Analysing the effect of FSP on MIG-laser hybrid welded 6082-T6 AA joints
- Authors: Mjali, Kadephi Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Friction stir welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/563 , Friction stir welding
- Description: Friction Stir Processing (FSP) of aluminium alloys has been used to modify and improve the microstructure and relevant properties of fusion welded aluminium alloys. The effect of FSP on MIG-Laser Hybrid (MLH) welded aluminium alloy 6082-T6 mechanical and microstructural properties has been studied in this research. The FSP process was used on 6mm thick aluminium alloy plates and a tool was designed specifically for FSP, and the effect of varying speeds was analysed before the final FSP welds were made. The effect of FSP was analysed by optical microscopy, tensile, microhardness and fatigue testing. The aim of the study was to determine whether the FSP process has a beneficial influence on the mechanical properties and metallurgical integrity of MIG-Laser Hybrid welded 6082-T6 aluminium alloy with varying gap tolerances. Three welding processes were compared, namely combined Friction Stir Processing on MIG-Laser hybrid process (FSP-MLH), MLH and Friction Stir Welding (FSW) as part of the analysis. (FSP was carried out on MLH components when it was found that FSP is not an entirely complete welding process but rather a finishing process per se.) The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the effects of the FSP process on the weld quality of MLH welded joints and also to compare this to individual processes like FSW and MLH. This investigation was undertaken in order to gain an understanding of the effect of these processes on fatigue performance and microhardness distribution on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 weld joints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mjali, Kadephi Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Friction stir welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/563 , Friction stir welding
- Description: Friction Stir Processing (FSP) of aluminium alloys has been used to modify and improve the microstructure and relevant properties of fusion welded aluminium alloys. The effect of FSP on MIG-Laser Hybrid (MLH) welded aluminium alloy 6082-T6 mechanical and microstructural properties has been studied in this research. The FSP process was used on 6mm thick aluminium alloy plates and a tool was designed specifically for FSP, and the effect of varying speeds was analysed before the final FSP welds were made. The effect of FSP was analysed by optical microscopy, tensile, microhardness and fatigue testing. The aim of the study was to determine whether the FSP process has a beneficial influence on the mechanical properties and metallurgical integrity of MIG-Laser Hybrid welded 6082-T6 aluminium alloy with varying gap tolerances. Three welding processes were compared, namely combined Friction Stir Processing on MIG-Laser hybrid process (FSP-MLH), MLH and Friction Stir Welding (FSW) as part of the analysis. (FSP was carried out on MLH components when it was found that FSP is not an entirely complete welding process but rather a finishing process per se.) The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the effects of the FSP process on the weld quality of MLH welded joints and also to compare this to individual processes like FSW and MLH. This investigation was undertaken in order to gain an understanding of the effect of these processes on fatigue performance and microhardness distribution on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 weld joints.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Hydrogenases from sulphate reducing bacteria and their role in the bioremediation of textile effluent
- Mutambanengwe, Cecil Clifford Zvandada
- Authors: Mutambanengwe, Cecil Clifford Zvandada
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Bioremediation , Dyes and dyeing -- Waste disposal , Sulfur bacteria , Hydragenase , Factory and trade waste -- Purification , Textile waste
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004019 , Bioremediation , Dyes and dyeing -- Waste disposal , Sulfur bacteria , Hydragenase , Factory and trade waste -- Purification , Textile waste
- Description: The continuing industrial development has led to a corresponding increase in the amount of waste water generation leading to a consequential decline in levels and quality of the natural water in the ecosystem. Textile industries consume over 7 x 10[superscript 5] tons of dyes annually and use up to 1 litre of water per kg of dye processed and are third largest polluters in the world, the problem being aggravated by the inefficiencies of the dye houses. An abundance of physio-chemical methods are in use world wide, however, there is increasing concern as to their impact in effectively treating textile effluents as they introduce secondary pollutants during the ‘remediation’ process which are quite costly to run, maintain and clean up. Research on biological treatment has offered simple and cost effective ways of bioremediating textile effluents. While aerobic treatment of textile dyes and their effluents has been reported, its major draw back is commercial up-scaling and as such anaerobic systems have been investigated and shown to degrade azo dyes, which form the bulk of the dyes used world wide. However, the mechanisms involved in the bioremediation of these dyes are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to identify and investigate the role of enzymes produced by sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) in bioremediating textile dye and their effluents. Sulphate reducing bacteria were used in this study because they are tolerant to harsh environmental conditions and inhibit the proliferance of pathogenic micro-organisms. The appearance of clear zones in agar plates containing azo dye concentrations ranging from 10 – 100 mgl[superscript -1] showed the ability of SRB to decolourize dyes under anaerobic conditions. Assays of enzymes previously reported to decolourise azo dyes were not successful, but led to the identification of hydrogenase enzyme being produced by SRB. The enzyme was found to be localised in the membrane and cytoplasm. A surface response method was used to optimize the extraction of the enzyme from the bacterial cells resulting in approximately 3 fold increase in hydrogenase activity. Maximum hydrogenase activity was found to occur after six days in the absence of dyes but was found to occur after one day in the presence of azo dyes. A decline in hydrogenase activity thereafter, suggested inhibition of enzymatic activity by the putative aromatic amines produced after azo cleavage. Purification of the hydrogenase by freeze drying, poly ethylene glycol, and Sephacryl – 200 size exclusion- ion exchange chromatography revealed the enzyme to have a molecular weight of 38.5 kDa when analyzed by a 12 % SDS-PAGE. Characterisation of the enzyme revealed optimal activity at a pH of 7.5 and temperature of 40 °C while it exhibited a poor thermal stability with a half-life of 32 minutes. The kinetic parameters V[subscript max] and K[subscript m] were 21.18 U ml[superscript -1} and 4.57 mM respectively. Application of the cell free extract on commercial dyes was not successful, and only whole SRB cells resulted in decolourisation of the dyes. Consequently trials on the industrial dyes and effluents were carried out with whole cells. Decolourisation rates of up to 96 % were achieved for the commercial dyes and up to 93 % for the industrial dyes over a period of 10 days.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mutambanengwe, Cecil Clifford Zvandada
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Bioremediation , Dyes and dyeing -- Waste disposal , Sulfur bacteria , Hydragenase , Factory and trade waste -- Purification , Textile waste
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3960 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004019 , Bioremediation , Dyes and dyeing -- Waste disposal , Sulfur bacteria , Hydragenase , Factory and trade waste -- Purification , Textile waste
- Description: The continuing industrial development has led to a corresponding increase in the amount of waste water generation leading to a consequential decline in levels and quality of the natural water in the ecosystem. Textile industries consume over 7 x 10[superscript 5] tons of dyes annually and use up to 1 litre of water per kg of dye processed and are third largest polluters in the world, the problem being aggravated by the inefficiencies of the dye houses. An abundance of physio-chemical methods are in use world wide, however, there is increasing concern as to their impact in effectively treating textile effluents as they introduce secondary pollutants during the ‘remediation’ process which are quite costly to run, maintain and clean up. Research on biological treatment has offered simple and cost effective ways of bioremediating textile effluents. While aerobic treatment of textile dyes and their effluents has been reported, its major draw back is commercial up-scaling and as such anaerobic systems have been investigated and shown to degrade azo dyes, which form the bulk of the dyes used world wide. However, the mechanisms involved in the bioremediation of these dyes are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to identify and investigate the role of enzymes produced by sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) in bioremediating textile dye and their effluents. Sulphate reducing bacteria were used in this study because they are tolerant to harsh environmental conditions and inhibit the proliferance of pathogenic micro-organisms. The appearance of clear zones in agar plates containing azo dye concentrations ranging from 10 – 100 mgl[superscript -1] showed the ability of SRB to decolourize dyes under anaerobic conditions. Assays of enzymes previously reported to decolourise azo dyes were not successful, but led to the identification of hydrogenase enzyme being produced by SRB. The enzyme was found to be localised in the membrane and cytoplasm. A surface response method was used to optimize the extraction of the enzyme from the bacterial cells resulting in approximately 3 fold increase in hydrogenase activity. Maximum hydrogenase activity was found to occur after six days in the absence of dyes but was found to occur after one day in the presence of azo dyes. A decline in hydrogenase activity thereafter, suggested inhibition of enzymatic activity by the putative aromatic amines produced after azo cleavage. Purification of the hydrogenase by freeze drying, poly ethylene glycol, and Sephacryl – 200 size exclusion- ion exchange chromatography revealed the enzyme to have a molecular weight of 38.5 kDa when analyzed by a 12 % SDS-PAGE. Characterisation of the enzyme revealed optimal activity at a pH of 7.5 and temperature of 40 °C while it exhibited a poor thermal stability with a half-life of 32 minutes. The kinetic parameters V[subscript max] and K[subscript m] were 21.18 U ml[superscript -1} and 4.57 mM respectively. Application of the cell free extract on commercial dyes was not successful, and only whole SRB cells resulted in decolourisation of the dyes. Consequently trials on the industrial dyes and effluents were carried out with whole cells. Decolourisation rates of up to 96 % were achieved for the commercial dyes and up to 93 % for the industrial dyes over a period of 10 days.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The thirtieth anniversary of the Soweto uprisings: reading the shadow in Sam Nzima's iconic photograph of Hector Pieterson
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147536 , vital:38647 , https://doi.org/10.1162/afar.2007.40.2.52
- Description: This haunting photograph (Fig. 1) from the 1976 Soweto Uprisings in South Africa is often referred to as the single most important photograph to emerge from the struggle against apartheid (Purtilo 1999:22). According to South African film director Feizel Mamdoo, there are particular moments in history that are defined by photographic, celluloid, or television images, such as the world famous photograph of the Saigon girl, naked and burning from napalm (Worsdale 1998; see also Richards 2001). He argues that the iconic photograph by Sam Nzima depicting Hector Pieterson being carried in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubu, with his distraught sister Antionette1 running alongside, is comparable in the way that “it marks history, both social and personal” (Worsdale 1998).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Simbao, Ruth K
