questions including for example, complete the sentence ‘Maths is…’, describe an effective learner of mathematics and say what you do if you don’t know an answer. The instrument was first administered orally and learners were asked to write their answers (in May 2012) and a year later it was administered as an interview by the club facilitator (in May 2013). While there is the limitation of comparison due to the different ways in which learners responded in 2012 (written) and 2013 (oral) the shifting nature of responses in certain respects provides some indication of shifts towards increasingly productive dispositions. Additionally the research analysed detailed transcripts of video recordings of several club sessions over a five-month period. Findings suggest ways of extending dispositional frameworks and that learners have restricted dispositions particularly in terms of sense making and resourcefulness across time. The findings also suggest shifts in dispositions over time especially in terms of seeing steady effort as paying off.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The evaluation of environmental reporting by publicly listed South African banks
- Authors: Oduro-Kwateng, George
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental reporting -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Social responsibility in banking -- South Africa Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Environmental protection -- South Africa Environmental economics -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects Environmental management -- South Africa Climatic changes -- South Africa Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies Global Reporting Initiative Standard Bank Limited Nedbank ABSA Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003860
- Description: Recently, bankers have come to realise that banking operations, especially corporate lending, affect and are affected by the natural environment and that consequently, the banks might have an important role to play in helping to raise environmental standards. Although the environment presents significant risks to banks, in particular environmental credit risk, it also perhaps presents profitable opportunities. Stricter environmental regulations have forced companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and pollution control measures and in tum generated lending opportunities for bankers. This research examines the corporate practices of three of the four dominant banks in South Africa with respect to the environment, focusing on issues of climate change and environmental risk management by way of reporting and disclosure to all stakeholders. The emphasis on environmental reporting by South African banks has been reinforced by the latest release of the King III Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa. Global governance requires that the triple-bottom line should be applied in all corporate undertakings due to globalisation and trade liberalisation; however, the banking sector has responded poorly to the clarion call. The false view that the banks have no significant relationship with environmental degradation is being disproved. Environmental management is a huge and massive reconstruction of what has gone wrong with nature by human influence. The South African banks have had to face with the challenging tasks of reporting on the direct and mostly the indirect impacts of their environmental activities. Based on the three sampled banks which incidentally had greater percentages of the market capitalizations, the banks have fairly performed in environmental reporting. For example, Standard Bank (SA) Ltd has just signed the Equator Principles in 2007 implying corporate lending was done in 2007 without any respect to environmental impact assessments by corporate borrowers. Consequently, environmental reporting was not done to facilitate informed decision-making by stakeholders mostly shareholders and the communities where borrowers tun businesses. The objective of this research study is to investigate the extent and quantity of/voluntary environmental disclosures in the annual and sustainability reports of the banks listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The periods examined were those subsequent to the release of the Exposure Draft Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) issued in 1999. Using content analysis to focus on the environmental aspects, the research study compared three annual reports and three sustainability reports of 2007 year for the three sampled banks in order to evaluate reporting practices in the period surrounding this intervention. The results suggest a trend to triple bottom-line reporting and the extent and quantity of environmental information, albeit in specific categories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Oduro-Kwateng, George
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental reporting -- South Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Social responsibility in banking -- South Africa Social responsibility of business -- South Africa Environmental protection -- South Africa Environmental economics -- South Africa Economic development -- South Africa -- Environmental aspects Environmental management -- South Africa Climatic changes -- South Africa Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies Global Reporting Initiative Standard Bank Limited Nedbank ABSA Bank
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003860
