Comparing child justice legislation in South Africa and South Sudan
- Authors: Teny, Jamual Peter Malual
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal law -- Sudan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020941
- Description: The legal framework and legislation governing the rights of the children have become of great concern in modern societies, particularly, in the area of criminal justice and human rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child are basic international and regional conventions regulating the rights of the children and include how to deal with children in conflict with the law. States parties to these conventions are required to take appropriate measures, which includes enactment of legislation to give effect to these rights. Legislative instruments must address the following issues: The principle of the best interest of the child; the age of criminal responsibility; restorative justice; diversion; and the trials of children in conflict with the law. The above-mentioned instrument require and emphasise the use of an alternative approach in respect of the children who are in conflict with law. In this research a comparative approach is used to compare the South African and South Sudanese child justice legislative instruments. The legislative instruments pertaining to child justice in both countries are set out and compared. It is concluded that the South African legislative instruments are more aligned to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Recommendations and proposals are made to enact to adopt in South Sudan new legislative measures and provisions aim to afford more protection to children in conflict with the law and to strike a better balance between rights of a child and victim of crimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Teny, Jamual Peter Malual
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Children -- Legal status, laws, etc , Criminal law -- South Africa , Criminal law -- Sudan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10187 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020941
- Description: The legal framework and legislation governing the rights of the children have become of great concern in modern societies, particularly, in the area of criminal justice and human rights. The Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child are basic international and regional conventions regulating the rights of the children and include how to deal with children in conflict with the law. States parties to these conventions are required to take appropriate measures, which includes enactment of legislation to give effect to these rights. Legislative instruments must address the following issues: The principle of the best interest of the child; the age of criminal responsibility; restorative justice; diversion; and the trials of children in conflict with the law. The above-mentioned instrument require and emphasise the use of an alternative approach in respect of the children who are in conflict with law. In this research a comparative approach is used to compare the South African and South Sudanese child justice legislative instruments. The legislative instruments pertaining to child justice in both countries are set out and compared. It is concluded that the South African legislative instruments are more aligned to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Recommendations and proposals are made to enact to adopt in South Sudan new legislative measures and provisions aim to afford more protection to children in conflict with the law and to strike a better balance between rights of a child and victim of crimes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the feminist significance of Lars von Trier's representation of women in his Golden Heart Trilogy (1996/1998/2000) and Antichrist (2009)
- Authors: Evans, Melissa Albie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Motion picture producers and directors , Feminism , Anti-feminism , Second-wave feminism , Trier, Lars von, 1956-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011634 , Motion picture producers and directors , Feminism , Anti-feminism , Second-wave feminism , Trier, Lars von, 1956-
- Description: Despite critics‟ negative appraisal of Lars Von Trier's Antichrist (2009) for its ostensible misogyny, a deep thematic resonance exists between its representation of women as historical victims of patriarchal discourse, and the positive representations of women as Christ-like figures found in his Golden Heart Trilogy (1996/1998/2000). Arguably, it is important to recognize this, because these films together comprise an exercise in cinematic resistance to the narratives of the „backlash‟ against women's rights, thematized by Susan Faludi in her Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women; resistance which is undermined when these films are considered disparate or incongruous.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Evans, Melissa Albie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Motion picture producers and directors , Feminism , Anti-feminism , Second-wave feminism , Trier, Lars von, 1956-
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8409 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011634 , Motion picture producers and directors , Feminism , Anti-feminism , Second-wave feminism , Trier, Lars von, 1956-
- Description: Despite critics‟ negative appraisal of Lars Von Trier's Antichrist (2009) for its ostensible misogyny, a deep thematic resonance exists between its representation of women as historical victims of patriarchal discourse, and the positive representations of women as Christ-like figures found in his Golden Heart Trilogy (1996/1998/2000). Arguably, it is important to recognize this, because these films together comprise an exercise in cinematic resistance to the narratives of the „backlash‟ against women's rights, thematized by Susan Faludi in her Backlash: The Undeclared War Against American Women; resistance which is undermined when these films are considered disparate or incongruous.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Teacher's and principal's perceptions of the integrated quality management system (IQMS) in three Butterworth District schools
- Authors: Ntshewula, Nombulelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007301 , Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher’s interest in this study is in teachers’ perceptions and principals of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS). This study examines teachers’ understandings of this quality management and performance appraisal system, how teachers perceive the instrument used to manage and monitor their performance and the performance of their schools, and what lessons may be learnt regarding the implementation process of the IQMS. The investigation was carried out in three Butterworth District schools in the Eastern Cape. The researcher made use of qualitative methodology to obtain data from a sample of 3 principals, 9 teachers and 1 district official. Data were collected from these respondents by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and through document analysis. The study found that some of the teachers and principals felt that they did not understand the IQMS, and they complained that the system is fraught with many obstacles that need to be addressed in order to promote the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The participants also spoke of multiple factors that contribute negatively to this phenomenon, which include the fact that the teachers’ workload is increased by the IQMS, time constraints, inadequate training, vague and unfamiliar language, the financial incentive that is attached to the instrument, and the many structures in the implementation process. In addition, the system seems to encourage a bureaucratic style of management. Teachers and principals also suggested ways in which the IQMS could be structured by the Department of Education for greater efficiency in education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ntshewula, Nombulelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007301 , Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher’s interest in this study is in teachers’ perceptions and principals of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS). This study examines teachers’ understandings of this quality management and performance appraisal system, how teachers perceive the instrument used to manage and monitor their performance and the performance of their schools, and what lessons may be learnt regarding the implementation process of the IQMS. The investigation was carried out in three Butterworth District schools in the Eastern Cape. The researcher made use of qualitative methodology to obtain data from a sample of 3 principals, 9 teachers and 1 district official. Data were collected from these respondents by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and through document analysis. The study found that some of the teachers and principals felt that they did not understand the IQMS, and they complained that the system is fraught with many obstacles that need to be addressed in order to promote the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The participants also spoke of multiple factors that contribute negatively to this phenomenon, which include the fact that the teachers’ workload is increased by the IQMS, time constraints, inadequate training, vague and unfamiliar language, the financial incentive that is attached to the instrument, and the many structures in the implementation process. In addition, the system seems to encourage a bureaucratic style of management. Teachers and principals also suggested ways in which the IQMS could be structured by the Department of Education for greater efficiency in education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Enumeration of insect viruses using microscopic and molecular analyses: South African isolate of cryotophlebia leucotreta granulovirus as a case study
- Authors: Dhladhla, Busisiwe I R
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Insects -- Viruses , Molecular genetics , Microbial genomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008395 , Baculoviruses , Insects -- Viruses , Molecular genetics , Microbial genomics
- Description: Baculoviruses have been used as biocontrol agents to control insect pests in agriculture since the 1970s. Out of the fifteen virus families known to infect insects, baculoviruses offer the greatest potential as insect biopesticides, due to their high host specificity which makes them extremely safe to humans, other vertebrates, plants and non-target microorganisms. They comprise of two genera: nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) and granuloviruses (GVs). The South African isolate of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA) which is infectious for the false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), has been successfully developed into two commercial biopesticides; Cryptogran® and Cryptex®, for the control of FCM in citrus crops. The current method of enumeration used for CrleGV-SA virus particles in routine experiments during the production of the GV as biopesticides, is dark field microscopy. However, due to the small size of GVs (300-500 nm in length), the technique is not easy to perform on these viruses, and no systemic comparison has been made of potential alternative methods. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop a quantitative enumeration method for CrleGV-SA occlusion bodies (OBs) which is accurate, reliable, and feasible, and compare the developed methods of enumeration to the current method. Purified and semi-purified CrleGV-SA viral stocks were prepared for enumeration studies using spectrophotometry, dark field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and real time qPCR. Spectrophotometry was found to be an unreliable method for enumeration of GVs in the production, standardisation, and quality control of biopesticides. Dark field microscopy and SEM were found to be accurate, and statistically comparable (p = 0.064) enumeration techniques. qPCR is currently being optimised for the enumeration of GVs. This technique was demonstrated to generate accurate standard curves for absolute quantification of virus particles for pure and semi-pure virus preparations. qPCR offers the greatest potential as an accurate enumeration method because it is not affected by contamination with non-biological contaminating debris, nor by other biological material due to the specificity of PCR primers. Further work is required to fully develop qPCR as an enumeration method for GVs. However, dark field microscopy has been successfully validated as an enumeration method. SEM, which has a high resolution compared to light microscopy, has an added advantage over dark field microscopy, which is to distinguish virus particles in semi-pure viral stock preparations during counting. Therefore, SEM currently provides the most unambiguous and feasible enumeration method for GVs in both purified and semi-purified virus samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dhladhla, Busisiwe I R
