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An ergonomic analysis of commercially available exercise equipment : implications for resistance training and clinical rehabilitation

  • Authors: Scott, Stephen Bryce
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Human engineering -- Case studies , Exercise -- Equipment and supplies -- Evaluation , Isometric exercise -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:5172 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016367
  • Description: This study examined the often contrived advertising claims of the manufacturers of variable resistance isotonic machinery. Specifically, the study sought to ascertain whether certain equipment was compatible with musculo-skeletal and perceptual needs and limitations of the human user: that is, to determine whether presently installed eccentric cams, which provide the variable resistance, matched the users force curves. The format of this research was in the ergonomic tradition in which empirical research is not necessarily the primary avenue. Consequently the inter-disciplinary nature of ergonomics required small-scale laboratory- simulation experiments to be conducted in a diverse range of disciplines such as physiology, psychology and biomechanics. It was found that on all five pieces of variable resistance machinery analysed, a mismatch between the force curves and the eccentric cams exist. The cams were redesigned accordingly. The metabolic cost of performing fixed-rate isoinertial lifts was moderate. The psychophysical analysis revealed that perceptual responses indicated that the work was classified as 'light' and only at 30% stress levels do local cues begin to dominate. Based on these findings it was concluded that manufacturers advertising claims in the instances analysed were not well-founded and that variable resistance isotonic machinery should only be used to develop muscular strength and endurance, and do not effectively serve as weight-loss devices.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An evaluation of case study teaching materials on hazards: based on the current aims of geographical education

  • Authors: Pyle, Desmond Mark
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Disasters -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Hazardous geographic environments -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1524 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003406
  • Description: Hazards are an integral part of people-environment relationships. The impact of hazards locally and globally has become increasinglymore severe. particularly in the previous two decades. This is largely as a result of unwise human intervention in natural systems. The study of hazards at secondary school level affords valuable opportunities for learning about people-environment issues. This in turn, can promote a greater awareness of environmental problems. One of the most important current aims of Geographical Education is the development of critical thinking skills in pupils. Such skills are vital for equipping pupils with the necessary tools to understand and participate in solving the world's increasing human and environmental problems. The development of a critical faculty in pupils is best achieved by the use of learner-based participatory teaching strategies where pupils are involved in problem solving activities. Research has shown that British and South African Geography curricula reflect current thinking in Geographical education and learning theory. The 1992 Junior Secondary Geography Syllabus in line with these trends. includes a section for study on hazards. Hazards are presented primarily as case studies in modern Geographical texts. which is seen as one of the most effective ways of teaching hazards. Research however suggests that South African textbooks have certain shortcomings. notwithstanding the importance placed on textbooks by teachers in this country. This study investigated the extent to which case study teaching materials on hazards are optimising opportunities available for effective learning within an Environmental Paradigm. An evaluation methodology, which is believed to have value for use by other researchers, was developed to suit the specific requirements of the study. The study findings reveal a poor realisation of the current aims of Geographical Education and learning theory, regarding the South African teaching materials. Recommendations are made improvements in the development and use of local case teaching materials. Guidelines for the development of for study local materials are provided from case studies in British texts and from methods developed by the researcher.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An evaluation of different methods of preparation of quartz grains for study of their surface features by scanning electron microscopy

  • Authors: Lewis, Colin A , Armstrong, Glynis A S
  • Date: 1994
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: vital:6705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006741
  • Description: Sediments from periglacial and glacial environments were subjected to initial preparation and portions were subsequently further prepared using either the dichromate or the hydrogen peroxide method before being examined by scanning electron microscopy. Statistically significant differences did not occur in the results obtained for samples subjected only to initial or to initial and either of the two further preparations: it is concluded that initial preparation is satisfactory and further preparation unnecessary.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An evaluation of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education in colleges of education in Bophuthatswana

  • Authors: Akwa, Joseph Yeboah
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- South Africa -- Bophuthatswana Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Bophuthatswana
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1526 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003408
  • Description: This study was aimed at evaluating the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education within the colleges of education in Bophuthatswana. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews with college lecturers and, to a lesser extent, on observations during a workshop with environmental educators from Bophuthatswana. Knowledge was gained about college related factors which influence the varying extent to which environmental education is being implemented within the colleges of education. Lecturers' understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education and related concepts was explored. Insights were also gained into problems of implementation which included lecturers' limited understanding of the concept of interdisciplinarity, structural ambiguities, limited training and experience, and a lack of clarity in both local and international literature on environmental education concepts and terms. Specifically the study sought to illuminate the dichotomy between theory and practice, the conflict between the dominant curriculum paradigm and the new emerging paradigm, and tensions between the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education and subject-based disciplines, which lead to problems of implementation. The study could make an important contribution to the current curriculum debate on environmental education in South Africa by illuminating the dichotomy between the theory and the practice of environmental education, and the problems involved in translating interdisciplinary approaches into workable classroom practices within discipline based curriculum structures.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation into the need for environmental information in South Africa: a case study of the Enviro Facts Project

