The independent high rate algal pond as a unit operation in tertiary wastewater treatment
- Authors: Clark, Stewart James
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Algae -- Biotechnology , Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007805
- Description: The development of the High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) as an independent tertiary treatment unit operation for phosphate and nitrate removal is reported. A novel Integrated Algal Ponding System (lAPS) design is proposed for nutrient removal from the effluents of both a conventional domestic sewage treatment plant and from an Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding System (AIWPS). The viability of an independently operated HRAP has been identified and termed the Independent High Rate Algal Pond (l-HRAP). A 500 m² pilot 1- HRAP was operated in such a way as to facilitate the precipitation of calcium phosphate, known to be controlled by pH (greater than 9.4) and resulting in final phosphate levels of less than 1 mg.L⁻¹ as P0₄-P. The incorporation of the I-HRAP into a denitrification process was also investigated. Continuously fed column reactors, utilising algal biomass as a carbon source, showed that the heterotrophic bacterial community dominant in the anaerobic algal sludge were denitrifying the nitrate in the feed. It was demonstrated that as the cultures were stressed (using increased nitrate concentrations, anaerobiosis and light starvation) total polysaccharide (TPS) concentrations increased, with a notable increase 111 the exopolysaccharide (EPS) fraction. These experiments corroborated the hypothesis that harvested microalgal biomass can be manipulated to produce, and release, exopolymeric substances under stress conditions, and which may serve as carbon source for denitrification. In both batch flask studies and in laboratory-scale reactor systems, harvested microalgal biomass from an HRAP was shown to produce exopolymeric substances under stress conditions. Initial high loading-rates of greater than 20 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N resulted in double the amount of exopolysaccharide production than in flasks with initial low loading-rates (less than 5 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N). Making use of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket-type degrading-bed reactor, and an anaerobic, flooded trickle filter (ANTRIC) receiving HRAP effluent, the relationship between denitrification and the changes in polysaccharide content was investigated. This phenomenon has considerable beneficial implications in biological wastewater treatment systems where high nitrate concentration in the final effluent is a potential mitigating factor. Identification of the heterotrophic bacteria active in the denitrification process was attempted. This study presents a first report on the development and operation of the I-HRAP and has been followed by a technical-scale pilot plant evaluation of the process in the tertiary treatment of domestic wastewaters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Clark, Stewart James
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Algae -- Biotechnology , Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007805
- Description: The development of the High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) as an independent tertiary treatment unit operation for phosphate and nitrate removal is reported. A novel Integrated Algal Ponding System (lAPS) design is proposed for nutrient removal from the effluents of both a conventional domestic sewage treatment plant and from an Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding System (AIWPS). The viability of an independently operated HRAP has been identified and termed the Independent High Rate Algal Pond (l-HRAP). A 500 m² pilot 1- HRAP was operated in such a way as to facilitate the precipitation of calcium phosphate, known to be controlled by pH (greater than 9.4) and resulting in final phosphate levels of less than 1 mg.L⁻¹ as P0₄-P. The incorporation of the I-HRAP into a denitrification process was also investigated. Continuously fed column reactors, utilising algal biomass as a carbon source, showed that the heterotrophic bacterial community dominant in the anaerobic algal sludge were denitrifying the nitrate in the feed. It was demonstrated that as the cultures were stressed (using increased nitrate concentrations, anaerobiosis and light starvation) total polysaccharide (TPS) concentrations increased, with a notable increase 111 the exopolysaccharide (EPS) fraction. These experiments corroborated the hypothesis that harvested microalgal biomass can be manipulated to produce, and release, exopolymeric substances under stress conditions, and which may serve as carbon source for denitrification. In both batch flask studies and in laboratory-scale reactor systems, harvested microalgal biomass from an HRAP was shown to produce exopolymeric substances under stress conditions. Initial high loading-rates of greater than 20 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N resulted in double the amount of exopolysaccharide production than in flasks with initial low loading-rates (less than 5 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N). Making use of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket-type degrading-bed reactor, and an anaerobic, flooded trickle filter (ANTRIC) receiving HRAP effluent, the relationship between denitrification and the changes in polysaccharide content was investigated. This phenomenon has considerable beneficial implications in biological wastewater treatment systems where high nitrate concentration in the final effluent is a potential mitigating factor. Identification of the heterotrophic bacteria active in the denitrification process was attempted. This study presents a first report on the development and operation of the I-HRAP and has been followed by a technical-scale pilot plant evaluation of the process in the tertiary treatment of domestic wastewaters.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
The representation of "South Africanness" in the locally produced television production, Generations
- Authors: Dentlinger, Lindsay
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Television soap operas -- South Africa , National characteristics, South African, In Literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002878 , Television soap operas -- South Africa , National characteristics, South African, In Literature
- Description: The aim of this study is to analyse selected episodes of the locally produced television programme Generations, in order to identify specific ways in which the programme seeks to forge a South African identity, and in so doing, 'flag' our nationhood as South Africans. These elements of 'South Africanness' are broadly defined as connections to a South African way of life, context, values and experiences. Generations is a programme produced under South African broadcasting local content provisions. These provisions arise out of the need, inter alia, to reflect the identity and multi-cultural nature of South Africa in order to foster 'national identity' and 'national culture'. These elements of 'South Africanness' are extracted through a genre and ideological analysis of selected sample episodes, taking into consideration the theoretical frameworks of the politics of representation and identity. The production context of, and representations made, in Generations, are found to be situated largely within the context of the South African discourses of the ‘rainbow nation', 'African renaissance' and 'black economic empowerment'. The analysis concludes that through the various categories of representations of 'South Africanness' in the selected episodes of Generations, specific instances of identity, that of national culture and national identity are formed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
The representation of "South Africanness" in the locally produced television production, Generations
- Authors: Dentlinger, Lindsay
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Television soap operas -- South Africa , National characteristics, South African, In Literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3425 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002878 , Television soap operas -- South Africa , National characteristics, South African, In Literature
- Description: The aim of this study is to analyse selected episodes of the locally produced television programme Generations, in order to identify specific ways in which the programme seeks to forge a South African identity, and in so doing, 'flag' our nationhood as South Africans. These elements of 'South Africanness' are broadly defined as connections to a South African way of life, context, values and experiences. Generations is a programme produced under South African broadcasting local content provisions. These provisions arise out of the need, inter alia, to reflect the identity and multi-cultural nature of South Africa in order to foster 'national identity' and 'national culture'. These elements of 'South Africanness' are extracted through a genre and ideological analysis of selected sample episodes, taking into consideration the theoretical frameworks of the politics of representation and identity. The production context of, and representations made, in Generations, are found to be situated largely within the context of the South African discourses of the ‘rainbow nation', 'African renaissance' and 'black economic empowerment'. The analysis concludes that through the various categories of representations of 'South Africanness' in the selected episodes of Generations, specific instances of identity, that of national culture and national identity are formed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Probing learners' conceptual understanding of oxidation and reduction (redox) reactions : a case study
- Authors: Addam, Billey Bright
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Competency based education -- South Africa Oxidation-reduction reaction -- Study and teaching Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002950
- Description: The new political dispensation in South Africa has seen a lot of changes taking place. The democratic wind, which has been blowing in all spheres of the political arena, could not leave out Education. This has led to the transformation in education and the revision of the curriculum guided by the Outcomes-Based Education philosophy (OBE). Thus, require education authorities as well as educators to look at education more comprehensively. The challenge posed to educators now is to develop tools and strategies that will make learning accessible to as many learners as possible and to teach for understanding and construction of knowledge. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the important role the learner's prior knowledge plays and the use of different tools and strategies in stimulating conceptual understanding and construction of knowledge of redox reactions. This was done using learners' own investigations, practical activities, teaching settings and a workshop. The findings show that the learners lacked organized and structured prior knowledge. Learners could not integrate prior experience with new experience. The main issue seems to be the failure of learners to relate classroom experience to everyday redox phenomena. Possible reasons are discussed with some implications for teaching redox. The study further postulates that to assist learners to develop conceptual understanding of redox reactions, different tools and strategies should be employed and teaching made relevant to real-life situations. In so doing, redox concepts would not be abstract to learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Addam, Billey Bright
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Competency based education -- South Africa Oxidation-reduction reaction -- Study and teaching Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002950