- Description: Recently, bankers have come to realise that banking operations, especially corporate lending, affect and are affected by the natural environment and that consequently, the banks might have an important role to play in helping to raise environmental standards. Although the environment presents significant risks to banks, in particular environmental credit risk, it also perhaps presents profitable opportunities. Stricter environmental regulations have forced companies to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and pollution control measures and in tum generated lending opportunities for bankers. This research examines the corporate practices of three of the four dominant banks in South Africa with respect to the environment, focusing on issues of climate change and environmental risk management by way of reporting and disclosure to all stakeholders. The emphasis on environmental reporting by South African banks has been reinforced by the latest release of the King III Report on Corporate Governance in South Africa. Global governance requires that the triple-bottom line should be applied in all corporate undertakings due to globalisation and trade liberalisation; however, the banking sector has responded poorly to the clarion call. The false view that the banks have no significant relationship with environmental degradation is being disproved. Environmental management is a huge and massive reconstruction of what has gone wrong with nature by human influence. The South African banks have had to face with the challenging tasks of reporting on the direct and mostly the indirect impacts of their environmental activities. Based on the three sampled banks which incidentally had greater percentages of the market capitalizations, the banks have fairly performed in environmental reporting. For example, Standard Bank (SA) Ltd has just signed the Equator Principles in 2007 implying corporate lending was done in 2007 without any respect to environmental impact assessments by corporate borrowers. Consequently, environmental reporting was not done to facilitate informed decision-making by stakeholders mostly shareholders and the communities where borrowers tun businesses. The objective of this research study is to investigate the extent and quantity of/voluntary environmental disclosures in the annual and sustainability reports of the banks listed on Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The periods examined were those subsequent to the release of the Exposure Draft Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) issued in 1999. Using content analysis to focus on the environmental aspects, the research study compared three annual reports and three sustainability reports of 2007 year for the three sampled banks in order to evaluate reporting practices in the period surrounding this intervention. The results suggest a trend to triple bottom-line reporting and the extent and quantity of environmental information, albeit in specific categories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Progestin receptor heterogeneity in a breast cancer cell line
- Authors: Levy, Anita Rochelle
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer , Hormone receptors , Cancer cells -- Growth -- Regulation , Progesterone -- Receptors , Cellular control mechanisms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004100 , Breast -- Cancer , Hormone receptors , Cancer cells -- Growth -- Regulation , Progesterone -- Receptors , Cellular control mechanisms
- Description: Anti-oestrogens act via the oestrogen receptor whether they compete with the hormone for binding to the receptor and therefore interfere with DNA binding or inhibit transcriptional activity. These receptors exist as a large 85 complex and/or a small 45 form on sucrose density gradients. High performance ion-exchange chromatography has confirmed that the oestrogen and progestin complex is present in various isoforms. Progestin receptor heterogeneity could be influenced by the presence of oestrogens and anti-oestrogens in the culture media of hormone-dependent neoplastic cells. Cell culture methods offer the opportunity to test effects of specified components in repeated experiments on a homogeneous population of cells. MCF-7 and T47-D human breast cancer cell lines were conditioned to grow in a serum-free environment. There was no difference in cell proliferation rates, nor in their oestrogen or progestin receptor levels when compared to the same cells grown in conventional media. Receptors were present mainly in the large molecular 85 form. Both the MCF-7 and T47-D breast cancer cells showed an increase in proliferation rate with the addition of oestrogen or diethylstilbestrol. There was a corresponding loss of progestin receptor levels and an alteration in the high performance ion-exchange isoforms. Flow cytometry confirmed differences in the S-phase components of the cells following exposure to oestrogens. The proliferation rates of the cell lines as well as their progestin receptor levels decreased when treated with tamoxifen or the hydroxylated tamoxifen. There were marked changes on high performance ion-exchange chromatography profiles. DNA ploidy and S-phase showed signs of toxicity and there was an increase in cellular debris. The MCF-7 and T47-D human breast cancer cell line retained response to antioestrogen saturation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
- Authors: Levy, Anita Rochelle
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: Breast -- Cancer , Hormone receptors , Cancer cells -- Growth -- Regulation , Progesterone -- Receptors , Cellular control mechanisms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004100 , Breast -- Cancer , Hormone receptors , Cancer cells -- Growth -- Regulation , Progesterone -- Receptors , Cellular control mechanisms