  • Authors: Paxton, Linda Janet
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Enviro facts project Environmental education -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1611 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003493
  • Description: Growing awareness of the environmental risks associated with modernity has contributed to an increasing demand for information about the environment. Conservation and other environmental organisations receive many such requests for information. The research reported here was motivated first, by the view that these requests presented an opportunity for environmental education, and second, by a concern that this potential was not being realised. The research question was thus "How can environmental education be supported by optimally responding to requests for environmental information?" It is argued that social change is the raison d' etre of environmental education as a response to environmental risks. Further, it is proposed that this might be best achieved through an approach described here as socially critical environmental education. The study comprised an historical review of the Enviro Facts Project, a recent attempt to meet the need for environmental information; a questionnaire survey; interviews; and workshops. Results were collected from 115 questionnaire responses; 23 telephone interviews and nine face-to-face interviews; and six workshops. The research design was participative. It aimed to answer the research question through co-developing practical solutions with participants. Further, it endeavoured to be of practical relevance to those participants. Conclusions are drawn as to how the research question might be answered. Recommendations are made as follows. Responses to environmental information requests might best support socially critical environmental education through an approach characterised by: * a recognition of the importance of responding optimally to environmental information requests, as well as a recognition of existing structures and resource materials with which to respond; * the mobilisation of those structures and resource materials through, for example, the effective marketing and distribution of resource materials; informed and focused networking to make existing resources and capacities more accessible; and the effective use of libraries to provide environmental information; * the enhancement of the capacities of local sources of environmental information. The findings of this study could usefully inform both resource development in environmental education, and those who in their line of work respond to requests for environmental information.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation into the present state of school guidance in Ciskeian secondary schools in the Keiskammahoek area

  • Authors: Lombo, Mzimkhulu Solomon
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Educational counseling -- Keiskammahoek
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1613 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003495
  • Description: Although school guidance and counselling services were established in Ciskeian Secondary Schools in the early 1980's, little appears to be taking place. One is continually hearing the plea for an improvement in the system, but once again little is happening. Before such improvement can take place, however, it needs to be known what exactly is and isn't taking place. Furthermore, the problems preventing the services from operating successfully need to be clarified. This research aims at describing the state of guidance in a group of five secondary schools in the Keiskammahoek area of the Ciskei, and elucidating the problems experienced by practitioners in the field. An open-ended questionnaire was administered to 98 pupils and 18 guidance teachers, and the five principals of these schools were interviewed. The findings, which are discussed in detail, confirm the suspicions of the researcher that little guidance indeed is taking place. Many reasons for this state of affairs are given. Finally, suggestions are made as to how this unsatisfactory situation may be improved.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation into the significance of celebration in Black preaching

  • Authors: Moeketsi, Isaac Tseko
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Preaching -- Africa , Public worship , Christianity -- Africa , African Independent Church , Independent churches -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015662
  • Description: The Christian faith in God is undergirded by the good news of God's intervention in human life. This intervention of God is good news because the sin of humankind has resulted in alienation with God as well as rendering humankind incapable of restoring fellowship with God. This good news of God's intervention in human affairs through the act of His son Jesus Christ is the centre of Christian kerygma. One outstanding feature of this proclamation is celebration. Salvation offered and given to ailing humankind is cause for celebration for God has paved the way for reconciliation. In Black preaching this note of celebration is remarkably achieved in the extravagant use of figures of speech and imagery drawn from traditional African religiosity, for the African human life in whatever state and condition is cause for celebration. The African responds to life at all levels of encounter with celebration. In sorrow and joy, in sad moments and moments of delight, in want and in plenty, the voice of the African will always rise up in spontaneous acts of celebration. In normal human conversation the use of the African idiom and allegory drawn from their cultural worldview creates unique style. In the use of these the African past is expressly drawn into the present to emphasize the belief in life as a gift from God, a gift to be acknowledged and celebrated. Therefore living through all sorts and conditions of life sharpens the deep feeling and expression of this celebration. The song, praise and dance for the African therefore flows from this spiritual engagement with God in life. The biblical message and the daily experience of life is for the African preacher a stage from which the human drama with God is understood. The nature of God is seen in relation to God's encounter with sinful humankind. God's mercy and grace inspires humans to live their life in confident trust in God. The vicissitudes of life for the African have no dampening effect for life rather they sharpen the awareness of God's surpassing mercy and sustaining steadfastness upon his creatures. Thus in similar vein with the African moroki, the Black preacher calls and inspires his/her audience to celebrate, to engage with life in perfect African celebration.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation into twentieth century flute trios with special reference to representative works by Goossens, Sil'vansky, Raphael, Damase, Marx and Crumb