- Description: The new political dispensation in South Africa has seen a lot of changes taking place. The democratic wind, which has been blowing in all spheres of the political arena, could not leave out Education. This has led to the transformation in education and the revision of the curriculum guided by the Outcomes-Based Education philosophy (OBE). Thus, require education authorities as well as educators to look at education more comprehensively. The challenge posed to educators now is to develop tools and strategies that will make learning accessible to as many learners as possible and to teach for understanding and construction of knowledge. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the important role the learner's prior knowledge plays and the use of different tools and strategies in stimulating conceptual understanding and construction of knowledge of redox reactions. This was done using learners' own investigations, practical activities, teaching settings and a workshop. The findings show that the learners lacked organized and structured prior knowledge. Learners could not integrate prior experience with new experience. The main issue seems to be the failure of learners to relate classroom experience to everyday redox phenomena. Possible reasons are discussed with some implications for teaching redox. The study further postulates that to assist learners to develop conceptual understanding of redox reactions, different tools and strategies should be employed and teaching made relevant to real-life situations. In so doing, redox concepts would not be abstract to learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The pineal gland as a model to elucidate the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001610
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Welman, Alan David
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Pineal gland , Cythochemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001610
- Description: An attempt was made to use the pineal gland as a model for the study of the primary mode of action of sympathoactive agents. Two drugs were investigated, viz. alpha-methyldopa and ephedrine whose mode of action is not entirely clear. Organ cultures of pineal glands from rats treated chronically with alpha-methyldopa showed enhanced conversion of radioactive serotonin to melatonin (aMT) , as well as its precursor Nacetylserotonin (aHT). This treatment was also found to raise Nacetyltransferase (NAT) activity. These increases associated with alpha-methyldopa treatment were further enhanced by the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-receptor. A subsequent binding study, however, showed a decrease in beta-receptor binding with exposure to alpha-methyldopa, providing mitigating evidence against the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that a metabolite of alpha-methyldopa acts as an alpha 1 and beta-adrenergic agonist, resulting in greater melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) synthesis than by a beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Combined treatment of pineals with alpha-methyldopa and an alphareceptor blocker, phentolamine, resulted in melatonin (aMT) , Nacetylserotonin (aHT) , and N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels which were lower than those obtained with alpha-methyldopa treatment alone, thus confirming the alpha-adrenergic activity of the metabolite of alpha-methyldopa. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured simultaneously in the organ culture experiments. Organ cultures of rat pineal glands treated with ephedrine showed raised levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT). Treatment with ephedrine also produced raised N-acetyltransferase activity. A further enhancement of these parameters was induced by norepinephrine, suggesting a supersensitivity-type effect occurring at the level of the beta-adrenergic receptor. Rats were treated with reserpine (a norepinephrine depleter) and the pineals exposed to ephedrine. Endogenous norepinephrine normally released by the action of ephedrine was thus absent, and under these conditions, levels of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) were reduced. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity was also reduced, but maintained levels pointing to substantial adrenergic activity of ephedrine as well as norepinephrine released by virtue of the drug's action. A subsequent binding study showed a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor binding with exposure to ephedrine and a further decrease in ephedrine treated pineals from reserpine treated rats, thus ruling out the occurrence of a supersensitivity phenomenon. It is possible that both ephedrine and released norepinephrine have alpha- and beta-receptor activity. Additional pineal metabolites were isolated and measured in the organ culture experiments. A 16-hour time profile of the production of melatonin (aMT) and N-acetylserotonin (aHT) with norepinephrine and ephedrine treatment provided useful information regarding the course of action of the two agents. A pineal cell-culture system was developed and exposed to ephedrine and norepinephrine. N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity levels measured after exposure to these agents were raised, confirming the adrenergic activity of both in the model. Finally, an HPLC system coupled to a UV detector was used in an attempt to measure melatonin (aMT) extracted from pineal organ culture media. The results showed that melatonin could be measured by this method, however, a more sensitive detection system was recommended for future work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers in the treatment and manipulation of the reproductive system of non-descript goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Rwodzi, Maxwell
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019767 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E.elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Rwodzi, Maxwell
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019767 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E.elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Aspects of the ecology and reproductive biology of the limpet, Helcion pruinosus (Gastropoda : prosobranchia)
- Authors: Henninger, Tony Oskar
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Prosobranchia , Limpets -- Reproduction , Limpets -- Ecology , Prosobranchia -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005323 , Prosobranchia , Limpets -- Reproduction , Limpets -- Ecology , Prosobranchia -- Ecology
- Description: Helcion pruinosus, the rayed limpet, is found in the midshore region of the intertidal zone, (i.e. the Balanoid zone) of rocky shores, from Saldanha Bay to Sodwana Bay along the coast of South Africa. At Gonubie (32°57'S/25°01'E) this species of limpet was found under boulders, (when not feeding), and could reach average densities of 85/ m². The limpets prefer smooth boulders, avoiding those encrusted by coralline algae or boulders with a rough texture. There was no habitat segregation between adult and juvenile H. pruinosus, i.e. there was no sign of up-shore migration by larger individuals. Males out-numbered females by, on average 1.4 : 1, which was a similar sex ratio to that of the congeneric species, H. pectunculus (Gray, 996). Unlike H. pectunculus, there were no differences in shell lengths between males and females (p = 0.946 at Gonubie, south-east coast and p = 0.961 at Kommetjie, south-west coast; t-test). Shell height could also not be used as a criterion to differentiate between the sexes. The average maximum shell length of H. pruinosus at Gonubie and Kommetjie was 25 mm, but the maximum shell lengths found were 30 mm, (one individual in each case), on both the southeast coast and west coast. Growth occurred most rapidly in the first year of life, with individuals reaching 15 mm after 1 year. In the second year limpet growth slowed to only 7 mm. Sexual maturity was reached at a shell length of between 11 to 14 mm (at an age of 8 months to 1 year). The life-span of H. pruinosus was determined at 2.55 years on the south-east coast and 2.9 years on the south-west coast. Micro-growth bands were produced tidally. Growth occurred allometrically, i.e. shell length increased at a faster rate than shell height. The limpets foraged during low tide, at night, presumably feeding on epilithic algae on the boulders. A second smaller peak of limpet activity was often recorded during the day, when low tide coincided with dawn). More limpets (up to ten times more) were active at spring tides compared to neap tides. Limpet activity was greatest during the spring tides of autumn. During all seasons limpet activity peaked 30 minutes before low water, after which numbers decreased rapidly. All limpets had retreated beneath the boulders before being covered by the flooding tide. It was concluded that the limpets were responding to both endogenous and exogenous cues, but the actual stimulus for retreat could not be determined. The limpets did not return to a fixed scar nor did they return rigidly to a home site. H. pruinosus was found to be gonochoristic. Sexes could be separated, on dissection, according to the colour of their gonads (males had white gonads, whilst that of the females was olive-green). Gonads were present throughout the year in most individuals, i.e. totally spent animals were never observed. Reproductive seasonality was similar in west coast and south-east coast animals. The gonad indices of the west coast limpets were higher, (maximum of 35%), compared to that on the southeast coast, (25%). The animals were probably trickle spawners, with some individuals liberating gametes throughout the year. There was however synchrony in gametogenesis between male and female limpets on both the west coast and south-east coast lines. Gonad indices peaked in the summer months (October to December) with a second minor peak in April/May. These peaks occurred before the release of the gametes in spawning events. The gonad index was lowest in winter, (July). The ovaries were full of mature eggs (oocytes having a diameter of 200 to 250 ~) prior to spawning. The acinal wall thickness had been decreasing prior to spawning. After spawning there was an increase in previtellogenic eggs « 100 μm) in females, and an increase in the acinal wall thickness to indicate spermatogenesis. The two populations are subjected to different environmental conditions and the actual cue for stimulating the release of gametes could not be determined. Finally, a table of differences between H pruinosus and its sister species, H pectunculus was created to show the life-style of H pruinosus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Henninger, Tony Oskar
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Prosobranchia , Limpets -- Reproduction , Limpets -- Ecology , Prosobranchia -- Ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005323 , Prosobranchia , Limpets -- Reproduction , Limpets -- Ecology , Prosobranchia -- Ecology