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147536 , vital:38647 , https://doi.org/10.1162/afar.2007.40.2.52
- Description: This haunting photograph (Fig. 1) from the 1976 Soweto Uprisings in South Africa is often referred to as the single most important photograph to emerge from the struggle against apartheid (Purtilo 1999:22). According to South African film director Feizel Mamdoo, there are particular moments in history that are defined by photographic, celluloid, or television images, such as the world famous photograph of the Saigon girl, naked and burning from napalm (Worsdale 1998; see also Richards 2001). He argues that the iconic photograph by Sam Nzima depicting Hector Pieterson being carried in the arms of Mbuyisa Makhubu, with his distraught sister Antionette1 running alongside, is comparable in the way that “it marks history, both social and personal” (Worsdale 1998).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Causes of persistent rural poverty in Thika district of Kenya, c.1953-2000
- Authors: Kinyanjui, Felistus Kinuna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Poverty -- Kenya -- History Rural poor -- Kenya -- History Agriculture -- Kenya -- History Kenya -- History Kenya -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002399
- Description: This study investigates the causes of poverty among the residents of Thika District in Kenya over the period 1953-2000. Using the articulation of modes of production perspective, the study traces the dynamics of poverty to the geography, history and politics of Thika District. The thrust of the argument is that livelihoods in the district changed during the period under investigation, but not necessarily for the better. Landlessness, collapse of the coffee industry, intergenerational poverty, and the ravages of diseases (particularly of HIV/AIDS) are analysed. This leads to the conclusion that causes of poverty in Thika District during the period under examination were complex as one form of deprivation led to another. The study established that poverty in Thika District during the period under review was a product of a process of exclusion from the centre of political power and appropriation. While race was the basis for allocation of public resources in colonial Kenya, ethnicity has dominated the independence period. Consequently, one would have expected the residents of Thika District, the home of Kenya’s first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, to have benefited inordinately from public resources during his rule. Kenyatta’s administration, however, mainly benefited the Kikuyu elite. The study therefore demonstrates that during the period under examination, the Kikuyu, like any other Kenyan community, were a heterogeneous group whose differences were accentuated by class relations. Subaltern groups in Thika District therefore benefited minimally from state patronage, just like similar groups elsewhere in rural Kenya. By the late 1970s, the level of deprivation in rural Kenya had been contained as a result of favourable prices for the country’s agricultural exports. But in the subsequent period, poverty increased under the pressures of world economic recession and slowdowns in trade. The situation was worse for Kikuyu peasants as the Second Republic of President Daniel Moi deliberately attempted undermine the Kikuyu economically. For the majority of Thika residents, this translated into further marginalisation as the Moi regime lumped them together with the Kikuyu elite who had benefitted inordinately from public resources during the Kenyatta era. This study demonstrates that no single factor can explain the prevalence of poverty in Thika District during the period under consideration. However, the poor in the district devised survival mechanisms that could be replicated elsewhere. Indeed, the dynamics of poverty in Thika District represent a microcosm not just for the broader Kenyan situation but also of rural livelihoods elsewhere in the world. The study recommends land reform and horticulture as possible ways of reducing poverty among rural communities. Further, for a successful global war on poverty there is an urgent need to have the West go beyond rhetoric and deliver on its promises to make poverty history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Kinyanjui, Felistus Kinuna
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Poverty -- Kenya -- History Rural poor -- Kenya -- History Agriculture -- Kenya -- History Kenya -- History Kenya -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002399
- Description: This study investigates the causes of poverty among the residents of Thika District in Kenya over the period 1953-2000. Using the articulation of modes of production perspective, the study traces the dynamics of poverty to the geography, history and politics of Thika District. The thrust of the argument is that livelihoods in the district changed during the period under investigation, but not necessarily for the better. Landlessness, collapse of the coffee industry, intergenerational poverty, and the ravages of diseases (particularly of HIV/AIDS) are analysed. This leads to the conclusion that causes of poverty in Thika District during the period under examination were complex as one form of deprivation led to another. The study established that poverty in Thika District during the period under review was a product of a process of exclusion from the centre of political power and appropriation. While race was the basis for allocation of public resources in colonial Kenya, ethnicity has dominated the independence period. Consequently, one would have expected the residents of Thika District, the home of Kenya’s first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, to have benefited inordinately from public resources during his rule. Kenyatta’s administration, however, mainly benefited the Kikuyu elite. The study therefore demonstrates that during the period under examination, the Kikuyu, like any other Kenyan community, were a heterogeneous group whose differences were accentuated by class relations. Subaltern groups in Thika District therefore benefited minimally from state patronage, just like similar groups elsewhere in rural Kenya. By the late 1970s, the level of deprivation in rural Kenya had been contained as a result of favourable prices for the country’s agricultural exports. But in the subsequent period, poverty increased under the pressures of world economic recession and slowdowns in trade. The situation was worse for Kikuyu peasants as the Second Republic of President Daniel Moi deliberately attempted undermine the Kikuyu economically. For the majority of Thika residents, this translated into further marginalisation as the Moi regime lumped them together with the Kikuyu elite who had benefitted inordinately from public resources during the Kenyatta era. This study demonstrates that no single factor can explain the prevalence of poverty in Thika District during the period under consideration. However, the poor in the district devised survival mechanisms that could be replicated elsewhere. Indeed, the dynamics of poverty in Thika District represent a microcosm not just for the broader Kenyan situation but also of rural livelihoods elsewhere in the world. The study recommends land reform and horticulture as possible ways of reducing poverty among rural communities. Further, for a successful global war on poverty there is an urgent need to have the West go beyond rhetoric and deliver on its promises to make poverty history.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Collaborative versus adversarial stances in scientific discourse : implications for the role of systematic case studies in the development of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy
- Authors: Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007861
- Description: There is still a need for advocacy in the promotion of case study research because there has been insufficient appreciation of its role as a source of evidence relevant to the development and evaluation of practice in psychotherapy. Distorted use of terms like "gold standard", "anecdotal",and "empirical" in the discourse in which research methodology is typically presented has disempowered the practitioner's perspective and discredited the role of case-based knowledge building. The framework of evidence-based practice (EBP) recognizes the complementarity of different research methods and acknowledges the significance of casebased research. To spell out some of these complementary links, a typology of seven research methods - including both experimental group comparison designs and individual case studies - is proposed and the contribution of each to the development of EBP is set out. Finally some suggestions are made for strategies to promote the publication of high quality case studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6245 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007861
- Description: There is still a need for advocacy in the promotion of case study research because there has been insufficient appreciation of its role as a source of evidence relevant to the development and evaluation of practice in psychotherapy. Distorted use of terms like "gold standard", "anecdotal",and "empirical" in the discourse in which research methodology is typically presented has disempowered the practitioner's perspective and discredited the role of case-based knowledge building. The framework of evidence-based practice (EBP) recognizes the complementarity of different research methods and acknowledges the significance of casebased research. To spell out some of these complementary links, a typology of seven research methods - including both experimental group comparison designs and individual case studies - is proposed and the contribution of each to the development of EBP is set out. Finally some suggestions are made for strategies to promote the publication of high quality case studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of issues adversely affecting black education, with special relation to poverty, vandalism and school fee payments : a study of some Eastern Cape primary schools
- Authors: Tyala, Sindiswa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/625 , Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The focus of this research was to establish how black primary school principals in some Port Elizabeth schools manage the problems of poverty, vandalism and non-payment of school fees. The aim of this research was to improve these burning issues at my own school, but also to assist other schools which are encountering similar problems with regard to these three issues. Qualitative research methods were used. Data was collected by studying relevant literature and conducting semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Composite case studies of the schools were compiled. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and recommendations for improvement were made. The results of the research indicate that since 1994, when democracy and equal human rights were declared, primary schools have actually been experiencing escalating problems in terms of poverty, vandalism and school fee payment. As the school system is closely intertwined with the socio-economic and political dimensions of society, these challenges can only be effectively addressed if all stakeholders in education collectively take up ownership of these problems and commit themselves to finding unique and effective solutions in the Port Elizabeth urban and rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tyala, Sindiswa
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/625 , Blacks -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa , Poor children -- South Africa , Education -- Costs , Children -- South Africa -- Social conditions
