Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of topical mometasone furoate formulations
- Authors: Chamboko, Bernadett Vongayi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Adrenocortical hormones -- Physiological effect , Drugs -- Testing , Dermatopharmacology , High performance liquid chromatography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003226 , Adrenocortical hormones -- Physiological effect , Drugs -- Testing , Dermatopharmacology , High performance liquid chromatography
- Description: The human skin blanching assay (HSBA) is a well-researched and validated method for the bioequivalence assessment of topical corticosteroids. Traditionally, visual assessment of skin blanching has been used. Such testing methods are not conducive for interlaboratory comparisons. Regulatory bodies prefer less subjective methods of analysis. The FDA released guidelines on the assessment of bioequivalence for topical corticosteroids that recommends the use of a chromameter as a reliable method to measure skin blanching although the use of visual assessment with acceptable validation is also provided for. However, the FDA does not elucidate on the manipulation and handling of the chromameter during skin blanching measurements. The purpose of this project was several fold, which included investigations to standardize the manipulation and handling of a chromameter. In particular, measures to avoid skin whitening resulting from the effects of pressure on the skin during chromameter use were investigated. Other methods of analysis should surpass or at least be comparable to the HSBA if such methods are to be used for the assessment of topical corticosteroids. Microdialysis is a relatively new technique for assessing the rate at which drug penetrates the skin. The advantage of using this method is that there are fewer restrictions for selection of an appropriate study population unlike those required for the HSBA where one has to be both a ‘responder’ and a ‘detector’ for their results to be used in data analysis. Microdialysis was investigated by initially conducting experiments in which microdialysis probes were embedded into topical formulations containing mometasone furoate (MF) and the initial results revealed that relatively low drug was released from the formulations. These results indicated that should microdialysis be applied to measure the in vivo release of MF from such topical formulations following application to the skin, even lower concentrations of MF would likely result in the dialysate, necessitating the need for ultra-high sensitive methods of analysis. Typically, the availability of an appropriate analytical technique such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LCMS) would be a pre-requisite for such in vivo studies. However, only high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other less sensitive equipment was available in the laboratories. The study objectives were therefore focussed on in vitro assessment of the release of MF from topical formulations using microdialysis and Franz cells. In addition, the in vivo release of MF was also studied using the HSBA. Data obtained from the microdialysis experiments were compared with the data obtained from the Franz cell diffusion studies in order to provide information on the pharmaceutical availability of MF from the various topical MF dosage forms. Subsequently, pharmaceutical equivalence was investigated from the comparative pharmaceutical availability data using statistical analysis. An additional objective was to attempt to correlate in vitro with in vivo data (IVIVC) to establish a model that could be used to assess safety and efficacy of generic topical drug products. The in vivo data obtained from the HSBA were processed according to the FDA requirements and these pharmacodynamic data were subsequently compared with the microdialysis and Franz cell results. In summary the objectives of this project were: 1. To develop a system to improve the reproducibility of the use of a Minolta® chromameter and compare this with the standard/normal manipulation and handling of such instruments. 2. To develop and validate an HPLC method for the analysis of MF for use with in vitro diffusion studies using microdialysis and Franz cells. 3. To conduct a comparative HSBA on proprietary MF topical creams from two different countries in accordance with the FDA guidance. 4. To assess the pharmaceutical equivalence of topical formulations containing MF using Franz diffusion cells and in vitro microdialysis. 5. To compare the in vivo data obtained from the HSBA with those obtained in vitro using microdialysis and Franz cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Chamboko, Bernadett Vongayi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Adrenocortical hormones -- Physiological effect , Drugs -- Testing , Dermatopharmacology , High performance liquid chromatography
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003226 , Adrenocortical hormones -- Physiological effect , Drugs -- Testing , Dermatopharmacology , High performance liquid chromatography
- Description: The human skin blanching assay (HSBA) is a well-researched and validated method for the bioequivalence assessment of topical corticosteroids. Traditionally, visual assessment of skin blanching has been used. Such testing methods are not conducive for interlaboratory comparisons. Regulatory bodies prefer less subjective methods of analysis. The FDA released guidelines on the assessment of bioequivalence for topical corticosteroids that recommends the use of a chromameter as a reliable method to measure skin blanching although the use of visual assessment with acceptable validation is also provided for. However, the FDA does not elucidate on the manipulation and handling of the chromameter during skin blanching measurements. The purpose of this project was several fold, which included investigations to standardize the manipulation and handling of a chromameter. In particular, measures to avoid skin whitening resulting from the effects of pressure on the skin during chromameter use were investigated. Other methods of analysis should surpass or at least be comparable to the HSBA if such methods are to be used for the assessment of topical corticosteroids. Microdialysis is a relatively new technique for assessing the rate at which drug penetrates the skin. The advantage of using this method is that there are fewer restrictions for selection of an appropriate study population unlike those required for the HSBA where one has to be both a ‘responder’ and a ‘detector’ for their results to be used in data analysis. Microdialysis was investigated by initially conducting experiments in which microdialysis probes were embedded into topical formulations containing mometasone furoate (MF) and the initial results revealed that relatively low drug was released from the formulations. These results indicated that should microdialysis be applied to measure the in vivo release of MF from such topical formulations following application to the skin, even lower concentrations of MF would likely result in the dialysate, necessitating the need for ultra-high sensitive methods of analysis. Typically, the availability of an appropriate analytical technique such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LCMS) would be a pre-requisite for such in vivo studies. However, only high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other less sensitive equipment was available in the laboratories. The study objectives were therefore focussed on in vitro assessment of the release of MF from topical formulations using microdialysis and Franz cells. In addition, the in vivo release of MF was also studied using the HSBA. Data obtained from the microdialysis experiments were compared with the data obtained from the Franz cell diffusion studies in order to provide information on the pharmaceutical availability of MF from the various topical MF dosage forms. Subsequently, pharmaceutical equivalence was investigated from the comparative pharmaceutical availability data using statistical analysis. An additional objective was to attempt to correlate in vitro with in vivo data (IVIVC) to establish a model that could be used to assess safety and efficacy of generic topical drug products. The in vivo data obtained from the HSBA were processed according to the FDA requirements and these pharmacodynamic data were subsequently compared with the microdialysis and Franz cell results. In summary the objectives of this project were: 1. To develop a system to improve the reproducibility of the use of a Minolta® chromameter and compare this with the standard/normal manipulation and handling of such instruments. 2. To develop and validate an HPLC method for the analysis of MF for use with in vitro diffusion studies using microdialysis and Franz cells. 3. To conduct a comparative HSBA on proprietary MF topical creams from two different countries in accordance with the FDA guidance. 4. To assess the pharmaceutical equivalence of topical formulations containing MF using Franz diffusion cells and in vitro microdialysis. 5. To compare the in vivo data obtained from the HSBA with those obtained in vitro using microdialysis and Franz cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Evolving a secure grid-enabled, distributed data warehouse : a standards-based perspective
- Authors: Li, Xiao-Yu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/544 , Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Description: As digital data-collection has increased in scale and number, it becomes an important type of resource serving a wide community of researchers. Cross-institutional data-sharing and collaboration introduce a suitable approach to facilitate those research institutions that are suffering the lack of data and related IT infrastructures. Grid computing has become a widely adopted approach to enable cross-institutional resource-sharing and collaboration. It integrates a distributed and heterogeneous collection of locally managed users and resources. This project proposes a distributed data warehouse system, which uses Grid technology to enable data-access and integration, and collaborative operations across multi-distributed institutions in the context of HV/AIDS research. This study is based on wider research into OGSA-based Grid services architecture, comprising a data-analysis system which utilizes a data warehouse, data marts, and near-line operational database that are hosted by distributed institutions. Within this framework, specific patterns for collaboration, interoperability, resource virtualization and security are included. The heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the Grid environment introduces a number of security challenges. This study also concerns a set of particular security aspects, including PKI-based authentication, single sign-on, dynamic delegation, and attribute-based authorization. These mechanisms, as supported by the Globus Toolkit’s Grid Security Infrastructure, are used to enable interoperability and establish trust relationship between various security mechanisms and policies within different institutions; manage credentials; and ensure secure interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Li, Xiao-Yu
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/544 , Computational grids (Computer systems) , Computer networks -- Security measures , Electronic data processing -- Distributed processing
- Description: As digital data-collection has increased in scale and number, it becomes an important type of resource serving a wide community of researchers. Cross-institutional data-sharing and collaboration introduce a suitable approach to facilitate those research institutions that are suffering the lack of data and related IT infrastructures. Grid computing has become a widely adopted approach to enable cross-institutional resource-sharing and collaboration. It integrates a distributed and heterogeneous collection of locally managed users and resources. This project proposes a distributed data warehouse system, which uses Grid technology to enable data-access and integration, and collaborative operations across multi-distributed institutions in the context of HV/AIDS research. This study is based on wider research into OGSA-based Grid services architecture, comprising a data-analysis system which utilizes a data warehouse, data marts, and near-line operational database that are hosted by distributed institutions. Within this framework, specific patterns for collaboration, interoperability, resource virtualization and security are included. The heterogeneous and dynamic nature of the Grid environment introduces a number of security challenges. This study also concerns a set of particular security aspects, including PKI-based authentication, single sign-on, dynamic delegation, and attribute-based authorization. These mechanisms, as supported by the Globus Toolkit’s Grid Security Infrastructure, are used to enable interoperability and establish trust relationship between various security mechanisms and policies within different institutions; manage credentials; and ensure secure interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Experiences of parents whose children have completed a diversion programme