- Description: Helcion pruinosus, the rayed limpet, is found in the midshore region of the intertidal zone, (i.e. the Balanoid zone) of rocky shores, from Saldanha Bay to Sodwana Bay along the coast of South Africa. At Gonubie (32°57'S/25°01'E) this species of limpet was found under boulders, (when not feeding), and could reach average densities of 85/ m². The limpets prefer smooth boulders, avoiding those encrusted by coralline algae or boulders with a rough texture. There was no habitat segregation between adult and juvenile H. pruinosus, i.e. there was no sign of up-shore migration by larger individuals. Males out-numbered females by, on average 1.4 : 1, which was a similar sex ratio to that of the congeneric species, H. pectunculus (Gray, 996). Unlike H. pectunculus, there were no differences in shell lengths between males and females (p = 0.946 at Gonubie, south-east coast and p = 0.961 at Kommetjie, south-west coast; t-test). Shell height could also not be used as a criterion to differentiate between the sexes. The average maximum shell length of H. pruinosus at Gonubie and Kommetjie was 25 mm, but the maximum shell lengths found were 30 mm, (one individual in each case), on both the southeast coast and west coast. Growth occurred most rapidly in the first year of life, with individuals reaching 15 mm after 1 year. In the second year limpet growth slowed to only 7 mm. Sexual maturity was reached at a shell length of between 11 to 14 mm (at an age of 8 months to 1 year). The life-span of H. pruinosus was determined at 2.55 years on the south-east coast and 2.9 years on the south-west coast. Micro-growth bands were produced tidally. Growth occurred allometrically, i.e. shell length increased at a faster rate than shell height. The limpets foraged during low tide, at night, presumably feeding on epilithic algae on the boulders. A second smaller peak of limpet activity was often recorded during the day, when low tide coincided with dawn). More limpets (up to ten times more) were active at spring tides compared to neap tides. Limpet activity was greatest during the spring tides of autumn. During all seasons limpet activity peaked 30 minutes before low water, after which numbers decreased rapidly. All limpets had retreated beneath the boulders before being covered by the flooding tide. It was concluded that the limpets were responding to both endogenous and exogenous cues, but the actual stimulus for retreat could not be determined. The limpets did not return to a fixed scar nor did they return rigidly to a home site. H. pruinosus was found to be gonochoristic. Sexes could be separated, on dissection, according to the colour of their gonads (males had white gonads, whilst that of the females was olive-green). Gonads were present throughout the year in most individuals, i.e. totally spent animals were never observed. Reproductive seasonality was similar in west coast and south-east coast animals. The gonad indices of the west coast limpets were higher, (maximum of 35%), compared to that on the southeast coast, (25%). The animals were probably trickle spawners, with some individuals liberating gametes throughout the year. There was however synchrony in gametogenesis between male and female limpets on both the west coast and south-east coast lines. Gonad indices peaked in the summer months (October to December) with a second minor peak in April/May. These peaks occurred before the release of the gametes in spawning events. The gonad index was lowest in winter, (July). The ovaries were full of mature eggs (oocytes having a diameter of 200 to 250 ~) prior to spawning. The acinal wall thickness had been decreasing prior to spawning. After spawning there was an increase in previtellogenic eggs « 100 μm) in females, and an increase in the acinal wall thickness to indicate spermatogenesis. The two populations are subjected to different environmental conditions and the actual cue for stimulating the release of gametes could not be determined. Finally, a table of differences between H pruinosus and its sister species, H pectunculus was created to show the life-style of H pruinosus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the Karoo
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001894
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: Hobson, Colin Desmond
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: Botany, Economic Plant introduction -- South Africa -- Karoo Plants, Cultivated
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001894
- Description: This study examines the environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the planting of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. (Oldman saltbush) in the karoo. This is the first study of its kind on oldman saltbush and serves as an important scoping exercise in assessing the impact of saltbush on its surrounds and in identifying additional aspects which require investigation. The environmental parameters investigated include microclimatic effects, soil induced changes, salinity effects on the germination of selected karoo species and compositional changes in the indigenous plant community within a saltbush plantation. When compared to indigenous karoo plant species oldman saltbush is found to ameliorate soil temperatures and increase surface soil salinity (specifically sodium chloride), on an individual plant basis. Salinity is shown to have a differential effect on the germination of selected karoo shrubs. The indigenous plant community within a forty year old saltbush plantation is impoverished with both density of individuals and species richness being markedly reduced. Saltbush is identified as an unsuitable nurse plant for the majority of karoo shrubs. Farm size in relation to both actual and intended area established to saltbush is considered. The area of saltbush already established in the karoo is considered too insignificant to have any wide socio-economic impact. Farmers who intend planting large areas of their farms to saltbush are in the minority. It is those farmers who already have some saltbush planted, who intend planting more. Ecologically based management guidelines are presented, suggesting practices which minimize the detrimental effects of saltbush on soil salinity and the indigenous plant community. These guidelines are practical and in keeping with the overall objectives of optimum resource utilisation and the national grazing strategy for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Physiological and non-physiological induction of gastrointestinal differentiation
- Authors: Brauns, Seth Clint Aron
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Gastrointestinal system -- Differentiation , Gastrointestinal system -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015521
- Description: The human colonic carcinoma cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 both exhibit structural and functional differentiation under appropriate culture conditions. HT-29 can be induced to differentiate by treatment with short-chain fatty acids or acetoacetate. Caco-2 cells differentiate spontaneously upon contact inhibition. In this study HT-29 cells were treated with 5 mM acetate, propionate, butyrate and acetoacetate (physiological inducers) to assess their effects on the expression of carbonic anhydrase 1, sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase which are reported to be markers of gastrointestinal differentiation. The maturation induction observed was compared to that of the spontaneous differentiation observed in Caco-2 cells. Assays were performed over an 18 day period. Results showed a close correlation (p < 0.05) between HT-29 and Caco-2 cell on days 4 and 12. These results indicate that differentiation reported in both cell lines is comparable and can be used as a basis for further comparative studies. In addition, parallel experiments to the above were conducted using a selection of nine rationally designed cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) potential drug entities which were chosen as non-physiological inducers. The results showed that the cyclic dipeptides were able to induce the gastrointestinal phenotype as observed in HT-29 cells treated with physiological inducers. Studies on the effects of energy-related metabolism in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells as induced by physiological and non-physiological inducers indicated that energy metabolism is a significant role player in gastrointestinal differentiation. The results reported show a decrease in ATP concentrations indicating that the cyclic dipeptides, like physiological inducers, affect the energy state of the HT-29 cells and thus may effect the differentiation of these cells. A positive correlation was found between histone phsophorylation and differentiation confirming that histone phsophorylation was partly responsible for the decrease in ATP concentrations. It is suggested that the induction of differentiation in HT- 29 cells could be either due to non-specific transcription of genes by activation of a chromatin switch or specific by the activation of signal transduction pathways based on the flux of ATP through the cells. Differential display RT-PCR is probably the most sensitive method that could be used to validate the suggestion of either a nonspecific transcription of genes or a specific differentiation reported for HT-29 cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Brauns, Seth Clint Aron
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: Gastrointestinal system -- Differentiation , Gastrointestinal system -- Physiology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:11089 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015521
- Description: The human colonic carcinoma cell lines HT-29 and Caco-2 both exhibit structural and functional differentiation under appropriate culture conditions. HT-29 can be induced to differentiate by treatment with short-chain fatty acids or acetoacetate. Caco-2 cells differentiate spontaneously upon contact inhibition. In this study HT-29 cells were treated with 5 mM acetate, propionate, butyrate and acetoacetate (physiological inducers) to assess their effects on the expression of carbonic anhydrase 1, sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase which are reported to be markers of gastrointestinal differentiation. The maturation induction observed was compared to that of the spontaneous differentiation observed in Caco-2 cells. Assays were performed over an 18 day period. Results showed a close correlation (p < 0.05) between HT-29 and Caco-2 cell on days 4 and 12. These results indicate that differentiation reported in both cell lines is comparable and can be used as a basis for further comparative studies. In addition, parallel experiments to the above were conducted using a selection of nine rationally designed cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) potential drug entities which were chosen as non-physiological inducers. The results showed that the cyclic dipeptides were able to induce the gastrointestinal phenotype as observed in HT-29 cells treated with physiological inducers. Studies on the effects of energy-related metabolism in HT-29 and Caco-2 cells as induced by physiological and non-physiological inducers indicated that energy metabolism is a significant role player in gastrointestinal differentiation. The results reported show a decrease in ATP concentrations indicating that the cyclic dipeptides, like physiological inducers, affect the energy state of the HT-29 cells and thus may effect the differentiation of these cells. A positive correlation was found between histone phsophorylation and differentiation confirming that histone phsophorylation was partly responsible for the decrease in ATP concentrations. It is suggested that the induction of differentiation in HT- 29 cells could be either due to non-specific transcription of genes by activation of a chromatin switch or specific by the activation of signal transduction pathways based on the flux of ATP through the cells. Differential display RT-PCR is probably the most sensitive method that could be used to validate the suggestion of either a nonspecific transcription of genes or a specific differentiation reported for HT-29 cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Substance abuse effects on academic performance and professional behaviour of public nursing college students in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Madikizela, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11407 , vital:39069