- Description: The focus of this research was to establish how black primary school principals in some Port Elizabeth schools manage the problems of poverty, vandalism and non-payment of school fees. The aim of this research was to improve these burning issues at my own school, but also to assist other schools which are encountering similar problems with regard to these three issues. Qualitative research methods were used. Data was collected by studying relevant literature and conducting semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Composite case studies of the schools were compiled. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and recommendations for improvement were made. The results of the research indicate that since 1994, when democracy and equal human rights were declared, primary schools have actually been experiencing escalating problems in terms of poverty, vandalism and school fee payment. As the school system is closely intertwined with the socio-economic and political dimensions of society, these challenges can only be effectively addressed if all stakeholders in education collectively take up ownership of these problems and commit themselves to finding unique and effective solutions in the Port Elizabeth urban and rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An exploratory study of responsible gambling behaviour
- Authors: Harris, Cheyne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Gambling -- Case studies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008442
- Description: In light of the findings of a pilot study by this researcher, entitled a study of the behaviour and strategies of responsible gamblers, it is vital that responsible gambling behaviour in the Eastern Cape be researched more thoroughly. The pilot study found that many ordinary gamblers experience cognitive distortions which may predispose them to varying levels of gambling problems, as well as specific biographical attributes that may determine such an outcome. The present study aims to address the limitations and recommendations put forward by the pilot study, namely its relatively small scale, and lack of generalisability as a result of sampling from a single gambling population. This project set out to assess gambling behaviour, and more so responsible gambling practices, to be able to conclude how, and in what form, responsible gambling takes place. The research was conducted USll1g a sample of one-hundred-and-thirty-seven gamblers from Hemingway's Casino in East London to develop data and establish norms on general gambling behaviour over a week, by administration of a survey questionnaire. The analysis of the data focussed on areas such as the link between gender and gambling behaviour, amount earned and amount spent on gambling, age and gambling trends as well as belief in luck and chances to win. Finally, the strategies (if any) used by gamblers to avoid problem gambling or overspending were assessed, and described by the gamblers themselves, and added to the results of the research. The results indicate that the majority of gamblers in the Eastern Cape are responsible, but many do still exhibit cognitive distortions and other behaviours that might put them at risk for problem gambling. With these results it is possible to provide basic data and information about the nature of gambling in the East London area that can be added to previous (as well as subsequent) studies, in order to build a clearer and more representative picture of the gambling situation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Harris, Cheyne
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Gambling -- Case studies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008442
- Description: In light of the findings of a pilot study by this researcher, entitled a study of the behaviour and strategies of responsible gamblers, it is vital that responsible gambling behaviour in the Eastern Cape be researched more thoroughly. The pilot study found that many ordinary gamblers experience cognitive distortions which may predispose them to varying levels of gambling problems, as well as specific biographical attributes that may determine such an outcome. The present study aims to address the limitations and recommendations put forward by the pilot study, namely its relatively small scale, and lack of generalisability as a result of sampling from a single gambling population. This project set out to assess gambling behaviour, and more so responsible gambling practices, to be able to conclude how, and in what form, responsible gambling takes place. The research was conducted USll1g a sample of one-hundred-and-thirty-seven gamblers from Hemingway's Casino in East London to develop data and establish norms on general gambling behaviour over a week, by administration of a survey questionnaire. The analysis of the data focussed on areas such as the link between gender and gambling behaviour, amount earned and amount spent on gambling, age and gambling trends as well as belief in luck and chances to win. Finally, the strategies (if any) used by gamblers to avoid problem gambling or overspending were assessed, and described by the gamblers themselves, and added to the results of the research. The results indicate that the majority of gamblers in the Eastern Cape are responsible, but many do still exhibit cognitive distortions and other behaviours that might put them at risk for problem gambling. With these results it is possible to provide basic data and information about the nature of gambling in the East London area that can be added to previous (as well as subsequent) studies, in order to build a clearer and more representative picture of the gambling situation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Statistical analyses of artificial waterpoints: their effect on the herbaceous and woody structure composition within the Kruger National Park
- Authors: Goodall, Victoria Lucy
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: South African National Parks , Ecology -- Statistical methods , Regression analysis , Log-linear models , Game reserves -- South Africa , Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002810 , South African National Parks , Ecology -- Statistical methods , Regression analysis , Log-linear models , Game reserves -- South Africa , Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Description: The objective of this project is to link the statistical theory used in the ecological sciences with an actual project that was developed for the South African National Parks Scientific Services. It investigates the changes that have occurred in the herbaceous and woody structure due to the closure of artificial waterpoints; including the impacts that elephants and other herbivores have on the vegetation of the Kruger National Park. This project was designed in conjunction with South African National Parks (SANP) Scientific Services and it is a registered project with this department. The results of this project will be submitted to Scientific Services in accordance with the terms and conditions of a SANP research project. A major concern within the KNP is the declining numbers of rare antelope and numerous projects have been developed to investigate possible ways of halting this decline and thus protecting the heterogeneity of the Kruger National Park. Three different datasets were investigated, covering three aspects of vegetation structure and composition within the KNP. The first investigated the changes that have occurred since the N'washitsumbe enclosure in the Far Northern KNP was fenced off from the rest of the park. The results show that over the 40 years since the enclosure was built, changes have occurred which have resulted in a significant difference in the abundance of Increaser 2 and Decreaser grass species between the inside and the outside of the enclosure. Increaser 2 and Decreaser categories are the result of a grass species classification depending on whether the species thrives or is depressed by heavy grazing. The difference in grass species composition and structure between the inside and the outside of the enclosure indicates that the grazing animals within the KNP have influenced the grass composition in a way that favours the dominant animals. This has resulted in a declining roan antelope population - one of the species that is considered as a 'rare antelope'. Many artificial waterpoints (boreholes and dams) have also been closed throughout the KNP in the hope of resulting in a change in vegetation structure and composition in favour of the roan. Veld condition assessment data for 87 boreholes throughout the Park was analyzed to determine whether the veld in the vicinity is beginning to change towards a more Decreaser dominated sward which would favour the roan. The results were analyzed for the different regions of the Park; and they indicate that changes are becoming evident; however, the results are not particularly conclusive, yet. The majority of the boreholes were closed between 1994 and 1998 which means that not a lot of data were available to be analyzed. A similar study conducted in another 10 years time might reveal more meaningful results. However the results are moving in the direction hoped for by the management of the KNP. The results show that the grass composition has a higher proportion of Decreaser grasses since the closure of the waterpoints, and the grass biomass around these areas has also improved. The results were analyzed on an individual basis; and then on a regional basis as the minimal data meant that the individual analyses did not provide any significant results. A third study was then done on the impact that the rapidly increasing elephant population on the vegetation within the Riparian zone along three rivers in the Far Northern region of the KNP. The riparian zone is an important part of the landscape, in terms of providing food for many animals as well as shade. The elephant population has increased substantially since the termination of the culling program and this means that the feeding requirements of the population has increased which could result in severe damage upon the vegetation, as elephants can be very destructive feeders. The results show surprising differences between the three years of data that were analyzed; however the results indicate that the elephants are targeting specific height ranges of trees when feeding; however they do not seem to consistently target specific tree species. This is positive for the diversity of the Riparian zone as this region is very important both ecologically and aesthetically for the tourists who visit the Park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Goodall, Victoria Lucy