- Description: Anti-oestrogens act via the oestrogen receptor whether they compete with the hormone for binding to the receptor and therefore interfere with DNA binding or inhibit transcriptional activity. These receptors exist as a large 85 complex and/or a small 45 form on sucrose density gradients. High performance ion-exchange chromatography has confirmed that the oestrogen and progestin complex is present in various isoforms. Progestin receptor heterogeneity could be influenced by the presence of oestrogens and anti-oestrogens in the culture media of hormone-dependent neoplastic cells. Cell culture methods offer the opportunity to test effects of specified components in repeated experiments on a homogeneous population of cells. MCF-7 and T47-D human breast cancer cell lines were conditioned to grow in a serum-free environment. There was no difference in cell proliferation rates, nor in their oestrogen or progestin receptor levels when compared to the same cells grown in conventional media. Receptors were present mainly in the large molecular 85 form. Both the MCF-7 and T47-D breast cancer cells showed an increase in proliferation rate with the addition of oestrogen or diethylstilbestrol. There was a corresponding loss of progestin receptor levels and an alteration in the high performance ion-exchange isoforms. Flow cytometry confirmed differences in the S-phase components of the cells following exposure to oestrogens. The proliferation rates of the cell lines as well as their progestin receptor levels decreased when treated with tamoxifen or the hydroxylated tamoxifen. There were marked changes on high performance ion-exchange chromatography profiles. DNA ploidy and S-phase showed signs of toxicity and there was an increase in cellular debris. The MCF-7 and T47-D human breast cancer cell line retained response to antioestrogen saturation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1995
Monetary policy transparency in Sub-Saharan Africa evidence and lessons
- Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nhavira, John Davison Gondwe
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Banks and banking, Central -- Africa, Sub-Saharan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5262 , vital:20827
- Description: This research deals with achieving and maintaining price stability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) through the practice of monetary-policy transparency (MPT). On the one hand, MPT refers to a monetary strategy whereby the central bank is insulated from political influence and made accountable to society through disclosure of its policies, procedures, economic models, data and forecasts, operations and political practices (such as objectives, personnel independence, and the like). On the other hand, price stability refers to achieving and maintaining low and stable levels of inflation conducive for long-term planning and poverty alleviation. The primary objective of this research was to investigate MPT in SSA as it represents a powerful means whereby economic agents’ expectations may be coordinated and managed by the central bank to achieve its societal, objective function of low inflation. The empirical evidence shows that, first, a dependent central bank is more likely to slip into hyperinflation. Second, a SADC (2008) model central bank law is not independent enough to be used as a benchmark for any central bank or as a charter for a regional central bank. Third, the degree of central bank independence in SSA is relatively lower than that in industrialised economies. Fourth, the determinants of MPT in SSA are trade openness, and financial depth that are important factors influencing policy-makers to adopt monetary-policy transparency. Fifth, MPT is associated with a decline in the inflation rate. Sixth, MPT had no significant effect on economic output, whilst trade openness was positively associated with real GDP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The use of tax incentive measure in conjunction with carbon taxes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve economic growth: a comparative study with lessons for South Africa
- Authors: Poole, Richard
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Elasticity (Economics) , Substitution (Economics) , Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gas mitigation--South Africa , United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -- (1992). Protocols, etc. -- 1997 Dec. 11 , Kyoto Protocol , Substitution elasticity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:875 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001607 , Elasticity (Economics) , Substitution (Economics) , Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gas mitigation--South Africa , United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -- (1992). Protocols, etc. -- 1997 Dec. 11
- Description: In 1997 industrialized nations, the Third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, met in Kyoto, Japan to sign a treaty (the “Kyoto Protocol”) in terms of which industrialized nations would be required to reduce their greenhouse gas emission by at least five percent below 1990 levels by the end of the “first commitment period” 2008-2012. South Africa is not regarded as an industrialized nation, but nonetheless acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in 2002. The literature reviewed in the present research reveals that, although idealistic, the Kyoto Protocol has been problematic. Fourteen meetings of the Conference of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol between 1997 and 2011 have achieved little more than to repeatedly defer and redefine Kyoto obligations. This research was undertaken to document the existing environmental taxation policies employed in selected international jurisdictions with a view to providing a framework for