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Baculoviruses , Insects -- Viruses , Molecular genetics , Microbial genomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10318 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008395 , Baculoviruses , Insects -- Viruses , Molecular genetics , Microbial genomics
- Description: Baculoviruses have been used as biocontrol agents to control insect pests in agriculture since the 1970s. Out of the fifteen virus families known to infect insects, baculoviruses offer the greatest potential as insect biopesticides, due to their high host specificity which makes them extremely safe to humans, other vertebrates, plants and non-target microorganisms. They comprise of two genera: nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) and granuloviruses (GVs). The South African isolate of Cryptophlebia leucotreta granulovirus (CrleGV-SA) which is infectious for the false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), has been successfully developed into two commercial biopesticides; Cryptogran® and Cryptex®, for the control of FCM in citrus crops. The current method of enumeration used for CrleGV-SA virus particles in routine experiments during the production of the GV as biopesticides, is dark field microscopy. However, due to the small size of GVs (300-500 nm in length), the technique is not easy to perform on these viruses, and no systemic comparison has been made of potential alternative methods. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to develop a quantitative enumeration method for CrleGV-SA occlusion bodies (OBs) which is accurate, reliable, and feasible, and compare the developed methods of enumeration to the current method. Purified and semi-purified CrleGV-SA viral stocks were prepared for enumeration studies using spectrophotometry, dark field microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and real time qPCR. Spectrophotometry was found to be an unreliable method for enumeration of GVs in the production, standardisation, and quality control of biopesticides. Dark field microscopy and SEM were found to be accurate, and statistically comparable (p = 0.064) enumeration techniques. qPCR is currently being optimised for the enumeration of GVs. This technique was demonstrated to generate accurate standard curves for absolute quantification of virus particles for pure and semi-pure virus preparations. qPCR offers the greatest potential as an accurate enumeration method because it is not affected by contamination with non-biological contaminating debris, nor by other biological material due to the specificity of PCR primers. Further work is required to fully develop qPCR as an enumeration method for GVs. However, dark field microscopy has been successfully validated as an enumeration method. SEM, which has a high resolution compared to light microscopy, has an added advantage over dark field microscopy, which is to distinguish virus particles in semi-pure viral stock preparations during counting. Therefore, SEM currently provides the most unambiguous and feasible enumeration method for GVs in both purified and semi-purified virus samples.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Rebellious uniform
- Authors: Farmer, Mark Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Discipline Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Conduct of life Teenagers -- Education (Secondary) -- South Africa School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002197
- Description: In this thesis, I focus on adolescent teens at Kingswood College High School, where I am currently employed as a student assistant in Grahamstown. I form part of a networked hierarchy at Kingswood College whereby I am expected to perform duties which require me to uphold discipline, forge respect and act as a mentor to students. Within this complex role I am mindful of the power dynamics within the school and my focus is on how the students at Kingswood College in some instances challenge them. Regulations in regard to uniforms and in regard to the arrangement of each learner’s belongings insist on the sublimation/sacrificing of an individual identity in favour of an institutional one. Thus tiny departures from those norms, slight transgressions, might be understood as small rebellions which the boarder stages against disciplinary structures and the conformity demanded of him or her. I am particularly interested in these transgressions. In this thesis I attempt to unravel the complexities associated with such idiosyncrasies and how they play out amongst adolescent teens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Farmer, Mark Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: High school students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Discipline Teenagers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Conduct of life Teenagers -- Education (Secondary) -- South Africa School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: vital:2401 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002197
- Description: In this thesis, I focus on adolescent teens at Kingswood College High School, where I am currently employed as a student assistant in Grahamstown. I form part of a networked hierarchy at Kingswood College whereby I am expected to perform duties which require me to uphold discipline, forge respect and act as a mentor to students. Within this complex role I am mindful of the power dynamics within the school and my focus is on how the students at Kingswood College in some instances challenge them. Regulations in regard to uniforms and in regard to the arrangement of each learner’s belongings insist on the sublimation/sacrificing of an individual identity in favour of an institutional one. Thus tiny departures from those norms, slight transgressions, might be understood as small rebellions which the boarder stages against disciplinary structures and the conformity demanded of him or her. I am particularly interested in these transgressions. In this thesis I attempt to unravel the complexities associated with such idiosyncrasies and how they play out amongst adolescent teens.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The role of the peer educators in enhancing social and emotional learning: a case of foursecondary schools in Fort Beaufort district
- Authors: Nyarayi Chinyama
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006257 , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore how peer education is enhancing social-emotional learning in four secondary schools in Fort Beaufort Education District. An empirical investigation using the qualitative approach examined the situation of the peer education clubs at the four schools. Data was gathered using interviews, focus groups, observations and document analysis. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of peer education programmes in enhancing social and emotional learning in schools. In this research study specifically the qualitative research approach was used. The study also adopted a purposive sampling procedure which is acceptable for special sampling situations where the researcher applied her own experience to select cases which form part of the participants. Four schools were selected, four principals, four teachers who work with peer education clubs, four focus groups, one HIV/AIDS district coordinator, and one peer group trainer. It emerged from the analysis of the collected data that peer education clubs in Fort Beaufort have a number of challenges facing them, resulting in them making insignificant contributions towards the enhancing of social-emotional learning. The clubs’ efforts have resulted in little positive behavioural change among the youth. Among the challenges revealed are: lack of proper structures and support from school administrators, poor selection of peer educators, lack of time and facilities in which to carry out their work, lack of adequate training for both teachers and peer educators. Teacher interference was also cited regularly at all four schools, thereby defeating the whole idea of peer education. The study also revealed that peer educators in Fort Beaufort are not receiving adequate support from other stakeholders like, the police, the justice department and social welfare. Another critical observation made during the study was that peer education clubs are lacking clear standards of practice, rigour and sustainability, all which should be addressed in order to enhance social-emotional learning in schools. Data was analysed using a thematic content analysis. The analysis was carried out in a manner that related to the research questions and objectives in the study. A transcript was made from the respondents’ answers. Reflection and coding was done and data was categorised as an important learning tool in schools, and to recognise its contribution to social emotional learning. The study concluded that peer education clubs in schools, despite their huge potential to improve both behaviour and academic results, are not being given a conducive environment to operate in or the necessary support. This effectively means that learners with some behavioural problems and who have the potential to reform are also being denied the opportunity to lead better lives. The Department is advised to increase the number of both peer education trainers and trained peer educators. Furthermore the training period of peer educators should be increased from the current five days. There is need for the Department of Education to formalise peer education clubs in schools and craft laws that makes it mandatory for schools to provide the clubs with decent facilities like confidential rooms to conduct their activities. More so the study recommends that there is need to train all teachers in schools in social skills and not only LO teachers to ease supervisory burden on the LO teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nyarayi Chinyama
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006257 , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore how peer education is enhancing social-emotional learning in four secondary schools in Fort Beaufort Education District. An empirical investigation using the qualitative approach examined the situation of the peer education clubs at the four schools. Data was gathered using interviews, focus groups, observations and document analysis. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of peer education programmes in enhancing social and emotional learning in schools. In this research study specifically the qualitative research approach was used. The study also adopted a purposive sampling procedure which is acceptable for special sampling situations where the researcher applied her own experience to select cases which form part of the participants. Four schools were selected, four principals, four teachers who work with peer education clubs, four focus groups, one HIV/AIDS district coordinator, and one peer group trainer. It emerged from the analysis of the collected data that peer education clubs in Fort Beaufort have a number of challenges facing them, resulting in them making insignificant contributions towards the enhancing of social-emotional learning. The clubs’ efforts have resulted in little positive behavioural change among the youth. Among the challenges revealed are: lack of proper structures and support from school administrators, poor selection of peer educators, lack of time and facilities in which to carry out their work, lack of adequate training for both teachers and peer educators. Teacher interference was also cited regularly at all four schools, thereby defeating the whole idea of peer education. The study also revealed that peer educators in Fort Beaufort are not receiving adequate support from other stakeholders like, the police, the justice department and social welfare. Another critical observation made during the study was that peer education clubs are lacking clear standards of practice, rigour and sustainability, all which should be addressed in order to enhance social-emotional learning in schools. Data was analysed using a thematic content analysis. The analysis was carried out in a manner that related to the research questions and objectives in the study. A transcript was made from the respondents’ answers. Reflection and coding was done and data was categorised as an important learning tool in schools, and to recognise its contribution to social emotional learning. The study concluded that peer education clubs in schools, despite their huge potential to improve both behaviour and academic results, are not being given a conducive environment to operate in or the necessary support. This effectively means that learners with some behavioural problems and who have the potential to reform are also being denied the opportunity to lead better lives. The Department is advised to increase the number of both peer education trainers and trained peer educators. Furthermore the training period of peer educators should be increased from the current five days. There is need for the Department of Education to formalise peer education clubs in schools and craft laws that makes it mandatory for schools to provide the clubs with decent facilities like confidential rooms to conduct their activities. More so the study recommends that there is need to train all teachers in schools in social skills and not only LO teachers to ease supervisory burden on the LO teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Automated grid fault detection and repair