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: South African National Parks , Ecology -- Statistical methods , Regression analysis , Log-linear models , Game reserves -- South Africa , Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002810 , South African National Parks , Ecology -- Statistical methods , Regression analysis , Log-linear models , Game reserves -- South Africa , Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Description: The objective of this project is to link the statistical theory used in the ecological sciences with an actual project that was developed for the South African National Parks Scientific Services. It investigates the changes that have occurred in the herbaceous and woody structure due to the closure of artificial waterpoints; including the impacts that elephants and other herbivores have on the vegetation of the Kruger National Park. This project was designed in conjunction with South African National Parks (SANP) Scientific Services and it is a registered project with this department. The results of this project will be submitted to Scientific Services in accordance with the terms and conditions of a SANP research project. A major concern within the KNP is the declining numbers of rare antelope and numerous projects have been developed to investigate possible ways of halting this decline and thus protecting the heterogeneity of the Kruger National Park. Three different datasets were investigated, covering three aspects of vegetation structure and composition within the KNP. The first investigated the changes that have occurred since the N'washitsumbe enclosure in the Far Northern KNP was fenced off from the rest of the park. The results show that over the 40 years since the enclosure was built, changes have occurred which have resulted in a significant difference in the abundance of Increaser 2 and Decreaser grass species between the inside and the outside of the enclosure. Increaser 2 and Decreaser categories are the result of a grass species classification depending on whether the species thrives or is depressed by heavy grazing. The difference in grass species composition and structure between the inside and the outside of the enclosure indicates that the grazing animals within the KNP have influenced the grass composition in a way that favours the dominant animals. This has resulted in a declining roan antelope population - one of the species that is considered as a 'rare antelope'. Many artificial waterpoints (boreholes and dams) have also been closed throughout the KNP in the hope of resulting in a change in vegetation structure and composition in favour of the roan. Veld condition assessment data for 87 boreholes throughout the Park was analyzed to determine whether the veld in the vicinity is beginning to change towards a more Decreaser dominated sward which would favour the roan. The results were analyzed for the different regions of the Park; and they indicate that changes are becoming evident; however, the results are not particularly conclusive, yet. The majority of the boreholes were closed between 1994 and 1998 which means that not a lot of data were available to be analyzed. A similar study conducted in another 10 years time might reveal more meaningful results. However the results are moving in the direction hoped for by the management of the KNP. The results show that the grass composition has a higher proportion of Decreaser grasses since the closure of the waterpoints, and the grass biomass around these areas has also improved. The results were analyzed on an individual basis; and then on a regional basis as the minimal data meant that the individual analyses did not provide any significant results. A third study was then done on the impact that the rapidly increasing elephant population on the vegetation within the Riparian zone along three rivers in the Far Northern region of the KNP. The riparian zone is an important part of the landscape, in terms of providing food for many animals as well as shade. The elephant population has increased substantially since the termination of the culling program and this means that the feeding requirements of the population has increased which could result in severe damage upon the vegetation, as elephants can be very destructive feeders. The results show surprising differences between the three years of data that were analyzed; however the results indicate that the elephants are targeting specific height ranges of trees when feeding; however they do not seem to consistently target specific tree species. This is positive for the diversity of the Riparian zone as this region is very important both ecologically and aesthetically for the tourists who visit the Park.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Inclusive education : a model for in-service teachers
- Authors: Williams, Evelyn Elizabeth
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/643 , Inclusive education -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Description: It is clear that the concept of inclusive education implies that learners experiencing barriers to learning should, wherever possible and with suitable support, be educated with others in a regular school setting and through a regular curriculum. It is assumed that suitable facilities, resources and assistance, where needed, will be available. An adaptable curriculum that accommodates the specific learners who experience barriers to learning is also essential for inclusive education. The focus on providing equal educational opportunities for learners experiencing barriers to learning means that the traditional roles and responsibilities in education will inevitably change. Teachers have to modify their views of themselves, their teaching methods and the roles that they have to play during the implementation of inclusive education. Teachers will have to be adequately trained to effectively and confidently provide appropriate education to learners experiencing barriers to learning. The primary goal of the study is to explore the experiences, perceptions and needs of teachers regarding inclusive education. The secondary goal is to develop a training model to equip in -service teachers better for inclusive education. The research process was structured by the application of a qualitative research approach within a theory generative design, utilising five steps of theory generation in order to reach the objectives of the study. The qualitative approach was selected, as it is exploratory in nature. Founded in this exploratory research, a central concept was identified, with the aim of developing a model to assist teachers in implementing inclusive education. ABSTRACT (xvii) The research was conducted in two phases. The first section of the research comprised an exploration of the experiences, perceptions and needs of teachers regarding inclusive education. It embraced several decisions relating to data collection and analysis processes, such as defining the population and selecting the sample procedure and the data collection method, namely personal interviews with teachers, in order to determine their experiences, perceptions and needs. Concepts in the transcripts were categorised into themes and sub-themes and were verified by a literature review. A central concept was identified ( of the theory-generative research design) that can be further analysed in the second section of the research. The second section of the research was based on the findings of the research and the work of Chinn and Kramer (1995) in order to develop a training model to assist teachers in implementing inclusive education. The following additional steps of model design were employed: - Step Two : Concept definition and classification - Step Three : Construction of relationship statement - Step Four : Description and evaluation of the model - Step Five : Model operationalisation After data analysis was completed, the research established that the participating teachers were not in favour of inclusive education and therefore perceived it negatively. They also viewed themselves as not suitably equipped to work in inclusive settings. They were also discontented and experienced an intense feeling of incompetence. The researcher identified the in teachers as the central concept, which served as the foundation of the design of a model for teachers with regard to inclusive education. The essential criteria of the concept were identified and linked to each other by means of relationship statements. The model was described and evaluated according to the five criteria of clarity; simplicity; generality; accessibility; and significance, as proposed by Step One revitalisation of competence Chinn and Kramer (1995). The researcher also reflected on the limitations inherent to this research study and presented guidelines and recommendations for the operationalisation of the model in practice, to guide future research and in-service training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Williams, Evelyn Elizabeth
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:9512 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/643 , Inclusive education -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Description: It is clear that the concept of inclusive education implies that learners experiencing barriers to learning should, wherever possible and with suitable support, be educated with others in a regular school setting and through a regular curriculum. It is assumed that suitable facilities, resources and assistance, where needed, will be available. An adaptable curriculum that accommodates the specific learners who experience barriers to learning is also essential for inclusive education. The focus on providing equal educational opportunities for learners experiencing barriers to learning means that the traditional roles and responsibilities in education will inevitably change. Teachers have to modify their views of themselves, their teaching methods and the roles that they have to play during the implementation of inclusive education. Teachers will have to be adequately trained to effectively and confidently provide appropriate education to learners experiencing barriers to learning. The primary goal of the study is to explore the experiences, perceptions and needs of teachers regarding inclusive education. The secondary goal is to develop a training model to equip in -service teachers better for inclusive education. The research process was structured by the application of a qualitative research approach within a theory generative design, utilising five steps of theory generation in order to reach the objectives of the study. The qualitative approach was selected, as it is exploratory in nature. Founded in this exploratory research, a central concept was identified, with the aim of developing a model to assist teachers in implementing inclusive education. ABSTRACT (xvii) The research was conducted in two phases. The first section of the research comprised an exploration of the experiences, perceptions and needs of teachers regarding inclusive education. It embraced several decisions relating to data collection and analysis processes, such as defining the population and selecting the sample procedure and the data collection method, namely personal interviews with teachers, in order to determine their experiences, perceptions and needs. Concepts in the transcripts were categorised into themes and sub-themes and were verified by a literature review. A central concept was identified ( of the theory-generative research design) that can be further analysed in the second section of the research. The second section of the research was based on the findings of the research and the work of Chinn and Kramer (1995) in order to develop a training model to assist teachers in implementing inclusive education. The following additional steps of model design were employed: - Step Two : Concept definition and classification - Step Three : Construction of relationship statement - Step Four : Description and evaluation of the model - Step Five : Model operationalisation After data analysis was completed, the research established that the participating teachers were not in favour of inclusive education and therefore perceived it negatively. They also viewed themselves as not suitably equipped to work in inclusive settings. They were also discontented and experienced an intense feeling of incompetence. The researcher identified the in teachers as the central concept, which served as the foundation of the design of a model for teachers with regard to inclusive education. The essential criteria of the concept were identified and linked to each other by means of relationship statements. The model was described and evaluated according to the five criteria of clarity; simplicity; generality; accessibility; and significance, as proposed by Step One revitalisation of competence Chinn and Kramer (1995). The researcher also reflected on the limitations inherent to this research study and presented guidelines and recommendations for the operationalisation of the model in practice, to guide future research and in-service training programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An exploratory investigation of the factors that influence the retention of knowledge workers at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa
- Authors: Nompula, Thami Ignatius
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: National Energy Regulator (South Africa) Knowledge workers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003892