- Authors: Mankayi, Andile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/556 , Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The goal of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents whose children have completed the diversion programme in order to make recommendations to probation officers, social workers and people who facilitate the diversion programmes. The study focused on the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme (YES Programme) because it is the diversion programme mostly used in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the programme is to divert young people in trouble with the law away from the criminal justice system and to rehabilitate the young offenders by providing them with essential life skills that can address the offenders’ real problems. In the study the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach in an attempt to explore the experiences of parents whose children have completed the YES programme. The permission of the gatekeeper was sought before the study commenced. The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In analysing the data, the researcher used the steps for qualitative data analysis as stated in Creswell (2003:192). Three main themes along with sub-themes and categories were identified during the process of data analysis. The main findings that emanated from this study were: the seemingly upcoming culture of lack of respect for authority on the part of the youth of today. Another major finding of this study is that the traditional function of families, notably, socialisation of young people within the family structure is on the wane. The recommendations that emanated from this study are: that the YES programme needs to be adjusted to address the specific needs of children that are referred to the YES programme and those of their families and communities. Family life should be strengthened through community development programmes that seek to address family problems of any nature, namely, material, psycho-social, economic, to mention just a few. Community development programmes should address fragile families through community development approaches that are comprehensive and integrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mankayi, Andile
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9986 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/556 , Juvenile delinquents -- Rehabilitation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Juvenile delinquents -- Family relationships -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community-based corrections -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Youth -- Conduct of life , Social work with juvenile delinquents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The goal of this research study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents whose children have completed the diversion programme in order to make recommendations to probation officers, social workers and people who facilitate the diversion programmes. The study focused on the Youth Empowerment Scheme programme (YES Programme) because it is the diversion programme mostly used in the Eastern Cape. The aim of the programme is to divert young people in trouble with the law away from the criminal justice system and to rehabilitate the young offenders by providing them with essential life skills that can address the offenders’ real problems. In the study the researcher made use of a qualitative research approach in an attempt to explore the experiences of parents whose children have completed the YES programme. The permission of the gatekeeper was sought before the study commenced. The researcher used purposive sampling to recruit participants. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews. In analysing the data, the researcher used the steps for qualitative data analysis as stated in Creswell (2003:192). Three main themes along with sub-themes and categories were identified during the process of data analysis. The main findings that emanated from this study were: the seemingly upcoming culture of lack of respect for authority on the part of the youth of today. Another major finding of this study is that the traditional function of families, notably, socialisation of young people within the family structure is on the wane. The recommendations that emanated from this study are: that the YES programme needs to be adjusted to address the specific needs of children that are referred to the YES programme and those of their families and communities. Family life should be strengthened through community development programmes that seek to address family problems of any nature, namely, material, psycho-social, economic, to mention just a few. Community development programmes should address fragile families through community development approaches that are comprehensive and integrated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Exploring normal South African and British children: a comparative study utilizing the Griffiths Mental Development Scales- extended revised
- Authors: Van Heerden, Rivca
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/629 , Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: The health status of a substantial number of South African children can be classified as “children at risk” (Luiz, 1999) as the majority of children are influenced by factors such as poverty, poor living conditions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These are only some of the influences that contribute significantly to the health status of South African children and consequently their development. It can thus be argued that developmental assessment is imperative in the South African context. One of the most important reasons are that children with special needs in South Africa can be identified and given the opportunity to catch up developmentally and cope successfully as opposed to those who are identified much later (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2006). Furthermore, children in South Africa must begin Grade one in the year in which they turn seven. They may only enter grade one if the school has an opening and if the necessary evidence is provided to the Department of Education that the child will be able to cope with the demands of formal schooling (Department of Education, 2002). Developmental assessment measures therefore needs to be appropriate, accurate and informative in the modern South African context. The need for a measuring instrument to assess children’s overall development and thus their developmental readiness to cope with the demands of formal schooling could be satisfied by the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). This recently revised measure has not been normed on a representative, contemporary South African sample. The purpose of the study was therefore to generate information on the applicability of British norms for the contemporary South African population. This study compared and explored the performance of South African and British children aged 5-years and 6-years on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). A contemporary South African sample was obtained by testing children between the ages of 5-years and 6-years on the GMDS-ER, whilst the British sample was drawn from the United Kingdom and Eire standardization sample. The British sample was screened for normality and a similar process was followed to establish normality for the South African sample. A matched simple frequency distribution technique (taking into account age, socioeconomic status and gender as variables) was employed to approximate the equivalence between the samples. The profiles were compared by conducting an independent sample t-test with subsequent post hoc analyses to explore potential differences in the performance of the two samples. The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. There is a significant difference between the South African and British children’s overall developmental profiles (as measured by the GMDS-ER). 2. Generally, South African children performed better on the Locomotor subscale and the Personal Social Subscale (although not statistically significant), whilst British children performed statistically better on the Language, Eye and Hand Co-ordination, and Practical Reasoning Subscales. 3. No significant differences were found for the Performance Subscale which could indicate that South African and British children’s performances on this scale are similar. Further investigations into the applicability of the GMDS-ER for the contemporary South African context are recommended and the establishment of South African norms for clinical utilization is essential. Caution with regard to the utilization of the British–based norms in the South African context is final recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Van Heerden, Rivca
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9929 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/629 , Psychological tests for children -- Cross-cultural studies , Children -- Intelligence testing -- Cross-cultural studies , Griffiths Scales of Mental Development
- Description: The health status of a substantial number of South African children can be classified as “children at risk” (Luiz, 1999) as the majority of children are influenced by factors such as poverty, poor living conditions and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These are only some of the influences that contribute significantly to the health status of South African children and consequently their development. It can thus be argued that developmental assessment is imperative in the South African context. One of the most important reasons are that children with special needs in South Africa can be identified and given the opportunity to catch up developmentally and cope successfully as opposed to those who are identified much later (Foxcroft & Roodt, 2006). Furthermore, children in South Africa must begin Grade one in the year in which they turn seven. They may only enter grade one if the school has an opening and if the necessary evidence is provided to the Department of Education that the child will be able to cope with the demands of formal schooling (Department of Education, 2002). Developmental assessment measures therefore needs to be appropriate, accurate and informative in the modern South African context. The need for a measuring instrument to assess children’s overall development and thus their developmental readiness to cope with the demands of formal schooling could be satisfied by the Griffiths Mental Development Scales – Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). This recently revised measure has not been normed on a representative, contemporary South African sample. The purpose of the study was therefore to generate information on the applicability of British norms for the contemporary South African population. This study compared and explored the performance of South African and British children aged 5-years and 6-years on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales - Extended Revised (GMDS-ER). A contemporary South African sample was obtained by testing children between the ages of 5-years and 6-years on the GMDS-ER, whilst the British sample was drawn from the United Kingdom and Eire standardization sample. The British sample was screened for normality and a similar process was followed to establish normality for the South African sample. A matched simple frequency distribution technique (taking into account age, socioeconomic status and gender as variables) was employed to approximate the equivalence between the samples. The profiles were compared by conducting an independent sample t-test with subsequent post hoc analyses to explore potential differences in the performance of the two samples. The major findings of the present study were as follows: 1. There is a significant difference between the South African and British children’s overall developmental profiles (as measured by the GMDS-ER). 2. Generally, South African children performed better on the Locomotor subscale and the Personal Social Subscale (although not statistically significant), whilst British children performed statistically better on the Language, Eye and Hand Co-ordination, and Practical Reasoning Subscales. 3. No significant differences were found for the Performance Subscale which could indicate that South African and British children’s performances on this scale are similar. Further investigations into the applicability of the GMDS-ER for the contemporary South African context are recommended and the establishment of South African norms for clinical utilization is essential. Caution with regard to the utilization of the British–based norms in the South African context is final recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Exploring opportunities and challenges for achieving the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into environmental education processes: a case study of the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme (SEEP) in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Zazu, Cryton