- Authors: Luyt, Leslie
- Date: 2012 , 2012-05-24
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) -- Maintenance and repair , Cloud computing -- Maintenance and repair , Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006693 , Computational grids (Computer systems) -- Maintenance and repair , Cloud computing -- Maintenance and repair , Computer architecture
- Description: With the rise in interest in the field of grid and cloud computing, it is becoming increasingly necessary for the grid to be easily maintainable. This maintenance of the grid and grid services can be made easier by using an automated system to monitor and repair the grid as necessary. We propose a novel system to perform automated monitoring and repair of grid systems. To the best of our knowledge, no such systems exist. The results show that certain faults can be easily detected and repaired. , TeX , Adobe Acrobat 9.51 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Luyt, Leslie
- Date: 2012 , 2012-05-24
- Subjects: Computational grids (Computer systems) -- Maintenance and repair , Cloud computing -- Maintenance and repair , Computer architecture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006693 , Computational grids (Computer systems) -- Maintenance and repair , Cloud computing -- Maintenance and repair , Computer architecture
- Description: With the rise in interest in the field of grid and cloud computing, it is becoming increasingly necessary for the grid to be easily maintainable. This maintenance of the grid and grid services can be made easier by using an automated system to monitor and repair the grid as necessary. We propose a novel system to perform automated monitoring and repair of grid systems. To the best of our knowledge, no such systems exist. The results show that certain faults can be easily detected and repaired. , TeX , Adobe Acrobat 9.51 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Lithostratigraphic correlation, mineralogy and geochemistry of the lower manganese orebody at the Kalagadi Manganese Mine in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Rasmeni, Sonwabile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Manganese mines and mining -- South Africa , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Mineralogy -- South Africa , Geochemistry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016155 , Manganese mines and mining -- South Africa , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Mineralogy -- South Africa , Geochemistry -- South Africa
- Description: The Kalagadi Manganese mine in the Kuruman area of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa contains reserves of Mn ore in excess of 100Mt. Mineralization in the mine lease area is restricted within the Hotazel Formation of the Voȅlwater Subgroup, belonging to the Postmasburg Group, the upper subdivision of the Transvaal Supergroup. Surface topography is characterized by flat lying, undulation with minimal faulting and the ore are slightly metarmophosed. This study investigates the general geology of the mine, lithostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the economic Lower Manganese Orebody (LMO) of the Kalagadi Manganese Mine in order to guide mining plan and operations once the mine is fully commissioned. At the commencement of this study, Kalagadi Manganese mine was a project under exploration with no specific geology of the mine lease area and no lithostratigraphic subdivision. The study also aimed determining the extent of lithostratigraphic correlation between the LMO economic orebodies of the Kalagadi Manganese mine with that of underground Gloria and open-pit Mamatwan mines. Four methods including petrographic microscope, Scanning electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were applied mainly for the mineral identification, chemical composition and ore characterization of the Lower Manganese Orebody (LMO) at Kalagadi Manganese mine. The results of this study indicates the following: (1) Eleven textural distinct zones with economic zones restricted to the middle while the lower grade zones are confined to the top and bottom of the LMO; (2) The economic zones, comprising of Y, M, C and N subzones attain an average thickness of 10 m and are graded at an average of 40% Mn while the Mn/Fe ratio varies from 6 to 9; (3) The most economic zones are M and N subzones which are mostly characterized by oxidized ovoids and laminae, a characteristic applicable even to other zones of economic interest; (4) Braunite is the main mineral of the manganese ore and is often integrown with kutnahorite and other minerals (hematite, hausmannite, Mg-calcite, calcite, jacobsite, serpentine and garnet) which are present in variable amounts; (5) The Mg-rich calcite (Ca, Mg)CO3 is the second dominant manganese carbonate mineral and it corresponds to elevated MgO concentration and is often associated with marine environment. The occurrence of the Mgcalcite is not common in the manganese ore of this area except for the Mn-calcite, which was not determined by XRD analyses in this study; (6) MnO is the most abundant major oxide in the manganese ore while other major oxides present in decreasing order of abundance are CaO, SiO2, Fe2O3, and MgO. The oxides TiO2, Na2O, K2O, Al2O3, and Cr2O3 are depleted and are mostly 0.01wt% and 0.001wt% respectively while P2O5 concentrations are low ranging from 0.02wt% to 0.3wt%. The trace element concentrations of Ba, Zn and Sr in most borehole samples are slightly elevated ranging from 100ppm to 3.9% (36000pm) while Co, Cu, Ni, Y, As, Zr, V and La rarely exceed 50ppm. The enrichments of Cu, Zn, Ni, Co and V that are commonly associated with volcanogenic hydrothermal input in chemicals may reach up to 70ppm; (7) The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the manganese ore in the Kalagadi Manganese mine lease area are similar to that of Low-Grade Mamatwan-Type ore. The cyclicity (Banded Iron Formation ↔ Hematite lutite ↔ braunite lutite) and alternation of manganese and iron formation have been confirmed; and (8) The oxygen δ18O isotope values (18‰ to 22‰) indicate a slight influence of metamorphism of the manganese ore. No positive correlation exists between δ13C vs δ18O values and Mn vs δ13C values. Such observations indicate minimal action of organic carbon during manganese precipitation where the organic matter was oxidized and manganese content reduced. On the other hand, the manganese carbonates (CaO) are positively correlated with carbon isotope, this indicates diagenetic alteration and the involvement of biogenic carbonate during the formation of manganese carbonates. It is concluded that the lithostratigraphic subdivision at Kalagadi Manganese mine is best correlated physically, mineralogically and geochemically with that of Gloria mine operating in the Low Grade Mamatwan - Type ore while correlation with an open-pit Mamatwan mine is also valid.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Rasmeni, Sonwabile
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Manganese mines and mining -- South Africa , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Mineralogy -- South Africa , Geochemistry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016155 , Manganese mines and mining -- South Africa , Manganese ores -- Geology -- South Africa , Mineralogy -- South Africa , Geochemistry -- South Africa
- Description: The Kalagadi Manganese mine in the Kuruman area of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa contains reserves of Mn ore in excess of 100Mt. Mineralization in the mine lease area is restricted within the Hotazel Formation of the Voȅlwater Subgroup, belonging to the Postmasburg Group, the upper subdivision of the Transvaal Supergroup. Surface topography is characterized by flat lying, undulation with minimal faulting and the ore are slightly metarmophosed. This study investigates the general geology of the mine, lithostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the economic Lower Manganese Orebody (LMO) of the Kalagadi Manganese Mine in order to guide mining plan and operations once the mine is fully commissioned. At the commencement of this study, Kalagadi Manganese mine was a project under exploration with no specific geology of the mine lease area and no lithostratigraphic subdivision. The study also aimed determining the extent of lithostratigraphic correlation between the LMO economic orebodies of the Kalagadi Manganese mine with that of underground Gloria and open-pit Mamatwan mines. Four methods including petrographic microscope, Scanning electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were applied mainly for the mineral identification, chemical composition and ore characterization of the Lower Manganese Orebody (LMO) at Kalagadi Manganese mine. The results of this study indicates the following: (1) Eleven textural distinct zones with economic zones restricted to the middle while the lower grade zones are confined to the top and bottom of the LMO; (2) The economic zones, comprising of Y, M, C and N subzones attain an average thickness of 10 m and are graded at an average of 40% Mn while the Mn/Fe ratio varies from 6 to 9; (3) The most economic zones are M and N subzones which are mostly characterized by oxidized ovoids and laminae, a characteristic applicable even to other zones of economic interest; (4) Braunite is the main mineral of the manganese ore and is often integrown with kutnahorite and other minerals (hematite, hausmannite, Mg-calcite, calcite, jacobsite, serpentine and garnet) which are present in variable amounts; (5) The Mg-rich calcite (Ca, Mg)CO3 is the second dominant manganese carbonate mineral and it corresponds to elevated MgO concentration and is often associated with marine environment. The occurrence of the Mgcalcite is not common in the manganese ore of this area except for the Mn-calcite, which was not determined by XRD analyses in this study; (6) MnO is the most abundant major oxide in the manganese ore while other major oxides present in decreasing order of abundance are CaO, SiO2, Fe2O3, and MgO. The oxides TiO2, Na2O, K2O, Al2O3, and Cr2O3 are depleted and are mostly 0.01wt% and 0.001wt% respectively while P2O5 concentrations are low ranging from 0.02wt% to 0.3wt%. The trace element concentrations of Ba, Zn and Sr in most borehole samples are slightly elevated ranging from 100ppm to 3.9% (36000pm) while Co, Cu, Ni, Y, As, Zr, V and La rarely exceed 50ppm. The enrichments of Cu, Zn, Ni, Co and V that are commonly associated with volcanogenic hydrothermal input in chemicals may reach up to 70ppm; (7) The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the manganese ore in the Kalagadi Manganese mine lease area are similar to that of Low-Grade Mamatwan-Type ore. The cyclicity (Banded Iron Formation ↔ Hematite lutite ↔ braunite lutite) and alternation of manganese and iron formation have been confirmed; and (8) The oxygen δ18O isotope values (18‰ to 22‰) indicate a slight influence of metamorphism of the manganese ore. No positive correlation exists between δ13C vs δ18O values and Mn vs δ13C values. Such observations indicate minimal action of organic carbon during manganese precipitation where the organic matter was oxidized and manganese content reduced. On the other hand, the manganese carbonates (CaO) are positively correlated with carbon isotope, this indicates diagenetic alteration and the involvement of biogenic carbonate during the formation of manganese carbonates. It is concluded that the lithostratigraphic subdivision at Kalagadi Manganese mine is best correlated physically, mineralogically and geochemically with that of Gloria mine operating in the Low Grade Mamatwan - Type ore while correlation with an open-pit Mamatwan mine is also valid.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of pension fund investments on economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Olaifa, Ayodeji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Pension trusts -- Investments , Retirement income -- South Africa -- Planning , Pension trusts -- South Africa -- Management , Retirees -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015971