- Description: The research, investigating how a selected group of former BETD graduates understand and implement the theory of reflective practice, is a qualitative case study carried out in the Kavango region of Namibia. The study was shaped by one of the major policy emphases in Namibia’s post independence teacher education reform process - that of developing reflective teachers who actively participate in curriculum planning and take educational decisions based on their own judgment. A basic assumption underlying the study is that effective educational practice is dependent on practitioners thinking about what they are doing and acting on their reflections to improve practice. The study found that a fundamental problem preventing these teachers from implementing reflective practice in accordance with the Namibian educational reform process, is that the participating teachers neither understand the exact meaning of reflective practice nor do they have a common or shared view of the concept, in spite of their common qualifications. A key contributing factor to their problems withimplementing reflective practice is the lack of a deep understanding of the reform epistemology and pedagogy revealed by the three former BETD graduates selected for the research. These are the teachers referred to in the first paragraph: The first teacher is Helena, a teacher at Duduva primary school, the second teacher is Kalishe, also teaching at the same school as Helena and the third teacher is Darius at Ntja Junior secondary school. The qualitative approach employed for the study served to illuminate and highlight specific issues related to the implementation of reflective practice that will be of considerable value for the researcher in her capacity as a teacher educator. These included among others: • The teacher’s need for an understanding of the key principles on which reflection is based and how to translate these into practice. • The need for teachers to have a clear understanding of the role that learners play in the reflective process. • The need to revisit the Basic Education Teacher Diploma (BETD) education programme, because for teachers to reflect they need a sound subject knowledge on which to base their judgments. These aspects, as well as the identification of the factors in the school system that contribute to the failure of reflective practice, provide a foundation for finding real solutions to the problems identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Nompula, Thami Ignatius
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: National Energy Regulator (South Africa) Knowledge workers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:771 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003892
- Description: The research, investigating how a selected group of former BETD graduates understand and implement the theory of reflective practice, is a qualitative case study carried out in the Kavango region of Namibia. The study was shaped by one of the major policy emphases in Namibia’s post independence teacher education reform process - that of developing reflective teachers who actively participate in curriculum planning and take educational decisions based on their own judgment. A basic assumption underlying the study is that effective educational practice is dependent on practitioners thinking about what they are doing and acting on their reflections to improve practice. The study found that a fundamental problem preventing these teachers from implementing reflective practice in accordance with the Namibian educational reform process, is that the participating teachers neither understand the exact meaning of reflective practice nor do they have a common or shared view of the concept, in spite of their common qualifications. A key contributing factor to their problems withimplementing reflective practice is the lack of a deep understanding of the reform epistemology and pedagogy revealed by the three former BETD graduates selected for the research. These are the teachers referred to in the first paragraph: The first teacher is Helena, a teacher at Duduva primary school, the second teacher is Kalishe, also teaching at the same school as Helena and the third teacher is Darius at Ntja Junior secondary school. The qualitative approach employed for the study served to illuminate and highlight specific issues related to the implementation of reflective practice that will be of considerable value for the researcher in her capacity as a teacher educator. These included among others: • The teacher’s need for an understanding of the key principles on which reflection is based and how to translate these into practice. • The need for teachers to have a clear understanding of the role that learners play in the reflective process. • The need to revisit the Basic Education Teacher Diploma (BETD) education programme, because for teachers to reflect they need a sound subject knowledge on which to base their judgments. These aspects, as well as the identification of the factors in the school system that contribute to the failure of reflective practice, provide a foundation for finding real solutions to the problems identified.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
GPS TEC and ionosonde TEC over Grahamstown, South Africa: first comparisons
- McKinnell, Lee-Anne, Opperman, Ben D L, Cilliers, Pierre J
- Authors: McKinnell, Lee-Anne , Opperman, Ben D L , Cilliers, Pierre J
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004163
- Description: The Grahamstown, South Africa (33.3°S, 26.5°E) ionospheric field station operates a UMass Lowell digital pulse ionospheric sounder (Digisonde) and an Ashtech geodetic grade dual frequency GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is owned by Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, forms part of the national TrigNet network and was installed in February 2005. The sampling rates of the GPS receiver and Digisonde were set to 1 s and 15 min, respectively. Data from four continuous months, March–June 2005 inclusive, were considered in this initial investigation. Data available from the Grahamstown GPS receiver was limited, and, therefore, only these 4 months have been considered. Total Electron Content (TEC) values were determined from GPS measurements obtained from satellites passing near vertical (within an 80° elevation) to the station. TEC values were obtained from ionograms recorded at times within 5 min of the near vertical GPS measurement. The GPS derived TEC values are referred to as GTEC and the ionogram derived TEC values as ITEC. Comparisons of GTEC and ITEC values are presented in this paper. The differential clock biases of the GPS satellites and receivers are taken into account. The plasmaspheric contribution to the TEC can be inferred from the results, and confirm findings obtained by other groups. This paper describes the groundwork for a procedure that will allow the validation of GPS derived ionospheric information with ionosonde data. This work will be of interest to the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) community since GPS receivers are becoming recognised as another source for ionospheric information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: McKinnell, Lee-Anne , Opperman, Ben D L , Cilliers, Pierre J
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6800 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004163
- Description: The Grahamstown, South Africa (33.3°S, 26.5°E) ionospheric field station operates a UMass Lowell digital pulse ionospheric sounder (Digisonde) and an Ashtech geodetic grade dual frequency GPS receiver. The GPS receiver is owned by Chief Directorate Surveys and Mapping (CDSM) in Cape Town, forms part of the national TrigNet network and was installed in February 2005. The sampling rates of the GPS receiver and Digisonde were set to 1 s and 15 min, respectively. Data from four continuous months, March–June 2005 inclusive, were considered in this initial investigation. Data available from the Grahamstown GPS receiver was limited, and, therefore, only these 4 months have been considered. Total Electron Content (TEC) values were determined from GPS measurements obtained from satellites passing near vertical (within an 80° elevation) to the station. TEC values were obtained from ionograms recorded at times within 5 min of the near vertical GPS measurement. The GPS derived TEC values are referred to as GTEC and the ionogram derived TEC values as ITEC. Comparisons of GTEC and ITEC values are presented in this paper. The differential clock biases of the GPS satellites and receivers are taken into account. The plasmaspheric contribution to the TEC can be inferred from the results, and confirm findings obtained by other groups. This paper describes the groundwork for a procedure that will allow the validation of GPS derived ionospheric information with ionosonde data. This work will be of interest to the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) community since GPS receivers are becoming recognised as another source for ionospheric information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A comparison of the labour dispute resolution systems of South Africa and Swaziland
- Authors: Majinda, Maseko Moses
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Labor disputes -- South Africa , Labor disputes -- Swaziland , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Swaziland , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- Swaziland
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/833 , Labor disputes -- South Africa , Labor disputes -- Swaziland , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Swaziland , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- Swaziland
- Description: History and Background: The history of statutory labour dispute resolution of South Africa dates back to 1909, when the Transvaal Disputes Prevention Act of 1909 was promulgated which applied only to the Transvaal. The Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 established industrial councils and ad hoc conciliation boards and excluded black workers from the statutory definition of employee and this resulted in a dual industrial relations system that existed up to 1979. The history of statutory labour dispute resolution of Swaziland dates back to 1980 when the first Industrial Relations Act of 1980 was promulgated which established the first Industrial Court. Research Findings: The dispute resolution systems of South Africa and Swaziland contain both similarities and differences. Lessons for Swaziland include combining general and specific dispute resolution procedures, providing the right of a referring party to apply for condonation for late referral of a dispute, using conciliation-arbitration, making arbitration proceedings public hearings, influence of parties on the appointment of arbitrators, court adjudication, pre-dismissal arbitration, court adjudication by judges only, establishment of a constitutional court, full protection of protected strikes/ lockouts from interdicts, legalization of sympathy strikes, and removal of strikes/ lockout ballot. Lessons for South Africa include plural representation of parties at conciliation and arbitration, re-direction of some disputes by the Labour Court to the Commission for arbitration, reporting of labour disputes direct to the Head of State for determination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Majinda, Maseko Moses
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Labor disputes -- South Africa , Labor disputes -- Swaziland , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Swaziland , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- Swaziland
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/833 , Labor disputes -- South Africa , Labor disputes -- Swaziland , Dispute resolution (Law) -- South Africa , Dispute resolution (Law) -- Swaziland , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- South Africa , Mediation and conciliation, Industrial -- Swaziland