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sebekwane Environmental Education programme Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe Environmental education -- Zimbabwe Mainstreaming in education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003422
- Description: The role and value of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing and contextualizing education has long been recognized (UNESCO, 1978). Against this background a lot of research focusing on the documentation and study of the world’s indigenous knowledge systems, including those of Southern African countries was done. However, within the Southern African context much of this research did not translate into practical curriculum processes leaving educational processes de-contextualized (O’Donoghue, 2002; Mokuku, 2004; Shava, 2005). The linkages between the school, the home and the wider community remained weak (Taylor & Mulhall, 2001). The net effect of the limited integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream environmental education processes has been that indigenous learners (such as those within the Sebakwe rural community) continued to get exposed to two different world views, the western scientific world view and the everyday life world views. The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream education such as the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme (SEEP) is one way of contextualizing education and improving its relevance to learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds. This research was conceptualized against such a context and seeks to explore the opportunities and challenges for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme. The ultimate purpose of this research is to contextualize SEEP both in its epistemology, and pedagogy. The research was designed and conducted within a qualitative interpretive case study methodology. The methodology involved a three-phased data collection method namely document analysis, focus group interviews and an inquiry-based workshop. The data was then analyzed and interpreted in relation to a set of theoretical perspectives. This research concluded that there is a possibility of integrating indigenous knowledge systems into the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme. Based on the findings the research came up with a list of recommendations to guide the process of working with indigenous knowledge within the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Zazu, Cryton
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Sebekwane Environmental Education programme Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe Environmental education -- Zimbabwe Mainstreaming in education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003422
- Description: The role and value of indigenous knowledge systems in enhancing and contextualizing education has long been recognized (UNESCO, 1978). Against this background a lot of research focusing on the documentation and study of the world’s indigenous knowledge systems, including those of Southern African countries was done. However, within the Southern African context much of this research did not translate into practical curriculum processes leaving educational processes de-contextualized (O’Donoghue, 2002; Mokuku, 2004; Shava, 2005). The linkages between the school, the home and the wider community remained weak (Taylor & Mulhall, 2001). The net effect of the limited integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream environmental education processes has been that indigenous learners (such as those within the Sebakwe rural community) continued to get exposed to two different world views, the western scientific world view and the everyday life world views. The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream education such as the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme (SEEP) is one way of contextualizing education and improving its relevance to learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds. This research was conceptualized against such a context and seeks to explore the opportunities and challenges for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme. The ultimate purpose of this research is to contextualize SEEP both in its epistemology, and pedagogy. The research was designed and conducted within a qualitative interpretive case study methodology. The methodology involved a three-phased data collection method namely document analysis, focus group interviews and an inquiry-based workshop. The data was then analyzed and interpreted in relation to a set of theoretical perspectives. This research concluded that there is a possibility of integrating indigenous knowledge systems into the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme. Based on the findings the research came up with a list of recommendations to guide the process of working with indigenous knowledge within the Sebakwe Environmental Education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Extending the reach of personal area networks by transporting Bluetooth communications over IP networks
- Authors: Mackie, David Sean
- Date: 2007 , 2007-03-29
- Subjects: Bluetooth technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Communication -- Network analysis , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Computer networks , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006551 , Bluetooth technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Communication -- Network analysis , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Computer networks , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems
- Description: This thesis presents an investigation of how to extend the reach of a Bluetooth personal area network by introducing the concept of Bluetooth Hotspots. Currently two Bluetooth devices cannot communicate with each other unless they are within radio range, since Bluetooth is designed as a cable-replacement technology for wireless communications over short ranges. An investigation was done into the feasibility of creating Bluetooth hotspots that allow distant Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other by transporting their communications between these hotspots via an alternative network infrastructure such as an IP network. Two approaches were investigated, masquerading of remote devices by the local hotspot to allow seamless communications and proxying services on remote devices by providing them on a local hotspot using a distributed service discovery database. The latter approach was used to develop applications capable of transporting Bluetooth’s RFCOMM and L2CAP protocols. Quantitative tests were performed to establish the throughput performance and latency of these transport applications. Furthermore, a number of selected Bluetooth services were tested which lead us to conclude that most data-based protocols can be transported by the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mackie, David Sean
- Date: 2007 , 2007-03-29
- Subjects: Bluetooth technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Communication -- Network analysis , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Computer networks , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006551 , Bluetooth technology , Communication -- Technological innovations , Communication -- Network analysis , TCP/IP (Computer network protocol) , Computer networks , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems
- Description: This thesis presents an investigation of how to extend the reach of a Bluetooth personal area network by introducing the concept of Bluetooth Hotspots. Currently two Bluetooth devices cannot communicate with each other unless they are within radio range, since Bluetooth is designed as a cable-replacement technology for wireless communications over short ranges. An investigation was done into the feasibility of creating Bluetooth hotspots that allow distant Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other by transporting their communications between these hotspots via an alternative network infrastructure such as an IP network. Two approaches were investigated, masquerading of remote devices by the local hotspot to allow seamless communications and proxying services on remote devices by providing them on a local hotspot using a distributed service discovery database. The latter approach was used to develop applications capable of transporting Bluetooth’s RFCOMM and L2CAP protocols. Quantitative tests were performed to establish the throughput performance and latency of these transport applications. Furthermore, a number of selected Bluetooth services were tested which lead us to conclude that most data-based protocols can be transported by the system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Facets of human resource development on building female capacity in the African context : the case of Gqebera Township, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Sydhagen, Kristine
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/614 , Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: An empirical study of HRD, women, HIV and AIDS, and sustainable community development has been undertaken. Women make up approximately half of the population in the world. Taking this into account, there are many places where women do not have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. This is also true for most of Africa. Many people in Africa are deprived of basic education and often the majority of these are women. Even though the situation has improved for many girls and women in many areas, there is still a great deal that needs to be done in order to ensure equal opportunities for everyone within the labor market and society. In order to achieve this, it can be argued that sustainable development and sound human resource (HRD) policy implementation and strategies must be employed. HIV and AIDS damage society just as it does the human body: it begins by killing those parts responsible for building society: the women and breadwinners who sustain and look after the community as a whole. In this proposal, an outline of the structure of the dissertation will be given. The outline of four articles will be presented, as will the uniqueness and the similarities of the articles. For the purpose of this dissertation; different methodological research techniques will be employed according to the themes of the different articles in addition to the desired purpose of the research being conducted. Regarding the data collection, qualitative research will be used in the expectation of uncovering issues relating to women and HRD in Gqebera Township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The need for skills development and training in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing in an area where unstable economies and high unemployment create challenges on many levels. Sub-Saharan Africa is faced with great poverty, skills migration, and HIV and AIDS, which are depleting the region of skilled workers in their prime working years. The region is facing numerous challenges in the development of skills and the ability to make use of the available human resources. It can be argued that the Sub-Saharan African region needs to increase the skilled labor pool and to develop communities. Perhaps most importantly, there is an urgent need for the region to face the impact of globalization on its own terms. This involves the fusion of African philosophy and management styles with the traditional Western theories with HRD strategies and policies that will be suitable for the developing economies in the region. Women in Africa face many difficult and complex situations in society, including difficulties entering the labor market. HIV and AIDS is a major challenge for South Africa and it brings people in the region much grief, sorrow and confusion as the rate of prevalence continues to rise. This article explores the social aspects of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the communities and in the labor market and the extent to which women are affected on an individual, community and labor market level. HRD in relations to HIV and AIDS is examined in order to get an understanding of the role that HRD should play in the deprived South African communities that struggle to find resources to battle the social consequences of HIV and AIDS. An examination of feminist theory and HRD in Africa indicates the need to incorporate African feminism in the cause of advancing HRD theory. Because they are subject to multiple levels of discrimination, and because there are no country-specific policies to ensure their advancement, African women need to be protected from the patriarchal domination that prevails in the majority of African countries. Despite higher female involvement in African economies, they are denied opportunities and equal rights. If the development goals of Africa are to be achieved, HRD theory needs to incorporate both Western and African feminist theory, specifically related to gender inequalities that women experience in the realm of work. The level women’s understanding of sustainable development in Gqebera Township, South Africa is explored. Further the challenges and opportunities for sustainable HRD in the Sub-Saharan region is examined. Sub-Saharan African is facing numerous challenges including poverty, inequality, HIV and AIDS and high unemployment. All these factors are important to consider when planning HRD policies and strategies in the region. Sustainable development is a worldwide aim and on the agenda of many countries; especially the developing and least developed, the countries on the African continent. The conditions under and the degree to which women in Sub-Saharan Africa have been participating in the development process in the past have often not enabled them to fully develop their capacity in order to take part in the work towards sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Sydhagen, Kristine