- Description: Pension fund investments have been under the spotlight lately, particularly on the back of the recent global financial and economic crisis that resulted in a significant reduction in pension fund assets across economies. Increased poverty levels and high financial indebtedness abound, as workers grapple with retrenchments, reduction in retirement benefits and reduced wages. This is causing a re-assessment of investment strategies of pension funds across the globe, and increasing support for the argument that, the traditional equity/government bond asset allocation is out - fashioned in a world of lower returns and wider choices. Pension funds by virtue of their size, can impact the society directly and/or indirectly through investments in companies that incorporate environmental, social and governance issues in their corporate behaviours, or in dedicated socially responsible investment funds or other forms of alternative investments. This study sought to provide a link between the investment patterns of pension funds and national economic development. An in-depth literature review was undertaken, and investments impacts were assessed by looking at published reports of select funds and corporations. Pension funds are an integral part of a nation‟s economy. This research work established the various dimensions in which pension fund investments can impact the socio economic development of a country, especially in developing countries, where there exists a huge infrastructural and economic gap among different sectors of the economy. Pension funds are workers capital, and therefore should be invested in a manner that will benefit workers, and these benefits cannot be restricted to mere financial benefits, it should be able to generate social, financial and environmental benefits, and in a sustainable way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Olaifa, Ayodeji
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Pension trusts -- Investments , Retirement income -- South Africa -- Planning , Pension trusts -- South Africa -- Management , Retirees -- Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015971
- Description: Pension fund investments have been under the spotlight lately, particularly on the back of the recent global financial and economic crisis that resulted in a significant reduction in pension fund assets across economies. Increased poverty levels and high financial indebtedness abound, as workers grapple with retrenchments, reduction in retirement benefits and reduced wages. This is causing a re-assessment of investment strategies of pension funds across the globe, and increasing support for the argument that, the traditional equity/government bond asset allocation is out - fashioned in a world of lower returns and wider choices. Pension funds by virtue of their size, can impact the society directly and/or indirectly through investments in companies that incorporate environmental, social and governance issues in their corporate behaviours, or in dedicated socially responsible investment funds or other forms of alternative investments. This study sought to provide a link between the investment patterns of pension funds and national economic development. An in-depth literature review was undertaken, and investments impacts were assessed by looking at published reports of select funds and corporations. Pension funds are an integral part of a nation‟s economy. This research work established the various dimensions in which pension fund investments can impact the socio economic development of a country, especially in developing countries, where there exists a huge infrastructural and economic gap among different sectors of the economy. Pension funds are workers capital, and therefore should be invested in a manner that will benefit workers, and these benefits cannot be restricted to mere financial benefits, it should be able to generate social, financial and environmental benefits, and in a sustainable way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Moving through the city : Cape Town's legacy of slavery and the performance of creolised carnival
- Authors: Nsele, Zamansele
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carnival -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Cape Town -- Economic conditions , Cape Town -- Social conditions , Slavery -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Stereotypes (Social psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012977
- Description: After South Africa entered into democracy in 1994, a mediation period of change was set in motion. It was an invitation for South Africans to imagine and envision themselves anew (Gqola 2010). Slave memory; a neglected past, that was previously silenced came to the fore and is currently in the process of being renegotiated in post-apartheid South Africa. In the light of this, I believe that the study of the Cape Minstrel Carnival which has its social roots in slavery lends itself for an insightful interpretation within an art historical framework. While institutionally the memory of slavery was officially marginalized: comparatively, on the streets of Cape Town, the community preserved it in elusive ways embodied in the procession of Carnival through the city. This thesis explores the imagery of creolisation, through an analysis of the Cape Minstrel Carnival. Zimitri Erasmus (Erasmus 200:14) defines creolisation as cultural production that happens under the specific conditions of slavery. Before I decode some of the motifs embedded in the imagery of creolisation, in chapter one I provide an in depth analysis; of the contextual conditions of which the practice of carnival originated. My analysis is informed extensively by post-colonial theories on race, identity, and creolisation. The route of the procession of carnival reveals an alternative and clandestine history of the city of Cape Town which I believe deserves focus. In chapter two I discuss its site specificity in relation to key urban sites, such as the District Six Museum, the Slave Lodge Museum and the Bo-Kaap Museum. This thesis explores the use of performance as a corporeal tool to demarcate the city. In the process of this analysis, a repertoire of movement becomes salient in the construction of creolised identities. In chapter three I discuss the motif of the “coon” as the most salient image of creolisation in the parade; I trace its iconographic roots to the performance of blackface minstrelsy that originated from the slave plantations of the United States of America. By unpacking the racist iconography bound up in the initial construction of the “coon”, it becomes clear that its derogative meaning was subverted when it was appropriated as a symbol of celebration into the New Year’s parades. As a result of its complicated history, some residents deride the parade as perpetuating racial stereotypes, by portraying “coloured” people as buffoons. Class snobbery has played a big part in the criticism. Therefore the procession of “the coons” or euphemistically the minstrels represents a cultural cringe for some and a festive celebration for others and both these sentiments coexist simultaneously. The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival can be interpreted on multiple shifting levels because it takes on an ambivalent and ambiguous position as far as meaning is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nsele, Zamansele
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Carnival -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Cape Town -- Economic conditions , Cape Town -- Social conditions , Slavery -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Stereotypes (Social psychology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2489 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012977
- Description: After South Africa entered into democracy in 1994, a mediation period of change was set in motion. It was an invitation for South Africans to imagine and envision themselves anew (Gqola 2010). Slave memory; a neglected past, that was previously silenced came to the fore and is currently in the process of being renegotiated in post-apartheid South Africa. In the light of this, I believe that the study of the Cape Minstrel Carnival which has its social roots in slavery lends itself for an insightful interpretation within an art historical framework. While institutionally the memory of slavery was officially marginalized: comparatively, on the streets of Cape Town, the community preserved it in elusive ways embodied in the procession of Carnival through the city. This thesis explores the imagery of creolisation, through an analysis of the Cape Minstrel Carnival. Zimitri Erasmus (Erasmus 200:14) defines creolisation as cultural production that happens under the specific conditions of slavery. Before I decode some of the motifs embedded in the imagery of creolisation, in chapter one I provide an in depth analysis; of the contextual conditions of which the practice of carnival originated. My analysis is informed extensively by post-colonial theories on race, identity, and creolisation. The route of the procession of carnival reveals an alternative and clandestine history of the city of Cape Town which I believe deserves focus. In chapter two I discuss its site specificity in relation to key urban sites, such as the District Six Museum, the Slave Lodge Museum and the Bo-Kaap Museum. This thesis explores the use of performance as a corporeal tool to demarcate the city. In the process of this analysis, a repertoire of movement becomes salient in the construction of creolised identities. In chapter three I discuss the motif of the “coon” as the most salient image of creolisation in the parade; I trace its iconographic roots to the performance of blackface minstrelsy that originated from the slave plantations of the United States of America. By unpacking the racist iconography bound up in the initial construction of the “coon”, it becomes clear that its derogative meaning was subverted when it was appropriated as a symbol of celebration into the New Year’s parades. As a result of its complicated history, some residents deride the parade as perpetuating racial stereotypes, by portraying “coloured” people as buffoons. Class snobbery has played a big part in the criticism. Therefore the procession of “the coons” or euphemistically the minstrels represents a cultural cringe for some and a festive celebration for others and both these sentiments coexist simultaneously. The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival can be interpreted on multiple shifting levels because it takes on an ambivalent and ambiguous position as far as meaning is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of African traditional medicines in pregnancy and on birth outcomes: pharmacists' perceptions of complementary medicines in pregnancy
- Authors: Mupfumira, Rudo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa Pharmacists -- Attitudes -- South Africa Medical ethics -- South Africa Medical anthropology -- South Africa Alternative medicine -- South Africa Prenatal care -- South Africa Pregnancy -- South Africa Abnormalities, Human -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003256