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of substance abuse on the academic performance and professional behaviour of students at a public nursing college in order to develop guidelines for the prevention of substance abuse. The design that was chosen as most suitable for this study was the qualitative research design. The researcher chose this method as she sought to explore the effects of substance abuse on the participants in this study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants on the basis of their knowledge of the phenomenon.The participants who were utilised were 3rd and 4th year level students in the four year diploma in nursing. A pilot study was conducted and participants with similar characteristicsto the study population were utilised. Individual interviews were used as the means to collect data during which participants were given an opportunity to discuss issues with the intention of eliciting their views and opinions. One broad, open ended question was used to gather information from the participants and subsequent questions were used to probe further for clarity. Data were collected until saturation pointwas reached. Transcriptions were done within two days of the interview. The researcher repeatedly listened to audio recordings of the data until completely satisfied with verbatim interpretation of data. Data analysis was done manually. The researcher used the process of bracketing during data analysis and remained neutral, setting aside previous knowledge and beliefs about the phenomenon under study. The participants were allowed freedom to conduct their lives as autonomous agents, without control, coercion or exploitation. The findings revealed that: firstly, substance abuse has a negative impact of on both the academic performance and professional behaviour of the public nursing college students; secondly, that guidelines are needed for the prevention of substance abuse amongst students so as to focus on a ‘substance abuse free college environment’. vi The academic performance is negatively affected as substance abuse results in cognitive impairment, failure to meet the 85% lecture attendance requirement resulting in them repeating a year of study or being excluded from the course, and resulting in a missed opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge in nursing. The students’ academic aspirations get derailed. Students also experience strained relationships with lecturers due to drunkenness and bunking classes. Studentlecturer strained relationships are incompatible with academic achievement. Students whose professional behaviour is negatively affected by substance abuse demonstrate unethical conduct and professional misconduct in the clinical setting for experiential learning. The students fail to inculcate the values of the nursing profession and thus tarnish the image of the profession. Such students behave unprofessionally as they either absent themselves from duty, come on duty drunk or continue taking substances while on duty. They are also rude and swear at colleagues, supervisors, other staff members and patients. The students steal from colleagues and display insubordination. Their dress code is unprofessional and they are incompetent with poor standards of care towards the patients. The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines to prevent substance abuse at the college and this has been achieved. The results show that the college environment should be made substance abuse free by: firstly, identifying and mitigating the predisposing factors or reasons for substance abuse, for example: establish a proper and aesthetic infrastructure conducive to learning and teaching at the students’ residences and classrooms, set up mentorship programmes and introduce the house-mother model at residences; secondly, developing a policy on prevention of substance abuse within college premises including disciplinary measures; thirdly, developing stress management programmes for students to prevent abuse of substances as a coping mechanism, e.g. decongest the curriculum, curriculum review to be consultative, develop support groups, grant mid-year breaks and provide recreational and sporting facilities; fourthly, engage the services of a vii professional therapist for students who are already abusing substances or referral to the therapist; fifthly, clinical accompaniment should be strengthened for effective correlation of theory and practice; and, lastly, engage the services of a financial advisor to give guidance on income and expenditure with regard to student stipend instead of spending it on substances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Madikizela, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Substance abuse -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11407 , vital:39069
- Description: The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of substance abuse on the academic performance and professional behaviour of students at a public nursing college in order to develop guidelines for the prevention of substance abuse. The design that was chosen as most suitable for this study was the qualitative research design. The researcher chose this method as she sought to explore the effects of substance abuse on the participants in this study. A purposive sampling method was used to select participants on the basis of their knowledge of the phenomenon.The participants who were utilised were 3rd and 4th year level students in the four year diploma in nursing. A pilot study was conducted and participants with similar characteristicsto the study population were utilised. Individual interviews were used as the means to collect data during which participants were given an opportunity to discuss issues with the intention of eliciting their views and opinions. One broad, open ended question was used to gather information from the participants and subsequent questions were used to probe further for clarity. Data were collected until saturation pointwas reached. Transcriptions were done within two days of the interview. The researcher repeatedly listened to audio recordings of the data until completely satisfied with verbatim interpretation of data. Data analysis was done manually. The researcher used the process of bracketing during data analysis and remained neutral, setting aside previous knowledge and beliefs about the phenomenon under study. The participants were allowed freedom to conduct their lives as autonomous agents, without control, coercion or exploitation. The findings revealed that: firstly, substance abuse has a negative impact of on both the academic performance and professional behaviour of the public nursing college students; secondly, that guidelines are needed for the prevention of substance abuse amongst students so as to focus on a ‘substance abuse free college environment’. vi The academic performance is negatively affected as substance abuse results in cognitive impairment, failure to meet the 85% lecture attendance requirement resulting in them repeating a year of study or being excluded from the course, and resulting in a missed opportunity to acquire scientific knowledge in nursing. The students’ academic aspirations get derailed. Students also experience strained relationships with lecturers due to drunkenness and bunking classes. Studentlecturer strained relationships are incompatible with academic achievement. Students whose professional behaviour is negatively affected by substance abuse demonstrate unethical conduct and professional misconduct in the clinical setting for experiential learning. The students fail to inculcate the values of the nursing profession and thus tarnish the image of the profession. Such students behave unprofessionally as they either absent themselves from duty, come on duty drunk or continue taking substances while on duty. They are also rude and swear at colleagues, supervisors, other staff members and patients. The students steal from colleagues and display insubordination. Their dress code is unprofessional and they are incompetent with poor standards of care towards the patients. The purpose of this study was to develop guidelines to prevent substance abuse at the college and this has been achieved. The results show that the college environment should be made substance abuse free by: firstly, identifying and mitigating the predisposing factors or reasons for substance abuse, for example: establish a proper and aesthetic infrastructure conducive to learning and teaching at the students’ residences and classrooms, set up mentorship programmes and introduce the house-mother model at residences; secondly, developing a policy on prevention of substance abuse within college premises including disciplinary measures; thirdly, developing stress management programmes for students to prevent abuse of substances as a coping mechanism, e.g. decongest the curriculum, curriculum review to be consultative, develop support groups, grant mid-year breaks and provide recreational and sporting facilities; fourthly, engage the services of a vii professional therapist for students who are already abusing substances or referral to the therapist; fifthly, clinical accompaniment should be strengthened for effective correlation of theory and practice; and, lastly, engage the services of a financial advisor to give guidance on income and expenditure with regard to student stipend instead of spending it on substances.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Socio-economic Impacts of Solar Energy in Rural Communities’ Livelihoods and the Scale/type of Technology Intervention: Case of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Bongoza, Sibulele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Solar energy Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18610 , vital:42613
- Description: Energy from renewable sources has attracted significant global interest in recent years due to climate change, pollution, extreme environmental impacts and a marked increase in fuel costs for conventional generation methods, which is coal. This has led to major investment in renewable energy sources. Through the lens of sustainable livelihoods framework, the study aims at establishing the socioeconomic impacts brought by the provision of solar energy systems on rural livelihoods at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopts an intensive research design in line with the qualitative approach. Data were collected using questionnaires from the households at Mkhamela village and in-depth interviews with the local councillor and the Chief of Mkhamela village at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. The use of solar energy systems has been found to improve the rural people’s livelihoods. The rural people’s livelihoods have been transformed in terms of creation of employment opportunities, improved levels of education through powering schools and households as well as improved health conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Bongoza, Sibulele
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Solar energy Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18610 , vital:42613
- Description: Energy from renewable sources has attracted significant global interest in recent years due to climate change, pollution, extreme environmental impacts and a marked increase in fuel costs for conventional generation methods, which is coal. This has led to major investment in renewable energy sources. Through the lens of sustainable livelihoods framework, the study aims at establishing the socioeconomic impacts brought by the provision of solar energy systems on rural livelihoods at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study adopts an intensive research design in line with the qualitative approach. Data were collected using questionnaires from the households at Mkhamela village and in-depth interviews with the local councillor and the Chief of Mkhamela village at Ingquza Hill Local Municipality. The use of solar energy systems has been found to improve the rural people’s livelihoods. The rural people’s livelihoods have been transformed in terms of creation of employment opportunities, improved levels of education through powering schools and households as well as improved health conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The representation of women's reproductive rights in the American feminist blogosphere: an analysis of the debate around women's reproductive rights and abortion legislation in response to the reformation of the United States health care system in 2009/10