- Description: History and Background: The history of statutory labour dispute resolution of South Africa dates back to 1909, when the Transvaal Disputes Prevention Act of 1909 was promulgated which applied only to the Transvaal. The Industrial Conciliation Act of 1924 established industrial councils and ad hoc conciliation boards and excluded black workers from the statutory definition of employee and this resulted in a dual industrial relations system that existed up to 1979. The history of statutory labour dispute resolution of Swaziland dates back to 1980 when the first Industrial Relations Act of 1980 was promulgated which established the first Industrial Court. Research Findings: The dispute resolution systems of South Africa and Swaziland contain both similarities and differences. Lessons for Swaziland include combining general and specific dispute resolution procedures, providing the right of a referring party to apply for condonation for late referral of a dispute, using conciliation-arbitration, making arbitration proceedings public hearings, influence of parties on the appointment of arbitrators, court adjudication, pre-dismissal arbitration, court adjudication by judges only, establishment of a constitutional court, full protection of protected strikes/ lockouts from interdicts, legalization of sympathy strikes, and removal of strikes/ lockout ballot. Lessons for South Africa include plural representation of parties at conciliation and arbitration, re-direction of some disputes by the Labour Court to the Commission for arbitration, reporting of labour disputes direct to the Head of State for determination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Electrocatalytic activity of arylthio tetra-substituted oxotitanium (IV) phthalocyanines towards the oxidation of nitrite
- Tau, Prudence, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281234 , vital:55704 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2006.12.059"
- Description: This paper investigates the catalytic activities of arylthio substituted oxotitanium phthalocyanine (OTiPc) complexes that are immobilized on the glassy carbon electrode by electropolymerization, towards the oxidation of nitrite. The complexes are peripherally and non-peripherally substituted with phenylthio and benzylthio groups, namely 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. All the modified electrodes exhibited improved electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite than the unmodified electrodes by a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate ions. Catalytic currents are enhanced and nitrite overpotential reduced to ∼0.60 V. Kinetic parameters are determined for all complexes and a mechanism is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tau, Prudence , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281234 , vital:55704 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2006.12.059"
- Description: This paper investigates the catalytic activities of arylthio substituted oxotitanium phthalocyanine (OTiPc) complexes that are immobilized on the glassy carbon electrode by electropolymerization, towards the oxidation of nitrite. The complexes are peripherally and non-peripherally substituted with phenylthio and benzylthio groups, namely 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. All the modified electrodes exhibited improved electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite than the unmodified electrodes by a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate ions. Catalytic currents are enhanced and nitrite overpotential reduced to ∼0.60 V. Kinetic parameters are determined for all complexes and a mechanism is proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Study of titanium, tantalum and chromium catalysts for use in industrial transformations
- Authors: Tau, Prudence Lerato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Titanium Tantalum Phthalocyanines Electrochemistry Photochemotherapy Chromium Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005028
- Description: PART A The syntheses, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of a series of titanium and tantalum phthalocyanine complexes are reported. The complexes are unsubstituted and substituted at either the peripheral or non-peripheral positions with sulphonates, aryloxy, arylthio or amino groups. The complexes mostly exhibit Qbands in the near-infrared region as well as interesting properties in different solvents. The interaction of differently sulphonated titanium and tantalum phthalocyanine complexes with methyl viologen (MV[superscript 2+]), and hence the stoichiometry and association constants are evaluated. Detailed photophysicochemical properties of the complexes were investigated and are for the first time presented with fluorescence lifetimes easily obtained from fluorescence quenching studies. The transformation of 1-hexene photocatalysed by aryloxy- and arylthio-appended complexes is also presented for the first time. The electrochemical properties of the complexes are unknown and are thus presented. Cyclic (CV) and square wave (SWV) voltammetries, chronocoulometry and spectroelectrochemistry are employed in the study of the complexes. Two oneelectron reductions and a simultaneous 4-electron reduction are observed for the unsubstituted Cl[subscript 3]TaPc. Reduction occurs first at the metal followed by ring-based processes. The tetra- and octa-substituted derivatives however exhibit peculiar electrochemical behaviour where a multi-electron transfer process occurs for complexes bearing certain substituents. For all complexes, the first two reductions are metal-based followed by ring-based processes. A comparative study of the electrocatalytic activities of the complexes towards the oxidation of nitrite is also investigated. The complexes are immobilised onto a glassy carbon electrode either by drop-dry or electropolymerisation methods. All the modified electrodes exhibit improved electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite than the unmodified electrodes by a twoelectron mechanism producing nitrate ions. Catalytic currents are enhanced and nitrite overpotential reduced to ~ 0.60 V. Kinetic parameters are determined for all complexes and a mechanism is proposed. PART B: The syntheses and electrochemical characterisation of chromium and titanium complexes for the selective trimerisation of ethylene to 1-hexene are presented. The synthesis of the chromium complex requires simple steps while tedious steps are used for the air-sensitive titanium complex. The spectroscopic interaction of the chromium complex with the co-catalyst methylaluminoxane is investigated. The complexes are characterised by electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tau, Prudence Lerato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Titanium Tantalum Phthalocyanines Electrochemistry Photochemotherapy Chromium Spectrum analysis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4363 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005028
- Description: PART A The syntheses, spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of a series of titanium and tantalum phthalocyanine complexes are reported. The complexes are unsubstituted and substituted at either the peripheral or non-peripheral positions with sulphonates, aryloxy, arylthio or amino groups. The complexes mostly exhibit Qbands in the near-infrared region as well as interesting properties in different solvents. The interaction of differently sulphonated titanium and tantalum phthalocyanine complexes with methyl viologen (MV[superscript 2+]), and hence the stoichiometry and association constants are evaluated. Detailed photophysicochemical properties of the complexes were investigated and are for the first time presented with fluorescence lifetimes easily obtained from fluorescence quenching studies. The transformation of 1-hexene photocatalysed by aryloxy- and arylthio-appended complexes is also presented for the first time. The electrochemical properties of the complexes are unknown and are thus presented. Cyclic (CV) and square wave (SWV) voltammetries, chronocoulometry and spectroelectrochemistry are employed in the study of the complexes. Two oneelectron reductions and a simultaneous 4-electron reduction are observed for the unsubstituted Cl[subscript 3]TaPc. Reduction occurs first at the metal followed by ring-based processes. The tetra- and octa-substituted derivatives however exhibit peculiar electrochemical behaviour where a multi-electron transfer process occurs for complexes bearing certain substituents. For all complexes, the first two reductions are metal-based followed by ring-based processes. A comparative study of the electrocatalytic activities of the complexes towards the oxidation of nitrite is also investigated. The complexes are immobilised onto a glassy carbon electrode either by drop-dry or electropolymerisation methods. All the modified electrodes exhibit improved electrocatalytic oxidation of nitrite than the unmodified electrodes by a twoelectron mechanism producing nitrate ions. Catalytic currents are enhanced and nitrite overpotential reduced to ~ 0.60 V. Kinetic parameters are determined for all complexes and a mechanism is proposed. PART B: The syntheses and electrochemical characterisation of chromium and titanium complexes for the selective trimerisation of ethylene to 1-hexene are presented. The synthesis of the chromium complex requires simple steps while tedious steps are used for the air-sensitive titanium complex. The spectroscopic interaction of the chromium complex with the co-catalyst methylaluminoxane is investigated. The complexes are characterised by electrochemical methods such as cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Engaging employees to build a performance culture in Telkom's NCC division
- Authors: Goliath, Elize
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Quality assurance -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Telkom (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1051 , Performance -- Management , Quality assurance -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Telkom (Firm : South Africa)
- Description: Operating as a commercial company since October 1991, Telkom has grown into the largest communications services provider in Africa based on operating revenue and assets. The Group, consisting of the fixed-line company Telkom and a 50 per cent shareholding in mobile operator Vodacom. Telkom has changed its vision to the following: “To be a leading customer and employee centric ICT solutions service provider”. The company has been retrenching staff since 1999 and the staff numbers have reduced significantly from approximately 65 000 people to 25 575 people in 2006. The focus has been on increasing shareholder value and the staff feel that their value has not been recognised. The research paper focused on the extent that employees engaged to build a performance culture in Telkom’s NCC division. The following research methodology was followed: - A literature survey to determine factors or behaviours that will enhance employee engagement in building a performance culture and what Telkom NCC can do to build the workplace that will foster higher levels of employee engagement. - A survey was conducted to determine what the engagement levels of employees are at Telkom NCC, what stops the employees from doing their best and what Telkom NCC division can do to show they care and value their staff as according to their employees by means of a questionnaire. - The findings from the literature study and empirical study would be used to determine to what extent are employees engaged to build a performance culture in Telkom’s NCC division. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data required for this research. In conclusion it was said that employee engagement is a partnership between the company and the employees where everyone works together to achieve the business objectives of the company and the personal aspirations of employees. The organization has the responsibility to create the conditions for this to happen (Understanding Employee Engagement, 2004: 2). It was recommended that in order for NCC to enhance their employees attitudes toward the promoters’ team especially in terms of pride, strong attachment, feeling part of the family and motivating employees to do well promoters must concentrate on building relationships with their teams and individual members of the team. Employees must also be given decision making power for implementing the idea. NCC should educate their leaders on the value of recognition and the best way to go about it. In order for employees to grow and be promoted into higher positions, NCC must consider that if positions become available that they first be advertised in the NCC division before it be made available to the rest of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Goliath, Elize