- Description: Increasing numbers of medicines are being used by pregnant South African women in the public sector during pregnancy, for the treatment of different biomedical and supernatural disease states and conditions. The motivation for the research is to support the development of more local pregnancy registries in order to strengthen evidence for the safety and efficacy of medicines used in pregnancy. A mixed methods approach was used. Women in their ninth month of pregnancy in a public sector setting, and four community pharmacists were identified. The women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. One in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with each woman before giving birth and data on their pregnancy outcomes were collected after labour. Coincidentally, the mother of one of the participants was found to be a traditional healer. She was also interviewed on the topic. A structured questionnaire was administered to the pharmacists. Ten pregnant women between the ages of 19 to 39 who had used or were using a traditional medicine during the pregnancy were recruited. All the participants had had at least one antenatal check up during their pregnancy with one having attended five times. No abnormal results were reported from any of the check ups or tests done during the visits. All of them had been to school and had at least Standard 8/Grade 10 education. Ten babies were seen between one and four days postpartum and no birth defects were obvious or were reported for any of them. The traditional healer did not provide additional information to what the women had said and confirmed that some of the practices the women reported were known to her as traditional medicine practices. All four pharmacists indicated that they considered complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to be “somewhat effective” and sold them at their pharmacies although none of them were aware of whether or not they were registered with the MCC. None of the pharmacists appeared to have an in-depth knowledge of traditional, complementary and alternative medicines (TCAMs). All four pharmacists said that it is important to have a basic understanding of TCAMs before using them, although they did not agree on the reasons for this. All of them felt that pharmacists have a professional responsibility to provide information on TCAMs (especially herbal preparations) and two felt that providing this information is part of a medical doctors’ responsibility. No harm from taking TCAMs could be shown. However herbal medicines have numerous ingredients some of which are unknown and taking these medicines is risky. The pharmacists in this sample were unsure whether they were accessing unreliable CAM information. Reliable sources of information and reference materials on CAMs to assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are needed. The apparent widespread use of TCAM in pregnancy indicates a need for documentation about its efficacy and safety. The establishing of TCAM pregnancy registries should seriously be considered. Due to the increase in CAM use, CAM education during pharmacists’ training as well as continuing professional development (CPD) in CAM for pharmacists in practice should be encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mupfumira, Rudo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa Pharmacists -- Attitudes -- South Africa Medical ethics -- South Africa Medical anthropology -- South Africa Alternative medicine -- South Africa Prenatal care -- South Africa Pregnancy -- South Africa Abnormalities, Human -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003256
- Description: Increasing numbers of medicines are being used by pregnant South African women in the public sector during pregnancy, for the treatment of different biomedical and supernatural disease states and conditions. The motivation for the research is to support the development of more local pregnancy registries in order to strengthen evidence for the safety and efficacy of medicines used in pregnancy. A mixed methods approach was used. Women in their ninth month of pregnancy in a public sector setting, and four community pharmacists were identified. The women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited. One in-depth semi-structured interview was conducted with each woman before giving birth and data on their pregnancy outcomes were collected after labour. Coincidentally, the mother of one of the participants was found to be a traditional healer. She was also interviewed on the topic. A structured questionnaire was administered to the pharmacists. Ten pregnant women between the ages of 19 to 39 who had used or were using a traditional medicine during the pregnancy were recruited. All the participants had had at least one antenatal check up during their pregnancy with one having attended five times. No abnormal results were reported from any of the check ups or tests done during the visits. All of them had been to school and had at least Standard 8/Grade 10 education. Ten babies were seen between one and four days postpartum and no birth defects were obvious or were reported for any of them. The traditional healer did not provide additional information to what the women had said and confirmed that some of the practices the women reported were known to her as traditional medicine practices. All four pharmacists indicated that they considered complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) to be “somewhat effective” and sold them at their pharmacies although none of them were aware of whether or not they were registered with the MCC. None of the pharmacists appeared to have an in-depth knowledge of traditional, complementary and alternative medicines (TCAMs). All four pharmacists said that it is important to have a basic understanding of TCAMs before using them, although they did not agree on the reasons for this. All of them felt that pharmacists have a professional responsibility to provide information on TCAMs (especially herbal preparations) and two felt that providing this information is part of a medical doctors’ responsibility. No harm from taking TCAMs could be shown. However herbal medicines have numerous ingredients some of which are unknown and taking these medicines is risky. The pharmacists in this sample were unsure whether they were accessing unreliable CAM information. Reliable sources of information and reference materials on CAMs to assist pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are needed. The apparent widespread use of TCAM in pregnancy indicates a need for documentation about its efficacy and safety. The establishing of TCAM pregnancy registries should seriously be considered. Due to the increase in CAM use, CAM education during pharmacists’ training as well as continuing professional development (CPD) in CAM for pharmacists in practice should be encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Factors affecting the adoption and meaningful use of electronic medical records in general practices
- Authors: Masiza, Melissa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Medical records -- Data processing , Medical records
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9814 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018561
- Description: Patients typically enter the healthcare systems at the primary care level from where they are further referred to specialists or hospitals as necessary. In the private healthcare system, primary care is provided by a general practitioner (GP). A GP will refer a patient to a specialist for treatment when necessary, while the GP remains the main healthcare provider. The provision of care is, thus, fragmented which results in continuity of care becoming a challenge. Furthermore, the majority of healthcare providers continue to use paper-based systems to capture and store patient medical data. However, capturing and storing patient medical data via electronic methods, such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), has been found to improve continuity of care. Despite this benefit, research reveals that smaller practices are slow to adopt electronic methods of record keeping. Hence this explorative research attempts to identify factors that affect the lack of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in general practices. Four general practices are surveyed through patient and staff questionnaires, as well as GP interviews. Socio-Technical Systems (STS) theory is used as a theoretical lens to formulate the resulting factors. The findings of the research indicate specific factors that relate to either the social, environmental or technical sub-systems of the socio-technical system, or an overlap between these sub-systems. It is significant to note that within these sub-systems, the social sub-system plays a key role. This is due to various reasons revealed by this research. Furthermore, multiple perceptions emerged from the GP and patient participants during the analysis of the findings. These perceptions may have an influence on the adoption and potential meaningful use of an EMR in a general practice. Additionally, the socio-technical factors identified from this research highlight the challenges related to encouraging the adoption and meaningful use of EMRs. These challenges are introduced by the complexities represented by these factors. Nevertheless, addressing the factors will contribute towards improving the rate of adoption and meaningful use of EMRs in small practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The biota of the Swartkops Solar Saltworks and their potential for producing biofuels
- Authors: De Lauwere, Monique Simone
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organisms , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011657 , Organisms , Biomass energy
- Description: The Swartkops and Missionvale salinas in Port Elizabeth on the east coast of South Africa are surrounding by large informal settlements. The runoff from these settlements contributes largely to the eutrophication of the solar saltworks which in turn has an effect on the biotic functioning of the systems, ultimately affecting the quantity and quality of the salt produced. Inorganic nutrients and organic composition, as well as important biological groups were examined within the brine with the aim of comparing the current condition of the same salinas to their condition twelve years ago. Comparisons between inorganic nutrient concentrations and biological groups showed significantly higher inorganic nutrients, with chlorophyll a concentrations in the Swartkops salina in 2011 being significantly higher than in 2012 and the 1999 and 2011 chlorophyll a concentrations being significantly higher than 2012 in the Missionvale salina. Microalgae found in the salinas were cultured in four different growth media. Cells were stained with Nile Red fluorescent dye in order to estimate the extent of lipids production. Five of the most promising lipid producing species were isolated into a monoculture and grown at different salinities to establish the growth and lipid production in response to salinity. Halamphora coffeaeformis and Navicula sp. were found to be the best candidate species. They grew best at salinities between 50 and 70 psu and produced lipid vesicles consuming approximately 10 percent of the cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: De Lauwere, Monique Simone
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Organisms , Biomass energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011657 , Organisms , Biomass energy
- Description: The Swartkops and Missionvale salinas in Port Elizabeth on the east coast of South Africa are surrounding by large informal settlements. The runoff from these settlements contributes largely to the eutrophication of the solar saltworks which in turn has an effect on the biotic functioning of the systems, ultimately affecting the quantity and quality of the salt produced. Inorganic nutrients and organic composition, as well as important biological groups were examined within the brine with the aim of comparing the current condition of the same salinas to their condition twelve years ago. Comparisons between inorganic nutrient concentrations and biological groups showed significantly higher inorganic nutrients, with chlorophyll a concentrations in the Swartkops salina in 2011 being significantly higher than in 2012 and the 1999 and 2011 chlorophyll a concentrations being significantly higher than 2012 in the Missionvale salina. Microalgae found in the salinas were cultured in four different growth media. Cells were stained with Nile Red fluorescent dye in order to estimate the extent of lipids production. Five of the most promising lipid producing species were isolated into a monoculture and grown at different salinities to establish the growth and lipid production in response to salinity. Halamphora coffeaeformis and Navicula sp. were found to be the best candidate species. They grew best at salinities between 50 and 70 psu and produced lipid vesicles consuming approximately 10 percent of the cell.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
How does the ungulate community respond to predation risk from cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) in Samara Private Game Reserve?