environmental tax policy formation in South Africa to assist this country in meeting its “greenhouse gas” emission targets, while at the same time promoting economic growth. A doctrinal research methodology was adopted in this study as it mainly analysed and interpreted legislation and policy documents and therefore the approach was qualitative in nature. An extensive literature survey was performed to document the various environmental policies that have been legislated in the selected jurisdictions. Comparisons were drawn with proposed tax policy measures for South Africa. The literature indicates that in the selected international jurisdictions carbon taxes achieved less-than-optimal results, largely due to political and industry-competitive agendas. With South Africa planning to introduce a carbon tax, it is submitted that the implementation of a carbon tax regime in isolation will be counter-productive, given South Africa’s economic profile. On the basis of the literature reviewed, it was concluded that South Africa should consider “recycling” carbon tax revenues within the economy to fund a broad-based tax incentive regime that will stimulate the change to non-carbon energy whilst promoting growth through sustainable development
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Poole, Richard
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Elasticity (Economics) , Substitution (Economics) , Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gas mitigation--South Africa , United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -- (1992). Protocols, etc. -- 1997 Dec. 11 , Kyoto Protocol , Substitution elasticity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:875 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001607 , Elasticity (Economics) , Substitution (Economics) , Carbon taxes , Carbon taxes -- South Africa , Greenhouse gas mitigation , Greenhouse gas mitigation--South Africa , United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -- (1992). Protocols, etc. -- 1997 Dec. 11
- Description: In 1997 industrialized nations, the Third Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, met in Kyoto, Japan to sign a treaty (the “Kyoto Protocol”) in terms of which industrialized nations would be required to reduce their greenhouse gas emission by at least five percent below 1990 levels by the end of the “first commitment period” 2008-2012. South Africa is not regarded as an industrialized nation, but nonetheless acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in 2002. The literature reviewed in the present research reveals that, although idealistic, the Kyoto Protocol has been problematic. Fourteen meetings of the Conference of Parties to the Kyoto Protocol between 1997 and 2011 have achieved little more than to repeatedly defer and redefine Kyoto obligations. This research was undertaken to document the existing environmental taxation policies employed in selected international jurisdictions with a view to providing a framework for environmental tax policy formation in South Africa to assist this country in meeting its “greenhouse gas” emission targets, while at the same time promoting economic growth. A doctrinal research methodology was adopted in this study as it mainly analysed and interpreted legislation and policy documents and therefore the approach was qualitative in nature. An extensive literature survey was performed to document the various environmental policies that have been legislated in the selected jurisdictions. Comparisons were drawn with proposed tax policy measures for South Africa. The literature indicates that in the selected international jurisdictions carbon taxes achieved less-than-optimal results, largely due to political and industry-competitive agendas. With South Africa planning to introduce a carbon tax, it is submitted that the implementation of a carbon tax regime in isolation will be counter-productive, given South Africa’s economic profile. On the basis of the literature reviewed, it was concluded that South Africa should consider “recycling” carbon tax revenues within the economy to fund a broad-based tax incentive regime that will stimulate the change to non-carbon energy whilst promoting growth through sustainable development
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The critical natural capital of the Buffalo City Municipality, South Africa : harnessing local action for biodiversity conservation
- Authors: Hagen, Brett
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007075 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Description: Globally, ecosystems provide services of almost twice the value of global gross national product (Costanza et al., 2006). The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa contains biodiversity of national and international importance (Pierce, 2003; Pierce et al., 2005). Despite this, the municipality continues to experience loss of both urban and rural biodiversity (Buffalo City Municipality, 2006a). This study sought to determine the status of biodiversity, and the potential for ecosystem services to contribute to conservation, within the BCM. Biodiversity features, including ecosystem type, species of special concern and biodiversity processes, were identified and mapped using a GIS to produce a biodiversity priority index for the BCM. Current transformation status was then mapped to determine the level of ecosystem degradation within the BCM. Priority biodiversity areas as well as individual biodiversity features were spatially overlain against current transformation status and protected areas and analysed using a GIS to determine the level of degradation and protection of BCM biodiversity. In total 3.5 % of total BCM biodiversity