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Quality assurance -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Telkom (Firm : South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1051 , Performance -- Management , Quality assurance -- Management , Organizational effectiveness , Telkom (Firm : South Africa)
- Description: Operating as a commercial company since October 1991, Telkom has grown into the largest communications services provider in Africa based on operating revenue and assets. The Group, consisting of the fixed-line company Telkom and a 50 per cent shareholding in mobile operator Vodacom. Telkom has changed its vision to the following: “To be a leading customer and employee centric ICT solutions service provider”. The company has been retrenching staff since 1999 and the staff numbers have reduced significantly from approximately 65 000 people to 25 575 people in 2006. The focus has been on increasing shareholder value and the staff feel that their value has not been recognised. The research paper focused on the extent that employees engaged to build a performance culture in Telkom’s NCC division. The following research methodology was followed: - A literature survey to determine factors or behaviours that will enhance employee engagement in building a performance culture and what Telkom NCC can do to build the workplace that will foster higher levels of employee engagement. - A survey was conducted to determine what the engagement levels of employees are at Telkom NCC, what stops the employees from doing their best and what Telkom NCC division can do to show they care and value their staff as according to their employees by means of a questionnaire. - The findings from the literature study and empirical study would be used to determine to what extent are employees engaged to build a performance culture in Telkom’s NCC division. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data required for this research. In conclusion it was said that employee engagement is a partnership between the company and the employees where everyone works together to achieve the business objectives of the company and the personal aspirations of employees. The organization has the responsibility to create the conditions for this to happen (Understanding Employee Engagement, 2004: 2). It was recommended that in order for NCC to enhance their employees attitudes toward the promoters’ team especially in terms of pride, strong attachment, feeling part of the family and motivating employees to do well promoters must concentrate on building relationships with their teams and individual members of the team. Employees must also be given decision making power for implementing the idea. NCC should educate their leaders on the value of recognition and the best way to go about it. In order for employees to grow and be promoted into higher positions, NCC must consider that if positions become available that they first be advertised in the NCC division before it be made available to the rest of the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The need for a remedial qualification within inclusive education
- Authors: Townsend, Sharon Brenda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Remedial teaching , Inclusive education , Children with disabilities -- Education , Mainstreaming in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/622 , Remedial teaching , Inclusive education , Children with disabilities -- Education , Mainstreaming in education
- Description: Despite the current widespread implementation of inclusive education into the South African educational system, it appears that little, if any, studies have been undertaken as to whether South African educators are adequately equipped to manage the changes that will be required with the implementation of this new approach to education. More specifically, whether our educators would be more aptly prepared for the many adaptations should they be in possession of a remedial qualification. This study is aimed at providing a detailed account of the implications of introducing inclusive education into the South African school system, with particular focus being placed on learners who present with barriers to learning as well as the essential curriculum, classroom and teaching adjustments required in order for these learners to reach their full potential within a mainstream classroom environment. The sample for this study firstly comprised of educators’ perceptions regarding their capabilities in coping with the demands of inclusive education. The viewpoints of 122 educators, within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area of the Eastern Cape, were recorded through the completion of individual questionnaires and interviews. Secondly, the files of 111 learners, from a remedial practice, who presented with barriers to learning were analysed to determine the effectiveness of appropriate remedial intervention in overcoming the respective barriers. The major findings of the present study were as follows: Many classroom modifications, changes in teaching styles and curriculum adaptations would have to be implemented to adjust to the demands of inclusive education; Educators would have to be trained regarding the different categories of learners with barriers to learning and their special educational needs; The majority of Eastern Cape educators do not feel suitably qualified to cope with the demands of inclusive education; Educators in positions of authority (principals, deputy principals and heads of department) indicated their inadequacies regarding coping and assisting parents and fellow educators with the demands of inclusive education; A large percentage of the responding educators indicated that they would be better suited to cope with the demands of inclusive education with a remedial qualification and were prepared to register at a tertiary institution to obtain such a qualification depending on certain incentives offered by the Education Department. In view of the findings of this study, recommendations have been made to enhance the current qualification levels of educators, to specifically include a remedial qualification, of which guidelines have been provided. This approach should vastly assist educators in coping with the demands of inclusive education and will ensure that they are suitably empowered to meet the needs of learners with barriers, who have been thrust into this system. Guidelines are also offered for a proposed remedial course that could be offered to education students as well as to those educators who are presently in the employ of the Education Department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Townsend, Sharon Brenda
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Remedial teaching , Inclusive education , Children with disabilities -- Education , Mainstreaming in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9550 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/622 , Remedial teaching , Inclusive education , Children with disabilities -- Education , Mainstreaming in education
- Description: Despite the current widespread implementation of inclusive education into the South African educational system, it appears that little, if any, studies have been undertaken as to whether South African educators are adequately equipped to manage the changes that will be required with the implementation of this new approach to education. More specifically, whether our educators would be more aptly prepared for the many adaptations should they be in possession of a remedial qualification. This study is aimed at providing a detailed account of the implications of introducing inclusive education into the South African school system, with particular focus being placed on learners who present with barriers to learning as well as the essential curriculum, classroom and teaching adjustments required in order for these learners to reach their full potential within a mainstream classroom environment. The sample for this study firstly comprised of educators’ perceptions regarding their capabilities in coping with the demands of inclusive education. The viewpoints of 122 educators, within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area of the Eastern Cape, were recorded through the completion of individual questionnaires and interviews. Secondly, the files of 111 learners, from a remedial practice, who presented with barriers to learning were analysed to determine the effectiveness of appropriate remedial intervention in overcoming the respective barriers. The major findings of the present study were as follows: Many classroom modifications, changes in teaching styles and curriculum adaptations would have to be implemented to adjust to the demands of inclusive education; Educators would have to be trained regarding the different categories of learners with barriers to learning and their special educational needs; The majority of Eastern Cape educators do not feel suitably qualified to cope with the demands of inclusive education; Educators in positions of authority (principals, deputy principals and heads of department) indicated their inadequacies regarding coping and assisting parents and fellow educators with the demands of inclusive education; A large percentage of the responding educators indicated that they would be better suited to cope with the demands of inclusive education with a remedial qualification and were prepared to register at a tertiary institution to obtain such a qualification depending on certain incentives offered by the Education Department. In view of the findings of this study, recommendations have been made to enhance the current qualification levels of educators, to specifically include a remedial qualification, of which guidelines have been provided. This approach should vastly assist educators in coping with the demands of inclusive education and will ensure that they are suitably empowered to meet the needs of learners with barriers, who have been thrust into this system. Guidelines are also offered for a proposed remedial course that could be offered to education students as well as to those educators who are presently in the employ of the Education Department.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Public sector industrial relations in the context of alliance politics: the case of Makana Local Municipality, South Africa (1994-2006)
- Authors: Makwembere, Sandra
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Makana Municipality , South African Municipal Workers Union , African National Congress , Cosatu , South African Communist Party , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003089 , Makana Municipality , South African Municipal Workers Union , African National Congress , Cosatu , South African Communist Party , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: This thesis is in the field of Industrial Relations. It concerns a micro-level investigation of the dynamics of public sector industrial relations in post-apartheid South Africa. It focuses on the Tripartite Alliance between the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and explores what the Alliance relationship has meant for the traditional roles of employees and their representatives on the one hand, and employers and their representatives on the other. The thesis examines the political, organisational and societal contradictions and implications for COSATU public sector union affiliates and their members in their relationship to the ANC as an ally (via the Alliance) and the context in which ANC members form part of management (in government). The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) was used as an archetype of a COSATU public sector union affiliate that engages with the State as employer at the municipal level. It is a case study of Makana Local Municipality (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) using qualitative research techniques and content analysis to derive the relevant information. The author conducted a series of in-depth interviews of key informants and observations at Makana Local Municipality were done. Based on the empirical data obtained from the investigation, the thesis argues that the traditional roles in the employment relationship at the workplace have been affected by the political alliance. Industrial relations roles have become increasingly vague especially since many within local government share ANC/SACP memberships with members of the trade union. The study also highlights that within an increasingly globalising post-apartheid environment, the Alliance provides mixture of benefits and challenges for workplace negotiations and employment relations in ways that macro-level analyses of employer-employee relationships do not always capture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Makwembere, Sandra