- Authors: Yelverton, Brittany
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abortion -- Law and legislation -- United States Reproductive rights -- Law and legislation -- United States Fertility -- Law and legislation -- United States Feminism Blogs -- United States Health care reform -- United States -- 21st century Women -- Blogs -- United States Social change -- United States Discourse analysis Feministing Jezebel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002949
- Description: This study investigates the representation of women's reproductive rights in the feminist blogopshere during 2009/10 United States health care reform. Focusing on two purposively selected feminist blogsites - Feministing and Jezebel- it critically examines the discursive and rhetorical strategies employed by feminist bloggers to contest the erosion of women's reproductive rights as proposed in health care reform legislation. While the reformation of the U.S. health care system was a lengthy process, my analysis is confined to feminist blog posts published in November 2009, December 2009 and March 2010. These three months have been designated as they are roughly representative of three pivotal stages in health care reform: the drafting of the House of Representatives health care reform bill and Stupak Amendment in November 2009, the creation of the Senate health care bill inclusive of the Nelson compromise in December 2009, and the passage of the finalised health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and supplementary executive order, in March 2010. This study is informed by feminist poststructuralist theory and Foucault's conceptions of discourse and power - an appropriate framework for identifying and analysing the unequal power relations that exist between men and women in patriarchal societies. Foucault conceives of discourse as both socially constituted and constitutive and contends that through the constitution of knowledge, discourses designate acceptable ways of talking, writing, and behaving, while simultaneously restricting and prohibiting alternatives, thereby granting power and authority to specific discourses. However, Foucault also stresses the multi-directionality of power and asserts that though hegemonic discourses are privileged over others, power lays in discursive practice at all social sites; hence the socially and politically transformative power of contesting discourses. Critical discourse analysis is informed by this critical theory of language and regards the use of language as a form of social practice located within its specific historical context. Therefore, it is through engaging in the struggle over meaning and producing different 'truths' through the reappropriation of language that the possibility of social change exists. Employing narrative, linguistic and rhetorical analysis, this study identifies the discursive strategies and tactics utilised by feminist bloggers to combat and contest anti-choice health care legislation. The study further seeks to determine how arguments supportive of women's reproductive rights are framed and how feminist discourses are privileged while patriarchal discourse is contested. Drawing on public sphere theory, I argue that the feminist blogosphere constitutes a counter-public which facili tates the articulation and circulation of marginalised and counter-discourses. I conclude this study by examining the feminist blogopshere's role in promoting political change and transformation through alternative representations of women and their reproductive rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Yelverton, Brittany
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Abortion -- Law and legislation -- United States Reproductive rights -- Law and legislation -- United States Fertility -- Law and legislation -- United States Feminism Blogs -- United States Health care reform -- United States -- 21st century Women -- Blogs -- United States Social change -- United States Discourse analysis Feministing Jezebel
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002949
- Description: This study investigates the representation of women's reproductive rights in the feminist blogopshere during 2009/10 United States health care reform. Focusing on two purposively selected feminist blogsites - Feministing and Jezebel- it critically examines the discursive and rhetorical strategies employed by feminist bloggers to contest the erosion of women's reproductive rights as proposed in health care reform legislation. While the reformation of the U.S. health care system was a lengthy process, my analysis is confined to feminist blog posts published in November 2009, December 2009 and March 2010. These three months have been designated as they are roughly representative of three pivotal stages in health care reform: the drafting of the House of Representatives health care reform bill and Stupak Amendment in November 2009, the creation of the Senate health care bill inclusive of the Nelson compromise in December 2009, and the passage of the finalised health care reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and supplementary executive order, in March 2010. This study is informed by feminist poststructuralist theory and Foucault's conceptions of discourse and power - an appropriate framework for identifying and analysing the unequal power relations that exist between men and women in patriarchal societies. Foucault conceives of discourse as both socially constituted and constitutive and contends that through the constitution of knowledge, discourses designate acceptable ways of talking, writing, and behaving, while simultaneously restricting and prohibiting alternatives, thereby granting power and authority to specific discourses. However, Foucault also stresses the multi-directionality of power and asserts that though hegemonic discourses are privileged over others, power lays in discursive practice at all social sites; hence the socially and politically transformative power of contesting discourses. Critical discourse analysis is informed by this critical theory of language and regards the use of language as a form of social practice located within its specific historical context. Therefore, it is through engaging in the struggle over meaning and producing different 'truths' through the reappropriation of language that the possibility of social change exists. Employing narrative, linguistic and rhetorical analysis, this study identifies the discursive strategies and tactics utilised by feminist bloggers to combat and contest anti-choice health care legislation. The study further seeks to determine how arguments supportive of women's reproductive rights are framed and how feminist discourses are privileged while patriarchal discourse is contested. Drawing on public sphere theory, I argue that the feminist blogosphere constitutes a counter-public which facili tates the articulation and circulation of marginalised and counter-discourses. I conclude this study by examining the feminist blogopshere's role in promoting political change and transformation through alternative representations of women and their reproductive rights.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A resource-based learning approach to professional development: the case of the ACEE (Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education)
- Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Authors: Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003625
- Description: This interpretative case study derives and examines the characterising features of the resource-based learning approach used in the Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education (ACEE), particularly in Module 1 (Environment and Environmental Issues) and Module 3 (Contemporary Environmental Issues). The study explores processes of resource-based learning through the analysis of three individual case stories of participants’ experience in adaptive use of learning support materials in different work contexts. It discusses the relationship between thematic categories related to participants’ experience of assignment work, and course design and course implementation. This study indicates that resource-based learning processes in the ACEE involve curriculum deliberation and the use of resource packs in supporting participants’ practice. It also indicates that the ACEE’s practice-based orientation to workplace-based assignments plays an important role in supporting the adaptive use of learning support materials, encouraging lifelong learning and developing applied competence. It highlights the significance of reflexive narration of practice in improving course participants’ educational practice. A diagrammatic representation of the unfolding and intermeshed characterising features of resource-based learning is presented. The study argues that resource-based learning in the ACEE appears to create possibilities for the course participants to become scaffolders and co-constructors of their own learning. It notes that resource-based learning can enable course participants to take ownership of their educational and workplace needs, and to develop skills and competences necessary to respond to environmental issues and risks in southern Africa. This study examines the potential that the reflexive narration of practice has in supporting course participants to engage in better ways of doing things in their workplace-based contexts. This study provides some recommendations to enhance the Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education as well as some ‘fuzzy generalisations’ that might guide the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Environmental Education Programme (REEP) in the development and adaptation of professional development courses in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Agria Russo, Vladimir Kiluange
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education Teaching -- Aids and devices -- South Africa Environmental education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1741 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003625
- Description: This interpretative case study derives and examines the characterising features of the resource-based learning approach used in the Rhodes University Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education (ACEE), particularly in Module 1 (Environment and Environmental Issues) and Module 3 (Contemporary Environmental Issues). The study explores processes of resource-based learning through the analysis of three individual case stories of participants’ experience in adaptive use of learning support materials in different work contexts. It discusses the relationship between thematic categories related to participants’ experience of assignment work, and course design and course implementation. This study indicates that resource-based learning processes in the ACEE involve curriculum deliberation and the use of resource packs in supporting participants’ practice. It also indicates that the ACEE’s practice-based orientation to workplace-based assignments plays an important role in supporting the adaptive use of learning support materials, encouraging lifelong learning and developing applied competence. It highlights the significance of reflexive narration of practice in improving course participants’ educational practice. A diagrammatic representation of the unfolding and intermeshed characterising features of resource-based learning is presented. The study argues that resource-based learning in the ACEE appears to create possibilities for the course participants to become scaffolders and co-constructors of their own learning. It notes that resource-based learning can enable course participants to take ownership of their educational and workplace needs, and to develop skills and competences necessary to respond to environmental issues and risks in southern Africa. This study examines the potential that the reflexive narration of practice has in supporting course participants to engage in better ways of doing things in their workplace-based contexts. This study provides some recommendations to enhance the Advanced Certificate in Environmental Education as well as some ‘fuzzy generalisations’ that might guide the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Environmental Education Programme (REEP) in the development and adaptation of professional development courses in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An evaluation of the postgraduate diploma in Enterprise Management at Rhodes University