was protected. Of the 24 ecosystem types, 11 (45%) had less than 1% under protection, while 16 (67%) had less than five percent protected. Not restorable areas, thus completely lost to biodiversity conservation, comprised just less than a quarter of the total BCM area while un-impacted areas comprised just 12.3%. Twenty five ecosystem services were identified as being provided by intact natural ecosystems within the BCM. The natural capital providing these services was identified and mapped to produce an ecosystem service index (ESI) using a GIS. This ecosystem service index and the biodiversity priority index were overlain to determine their level of correlation. Overall ESI correlation with priority biodiversity was weak although several individual ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, showed correlation. Using the above data layers an implementation plan and conservation framework was proposed to assist the coordination of local conservation action within the BCM. It is concluded that ecosystem services are a potentially useful tool for conservationists at the local level seeking to ensure that biodiversity has relevance to and receives protection from broader society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Hagen, Brett
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4753 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007075 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Biodiversity conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Ecosystem services -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Nature conservation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental protection -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Environmental degradation -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Restoration ecology -- South Africa -- Buffalo City
- Description: Globally, ecosystems provide services of almost twice the value of global gross national product (Costanza et al., 2006). The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa contains biodiversity of national and international importance (Pierce, 2003; Pierce et al., 2005). Despite this, the municipality continues to experience loss of both urban and rural biodiversity (Buffalo City Municipality, 2006a). This study sought to determine the status of biodiversity, and the potential for ecosystem services to contribute to conservation, within the BCM. Biodiversity features, including ecosystem type, species of special concern and biodiversity processes, were identified and mapped using a GIS to produce a biodiversity priority index for the BCM. Current transformation status was then mapped to determine the level of ecosystem degradation within the BCM. Priority biodiversity areas as well as individual biodiversity features were spatially overlain against current transformation status and protected areas and analysed using a GIS to determine the level of degradation and protection of BCM biodiversity. In total 3.5 % of total BCM biodiversity was protected. Of the 24 ecosystem types, 11 (45%) had less than 1% under protection, while 16 (67%) had less than five percent protected. Not restorable areas, thus completely lost to biodiversity conservation, comprised just less than a quarter of the total BCM area while un-impacted areas comprised just 12.3%. Twenty five ecosystem services were identified as being provided by intact natural ecosystems within the BCM. The natural capital providing these services was identified and mapped to produce an ecosystem service index (ESI) using a GIS. This ecosystem service index and the biodiversity priority index were overlain to determine their level of correlation. Overall ESI correlation with priority biodiversity was weak although several individual ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, showed correlation. Using the above data layers an implementation plan and conservation framework was proposed to assist the coordination of local conservation action within the BCM. It is concluded that ecosystem services are a potentially useful tool for conservationists at the local level seeking to ensure that biodiversity has relevance to and receives protection from broader society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
NetwIOC: a framework for the automated generation of network-based IOCS for malware information sharing and defence
- Authors: Rudman, Lauren Lynne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Malware (Computer software) , Computer networks Security measures , Computer security , Python (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60639 , vital:27809
- Description: With the substantial number of new malware variants found each day, it is useful to have an efficient way to retrieve Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the malware in a format suitable for sharing and detection. In the past, these indicators were manually created after inspection of binary samples and network traffic. The Cuckoo Sandbox, is an existing dynamic malware analysis system which meets the requirements for the proposed framework and was extended by adding a few custom modules. This research explored a way to automate the generation of detailed network-based IOCs in a popular format which can be used for sharing. This was done through careful filtering and analysis of the PCAP hie generated by the sandbox, and placing these values into the correct type of STIX objects using Python, Through several evaluations, analysis of what type of network traffic can be expected for the creation of IOCs was conducted, including a brief ease study that examined the effect of analysis time on the number of IOCs created. Using the automatically generated IOCs to create defence and detection mechanisms for the network was evaluated and proved successful, A proof of concept sharing platform developed for the STIX IOCs is showcased at the end of the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rudman, Lauren Lynne