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16149 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/614 , Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women -- Employment , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: An empirical study of HRD, women, HIV and AIDS, and sustainable community development has been undertaken. Women make up approximately half of the population in the world. Taking this into account, there are many places where women do not have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. This is also true for most of Africa. Many people in Africa are deprived of basic education and often the majority of these are women. Even though the situation has improved for many girls and women in many areas, there is still a great deal that needs to be done in order to ensure equal opportunities for everyone within the labor market and society. In order to achieve this, it can be argued that sustainable development and sound human resource (HRD) policy implementation and strategies must be employed. HIV and AIDS damage society just as it does the human body: it begins by killing those parts responsible for building society: the women and breadwinners who sustain and look after the community as a whole. In this proposal, an outline of the structure of the dissertation will be given. The outline of four articles will be presented, as will the uniqueness and the similarities of the articles. For the purpose of this dissertation; different methodological research techniques will be employed according to the themes of the different articles in addition to the desired purpose of the research being conducted. Regarding the data collection, qualitative research will be used in the expectation of uncovering issues relating to women and HRD in Gqebera Township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The need for skills development and training in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing in an area where unstable economies and high unemployment create challenges on many levels. Sub-Saharan Africa is faced with great poverty, skills migration, and HIV and AIDS, which are depleting the region of skilled workers in their prime working years. The region is facing numerous challenges in the development of skills and the ability to make use of the available human resources. It can be argued that the Sub-Saharan African region needs to increase the skilled labor pool and to develop communities. Perhaps most importantly, there is an urgent need for the region to face the impact of globalization on its own terms. This involves the fusion of African philosophy and management styles with the traditional Western theories with HRD strategies and policies that will be suitable for the developing economies in the region. Women in Africa face many difficult and complex situations in society, including difficulties entering the labor market. HIV and AIDS is a major challenge for South Africa and it brings people in the region much grief, sorrow and confusion as the rate of prevalence continues to rise. This article explores the social aspects of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the communities and in the labor market and the extent to which women are affected on an individual, community and labor market level. HRD in relations to HIV and AIDS is examined in order to get an understanding of the role that HRD should play in the deprived South African communities that struggle to find resources to battle the social consequences of HIV and AIDS. An examination of feminist theory and HRD in Africa indicates the need to incorporate African feminism in the cause of advancing HRD theory. Because they are subject to multiple levels of discrimination, and because there are no country-specific policies to ensure their advancement, African women need to be protected from the patriarchal domination that prevails in the majority of African countries. Despite higher female involvement in African economies, they are denied opportunities and equal rights. If the development goals of Africa are to be achieved, HRD theory needs to incorporate both Western and African feminist theory, specifically related to gender inequalities that women experience in the realm of work. The level women’s understanding of sustainable development in Gqebera Township, South Africa is explored. Further the challenges and opportunities for sustainable HRD in the Sub-Saharan region is examined. Sub-Saharan African is facing numerous challenges including poverty, inequality, HIV and AIDS and high unemployment. All these factors are important to consider when planning HRD policies and strategies in the region. Sustainable development is a worldwide aim and on the agenda of many countries; especially the developing and least developed, the countries on the African continent. The conditions under and the degree to which women in Sub-Saharan Africa have been participating in the development process in the past have often not enabled them to fully develop their capacity in order to take part in the work towards sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Factors influencing high school learner's acceptance of marketing messages via short message service (sms)
- Authors: Wang, Hui
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Direct marketing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , High school students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9353 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/641 , Direct marketing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , High school students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Cell-phones and the Short Message Service (SMS) have become an important part of people's lives, with significant implications for communication and information transmission. The SMS, based on its versatility as a personal and direct medium of communication, provides an excellent means of marketing and also a possible avenue to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) for marketing its programmes. However, the success of such mobile (SMS) marketing depends largely on its acceptance by high school learners. The objective of this study was to determine whether Port Elizabeth’s high school learners are likely to accept marketing messages of the NMMU via SMS. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature study and empirical study. The literature study provided an overview of mobile marketing, mobile advertising and a detailed discussion of the SMS as a marketing tool. The various factors that might influence cell-phone users’ acceptance of mobile marketing were also reviewed. The relevance of these factors to mobile (SMS) marketing was tested using a model developed by Bauer, Barnes, Reichardt and Neumann (2005: 186) as the basis. (ii) The empirical data were collected by means of a survey, and using a self-administered questionnaire. Based on a systematic sampling, 480 respondents from 17 feeder schools of the NMMU in Port Elizabeth were selected, 417 completed the questionnaire. The empirical findings showed that most Port Elizabeth’s high school learners owned a cell-phone, their most used form of SMS was text messaging and that they are keen to receive study information from the NMMU. The data of the current study did not fit the model proposed by Bauer et al (2005: 186, as shown in Figure 1.1), and also did not fit a modified model (see Figure 3.1). Hence, further analysis and manipulation of the data resulted in a more appropriate model (see Figure 5.7). The study proposes that, Port Elizabeth’s high school learners currently display some acceptance of mobile marketing. The NMMU can consider developing and using mobile (SMS) marketing for promoting its study programmes to high school learners, although it can still not be used as the major marketing instrument. It should be effective if used with push advertising, in conjunction with other media and through capitalizing on the influence of reference groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Wang, Hui
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Direct marketing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , High school students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9353 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/641 , Direct marketing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , High school students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Cell-phones and the Short Message Service (SMS) have become an important part of people's lives, with significant implications for communication and information transmission. The SMS, based on its versatility as a personal and direct medium of communication, provides an excellent means of marketing and also a possible avenue to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) for marketing its programmes. However, the success of such mobile (SMS) marketing depends largely on its acceptance by high school learners. The objective of this study was to determine whether Port Elizabeth’s high school learners are likely to accept marketing messages of the NMMU via SMS. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature study and empirical study. The literature study provided an overview of mobile marketing, mobile advertising and a detailed discussion of the SMS as a marketing tool. The various factors that might influence cell-phone users’ acceptance of mobile marketing were also reviewed. The relevance of these factors to mobile (SMS) marketing was tested using a model developed by Bauer, Barnes, Reichardt and Neumann (2005: 186) as the basis. (ii) The empirical data were collected by means of a survey, and using a self-administered questionnaire. Based on a systematic sampling, 480 respondents from 17 feeder schools of the NMMU in Port Elizabeth were selected, 417 completed the questionnaire. The empirical findings showed that most Port Elizabeth’s high school learners owned a cell-phone, their most used form of SMS was text messaging and that they are keen to receive study information from the NMMU. The data of the current study did not fit the model proposed by Bauer et al (2005: 186, as shown in Figure 1.1), and also did not fit a modified model (see Figure 3.1). Hence, further analysis and manipulation of the data resulted in a more appropriate model (see Figure 5.7). The study proposes that, Port Elizabeth’s high school learners currently display some acceptance of mobile marketing. The NMMU can consider developing and using mobile (SMS) marketing for promoting its study programmes to high school learners, although it can still not be used as the major marketing instrument. It should be effective if used with push advertising, in conjunction with other media and through capitalizing on the influence of reference groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Factors influencing the utilization of voluntary counselling and testing services amongst employees of the Lobatse Town Council in Botswana