- Authors: Makin, Douglas Ferguson
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ungulates -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predation (Biology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018461
- Description: Predator reintroductions are becoming increasingly more common for multiple reasons, including assisting with the conservation of a predator species, the restoration of ecosystem functions and the economic benefits of their reintroduction for ecotourism ventures. There remains however, little knowledge on prey species responses to these predator reintroductions. As such, the reintroduction of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into Samara Private Game Reserve provided an opportunity to investigate prey responses to predator reintroduction across a range of spatial and temporal scales. More specifically, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cheetah predation risk on habitat use and behavioural responses of the resident ungulate community. Samara is divided into “predator present” and “predator absent” sections, providing the opportunity to conduct a comparative study investigating the effect of cheetah on prey responses. It was hypothesized that different ungulate species would respond differently to the presence of cheetah, depending on differences in perceived vulnerability to cheetah predation. To address this, shifts in habitat use, and behavioural responses of the ungulate community reflected at landscape and patch scale were investigated. Overall, ungulate species have not shifted habitat use since cheetah reintroduction, this was possibly related to life history strategy constraints and the need for individuals to obtain suitable forage and therefore remain in specific habitats. While no shift in habitat use was observed for the majority of ungulate species, a shift in behaviour was observed for kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) at a landscape scale, where kudu dedicated more time to vigilance and less time to foraging within the predator section. In addition, individuals within smaller kudu groups were observed to be more vigilant than individuals within larger groups of kudu within the predator section. Although the other three ungulate species monitored did not increase time spent vigilant within the predator section, they still maintained relatively high levels of vigilance, potentially as a means of social monitoring. At a patch level, ungulate species responded strongly to a predator cue as a proxy for cheetah proximity, and increased time spent vigilant with a trade-off of lower foraging effort. This vigilant response was strongest for kudu. Differences in perceived predation risk were reflected within eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and kudu species demographic classes, with juvenile eland and kudu, adult female kudu and subadult female kudu spending more time vigilant within manipulated patches than respective males of each species. Kudu were also observed adopting fine-scale behavioural responses to minimize predation risk within patches. The asymmetrical prey species response to perceived predation risk from cheetah supports the hypothesis that different species respond differently to the presence of a predator. Furthermore, this study illustrated the importance of measuring prey responses to predation risk across multiple scales and highlighted the need to replicate this study for a number of different sites where predators have been reintroduced, to better understand the range of factors influencing these predator-prey interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makin, Douglas Ferguson
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Ungulates -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predatory animals -- Ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Predation (Biology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018461
- Description: Predator reintroductions are becoming increasingly more common for multiple reasons, including assisting with the conservation of a predator species, the restoration of ecosystem functions and the economic benefits of their reintroduction for ecotourism ventures. There remains however, little knowledge on prey species responses to these predator reintroductions. As such, the reintroduction of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) into Samara Private Game Reserve provided an opportunity to investigate prey responses to predator reintroduction across a range of spatial and temporal scales. More specifically, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cheetah predation risk on habitat use and behavioural responses of the resident ungulate community. Samara is divided into “predator present” and “predator absent” sections, providing the opportunity to conduct a comparative study investigating the effect of cheetah on prey responses. It was hypothesized that different ungulate species would respond differently to the presence of cheetah, depending on differences in perceived vulnerability to cheetah predation. To address this, shifts in habitat use, and behavioural responses of the ungulate community reflected at landscape and patch scale were investigated. Overall, ungulate species have not shifted habitat use since cheetah reintroduction, this was possibly related to life history strategy constraints and the need for individuals to obtain suitable forage and therefore remain in specific habitats. While no shift in habitat use was observed for the majority of ungulate species, a shift in behaviour was observed for kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) at a landscape scale, where kudu dedicated more time to vigilance and less time to foraging within the predator section. In addition, individuals within smaller kudu groups were observed to be more vigilant than individuals within larger groups of kudu within the predator section. Although the other three ungulate species monitored did not increase time spent vigilant within the predator section, they still maintained relatively high levels of vigilance, potentially as a means of social monitoring. At a patch level, ungulate species responded strongly to a predator cue as a proxy for cheetah proximity, and increased time spent vigilant with a trade-off of lower foraging effort. This vigilant response was strongest for kudu. Differences in perceived predation risk were reflected within eland (Tragelaphus oryx) and kudu species demographic classes, with juvenile eland and kudu, adult female kudu and subadult female kudu spending more time vigilant within manipulated patches than respective males of each species. Kudu were also observed adopting fine-scale behavioural responses to minimize predation risk within patches. The asymmetrical prey species response to perceived predation risk from cheetah supports the hypothesis that different species respond differently to the presence of a predator. Furthermore, this study illustrated the importance of measuring prey responses to predation risk across multiple scales and highlighted the need to replicate this study for a number of different sites where predators have been reintroduced, to better understand the range of factors influencing these predator-prey interactions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of job satisfaction and organisational commitment on turnover intentions amongst high school teachers: a case of Fort Beaufort district in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Magocoba, Noncedo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013589 , Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Description: This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Magocoba, Noncedo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
- Identifier: vital:11560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013589 , Job satisfaction , Organisational commitment , Turnover intentions
- Description: This study focused on establishing the impact of job satisfaction (JS) and organisational commitment (OC) on turnover intentions of high school teachers in Fort Beaufort. Quantitative research methodology was used to gather data with the use of the short version of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire; the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire measuring three facets of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative); and Turnover Intention Questionnaire consisting of three items. Validity and reliability of each instrument was presented and explained. Data analysis was facilitated by the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that teachers’ level of satisfaction was high with many aspects of their job and it was low with some aspects with pay and the amount of work being the lowest. A negative relationship between job satisfaction and turnover was established, and organisational commitment was found to influence turnover intention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The evaluation of cultural diversity in the institutionalization of the African Union
- Authors: Nhlapo, Lebohang Lorraine Z
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: African Union , Multiculturalism , African cooperation , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020624
- Description: This research was conducted to assess cultural diversity in the institutionalisation of the African Union (AU). Most researchers have found interest on the subject of cultural diversity that edifice the African Union because “Africa does not have a single culture not in religions, not in economic systems, and especially not in languages, the number of different languages spoken on the continent, numerous dialects not included, range as high as 2,000 or more languages. While some languages, such as Swahili, are spoken by millions, other languages may be spoken by only a handful” (Robert & Feldman, 2008: 267) The AU member states heads are quiet aware of the forces of cultural diversity in the Union, hence several workshops were carried out between member states heads to put together the cultural policy for the Union. There are also numerous policies on African cultural diversity that were approved previously by different organisations that intended to unify Africa before the African Union was formed. Those policies are aligned within the AU cultural policy - The Charter for African Renaissance that will be reviewed in length in Chapter 3 in the literature review. What comes as a mystery is that, even though the Charter for African Renaissance has unified and adopted various policies ethnic and religion segregations within states and between states is still visible in most African countries (ethnicity, language and religion will also be evaluated and a sample of various cultures found in African countries will also be discussed in Chapter 3 under literature review). The Charter for African Renaissance contains guiding principle and objectives of the AU pertaining cultural diversity and these objectives needs to be met. However the biggest well known challenge about policies is that in most cases they remain on paper and shelved, they never make that much difference to the society that they intend to change. As Cloete and Wissink (2000) will put it that “policies only exist because they need to bring about change, however, it is also possible to change policies on paper, whilst effecting no real social change" (2000: 239). African cultural diversity policies are as well littered with failed institutions and initiatives that have not been followed through to completion, or of promises that have been broken. The driving force for this research is that Africans has seen many false starts in the last few decades and they are desperate for change, they need to see democracy, development and institutional building in the African countries. African Union on the other hand has existed for a decade but it has not yet achieved its objectives. How do we know that this is not just another focus for a misplaced enthusiasm? Will the current initiatives of the AU fall by the wayside? Will the world continue to mock Africa as the land of broken promises, of criminalized and failed states that inevitably subvert the best intentions of their peoples and their development partners? Unfortunately these questions has influenced this investigation but cannot be answered by this paper. However this paper intends to find out if cultural diversity has an impact in the missed opportunities and broken promises of Africa and this will be examined in the structures of the African Union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nhlapo, Lebohang Lorraine Z
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: African Union , Multiculturalism , African cooperation , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: vital:8337 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020624