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Malware (Computer software) , Computer networks Security measures , Computer security , Python (Computer program language)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60639 , vital:27809
- Description: With the substantial number of new malware variants found each day, it is useful to have an efficient way to retrieve Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from the malware in a format suitable for sharing and detection. In the past, these indicators were manually created after inspection of binary samples and network traffic. The Cuckoo Sandbox, is an existing dynamic malware analysis system which meets the requirements for the proposed framework and was extended by adding a few custom modules. This research explored a way to automate the generation of detailed network-based IOCs in a popular format which can be used for sharing. This was done through careful filtering and analysis of the PCAP hie generated by the sandbox, and placing these values into the correct type of STIX objects using Python, Through several evaluations, analysis of what type of network traffic can be expected for the creation of IOCs was conducted, including a brief ease study that examined the effect of analysis time on the number of IOCs created. Using the automatically generated IOCs to create defence and detection mechanisms for the network was evaluated and proved successful, A proof of concept sharing platform developed for the STIX IOCs is showcased at the end of the research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An investigation of the role of physical manipulatives in the teaching and learning of measurement in Grade 8 : a case study using surface area and volume
- Authors: Chiphambo, Shakespear M E K
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Measurement -- Study and teaching -- Research Mathematics -- Education (Secondary) -- Study and teaching Teaching -- Aids and devices -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003540
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of physical manipulatives in the teaching and learning of measurement in Grade 8. The study focuses on how the use of physical manipulatives promotes learners' mathematical proficiency in relation to the five strands of Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell (2001). The basis of the research is a case study in the interpretive paradigm involving 18 out of a cohort of 270 Grade 8 learners in the school where I teach. The data was collected using a range of methods including: (i) baseline assessment tasks, first piloted using 7 Grade 8 learners and then given to the target group; (ii) an intervention programme with intervention tasks; (iii) a post-intervention task; (iv) observations during the intervention; and (v) individual interviews. The results of the baseline assessment and the post-intervention tasks were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. My research findings indicate an overall improvement of the performance after learners engaged in using physical manipulatives. The average mark of the learners in the baseline assessment task was 23% and after the intervention programme the average mark was 31 %. The responses from the learners interviewed showed that they were motivated and that the use of physical manipulatives assisted them in understanding the concepts of measurement, in particular surface area and volume. The results of my study thus reveal that the use of physical manipulatives in teaching and learning mathematics has a positive role to play in learners' understanding of surface area and volume at the Grade 8 level. The fmdings of this case study support other research regarding the importance of using physical manipulatives in teaching and learning mathematics. They align with other findings that assert that manipulatives are essential mediating tools in the development of the conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematical concepts, clarifying and helping learners to visualize abstract mathematical concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Chiphambo, Shakespear M E K
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Measurement -- Study and teaching -- Research Mathematics -- Education (Secondary) -- Study and teaching Teaching -- Aids and devices -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1657 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003540
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of physical manipulatives in the teaching and learning of measurement in Grade 8. The study focuses on how the use of physical manipulatives promotes learners' mathematical proficiency in relation to the five strands of Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findell (2001). The basis of the research is a case study in the interpretive paradigm involving 18 out of a cohort of 270 Grade 8 learners in the school where I teach. The data was collected using a range of methods including: (i) baseline assessment tasks, first piloted using 7 Grade 8 learners and then given to the target group; (ii) an intervention programme with intervention tasks; (iii) a post-intervention task; (iv) observations during the intervention; and (v) individual interviews. The results of the baseline assessment and the post-intervention tasks were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. My research findings indicate an overall improvement of the performance