- Authors: Komanyane, Lorato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/535 , HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Description: In this study both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to find out to what extent the Lobatse Town Council employees used Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) HIV and AIDS services, the reasons for using or not using the services, the preferred service providers reasons for choosing a service provider. Lastly recommendations were made on how the uptake HIV and AIDS VCT services could increased amongst the employees. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from the employees of the Lobatse Town Council, and it was established that 65.5 percent of the respondents had used VCT. Females had a higher testing participation rates than males, white collar respondents had a higher testing participation than the blue collar respondents. There was a higher rate amongst the married than the single respondents and the older ages of 30 and above than the young ages of 29 years and under. In the study it was also established that the majority of the respondents considered voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS as being important. However there were some groups that were more positive than others regarding the importance of testing. More females than males were positive regarding the importance of testing, and also amongst the employment categories the white collar respondents were more positive than the blue collar respondents regarding the importance of HIV and AIDS testing. Furthermore it was established that the most important reason for testing amongst the employees that did test for HIV and AIDS was that they felt that they needed to undergo testing before they tested. The respondents that did not test for HIV and AIDS indicated that the most important reason for not testing was that they were scared the results could not be kept confidential. The research also showed that the most preferred service provider was Tebelopele. Tebelopele was the most used and preferred service provider amongst both gender and age groups, all marital groups and the blue collar group in the employment categories. However, for the white collar group the most preferred service provider was the private practitioners. The most common reason for choosing a service provider was confidentiality and privacy. Lastly, the research makes recommendations on what needs to be done to increase the uptake of VCT HIV and AIDS testing amongst the Lobatse Town Council employees. One of the recommendations is that there was a need to educate the employees of the Lobatse Town Council and that the education should be specific for each group. For example from the group discussion the participants felt that the reason to why males did not want to utilise HIV and AIDS VCT was because they lacked knowledge on the importance of testing. Also the respondents indicated that there was a need to remove stigma and discrimination through removing confidentiality attached to HIV and AIDS. It was also, recommended that the Lobatse Town Council formulate and implements a workplace policy on HIV and AIDS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Komanyane, Lorato
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9394 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/535 , HIV infections -- Diagnosis -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Coucil , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Employees -- Counseling of -- Botswana -- Lobatse Town Council , AIDS (Disease) -- Botswana
- Description: In this study both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to find out to what extent the Lobatse Town Council employees used Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) HIV and AIDS services, the reasons for using or not using the services, the preferred service providers reasons for choosing a service provider. Lastly recommendations were made on how the uptake HIV and AIDS VCT services could increased amongst the employees. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from the employees of the Lobatse Town Council, and it was established that 65.5 percent of the respondents had used VCT. Females had a higher testing participation rates than males, white collar respondents had a higher testing participation than the blue collar respondents. There was a higher rate amongst the married than the single respondents and the older ages of 30 and above than the young ages of 29 years and under. In the study it was also established that the majority of the respondents considered voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and AIDS as being important. However there were some groups that were more positive than others regarding the importance of testing. More females than males were positive regarding the importance of testing, and also amongst the employment categories the white collar respondents were more positive than the blue collar respondents regarding the importance of HIV and AIDS testing. Furthermore it was established that the most important reason for testing amongst the employees that did test for HIV and AIDS was that they felt that they needed to undergo testing before they tested. The respondents that did not test for HIV and AIDS indicated that the most important reason for not testing was that they were scared the results could not be kept confidential. The research also showed that the most preferred service provider was Tebelopele. Tebelopele was the most used and preferred service provider amongst both gender and age groups, all marital groups and the blue collar group in the employment categories. However, for the white collar group the most preferred service provider was the private practitioners. The most common reason for choosing a service provider was confidentiality and privacy. Lastly, the research makes recommendations on what needs to be done to increase the uptake of VCT HIV and AIDS testing amongst the Lobatse Town Council employees. One of the recommendations is that there was a need to educate the employees of the Lobatse Town Council and that the education should be specific for each group. For example from the group discussion the participants felt that the reason to why males did not want to utilise HIV and AIDS VCT was because they lacked knowledge on the importance of testing. Also the respondents indicated that there was a need to remove stigma and discrimination through removing confidentiality attached to HIV and AIDS. It was also, recommended that the Lobatse Town Council formulate and implements a workplace policy on HIV and AIDS
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Field and laboratory measurements of PMD using interferometric techniques
- Authors: Mankga, Maphuti Comfort
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fiber optics , Polarization (Light)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/557 , Fiber optics , Polarization (Light)
- Description: In this study, the generalized and traditional interferometric techniques (GINTY and TINTY) are used to investigate some of the important aspects of Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) phenomenon in optical fibres. Measurements of PMD and chromatic dispersion (CD) are performed on buried optical fibre cable in the Pretoria Telkom’s metropolitan network. The upgradeability of this network was investigated, and it was observed that just over a half of the fibres are upgradeable to 10 Gb.s-1 transmissions. Long-haul aerial network in the Northern Cape was also tested for upgradeability to 10 Gb.s-1. It was found that 41 percent of the fibres tested are upgradeable to 10 Gb.s-1. Long-term monitoring showed that PMD varies rapidly in aerial fibres and, on the other hand, it is relatively stable in buried cables. Investigations on the accuracy of the techniques showed that polarization scrambling is essential for the reduction of the measurements uncertainties. Furthermore, it was observed that TINTY underestimates the single scan PMD distributions. The study on the effect of the change in mode coupling on various fibre configurations was performed, and fibres showed a reduction in PMD after the introduction of mode coupling. Measurements of PMD conducted in the laboratory on cabled fibre with low PMD showed the floor sensitivity of TINTY. Comparison between GINTY and Jones Matrix Eigeanalysis (JME) PMD measurements methods were performed on an emulator, and the results showed a good agreement in the measured PMD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Mankga, Maphuti Comfort
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Fiber optics , Polarization (Light)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/557 , Fiber optics , Polarization (Light)
- Description: In this study, the generalized and traditional interferometric techniques (GINTY and TINTY) are used to investigate some of the important aspects of Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) phenomenon in optical fibres. Measurements of PMD and chromatic dispersion (CD) are performed on buried optical fibre cable in the Pretoria Telkom’s metropolitan network. The upgradeability of this network was investigated, and it was observed that just over a half of the fibres are upgradeable to 10 Gb.s-1 transmissions. Long-haul aerial network in the Northern Cape was also tested for upgradeability to 10 Gb.s-1. It was found that 41 percent of the fibres tested are upgradeable to 10 Gb.s-1. Long-term monitoring showed that PMD varies rapidly in aerial fibres and, on the other hand, it is relatively stable in buried cables. Investigations on the accuracy of the techniques showed that polarization scrambling is essential for the reduction of the measurements uncertainties. Furthermore, it was observed that TINTY underestimates the single scan PMD distributions. The study on the effect of the change in mode coupling on various fibre configurations was performed, and fibres showed a reduction in PMD after the introduction of mode coupling. Measurements of PMD conducted in the laboratory on cabled fibre with low PMD showed the floor sensitivity of TINTY. Comparison between GINTY and Jones Matrix Eigeanalysis (JME) PMD measurements methods were performed on an emulator, and the results showed a good agreement in the measured PMD.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Financial instability in South Africa : trends and interactions within the financial markets
- Authors: Shikwambana, Jamela
- Date: 2007 , 2013-08-06
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Equilibrium (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005911 , Finance -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Equilibrium (Economics)
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the trends and interactions of market volatility as a source of instability in the South African financial markets. Financial instability can be manifested in the form of banking and currency crisis, institutional failures and extreme asset price volatility. This study, however, focuses on a single aspect of financial instability - asset price volatility. Asset price volatility reflects changes in market expectations as investors react to such changes, and thus on its own is not necessarily a source of instability. However, volatility spillovers can propagate volatility shocks across the market, increasing the risk of widespread instability. Using a combination of graphical and trend analysis as well as more formal estimation techniques, the study examined volatility in the stock, money and foreign exchange markets. To obtain estimates of market volatility, the study experimented with various volatility models that include the GARCH, TARCH and EGARCH. An analysis of volatility interactions and the transmission of volatility shocks across the market is crucial to understanding financial instability. To examine volatility interaction and the transmission of volatility shocks, a VAR model was estimated. This framework allowed us to examine the propagation of shocks across the markets. Volatility in the financial markets was found to be highly persistent and in the case of exchange rates, volatility was also characterised by an increasing trend. Significant linkages between the financial markets were found. The links also extended to the volatility relationship as evidenced by significant volatility spillovers across the markets. While volatility spillovers from the money market were found in the stock market and the foreign exchange market, no volatility spillovers from these markets were found in the money market. Thus the money market was identified as the major source of volatility spillovers and shocks in the financial markets. These results highlighted the role of monetary policy in the financial system, specifically the need to make monetary policy stable and predictable to ensure that interest rate shocks are not an additional source of instability. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Shikwambana, Jamela
- Date: 2007 , 2013-08-06
- Subjects: Finance -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Equilibrium (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1043 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005911 , Finance -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa , Economic stabilization -- South Africa , Stock exchanges -- South Africa , Stocks -- Prices -- South Africa , Interest rates -- South Africa , Equilibrium (Economics)