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Makana Municipality , South African Municipal Workers Union , African National Congress , Cosatu , South African Communist Party , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003089 , Makana Municipality , South African Municipal Workers Union , African National Congress , Cosatu , South African Communist Party , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1994-
- Description: This thesis is in the field of Industrial Relations. It concerns a micro-level investigation of the dynamics of public sector industrial relations in post-apartheid South Africa. It focuses on the Tripartite Alliance between the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and explores what the Alliance relationship has meant for the traditional roles of employees and their representatives on the one hand, and employers and their representatives on the other. The thesis examines the political, organisational and societal contradictions and implications for COSATU public sector union affiliates and their members in their relationship to the ANC as an ally (via the Alliance) and the context in which ANC members form part of management (in government). The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) was used as an archetype of a COSATU public sector union affiliate that engages with the State as employer at the municipal level. It is a case study of Makana Local Municipality (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) using qualitative research techniques and content analysis to derive the relevant information. The author conducted a series of in-depth interviews of key informants and observations at Makana Local Municipality were done. Based on the empirical data obtained from the investigation, the thesis argues that the traditional roles in the employment relationship at the workplace have been affected by the political alliance. Industrial relations roles have become increasingly vague especially since many within local government share ANC/SACP memberships with members of the trade union. The study also highlights that within an increasingly globalising post-apartheid environment, the Alliance provides mixture of benefits and challenges for workplace negotiations and employment relations in ways that macro-level analyses of employer-employee relationships do not always capture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Camphor-derived chiral auxiliaries: a synthetic, mechanistic and computational study
- Authors: Duggan, Andrew Robert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Camphor Chirality Asymmetric synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006772
- Description: A broadly based approach has been undertaken to the development and use of camphor derivatives as chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis – an approach which has embraced synthetic, mechanistic and computational studies. The unambiguous characterization of mono- and dihydroxy-derivatives, obtained by reduction of chiral camphor ether dimers, has been achieved through detailed one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic analysis. The resulting data has been used to establish both the regio- and stereochemistry of the hydroxyl groups. A camphor-derived cyclic iminolactone has been shown to provide a convenient platform for the synthesis of chiral α-amino acids, stereoselective monoalkylation of the iminolactone affording a range of products in yields of 52 - 65 % with up to 85 % d.e. The attempted development of chiral bifunctional Morita-Baylis-Hillman substrates has revealed an unexpected equilibration between isomeric bornane 2,3-diol monoacrylates via acid-catalysed intramolecular transesterification. A detailed [superscript 1]H NMR-based kinetic study of the rearrangement in various media and at various temperatures has permitted the determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. A computational study at the DFT level has been used to explore the potential energy surfaces of the acid-catalysed and uncatalysed transesterification of the monoacrylate esters. The theoretical data supports the involvement of cyclic intermediates and has provided a rational basis for predicting the favoured reaction pathways. Novel camphor-derived phenyl sulfonate esters and N-adamantylsulfonamides have been synthesised for use as chiral auxiliaries in the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction. Modeling at the Molecular Mechanics level has provided useful insights into possible conformational constraints and an adamantyl sulfonate auxiliary has been successfully used in the stereoselective synthesis of a range of products, generally in excellent yield and with up to 95 % d.e.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Duggan, Andrew Robert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Camphor Chirality Asymmetric synthesis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4415 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006772
- Description: A broadly based approach has been undertaken to the development and use of camphor derivatives as chiral auxiliaries in asymmetric synthesis – an approach which has embraced synthetic, mechanistic and computational studies. The unambiguous characterization of mono- and dihydroxy-derivatives, obtained by reduction of chiral camphor ether dimers, has been achieved through detailed one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopic analysis. The resulting data has been used to establish both the regio- and stereochemistry of the hydroxyl groups. A camphor-derived cyclic iminolactone has been shown to provide a convenient platform for the synthesis of chiral α-amino acids, stereoselective monoalkylation of the iminolactone affording a range of products in yields of 52 - 65 % with up to 85 % d.e. The attempted development of chiral bifunctional Morita-Baylis-Hillman substrates has revealed an unexpected equilibration between isomeric bornane 2,3-diol monoacrylates via acid-catalysed intramolecular transesterification. A detailed [superscript 1]H NMR-based kinetic study of the rearrangement in various media and at various temperatures has permitted the determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters. A computational study at the DFT level has been used to explore the potential energy surfaces of the acid-catalysed and uncatalysed transesterification of the monoacrylate esters. The theoretical data supports the involvement of cyclic intermediates and has provided a rational basis for predicting the favoured reaction pathways. Novel camphor-derived phenyl sulfonate esters and N-adamantylsulfonamides have been synthesised for use as chiral auxiliaries in the Morita-Baylis-Hillman reaction. Modeling at the Molecular Mechanics level has provided useful insights into possible conformational constraints and an adamantyl sulfonate auxiliary has been successfully used in the stereoselective synthesis of a range of products, generally in excellent yield and with up to 95 % d.e.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
CONSTRUCTION CONFERENCE “DECENT WORK IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR TOWARDS & BEYOND 2010"
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250673 , vital:52037
- Description: The 2010 World Cup is upon us, an event of great socio economic import to South Africa and indeed the African Continent. Not only is South Africa on the pedestal, but so is the African Continent. It is all systems go, so says major role players involved in delivering the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the World. However, we wonder if the same holds true for labour, that we can say it is all systems go, when, on the eve of the infrastructure roll out, we are grappling with issues of how we can stake a claim on behalf of the millions of construction workers that we represent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250673 , vital:52037
- Description: The 2010 World Cup is upon us, an event of great socio economic import to South Africa and indeed the African Continent. Not only is South Africa on the pedestal, but so is the African Continent. It is all systems go, so says major role players involved in delivering the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the World. However, we wonder if the same holds true for labour, that we can say it is all systems go, when, on the eve of the infrastructure roll out, we are grappling with issues of how we can stake a claim on behalf of the millions of construction workers that we represent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Teachers' perceptions of the implementation of the arts and culture learning area in the senior phase
- Authors: Van Blerk, Susan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/627 , Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Description: Teachers are the primary implementers of a curriculum as they need to bring the curriculum to life in the classroom. In order to optimize the success of the implementation of a specific curriculum, it is necessary to monitor the experiences of the educator in the classroom and in drawing conclusions from the data gained, make recommendations for the continued improvement of implementation. As mentioned earlier, Fullan’s reference (1991:117) to the significant effect of teachers thoughts on the implementation gave rise to the central research question, namely to determine teachers’ perceptions about the implementation of the Arts and Culture learning area at a particular school ‘Perceptions’ however, is a subjective concept and thus any form of quantitative research would appear to be inappropriate. Based on the above it was decided to approach this investigation qualitatively and so this project was done within the qualitative paradigm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van Blerk, Susan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:9546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/627 , Competency-based education , Arts -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Culture -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Description: Teachers are the primary implementers of a curriculum as they need to bring the curriculum to life in the classroom. In order to optimize the success of the implementation of a specific curriculum, it is necessary to monitor the experiences of the educator in the classroom and in drawing conclusions from the data gained, make recommendations for the continued improvement of implementation. As mentioned earlier, Fullan’s reference (1991:117) to the significant effect of teachers thoughts on the implementation gave rise to the central research question, namely to determine teachers’ perceptions about the implementation of the Arts and Culture learning area at a particular school ‘Perceptions’ however, is a subjective concept and thus any form of quantitative research would appear to be inappropriate. Based on the above it was decided to approach this investigation qualitatively and so this project was done within the qualitative paradigm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007