- Authors: Earle, Nicola Lynne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Curricula Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Evaluation Business education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Evaluation Business education -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002797
- Description: This research is concerned with the development of entrepreneurship at higher education institutions (HEI). Entrepreneurship is very important in every country as there is a direct correlation between entrepreneurship development and economic growth (Hegarty, 2006). Entrepreneurship education is essential as it assists students who want to start up their own businesses by giving them the relevant skills and knowledge to have a successful business. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management (PDEM) within the Management Department at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. A qualitative approach was implemented which used an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product Model (Stuffelbean, Mckee and Mckee, 2003). Data was collected in the form of interviews and focus group interviews. There were six lecturer interviews, one course coordinator interview and five past student interviews. There were two focus group interviews that took place; this was done so to gather data from seven current PDEM students. The data collected was then analysed through the use of qualitative data analysis techniques. These were sensing themes, constant comparison, recursiveness, inductive and deductive thinking and interpretation to generate meaning (Ruona 2005, cited in Swanson and Holton, 2005). The Management Department aims to equip students to think realistically in terms of starting their own business and to enhance the students’ knowledge and skills so that they are better able to find employment in the corporate and government sectors. The PDEM aims to be an action-learning course and to create an entrepreneurial environment which will encourage students to start up their own businesses. The role of the lecturers and the course coordinator is important as they need to ensure that there is a continuous transfer of knowledge to the students. Students are not expected to be specialists within each subject; however they need to have a basic grounding in order to run a business. Students felt that the Alpha Project was important and useful as it improved their confidence about starting a new business. An issue that was raised about the Alpha Project was that the separation of students into the Alpha Project groups was not executed well. The course was perceived to be disorganised however the students tended to enjoy it and felt that the Management Department was supportive of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Earle, Nicola Lynne
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rhodes University -- Curricula Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Evaluation Business education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Evaluation Business education -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:1180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002797
- Description: This research is concerned with the development of entrepreneurship at higher education institutions (HEI). Entrepreneurship is very important in every country as there is a direct correlation between entrepreneurship development and economic growth (Hegarty, 2006). Entrepreneurship education is essential as it assists students who want to start up their own businesses by giving them the relevant skills and knowledge to have a successful business. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management (PDEM) within the Management Department at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. A qualitative approach was implemented which used an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product Model (Stuffelbean, Mckee and Mckee, 2003). Data was collected in the form of interviews and focus group interviews. There were six lecturer interviews, one course coordinator interview and five past student interviews. There were two focus group interviews that took place; this was done so to gather data from seven current PDEM students. The data collected was then analysed through the use of qualitative data analysis techniques. These were sensing themes, constant comparison, recursiveness, inductive and deductive thinking and interpretation to generate meaning (Ruona 2005, cited in Swanson and Holton, 2005). The Management Department aims to equip students to think realistically in terms of starting their own business and to enhance the students’ knowledge and skills so that they are better able to find employment in the corporate and government sectors. The PDEM aims to be an action-learning course and to create an entrepreneurial environment which will encourage students to start up their own businesses. The role of the lecturers and the course coordinator is important as they need to ensure that there is a continuous transfer of knowledge to the students. Students are not expected to be specialists within each subject; however they need to have a basic grounding in order to run a business. Students felt that the Alpha Project was important and useful as it improved their confidence about starting a new business. An issue that was raised about the Alpha Project was that the separation of students into the Alpha Project groups was not executed well. The course was perceived to be disorganised however the students tended to enjoy it and felt that the Management Department was supportive of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The construction of 'farm killings' in the Eastern Province Herald: an ideological analysis of the Herald's farm killings' disclosure, August 1998
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Farm killings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Murder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Province Herald (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002890
- Description: This study examines the ideological inflection of the ‘farm killings’ discourse in the Eastern Province Herald articles published in August 1998. ‘Farm killings’ is a media frame which was applied to a spate of killings of people on the country’s farms since 1994. Heightened and sustained media attention on the ‘farm killings’ has lifted the phenomenon from the other ‘run-of-the-mill’ murder crimes, and located it firmly as a matter of public concern and a subject of a broad political and economic debate. In this study I investigate the media coverage of the ‘farm killings’ within the context of these debates. The cultural studies approach to the study of the media provides a fruitful theoretical framework within which this study is located. The ideological examination of the articles is done using the critical linguistics method - a brand of reflexive, interpretative style of analysis which enables a sustained examination of media texts within their social, cultural and historical context. This study’s conclusions pose a challenge to the ‘Fourth Estate’ role often claimed for the media. In particular, it denies that the Herald objectively, fairly and truthfully reflected the experience on the farms during the period of this study. Its main finding is that the newspaper instead, constructed a particular understanding of the killings characterised by subtle racism, bias and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Jacobs, Luzuko
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Farm killings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Murder -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Eastern Province Herald (Newspaper)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002890
- Description: This study examines the ideological inflection of the ‘farm killings’ discourse in the Eastern Province Herald articles published in August 1998. ‘Farm killings’ is a media frame which was applied to a spate of killings of people on the country’s farms since 1994. Heightened and sustained media attention on the ‘farm killings’ has lifted the phenomenon from the other ‘run-of-the-mill’ murder crimes, and located it firmly as a matter of public concern and a subject of a broad political and economic debate. In this study I investigate the media coverage of the ‘farm killings’ within the context of these debates. The cultural studies approach to the study of the media provides a fruitful theoretical framework within which this study is located. The ideological examination of the articles is done using the critical linguistics method - a brand of reflexive, interpretative style of analysis which enables a sustained examination of media texts within their social, cultural and historical context. This study’s conclusions pose a challenge to the ‘Fourth Estate’ role often claimed for the media. In particular, it denies that the Herald objectively, fairly and truthfully reflected the experience on the farms during the period of this study. Its main finding is that the newspaper instead, constructed a particular understanding of the killings characterised by subtle racism, bias and partiality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Genetic detection of some tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in ticks collected in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nqoro, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tick-borne diseases Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17084 , vital:40846
- Description: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are becoming a major life threatening concern to wildlife, domesticated animals and human health. Besides causing skin damage, ticks infestations have become a growing burden in food security, economic losses and transmitting multides of pathogens. Little data and knowledge is available regarding the occurrence of etiologic agents of tick-borne diseases in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, hence the study was conducted and aimed at screening for genetic material of Anaplasma, Rickettisia, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Babesia and Theileria species in ticks collected in Raymond Mhlaba District at Eastern Cape, South Africa. Ticks were collected from domesticated animals in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, and were morphologically identified and processed for DNA extraction. Ticks were chopped into bits and DNA was extracted from the samples with commercial DNA extraction kit. The extracted DNA samples was used to molecularly identify the tick as well as assess the presence of tickborne pathogens belonging to Rickettsia, Babesia, Borrelia, Anaplasma and Erhlichia, and Theileria spp. by PCR using specific primer pairs published in literature. Positive amplicons were sequenced in a commercial sequencing facility. The obtained chromatograms were edited with Geneious bioinformatics software and were subjected to BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses using MEGA7 version for evolutionary relationships with curated reference sequences in GenBank. Nine hundred and sixty two tick samples were collected from domestic animals. Collected tick samples belonged to three genera, which were the Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Haemophalis in decreasing order of their abundance. Screening of tick DNA samples by PCR did not show presence of Babesia, Borrelia, Anaplasma and Erhlichia. 13 Positive PCR products were observed for Rickettsia and Theileria spp.. The positive amplicons were purified, sequenced and analysed for speciation of Theileria and Rickettsia. The presence of Rickettsia was detected in 60/994 (6%) from the three genera of ticks. Phylogenetic analyses shows that the sequences obtained are phylogenetically related to members of Spotted fever group Rickettsiae. Genetic material of Theileria spp. was detected from 10/994 ticks with an overall infection of 1% obtained in Rhipicephalus genera. Analyses shows that the sequences obtained are phylogenetically related to T. orientalis complex. The finding from this study therefore expands the knowledge on recent emergence of Theileria and Rickettsia spp. in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nqoro, Ayabulela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tick-borne diseases Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17084 , vital:40846