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the trends and interactions of market volatility as a source of instability in the South African financial markets. Financial instability can be manifested in the form of banking and currency crisis, institutional failures and extreme asset price volatility. This study, however, focuses on a single aspect of financial instability - asset price volatility. Asset price volatility reflects changes in market expectations as investors react to such changes, and thus on its own is not necessarily a source of instability. However, volatility spillovers can propagate volatility shocks across the market, increasing the risk of widespread instability. Using a combination of graphical and trend analysis as well as more formal estimation techniques, the study examined volatility in the stock, money and foreign exchange markets. To obtain estimates of market volatility, the study experimented with various volatility models that include the GARCH, TARCH and EGARCH. An analysis of volatility interactions and the transmission of volatility shocks across the market is crucial to understanding financial instability. To examine volatility interaction and the transmission of volatility shocks, a VAR model was estimated. This framework allowed us to examine the propagation of shocks across the markets. Volatility in the financial markets was found to be highly persistent and in the case of exchange rates, volatility was also characterised by an increasing trend. Significant linkages between the financial markets were found. The links also extended to the volatility relationship as evidenced by significant volatility spillovers across the markets. While volatility spillovers from the money market were found in the stock market and the foreign exchange market, no volatility spillovers from these markets were found in the money market. Thus the money market was identified as the major source of volatility spillovers and shocks in the financial markets. These results highlighted the role of monetary policy in the financial system, specifically the need to make monetary policy stable and predictable to ensure that interest rate shocks are not an additional source of instability. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Food gardens, environmental lesson planning and active learning in the life orientation learning area - foundation phase: a case study at Lungelolethu Lower and Higher Primary School
- Ncula, Ntombizandile Shirley
- Authors: Ncula, Ntombizandile Shirley
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: School gardens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa --Eastern Cape Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003428
- Description: This study was conducted at Lungelolethu Lower/Higher Primary School in Keiskammahoek at a time when I was struggling to understand and implement the new South African curriculum policy, particularly in the Foundation Phase Life Skills Learning Programme. The research focused on my developing an understanding of key Learning Outcomes and linking them with the National Curriculum Statement principle of social justice, human rights, a healthy environment and inclusivity. During this time I was the key 4-H Programme educator in my school, responsible for school food garden activities. I used the school food garden for this study to explore the opportunities the garden might provide to develop the new curriculum using active learning approaches to teaching and learning; as well as to respond to environmental issues such as poverty. This research was an interpretive case study which supported my reflections within a practical action research framework. This framework suited my intention to change my classroom practice. I undertook three action research cycles with the first cycle aimed at gaining insights from the 4-H Programme teachers which informed 2 lesson plans for cycles 2 and 3 respectively. I generated data through focus group interviews, observations, document analysis, video and tape recording, and my research journal entries. The data indicated the value of school food gardens in meeting curriculum requirements, particularly in relation to learner centred ideologies and the first principle of the national curriculum. As both researcher and mediator of learning, I developed skills and knowledge that helped me to understand working in the Foundation Phase. The study also revealed a need for meaningful integration within and across Learning Areas when planning lessons in the Life Skills Learning Programme. The study indicated that there is a need to develop assessment practices beyond a technical exercise to a more interpretive approach. Lastly this study offers some recommendations for further research into the use of school food gardens through taking the context of learners into account and by encouraging school community relationships that will also contribute in poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Ncula, Ntombizandile Shirley
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: School gardens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- South Africa --Eastern Cape Environmental education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1546 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003428
- Description: This study was conducted at Lungelolethu Lower/Higher Primary School in Keiskammahoek at a time when I was struggling to understand and implement the new South African curriculum policy, particularly in the Foundation Phase Life Skills Learning Programme. The research focused on my developing an understanding of key Learning Outcomes and linking them with the National Curriculum Statement principle of social justice, human rights, a healthy environment and inclusivity. During this time I was the key 4-H Programme educator in my school, responsible for school food garden activities. I used the school food garden for this study to explore the opportunities the garden might provide to develop the new curriculum using active learning approaches to teaching and learning; as well as to respond to environmental issues such as poverty. This research was an interpretive case study which supported my reflections within a practical action research framework. This framework suited my intention to change my classroom practice. I undertook three action research cycles with the first cycle aimed at gaining insights from the 4-H Programme teachers which informed 2 lesson plans for cycles 2 and 3 respectively. I generated data through focus group interviews, observations, document analysis, video and tape recording, and my research journal entries. The data indicated the value of school food gardens in meeting curriculum requirements, particularly in relation to learner centred ideologies and the first principle of the national curriculum. As both researcher and mediator of learning, I developed skills and knowledge that helped me to understand working in the Foundation Phase. The study also revealed a need for meaningful integration within and across Learning Areas when planning lessons in the Life Skills Learning Programme. The study indicated that there is a need to develop assessment practices beyond a technical exercise to a more interpretive approach. Lastly this study offers some recommendations for further research into the use of school food gardens through taking the context of learners into account and by encouraging school community relationships that will also contribute in poverty alleviation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Former BETD graduate's understanding and implementation of reflective practice in the Rundu region of Namibia
- Authors: Mwala, Maria Elizabeth
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Educational change -- Namibia , Teacher educators -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003429 , Education -- Namibia , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Educational change -- Namibia , Teacher educators -- Namibia
- 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 with implementing 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: Mwala, Maria Elizabeth
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Educational change -- Namibia , Teacher educators -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1547 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003429 , Education -- Namibia , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia , Educational change -- Namibia , Teacher educators -- Namibia
- 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 with implementing 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
Governing information security using organisational information security profiles
- Authors: Tyukala, Mkhululi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Data protection , Computer security -- Management , Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/626 , Data protection , Computer security -- Management , Computer networks -- Security measures
- Description: The corporate scandals of the last few years have changed the face of information security and its governance. Information security has been elevated to the board of director level due to legislation and corporate governance regulations resulting from the scandals. Now boards of directors have corporate responsibility to ensure that the information assets of an organisation are secure. They are forced to embrace information security and make it part of business strategies. The new support from the board of directors gives information security weight and the voice from the top as well as the financial muscle that other business activities experience. However, as an area that is made up of specialist activities, information security may not easily be comprehended at board level like other business related activities. Yet the board of directors needs to provide oversight of information security. That is, put an information security programme in place to ensure that information is adequately protected. This raises a number of challenges. One of the challenges is how can information security be understood and well informed decisions about it be made at the board level? This dissertation provides a mechanism to present information at board level on how information security is implemented according to the vision of the board of directors. This mechanism is built upon well accepted and documented concepts of information security. The mechanism (termed An Organisational Information Security Profile or OISP) will assist organisations with the initialisation, monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing of information security programmes. Ultimately, the OISP will make it possible to know if the information security endeavours of the organisation are effective or not. If the information security programme is found to be ineffective, The OISP will facilitate the pointing out of areas that are ineffective and what caused the ineffectiveness. This dissertation also presents how the effectiveness or ineffctiveness of information security can be presented at board level using well known visualisation methods. Finally the contribution, limits and areas that need more investigation are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tyukala, Mkhululi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Data protection , Computer security -- Management , Computer networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/626 , Data protection , Computer security -- Management , Computer networks -- Security measures
- Description: The corporate scandals of the last few years have changed the face of information security and its governance. Information security has been elevated to the board of director level due to legislation and corporate governance regulations resulting from the scandals. Now boards of directors have corporate responsibility to ensure that the information assets of an organisation are secure. They are forced to embrace information security and make it part of business strategies. The new support from the board of directors gives information security weight and the voice from the top as well as the financial muscle that other business activities experience. However, as an area that is made up of specialist activities, information security may not easily be comprehended at board level like other business related activities. Yet the board of directors needs to provide oversight of information security. That is, put an information security programme in place to ensure that information is adequately protected. This raises a number of challenges. One of the challenges is how can information security be understood and well informed decisions about it be made at the board level? This dissertation provides a mechanism to present information at board level on how information security is implemented according to the vision of the board of directors. This mechanism is built upon well accepted and documented concepts of information security. The mechanism (termed An Organisational Information Security Profile or OISP) will assist organisations with the initialisation, monitoring, measuring, reporting and reviewing of information security programmes. Ultimately, the OISP will make it possible to know if the information security endeavours of the organisation are effective or not. If the information security programme is found to be ineffective, The OISP will facilitate the pointing out of areas that are ineffective and what caused the ineffectiveness. This dissertation also presents how the effectiveness or ineffctiveness of information security can be presented at board level using well known visualisation methods. Finally the contribution, limits and areas that need more investigation are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Grade 5 teachers' understanding and development of concepts in social studies in selected schools in Namibia