- Description: This research was conducted to assess cultural diversity in the institutionalisation of the African Union (AU). Most researchers have found interest on the subject of cultural diversity that edifice the African Union because “Africa does not have a single culture not in religions, not in economic systems, and especially not in languages, the number of different languages spoken on the continent, numerous dialects not included, range as high as 2,000 or more languages. While some languages, such as Swahili, are spoken by millions, other languages may be spoken by only a handful” (Robert & Feldman, 2008: 267) The AU member states heads are quiet aware of the forces of cultural diversity in the Union, hence several workshops were carried out between member states heads to put together the cultural policy for the Union. There are also numerous policies on African cultural diversity that were approved previously by different organisations that intended to unify Africa before the African Union was formed. Those policies are aligned within the AU cultural policy - The Charter for African Renaissance that will be reviewed in length in Chapter 3 in the literature review. What comes as a mystery is that, even though the Charter for African Renaissance has unified and adopted various policies ethnic and religion segregations within states and between states is still visible in most African countries (ethnicity, language and religion will also be evaluated and a sample of various cultures found in African countries will also be discussed in Chapter 3 under literature review). The Charter for African Renaissance contains guiding principle and objectives of the AU pertaining cultural diversity and these objectives needs to be met. However the biggest well known challenge about policies is that in most cases they remain on paper and shelved, they never make that much difference to the society that they intend to change. As Cloete and Wissink (2000) will put it that “policies only exist because they need to bring about change, however, it is also possible to change policies on paper, whilst effecting no real social change" (2000: 239). African cultural diversity policies are as well littered with failed institutions and initiatives that have not been followed through to completion, or of promises that have been broken. The driving force for this research is that Africans has seen many false starts in the last few decades and they are desperate for change, they need to see democracy, development and institutional building in the African countries. African Union on the other hand has existed for a decade but it has not yet achieved its objectives. How do we know that this is not just another focus for a misplaced enthusiasm? Will the current initiatives of the AU fall by the wayside? Will the world continue to mock Africa as the land of broken promises, of criminalized and failed states that inevitably subvert the best intentions of their peoples and their development partners? Unfortunately these questions has influenced this investigation but cannot be answered by this paper. However this paper intends to find out if cultural diversity has an impact in the missed opportunities and broken promises of Africa and this will be examined in the structures of the African Union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Investigating the incorporation of education about, in/through and for the environment in the Geography junior phase curriculum: a case study of three Namibian schools
- Authors: Anyolo, Eveline Omagano
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Primary -- Curricula -- Namibia Geography teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003476
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate how education about, in/through and for the environment is incorporated in the Namibian Geography Junior Phase curriculum in three schools in Oshana Education Region. Education about, in/through and for the environment are three forms of environmental education identified by Fien (1998). This study is a qualitative, interpretive case study. It reviews the activities, content knowledge, methods, competencies and resources and describes how they were used by teachers in fostering education about, in/through and for the environment in the curriculum. Data was generated through document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews. The results were interpreted and discussed in relation to the research question which is: How is education about, in/through and for the environment incorporated in the Geography Junior Phase curriculum? Key findings of the study suggested that teachers incorporated education about, in/through and for the environment in their teaching. Teachers used the prescribed syllabus to structure their environmental learning lessons. Most methods, resources and activities used by the teachers promoted education about the environment. The study also found that most types of knowledge about the environment were covered by the teachers. This enabled learners to examine the complexity and interrelatedness of natural systems. The study found that the way the resources were used exclusively supported education about the environment. Linking learning to local context in this study encouraged education in/through the environment and enhanced the learning process through real life experience. The study also found that, although teachers taught their learners for the environment, they did not empower them in taking actions towards environmental problems. Based on the insights offered by this research, the study identified further support required by teachers and made recommendations for effective incorporation of about, in/through andfor the environment in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Anyolo, Eveline Omagano
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Namibia -- Case studies Education, Primary -- Curricula -- Namibia Geography teachers -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003476
- Description: This study was carried out to investigate how education about, in/through and for the environment is incorporated in the Namibian Geography Junior Phase curriculum in three schools in Oshana Education Region. Education about, in/through and for the environment are three forms of environmental education identified by Fien (1998). This study is a qualitative, interpretive case study. It reviews the activities, content knowledge, methods, competencies and resources and describes how they were used by teachers in fostering education about, in/through and for the environment in the curriculum. Data was generated through document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews. The results were interpreted and discussed in relation to the research question which is: How is education about, in/through and for the environment incorporated in the Geography Junior Phase curriculum? Key findings of the study suggested that teachers incorporated education about, in/through and for the environment in their teaching. Teachers used the prescribed syllabus to structure their environmental learning lessons. Most methods, resources and activities used by the teachers promoted education about the environment. The study also found that most types of knowledge about the environment were covered by the teachers. This enabled learners to examine the complexity and interrelatedness of natural systems. The study found that the way the resources were used exclusively supported education about the environment. Linking learning to local context in this study encouraged education in/through the environment and enhanced the learning process through real life experience. The study also found that, although teachers taught their learners for the environment, they did not empower them in taking actions towards environmental problems. Based on the insights offered by this research, the study identified further support required by teachers and made recommendations for effective incorporation of about, in/through andfor the environment in the curriculum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An assessment of the impact of labour unions on school governance processes and service delivery :a case-study of the King William's Town district
- Ngumbela, Nositembele Anahopia
- Authors: Ngumbela, Nositembele Anahopia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007114 , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The demise of apartheid and the ushering in of the New Dispensation in 1994 necessitated the dismantling of the old structures of government which divided the people along racial lines and building a united South Africa based on the principles of the new Constitution.Chapter 10 of the Constitution No. 108 of the Republic of South Africa gives guidelines and principles on how Public Administration should be governed. Section 195 provides for the basic values and principles which govern public administration. The Eastern Cape Department of Education is faced with a problem where the basic values and principles which govern public administration in schools had either not been observed or are completely compromised despite the involvement of labour unions. This is evident in the final results of matrics year after year which became a social concern and the national question. The state of affairs is not improving despite the involvement of labour unions and this prompted the National government to intervene through Section 100. This study will try to explore and mitigate this undesirable state of affairs. The involvement of labour unions is a critical question as to whether their involvement enhances proper governance and policy intentions in schools which will enhance service delivery and increase performance and output results. The researcher followed a multi-method approach to benefit from the diversity of opinions and understand the problem better.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Ngumbela, Nositembele Anahopia
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11670 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007114 , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The demise of apartheid and the ushering in of the New Dispensation in 1994 necessitated the dismantling of the old structures of government which divided the people along racial lines and building a united South Africa based on the principles of the new Constitution.Chapter 10 of the Constitution No. 108 of the Republic of South Africa gives guidelines and principles on how Public Administration should be governed. Section 195 provides for the basic values and principles which govern public administration. The Eastern Cape Department of Education is faced with a problem where the basic values and principles which govern public administration in schools had either not been observed or are completely compromised despite the involvement of labour unions. This is evident in the final results of matrics year after year which became a social concern and the national question. The state of affairs is not improving despite the involvement of labour unions and this prompted the National government to intervene through Section 100. This study will try to explore and mitigate this undesirable state of affairs. The involvement of labour unions is a critical question as to whether their involvement enhances proper governance and policy intentions in schools which will enhance service delivery and increase performance and output results. The researcher followed a multi-method approach to benefit from the diversity of opinions and understand the problem better.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
COIN : a customisable, incentive driven video on demand framework for low-cost IPTV services
- Authors: Musvibe, Ray
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-02
- Subjects: Internet television , Digital television , Television broadcasting -- Technological innovations , Multicasting (Computer networks) , Video dial tone , Open source software , Telecommunication , Capital investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006650 , Internet television , Digital television , Television broadcasting -- Technological innovations , Multicasting (Computer networks) , Video dial tone , Open source software , Telecommunication , Capital investments
- Description: There has been a significant rise in the provision of television and video services over IP (IPTV) in recent years. Increasing network capacity and falling bandwidth costs have made it both technically and economically feasible for service providers to deliver IPTV services. Several telecommunications (telco) operators worldwide are rolling out IPTV solutions and view IPTV as a major service differentiator and alternative revenue source. The main challenge that IPTV providers currently face, however, is the increasingly congested television service provider market, which also includes Internet Television. IPTV solutions therefore need strong service differentiators to succeed. IPTV solutions can doubtlessly sell much faster if they are more affordable or low-cost. Advertising has already been used in many service sectors to help lower service costs, including traditional broadcast television. This thesis therefore explores the role that advertising can play in helping to lower the cost of IPTV services and to incentivise IPTV billing. Another approach that IPTV providers can use to help sell their product is by addressing the growing need for control by today's multimedia users. This thesis will therefore explore the varied approaches that can be used to achieve viewer focused IPTV implementations. To further lower the cost of IPTV services, telcos can also turn to low-cost, open source platforms for service delivery. The adoption of low-cost infrastructure by telcos can lead to reduced Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), which in turn can lead to lower service fees, and ultimately to higher subscriptions and revenue. Therefore, in this thesis, the author proposes a CustOmisable, INcentive (COIN) driven Video on Demand (VoD) framework to be developed and deployed using the Mobicents Communication Platform, an open source service creation and execution platform. The COIN framework aims to provide a viewer focused, economically competitive service that combines the potential cost savings of using free and open source software (FOSS), with an innovative, incentive-driven billing approach. This project will also aim to evaluate whether the Mobicents Platform is a suitable service creation and execution platform for the proposed framework. Additionally, the proposed implementation aims to be interoperable with other IPTV implementations, hence shall follow current IPTV standardisation architectures and trends. The service testbed and its implementation are described in detail and only free and open source software is used; this is to enable its easy duplication and extension for future research. , TeX output 2012.03.02:1241 , Adobe Acrobat 9.2 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Musvibe, Ray