- Description: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are becoming a major life threatening concern to wildlife, domesticated animals and human health. Besides causing skin damage, ticks infestations have become a growing burden in food security, economic losses and transmitting multides of pathogens. Little data and knowledge is available regarding the occurrence of etiologic agents of tick-borne diseases in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, hence the study was conducted and aimed at screening for genetic material of Anaplasma, Rickettisia, Ehrlichia, Borrelia, Babesia and Theileria species in ticks collected in Raymond Mhlaba District at Eastern Cape, South Africa. Ticks were collected from domesticated animals in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, and were morphologically identified and processed for DNA extraction. Ticks were chopped into bits and DNA was extracted from the samples with commercial DNA extraction kit. The extracted DNA samples was used to molecularly identify the tick as well as assess the presence of tickborne pathogens belonging to Rickettsia, Babesia, Borrelia, Anaplasma and Erhlichia, and Theileria spp. by PCR using specific primer pairs published in literature. Positive amplicons were sequenced in a commercial sequencing facility. The obtained chromatograms were edited with Geneious bioinformatics software and were subjected to BLASTn and phylogenetic analyses using MEGA7 version for evolutionary relationships with curated reference sequences in GenBank. Nine hundred and sixty two tick samples were collected from domestic animals. Collected tick samples belonged to three genera, which were the Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus and Haemophalis in decreasing order of their abundance. Screening of tick DNA samples by PCR did not show presence of Babesia, Borrelia, Anaplasma and Erhlichia. 13 Positive PCR products were observed for Rickettsia and Theileria spp.. The positive amplicons were purified, sequenced and analysed for speciation of Theileria and Rickettsia. The presence of Rickettsia was detected in 60/994 (6%) from the three genera of ticks. Phylogenetic analyses shows that the sequences obtained are phylogenetically related to members of Spotted fever group Rickettsiae. Genetic material of Theileria spp. was detected from 10/994 ticks with an overall infection of 1% obtained in Rhipicephalus genera. Analyses shows that the sequences obtained are phylogenetically related to T. orientalis complex. The finding from this study therefore expands the knowledge on recent emergence of Theileria and Rickettsia spp. in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the attitudes of selected community members on the interplay between incidences of poverty and the escalation of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
- Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mrashula, Zodidi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7941 , vital:30987
- Description: Cofimvaba has had a noticeable increase of people who got infected with HIV/AIDS and is one of the poorest of the poor in the Eastern Cape. Hence, the researcher became interested to investigate the interplay between incidences of poverty and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The reasons for the continued increase of HIV infection in Cofimvaba were investigated. The study used a qualitative approach, was descriptive and explorative and specifically used a case study as a specific research design. The study investigated 32 participants, nine of whom were infected and diagnosed to be seropositive between the years 2012, and 2014; six community members; twelve from the volunteer care givers who were members from the support group. The study also investigated a number of key informants who included a traditional leader, a care giver, a nurse, a social worker and a community development practitioner. The study used a non-probability sampling methodology, but specifically purposive sampling technique. On data collection, the study triangulated both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings of the study revealed that people who are infected with HIV/AIDS are unemployed, illiterate and suffer from poverty. The study also found that poor people are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infections. The study findings were as follows: There is a lack knowledge about HIV/AIDS that leads to lack of prevention. It has been discovered that there is a high level of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. High level of unemployment is a contributing factor of poverty and high level of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. Level of unprotected sex as driver of HIV/AIDS has also been identified. There is an inextricable relationship poverty and prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Unreliability of the food parcel on people who are HIV positive leads to poverty. The study findings were also as: Caregivers breaching the ethos and principle of confidentiality leads to people not to to HIV/disclose their HIV/AIDS status. Migration driving vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. It has been insisted that transactional sex drives to HIV/AIDS. Low HIV/AIDS education makes people to be vulnerable to HIVAIDS., The fear of testing makes people unaware of their HIV/AIDS status. Also the excessive alcohol intake as a driver to HIV/AIDS vulnerability. It has also been noted that only women responded to the study and there was a high rate of death revealed on account of HIV/AIDS in Cofimvaba. The researcher has also made the following recommendations to the study: obligatory psychol-social support programs for PLWHA, extension and replication of community based organisation, collaboration between different stakeholders in the HIV/AIDS domain. Widen the horizon of training education and HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns and availability of counselling, job opportunity, social grants and food parcels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Spectroscopic and nonlinear optical characterisation of alpha substituted binuclear phthalocyanines
- Authors: Ngubeni, Grace Nomthandazo
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5038 , vital:20757
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ngubeni, Grace Nomthandazo
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5038 , vital:20757
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Exploring the standardization of musical and dancing styles in relation to worship styles in the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Blantyre Synod, Malawi
- Authors: University of Fort Hare
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Presbyterian Church -- Malawi Presbyterians -- Malawi Church music -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10442 , vital:35468
- Description: The study sought to explore the standardization of music and dance styles in relation to worship styles in the CCAP Blantyre Synod in Malawi. The study further sought to understand the factors that influence the selection of songs during worship, and strategies for standardizing the existing songs in the church. The research was guided by the qualitative research approach. The interpretive research paradigm guided the interpretation of data in this study. A case study research design was used to get an in- depth understanding of the issues related to music and dance in the CCAP. The participants were purposively selected and interviews were conducted. Focus group interviews and observation supplemented the data collected through one on one interviews. Data analysis was achieved through a detailed narration of the participants‟ responses and, thereafter, themes were identified for further discussion. The main findings of the study were: factors influencing selection of music during worship services; lack or availability of music selection guidelines; age of choir members; commercialization and instrumentation of music; the use of traditional and classical music in the church; mixed dancing styles being introduced in the church; and the suggestion to use the Bible as framework for resolving conflicts in the church; and the need to train church members on church music. The study recommends the use of detailed and appropriate music guidelines in selecting songs. In cases of conflicting tastes in music, the study has proposed a process of resolving such conflicts within the CCAP of Blantyre Synod. The study also examined music and dance styles but not on other aspects of worship such as prayer and offering. The findings of this study may be useful in advising and resolving challenges associated with the incorporation of music in the church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: University of Fort Hare
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Presbyterian Church -- Malawi Presbyterians -- Malawi Church music -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Music
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10442 , vital:35468
- Description: The study sought to explore the standardization of music and dance styles in relation to worship styles in the CCAP Blantyre Synod in Malawi. The study further sought to understand the factors that influence the selection of songs during worship, and strategies for standardizing the existing songs in the church. The research was guided by the qualitative research approach. The interpretive research paradigm guided the interpretation of data in this study. A case study research design was used to get an in- depth understanding of the issues related to music and dance in the CCAP. The participants were purposively selected and interviews were conducted. Focus group interviews and observation supplemented the data collected through one on one interviews. Data analysis was achieved through a detailed narration of the participants‟ responses and, thereafter, themes were identified for further discussion. The main findings of the study were: factors influencing selection of music during worship services; lack or availability of music selection guidelines; age of choir members; commercialization and instrumentation of music; the use of traditional and classical music in the church; mixed dancing styles being introduced in the church; and the suggestion to use the Bible as framework for resolving conflicts in the church; and the need to train church members on church music. The study recommends the use of detailed and appropriate music guidelines in selecting songs. In cases of conflicting tastes in music, the study has proposed a process of resolving such conflicts within the CCAP of Blantyre Synod. The study also examined music and dance styles but not on other aspects of worship such as prayer and offering. The findings of this study may be useful in advising and resolving challenges associated with the incorporation of music in the church.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Inclusion and differentiation: an examination of teachers' experience and perspectives in working with difference and learner potential in grade 1 mathematics classrooms in three schools in Grahamstown