- Authors: Sichombe, Beatrice Sinyama
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Social sciences -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Social science teachers -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005856
- Description: After the introduction of Learner Centred Education in Namibia, a number of studies were conducted on how teachers either perceived learner centred education or implemented it. However, very few studies investigated the teachers' understanding of both subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge; primarily, how they understand and develop key concepts. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Grade 5 teachers' understand and develop key concepts in Social Studies in selected schools in Namibia. The study focused on three teachers in three primary schools in the Caprivi educational region of Namibia. These teachers were purposefully selected as graduates of the teacher education programme instituted at the time of the Namibian education reform process. As a teacher educator, my main motive of conducting this study was to gain a better understanding of some of the issues that have been raised about these graduates' lack of content knowledge. The study adopts a qualitative approach and seeks to investigate (a) how the three teachers in this study understand key concepts and (b) the strategies they use to develop such concepts. Three data collection instruments were employed: interviews, document analysis and class observations. The findings indicate that despite the training that all three teachers in this study received, their understanding of the concepts they taught is problematic. Furthermore, some of the strategies that the teachers used did not bring about learning with understanding. The results of the study revealed how these teachers' problems with concepts and the development of conceptual understanding are related to specific issues and can be attributed to a number of factors. Because of this, the study has provided valuable insights into aspects of teacher education that need to be addressed both in terms of in-service and pre-service programmes to support teachers in teaching for understanding, a key idea underpinning the reform process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Sichombe, Beatrice Sinyama
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Social sciences -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Social science teachers -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia Education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005856
- Description: After the introduction of Learner Centred Education in Namibia, a number of studies were conducted on how teachers either perceived learner centred education or implemented it. However, very few studies investigated the teachers' understanding of both subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge; primarily, how they understand and develop key concepts. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Grade 5 teachers' understand and develop key concepts in Social Studies in selected schools in Namibia. The study focused on three teachers in three primary schools in the Caprivi educational region of Namibia. These teachers were purposefully selected as graduates of the teacher education programme instituted at the time of the Namibian education reform process. As a teacher educator, my main motive of conducting this study was to gain a better understanding of some of the issues that have been raised about these graduates' lack of content knowledge. The study adopts a qualitative approach and seeks to investigate (a) how the three teachers in this study understand key concepts and (b) the strategies they use to develop such concepts. Three data collection instruments were employed: interviews, document analysis and class observations. The findings indicate that despite the training that all three teachers in this study received, their understanding of the concepts they taught is problematic. Furthermore, some of the strategies that the teachers used did not bring about learning with understanding. The results of the study revealed how these teachers' problems with concepts and the development of conceptual understanding are related to specific issues and can be attributed to a number of factors. Because of this, the study has provided valuable insights into aspects of teacher education that need to be addressed both in terms of in-service and pre-service programmes to support teachers in teaching for understanding, a key idea underpinning the reform process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Grandmothers, mothers and daughters : transformations and coping strategies in Xhosa households in Grahamstown
- Authors: Schwartz, Linda Mary
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women, Xhosa -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Poor women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Women -- South Africa -- Social conditions Women -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006190
- Description: The aim of this oral history study is to explore the ways in which constructions of gender have brought women to the point where they now bear most of the burden of responsibility in their relationships with men and for the wellbeing of children. This study speaks into the gap of the undocumented history of women's lived experience as told by women themselves. It is a generational study which charts the transformations and coping strategies of women in Xhosa households since the 1940s. The study found that the familial burdens related to women's sexuality and fertility, raising of children and financial responsibilities in a time of HIV / AIDS have increased. Teenage pregnancies, the discipline of children, HIV / AIDS and the ever present aspects of poverty are major issues these women face. The stress of day to day demands on their lives precluded them the opportunity to reflect on the underlying causes and historical roots of their circumstances. Little understanding of the gendered order of their lives was expressed by the respondents. The use of feminist methodology authenticated the women's stories as they produced knowledge of their lived experience. The interview questions raised awareness of the gender bias underlying much of their struggles at home. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Schwartz, Linda Mary
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Women, Xhosa -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Poor women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Women -- South Africa -- Social conditions Women -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Women -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2585 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006190
- Description: The aim of this oral history study is to explore the ways in which constructions of gender have brought women to the point where they now bear most of the burden of responsibility in their relationships with men and for the wellbeing of children. This study speaks into the gap of the undocumented history of women's lived experience as told by women themselves. It is a generational study which charts the transformations and coping strategies of women in Xhosa households since the 1940s. The study found that the familial burdens related to women's sexuality and fertility, raising of children and financial responsibilities in a time of HIV / AIDS have increased. Teenage pregnancies, the discipline of children, HIV / AIDS and the ever present aspects of poverty are major issues these women face. The stress of day to day demands on their lives precluded them the opportunity to reflect on the underlying causes and historical roots of their circumstances. Little understanding of the gendered order of their lives was expressed by the respondents. The use of feminist methodology authenticated the women's stories as they produced knowledge of their lived experience. The interview questions raised awareness of the gender bias underlying much of their struggles at home. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Hermeneutics and memory in selected works by Willem Boshoff
- Authors: Tryon, Denzil Jordan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Boshoff, Willem, 1951- Hermeneutics Memory in art Art, Modern -- 20th century -- South Africa Installations (Art) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004453
- Description: From Introduction: Willem Boshoff was born in Vereeniging, South Africa, in 1951. The son of a carpenter, Boshoff developed an early interest in art. Although never taught formally by his father, he nevertheless acquired a knowledge of the craft of carpentry, a skill which he continues to utilize in much of his art-making today. Boshoff studied at the Johannesburg College of Art, and obtained a Master's Diploma in Technology in Fine Art in 1984. He taught at that institution for twelve years, becoming a full-time art practitioner in 1996. He produced some significant works prior to and during the time of his teaching tenure, including his KykAfrikaans visual poetry in 1979-1980, Bangboek between 1977-1986, and the researching and writing of the Dictionary of Perplexing English in 1986 (ending in 1999). In this study I will discuss Willem Boshoff's careful employment of language and materials, througb which he propagates his "study of ignorance" (Williamson and Jamal 1996:148). I will investigate two major works by Boshoff, namely The Writing in the Sand and The Blind Alphabet in Chapters 1 and 2 respectively. Both of these installations are concerned fundamentally with the subversion of power relationships and elitism. As I will show, both works offer an opportunity to investigate their objectives in relation to discourses surrounding language and hermeneutics. My study includes a third chapter, in which I discuss my own work entitled The Bread of the Presence in relation to Boshoff's own methodologies. As will be demonstrated with particular reference to The Blind Alphabet and my own work, a discussion of memory proves to be of some relevance within this dialogue.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Tryon, Denzil Jordan
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Boshoff, Willem, 1951- Hermeneutics Memory in art Art, Modern -- 20th century -- South Africa Installations (Art) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2433 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004453
- Description: From Introduction: Willem Boshoff was born in Vereeniging, South Africa, in 1951. The son of a carpenter, Boshoff developed an early interest in art. Although never taught formally by his father, he nevertheless acquired a knowledge of the craft of carpentry, a skill which he continues to utilize in much of his art-making today. Boshoff studied at the Johannesburg College of Art, and obtained a Master's Diploma in Technology in Fine Art in 1984. He taught at that institution for twelve years, becoming a full-time art practitioner in 1996. He produced some significant works prior to and during the time of his teaching tenure, including his KykAfrikaans visual poetry in 1979-1980, Bangboek between 1977-1986, and the researching and writing of the Dictionary of Perplexing English in 1986 (ending in 1999). In this study I will discuss Willem Boshoff's careful employment of language and materials, througb which he propagates his "study of ignorance" (Williamson and Jamal 1996:148). I will investigate two major works by Boshoff, namely The Writing in the Sand and The Blind Alphabet in Chapters 1 and 2 respectively. Both of these installations are concerned fundamentally with the subversion of power relationships and elitism. As I will show, both works offer an opportunity to investigate their objectives in relation to discourses surrounding language and hermeneutics. My study includes a third chapter, in which I discuss my own work entitled The Bread of the Presence in relation to Boshoff's own methodologies. As will be demonstrated with particular reference to The Blind Alphabet and my own work, a discussion of memory proves to be of some relevance within this dialogue.