after learners engaged in using physical manipulatives. The average mark of the learners in the baseline assessment task was 23% and after the intervention programme the average mark was 31 %. The responses from the learners interviewed showed that they were motivated and that the use of physical manipulatives assisted them in understanding the concepts of measurement, in particular surface area and volume. The results of my study thus reveal that the use of physical manipulatives in teaching and learning mathematics has a positive role to play in learners' understanding of surface area and volume at the Grade 8 level. The fmdings of this case study support other research regarding the importance of using physical manipulatives in teaching and learning mathematics. They align with other findings that assert that manipulatives are essential mediating tools in the development of the conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematical concepts, clarifying and helping learners to visualize abstract mathematical concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The integrated development plan as a developmental tool: the case of Amahlathi Municipality
- Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Authors: Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020919
- Description: The study is about the Integrated Development Plan as a developmental tool for the Amahlathi municipality. The main focus of the study is to assess whether the Integrated Development Plan is used as a developmental tool in the Amahlathi municipality. Local government in South Africa has been mandated by the Constitution and other pieces of legislation like the White Paper on local government, the municipal Structures Act and the municipal Systems Act to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities to deliver services to the people and encourage communities to participate in the process of developing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Service delivery remains a challenge in the municipality despite the initiative of introducing the IDP to support this local municipality in fulfilling its mandate of taking services to communities. This is reflected in the municipal IDP Mayor‟s foreword where it is indicated that the infrastructure backlogs are still visible in the municipality to the extent that there are areas where there are no operations at all. Also, the report by the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in 2009 indicated that Amahlathi local municipality is among 57 municipalities in the country that have been identified as the most vulnerable and which therefore needed support for sustenance. This study details these challenges and places particular focus on the utilisation of the IDP as a developmental tool for Amahlathi Local Municipality. From the literature and responses by the respondents, it is clear that local government has to be committed to work with citizens and groups within the communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study is both qualitative and quantitative and questionnaires have been used as a method of collecting data. The responses and results suggested that the community members in the Amahlathi municipality were aware of the existence of the IDP. However, a lot of work still has to be done to ensure that there is development in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Sokopo, Bongiwe Annette Patience
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8355 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020919
- Description: The study is about the Integrated Development Plan as a developmental tool for the Amahlathi municipality. The main focus of the study is to assess whether the Integrated Development Plan is used as a developmental tool in the Amahlathi municipality. Local government in South Africa has been mandated by the Constitution and other pieces of legislation like the White Paper on local government, the municipal Structures Act and the municipal Systems Act to improve the socio-economic conditions of communities to deliver services to the people and encourage communities to participate in the process of developing the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Service delivery remains a challenge in the municipality despite the initiative of introducing the IDP to support this local municipality in fulfilling its mandate of taking services to communities. This is reflected in the municipal IDP Mayor‟s foreword where it is indicated that the infrastructure backlogs are still visible in the municipality to the extent that there are areas where there are no operations at all. Also, the report by the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in 2009 indicated that Amahlathi local municipality is among 57 municipalities in the country that have been identified as the most vulnerable and which therefore needed support for sustenance. This study details these challenges and places particular focus on the utilisation of the IDP as a developmental tool for Amahlathi Local Municipality. From the literature and responses by the respondents, it is clear that local government has to be committed to work with citizens and groups within the communities to find sustainable ways to meet their social, economic and material needs and improve their quality of life. The study is both qualitative and quantitative and questionnaires have been used as a method of collecting data. The responses and results suggested that the community members in the Amahlathi municipality were aware of the existence of the IDP. However, a lot of work still has to be done to ensure that there is development in the communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012