- Whittington-Jones, Alexandra
- Authors: Whittington-Jones, Alexandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education (Primary) -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Inclusive education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mainstreaming in education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Special education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Curriculum planning -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Education, Primary -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006088
- Description: In South Africa, in July 2001, the National Department of Education released White Paper 6 which underpins the notion of inclusive education. It states that the needs of all children should be catered for within the South African educational framework. Subsequent guidelines from the Department (2005; 2012) also provide a strong focus on understanding individual children’s learning styles and explain the concept and application of children’s multiple intelligences. However, on closer examination, it seems that the inclusive education, as well as barriers to learning referred to in the abovementioned guidelines, are indicated to mean catering for children at the lower-ability end of the learning spectrum. This research begins to explore the notion that high potential children might require special attention, though not at the expense of those with learning impairments. An education system that provides inclusive education to children at both the lower and higher ends of the learning spectrum would be more equitable, and would give all children an equal chance of reaching their full potential. One possible strategy for accommodating the diverse needs of learners is through differentiation (Department of Education, 2005). Differentiation is a way of teaching that aims to provide stimulating and enriching learning environments to a diverse group of children within a classroom. This might be achieved by separating the class into smaller groups based on ability, or by providing children with different tasks at the same time, with the same learning objectives but at differing cognitive levels (Rogers, 2007). Vygotsky’s work on the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and mediation provides a theoretical framework for proposing differentiation as a strategy. The data was gathered through an in-depth examination (using a combination of classroom observations, document analysis and teacher interviews) of mathematics teaching in Grade 1 in three schools in Grahamstown. My analysis was based on Vygotsky’s theories (the main tenets of which were the ZPD and scaffolding, as well as the role of socio-culture in learning), using Tomlinson’s (1999) differentiated instruction framework to provide structure to the study. The following themes emerged from the data: a focus on the teachers’ understandings of differentiation; the use of grouping as a superficial form of differentiation; a lack of teacher preparation and understanding in relation to task differentiation; and an underlying sense of ‘sameness’ in teachers’ understanding of their learners. In addition to the above, I did not observe evidence of real differentiation for high potential children and hope that this research contributes to extending teachers’ training (both academic and in-service) in this area, convincing teachers of the existence and importance of critical thinking abilities in our youngest learners, and initiating a move towards the drafting of Individual Education Plans for all our learners. During the period of my research I have been convinced that the use of differentiated instruction in classrooms is the way forward in educational thinking, particularly as it relates to the notion of inclusive learning. Clearly there are challenges to be addressed in terms of school timetables, curricula, teachers’ time frames and past education system inequalities such as we have here in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Whittington-Jones, Alexandra
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Gifted children -- Education (Primary) -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Inclusive education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Mainstreaming in education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Special education -- Research -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Curriculum planning -- Education (Primary) -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Education, Primary -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1893 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006088
- Description: In South Africa, in July 2001, the National Department of Education released White Paper 6 which underpins the notion of inclusive education. It states that the needs of all children should be catered for within the South African educational framework. Subsequent guidelines from the Department (2005; 2012) also provide a strong focus on understanding individual children’s learning styles and explain the concept and application of children’s multiple intelligences. However, on closer examination, it seems that the inclusive education, as well as barriers to learning referred to in the abovementioned guidelines, are indicated to mean catering for children at the lower-ability end of the learning spectrum. This research begins to explore the notion that high potential children might require special attention, though not at the expense of those with learning impairments. An education system that provides inclusive education to children at both the lower and higher ends of the learning spectrum would be more equitable, and would give all children an equal chance of reaching their full potential. One possible strategy for accommodating the diverse needs of learners is through differentiation (Department of Education, 2005). Differentiation is a way of teaching that aims to provide stimulating and enriching learning environments to a diverse group of children within a classroom. This might be achieved by separating the class into smaller groups based on ability, or by providing children with different tasks at the same time, with the same learning objectives but at differing cognitive levels (Rogers, 2007). Vygotsky’s work on the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and mediation provides a theoretical framework for proposing differentiation as a strategy. The data was gathered through an in-depth examination (using a combination of classroom observations, document analysis and teacher interviews) of mathematics teaching in Grade 1 in three schools in Grahamstown. My analysis was based on Vygotsky’s theories (the main tenets of which were the ZPD and scaffolding, as well as the role of socio-culture in learning), using Tomlinson’s (1999) differentiated instruction framework to provide structure to the study. The following themes emerged from the data: a focus on the teachers’ understandings of differentiation; the use of grouping as a superficial form of differentiation; a lack of teacher preparation and understanding in relation to task differentiation; and an underlying sense of ‘sameness’ in teachers’ understanding of their learners. In addition to the above, I did not observe evidence of real differentiation for high potential children and hope that this research contributes to extending teachers’ training (both academic and in-service) in this area, convincing teachers of the existence and importance of critical thinking abilities in our youngest learners, and initiating a move towards the drafting of Individual Education Plans for all our learners. During the period of my research I have been convinced that the use of differentiated instruction in classrooms is the way forward in educational thinking, particularly as it relates to the notion of inclusive learning. Clearly there are challenges to be addressed in terms of school timetables, curricula, teachers’ time frames and past education system inequalities such as we have here in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Sex work as a livelihood strategy in the border town of Beitbridge, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Takawira, Wadzanai Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3801 , vital:20544
- Description: Zimbabwe is experiencing an ongoing downward spiral in its national economy, dating back to the early 1990s. The demise of the country’s formal economy has led to unprecedented growth in informal economic activities including illegal forms such as sex work. The thesis seeks to understand and explain sex work as a livelihood strategy in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the border town of Beitbridge. In understanding sex work as a livelihood strategy in Beitbridge, the thesis adopts a livelihoods framework in providing key insights into the daily lives of sex workers including the context of vulnerability in which they live and work as well as the challenges they face constantly. In addition, because of the significance of patriarchy in shaping the lives of women and specifically sex workers in Zimbabwe, the feminist theory is used as a secondary theoretical framework. The fieldwork for the study is based on informal interviews and focus group discussions with sex workers as well as observation. Diverse and interrelated themes are covered in examining the livelihoods of sex workers in Beitbridge, and these include sex worker income and expenditure, the motivations underpinning entry into sex work, the home origins of sex workers and their ongoing linkages with their areas of origin, occupational hazards such as client violence and health risks, stigma and discrimination of sex workers, and sex worker solidarity. Though the lives of the sex workers in Beitbridge are marked by precariousness and uncertainty, it is concluded that sex workers are not mere victims of their historical and social circumstances as they are actively engaged in constructing their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Takawira, Wadzanai Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3801 , vital:20544
- Description: Zimbabwe is experiencing an ongoing downward spiral in its national economy, dating back to the early 1990s. The demise of the country’s formal economy has led to unprecedented growth in informal economic activities including illegal forms such as sex work. The thesis seeks to understand and explain sex work as a livelihood strategy in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the border town of Beitbridge. In understanding sex work as a livelihood strategy in Beitbridge, the thesis adopts a livelihoods framework in providing key insights into the daily lives of sex workers including the context of vulnerability in which they live and work as well as the challenges they face constantly. In addition, because of the significance of patriarchy in shaping the lives of women and specifically sex workers in Zimbabwe, the feminist theory is used as a secondary theoretical framework. The fieldwork for the study is based on informal interviews and focus group discussions with sex workers as well as observation. Diverse and interrelated themes are covered in examining the livelihoods of sex workers in Beitbridge, and these include sex worker income and expenditure, the motivations underpinning entry into sex work, the home origins of sex workers and their ongoing linkages with their areas of origin, occupational hazards such as client violence and health risks, stigma and discrimination of sex workers, and sex worker solidarity. Though the lives of the sex workers in Beitbridge are marked by precariousness and uncertainty, it is concluded that sex workers are not mere victims of their historical and social circumstances as they are actively engaged in constructing their livelihoods.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016