- 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
Identifying departmental team dynamics in a regulated casino environment
- Authors: Hughes, David Robert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Training of , Casinos -- Management , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/798 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Training of , Casinos -- Management , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Description: Literature has been reviewed on the formation and structure of groups and teams in order to establish what differences there are in the types of teams that exist in the modern workplace, and what it is that facilitates effective and high performance of such teams. From the results of the qualitative research conducted, the author is of the opinion that the notion of teams operating in the regulated casino environment is somewhat exaggerated. At year end functions and award ceremonies, mention is made of the teams that successfully contributed to the various achievements but, upon closer inspection, no teams are evident at the “coal face”. Some of the reasons for this may be that there appears to be a lack of those skills necessary to harness people into successful teams especially during the early stages of the business lifecycle. Too few people at grass root level have the required knowledge, skills and attitude to take the lead and form a team especially in an unfamiliar environment. It may also be as a result of the different management styles imposed on the labour force over a long period of time. As organisations are forced to become more competitive, especially on the global market, it is the author’s opinion that the management style in progressive organisations will probably have shifted from autocratic to paternalistic to democratic; yet very few businesses are practicing participative management, although buzzwords relating to participative management are used freely. Ultimately, accountability rests with top management and results are measured by bottom line figures. Since accountability is centralised, the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for success are also confined to management who is likely to be criticised, attacked, or got rid of, and these recipients are often not volunteering to share the benefits reaped – even though the recipients would mutter words such as “if it were not for my team” or “ thanks to my team”. With this viewpoint in mind the treatise aims to address specific and practical interventions that could be implemented without much organisational change and yet developing a culture of team development and team building within an organisation. The author is of the opinion that the responses imparted from the different respondents in the research results could benefit Sun International within its training methodology policy framework. Although, each casino unit is managed autonomously, Sun International, via its centralised training facility, could apply successful specific and practical training interventions in respect of team dynamics. Results extracted from unit staff climate surveys and staff feedback sessions could be collated from the different training departments within the group and presented in workshops at quarterly conferences and feedback seminars. The effectiveness of these interventions, once implemented, could be assessed in a performance measurement framework. Eales-White (1996: 34) quotes Peters as saying, “I observe the power of the team is so great that it is often wise to violate common sense and force a team structure on almost anything … companies that do, will achieve greater focus, stronger task orientation and enhanced individual commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Hughes, David Robert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Training of , Casinos -- Management , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8734 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/798 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Training of , Casinos -- Management , Management -- Employee participation -- South Africa
- Description: Literature has been reviewed on the formation and structure of groups and teams in order to establish what differences there are in the types of teams that exist in the modern workplace, and what it is that facilitates effective and high performance of such teams. From the results of the qualitative research conducted, the author is of the opinion that the notion of teams operating in the regulated casino environment is somewhat exaggerated. At year end functions and award ceremonies, mention is made of the teams that successfully contributed to the various achievements but, upon closer inspection, no teams are evident at the “coal face”. Some of the reasons for this may be that there appears to be a lack of those skills necessary to harness people into successful teams especially during the early stages of the business lifecycle. Too few people at grass root level have the required knowledge, skills and attitude to take the lead and form a team especially in an unfamiliar environment. It may also be as a result of the different management styles imposed on the labour force over a long period of time. As organisations are forced to become more competitive, especially on the global market, it is the author’s opinion that the management style in progressive organisations will probably have shifted from autocratic to paternalistic to democratic; yet very few businesses are practicing participative management, although buzzwords relating to participative management are used freely. Ultimately, accountability rests with top management and results are measured by bottom line figures. Since accountability is centralised, the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards for success are also confined to management who is likely to be criticised, attacked, or got rid of, and these recipients are often not volunteering to share the benefits reaped – even though the recipients would mutter words such as “if it were not for my team” or “ thanks to my team”. With this viewpoint in mind the treatise aims to address specific and practical interventions that could be implemented without much organisational change and yet developing a culture of team development and team building within an organisation. The author is of the opinion that the responses imparted from the different respondents in the research results could benefit Sun International within its training methodology policy framework. Although, each casino unit is managed autonomously, Sun International, via its centralised training facility, could apply successful specific and practical training interventions in respect of team dynamics. Results extracted from unit staff climate surveys and staff feedback sessions could be collated from the different training departments within the group and presented in workshops at quarterly conferences and feedback seminars. The effectiveness of these interventions, once implemented, could be assessed in a performance measurement framework. Eales-White (1996: 34) quotes Peters as saying, “I observe the power of the team is so great that it is often wise to violate common sense and force a team structure on almost anything … companies that do, will achieve greater focus, stronger task orientation and enhanced individual commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Identifying financial success factors for SMMEs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Krog, Naomi Maria
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/792 , Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In March 1995, the South African government formulated the White Paper for the development and promotion of small business in South Africa to foster an environment in which small and medium enterprises could operate. SMMEs play an important role in job creation in South Africa. The survival of SMMEs is reliant on the abilities of the entrepreneur to succeed. An entrepreneur’s abilities and knowledge plays a very important role in the assessing process when applying for finance. There are various financial institutions in South Africa that have different criteria and turnover requirements to assess such applications. Financial institutions include banks, funds and privately owned institutions. The purpose of this study was to identify the financial success factors for SMMEs in the Eastern Cape. During the study, 32 success factors were identified. The most important factors amongst these include financials, knowledge of management, competition / market, past conduct of banking account, source of repayment, purpose, business ability / product, collateral, capital and industry risk / knowledge. These findings resulted in the various recommendations, as well as suggestions for further research opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Krog, Naomi Maria
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8570 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/792 , Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In March 1995, the South African government formulated the White Paper for the development and promotion of small business in South Africa to foster an environment in which small and medium enterprises could operate. SMMEs play an important role in job creation in South Africa. The survival of SMMEs is reliant on the abilities of the entrepreneur to succeed. An entrepreneur’s abilities and knowledge plays a very important role in the assessing process when applying for finance. There are various financial institutions in South Africa that have different criteria and turnover requirements to assess such applications. Financial institutions include banks, funds and privately owned institutions. The purpose of this study was to identify the financial success factors for SMMEs in the Eastern Cape. During the study, 32 success factors were identified. The most important factors amongst these include financials, knowledge of management, competition / market, past conduct of banking account, source of repayment, purpose, business ability / product, collateral, capital and industry risk / knowledge. These findings resulted in the various recommendations, as well as suggestions for further research opportunities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007