- Date: 2012 , 2012-03-02
- Subjects: Internet television , Digital television , Television broadcasting -- Technological innovations , Multicasting (Computer networks) , Video dial tone , Open source software , Telecommunication , Capital investments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006650 , Internet television , Digital television , Television broadcasting -- Technological innovations , Multicasting (Computer networks) , Video dial tone , Open source software , Telecommunication , Capital investments
- Description: There has been a significant rise in the provision of television and video services over IP (IPTV) in recent years. Increasing network capacity and falling bandwidth costs have made it both technically and economically feasible for service providers to deliver IPTV services. Several telecommunications (telco) operators worldwide are rolling out IPTV solutions and view IPTV as a major service differentiator and alternative revenue source. The main challenge that IPTV providers currently face, however, is the increasingly congested television service provider market, which also includes Internet Television. IPTV solutions therefore need strong service differentiators to succeed. IPTV solutions can doubtlessly sell much faster if they are more affordable or low-cost. Advertising has already been used in many service sectors to help lower service costs, including traditional broadcast television. This thesis therefore explores the role that advertising can play in helping to lower the cost of IPTV services and to incentivise IPTV billing. Another approach that IPTV providers can use to help sell their product is by addressing the growing need for control by today's multimedia users. This thesis will therefore explore the varied approaches that can be used to achieve viewer focused IPTV implementations. To further lower the cost of IPTV services, telcos can also turn to low-cost, open source platforms for service delivery. The adoption of low-cost infrastructure by telcos can lead to reduced Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), which in turn can lead to lower service fees, and ultimately to higher subscriptions and revenue. Therefore, in this thesis, the author proposes a CustOmisable, INcentive (COIN) driven Video on Demand (VoD) framework to be developed and deployed using the Mobicents Communication Platform, an open source service creation and execution platform. The COIN framework aims to provide a viewer focused, economically competitive service that combines the potential cost savings of using free and open source software (FOSS), with an innovative, incentive-driven billing approach. This project will also aim to evaluate whether the Mobicents Platform is a suitable service creation and execution platform for the proposed framework. Additionally, the proposed implementation aims to be interoperable with other IPTV implementations, hence shall follow current IPTV standardisation architectures and trends. The service testbed and its implementation are described in detail and only free and open source software is used; this is to enable its easy duplication and extension for future research. , TeX output 2012.03.02:1241 , Adobe Acrobat 9.2 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Trophic ecology of breeding northern rockhopper penguins, Eudyptes Moseleyi, at Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean
- Authors: Booth, Jenny Marie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Penguins -- Breeding -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Ecology -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Food
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005476 , Penguins -- Breeding -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Ecology -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Food
- Description: Northern Rockhopper penguin populations, Eudyptes moseleyi, are declining globally, and at Tristan da Cunha have undergone severe declines (> 90% in the last 130 years), the cause(s)of which are unknown. There is a paucity of data on this species in the South Atlantic Ocean, therefore their trophic ecology at Tristan da Cunha was studied, specifically focusing on diet, using stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis (SIA), in conjunction with an analysis of diving behaviour, assessed using temperature-depth recorders. In order to evaluate the influence of gender on foraging, a morphometric investigation of sexual dimorphism was confirmed using molecular analysis. Additionally, plasma corticosterone levels were measured to examine breeding stage and presence of blood parasites as potential sources of stress during the breeding season. Northern Rockhopper penguins at Tristan da Cunha displayed a high degree of foraging plasticity, and fed opportunistically on a wide variety of prey, probably reflecting local small-scale changes in prey distribution. Zooplankton dominated (by mass) the diet of guard stage females, whereas small meso-pelagic fish (predominantly Photichthyidae)dominated diet of adults of both sexes in the crèche stage, with cephalopods contributing equally in both stages. Adults consistently fed chicks on lower-trophic level prey (assessed using SIA), probably zooplankton, than they consumed themselves indicating that the increasing demands of growing chicks were not met by adults through provisioning of higher- quality prey. SIA also indicated that adults foraged in different oceanic water masses when feeding for self-maintenance and for chick provisioning, thus temporally segregating the prey consumed for different purposes. It is possible that adults ‘selected’ these higher quality prey for themselves, or this may be a reflection of opportunistic behaviour. At Tristan da Cunha sexual dimorphism was observed in culmen dimensions (length, depth, width), with males having larger beaks and feeding on larger individuals of squid and fish than females. No sexual segregation in terms of foraging habitat (i.e. different water masses, based on ð¹³N or trophic level ð¹⁵N) during the breeding season or pre-moult period was revealed through SIA, and stomach content analysis revealed no sexual differences in prey species targeted. The results of SIA of feathers indicate that during the pre-moult period birds foraged in different water masses than during the breeding period. The fact that throughout the breeding season birds foraged in similar habitats suggests no intra-specific competition, despite both sexes feeding on the same prey.Birds were generally diurnal, daily foragers (12 – 16 hr trips), with extended trips (maximum duration 35.5 hours) and nocturnal diving recorded in a few individuals. Birds dived well within their physiological limits, predominantly utilising the upper 20m of the water column, employing two different strategies to target different prey items. Long, deep (30 – 40 m), energetically costly dives were performed when targeting energy-rich prey (fish), and a greater number of shorter, shallower (5 – 20 m), energy-efficient dives were performed when targeting prey with a lower energy content (zooplankton). More than half of the sampled study population were infected with the intra-cellular blood parasite Babesia, but infection showed no relationship to body mass, corticosterone levels or breeding success. Fasting birds showed no signs of elevated corticosterone levels, suggesting they had acquired sufficient fat reserves prior to breeding. Failed breeders did not exhibit elevated corticosterone levels. Tristan skuas, Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni, were observed to be a significant cause of egg and chick mortality. The absence of sex-based differences in foraging, and the absence of any signs of stress in relation to body mass, presence of Babesia or breeding stage, suggest that there are no obvious signs of high levels of stress or food limitations during breeding at Tristan da Cunha.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Booth, Jenny Marie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Penguins -- Breeding -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Ecology -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Food
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5788 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005476 , Penguins -- Breeding -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Ecology -- Tristan da Cunha , Penguins -- Food
- Description: Northern Rockhopper penguin populations, Eudyptes moseleyi, are declining globally, and at Tristan da Cunha have undergone severe declines (> 90% in the last 130 years), the cause(s)of which are unknown. There is a paucity of data on this species in the South Atlantic Ocean, therefore their trophic ecology at Tristan da Cunha was studied, specifically focusing on diet, using stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis (SIA), in conjunction with an analysis of diving behaviour, assessed using temperature-depth recorders. In order to evaluate the influence of gender on foraging, a morphometric investigation of sexual dimorphism was confirmed using molecular analysis. Additionally, plasma corticosterone levels were measured to examine breeding stage and presence of blood parasites as potential sources of stress during the breeding season. Northern Rockhopper penguins at Tristan da Cunha displayed a high degree of foraging plasticity, and fed opportunistically on a wide variety of prey, probably reflecting local small-scale changes in prey distribution. Zooplankton dominated (by mass) the diet of guard stage females, whereas small meso-pelagic fish (predominantly Photichthyidae)dominated diet of adults of both sexes in the crèche stage, with cephalopods contributing equally in both stages. Adults consistently fed chicks on lower-trophic level prey (assessed using SIA), probably zooplankton, than they consumed themselves indicating that the increasing demands of growing chicks were not met by adults through provisioning of higher- quality prey. SIA also indicated that adults foraged in different oceanic water masses when feeding for self-maintenance and for chick provisioning, thus temporally segregating the prey consumed for different purposes. It is possible that adults ‘selected’ these higher quality prey for themselves, or this may be a reflection of opportunistic behaviour. At Tristan da Cunha sexual dimorphism was observed in culmen dimensions (length, depth, width), with males having larger beaks and feeding on larger individuals of squid and fish than females. No sexual segregation in terms of foraging habitat (i.e. different water masses, based on ð¹³N or trophic level ð¹⁵N) during the breeding season or pre-moult period was revealed through SIA, and stomach content analysis revealed no sexual differences in prey species targeted. The results of SIA of feathers indicate that during the pre-moult period birds foraged in different water masses than during the breeding period. The fact that throughout the breeding season birds foraged in similar habitats suggests no intra-specific competition, despite both sexes feeding on the same prey.Birds were generally diurnal, daily foragers (12 – 16 hr trips), with extended trips (maximum duration 35.5 hours) and nocturnal diving recorded in a few individuals. Birds dived well within their physiological limits, predominantly utilising the upper 20m of the water column, employing two different strategies to target different prey items. Long, deep (30 – 40 m), energetically costly dives were performed when targeting energy-rich prey (fish), and a greater number of shorter, shallower (5 – 20 m), energy-efficient dives were performed when targeting prey with a lower energy content (zooplankton). More than half of the sampled study population were infected with the intra-cellular blood parasite Babesia, but infection showed no relationship to body mass, corticosterone levels or breeding success. Fasting birds showed no signs of elevated corticosterone levels, suggesting they had acquired sufficient fat reserves prior to breeding. Failed breeders did not exhibit elevated corticosterone levels. Tristan skuas, Catharacta antarctica hamiltoni, were observed to be a significant cause of egg and chick mortality. The absence of sex-based differences in foraging, and the absence of any signs of stress in relation to body mass, presence of Babesia or breeding stage, suggest that there are no obvious signs of high levels of stress or food limitations during breeding at Tristan da Cunha.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012