  • Authors: Heunis, Daniela
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Goossens, Eugene, 1893-1962 Silʹvanskíí, Nikolǎi Iosifovich, 1915-1985 Raphael, Günter, 1903-1960 Damase, Jean-Michel, 1928- Crumb, George Woodwind trios (Flutes (3))
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
  • Identifier: vital:2641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002306
  • Description: This thesis ventures into the world of twentieth century chamber music, specifically the trios written for flute, cello and piano. The first chapter discusses the history of the trio, tracing its development from the trio sonata of the Baroque Period to the accompanied sonatas and specifically the sonatas with flute and cello obbligato. Following the unpopularity of the genre throughout the Romantic period, its greater prominence in the Twentieth century is discussed, mentioning specific groups through whom the repertoire has been extended. Forty trios are grouped according to compositional styles. Six trios, each representing an example of a specific style period, have been selected for more detailed discussion, with particular reference to the various ways in which a sense of unity is achieved in each trio. The English composer Eugene Goossens uses impressionistic images, whole tone and chromatic scale patterns and other motifs to unify his trio: "Five Impressions of a Holiday". Nikolay Iosifovich Sil'vansky's "The Hedgehog and the Nightingale" is based on a Russian tale by Juri Jarmicha and uses a narrator. The three characters are represented by specific motivic and / or thematic material which is used throughout the trio. Günter Raphael's Trio-Suite op 44 is the only cyclic work unifying the two outer movements, without repeating any additional motivic material. Jean-Michel Damase condenses some of the material introduced in the opening Prelude in both the two Largo's and the two Arias in his "Sonate en Concert" of 1950. Karl Julius Marx builds his entire "Trio op 61" on a flexible six-note motif. Various movements in the trio" Vox Ba1aenae" by the American George Crumb are 1inked through the use of motives and characteristic instrumental colour. A comprehensive list of 180 twentieth century trios has been compiled, including details of dedications, commissions and first performances. 163 composers from twenty countries, are represented.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation of the effects which using the word processor has on the writing of standard six pupils

  • Authors: McKenzie, Donald John
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Written communication -- Study and teaching -- Data processing Word processors in education Language arts -- Computer-assisted instruction English language -- Writing--Study and teaching
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1648 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003531
  • Description: In order to discover to what extent the use of the word processor affects the motivation of high school students when engaged in writing tasks, and to determine the effects of the word processing on the length and quality of their work and editing, two groups, carefully matched in terms of prior computer experience, intelligence and language ability were given eight writing tasks. The test group used word processors while the control group used pen and paper. Their behaviour was closely observed and their writing was subsequently compared. It was found that while the test group were more motivated and spent longer both writing and editing their work, the quality of the work of both groups was similar. The degree of editing was greater for the test group. The conclusion is that there is a place for the use of the word processor in the English classroom, but specific strategies need to be developed to optimise its benefits.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

An investigation of the potential role for environmental education in the conservation of the Swartkops estuary and Swartkops Nature Reserve

  • Authors: Kitson, Brian Anthony Austen
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Swartkops Nature Reserve Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Swartkops River
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1654 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003537
  • Description: This study explores the potential role of an environmental education approach towards the conservation of the Swartkops Estuary and Swartkops Nature Reserve. More specifically it examines the opinions, feelings and perceptions of a sample of twenty seven people, who have a vested interest, in the possible conservation of the area. These stakeholders were comprised of people representing all the various groups and communities that use either or both the estuary and reserve. Opinions were examined by means of a qualitative data analysis from semi-structured interviews. The conservation opinions of respondents were obtained on both general topics and more detailed areas. Due to the small sample and exploratory nature of the project, these results should be viewed as tentative. Proposals are made for increasing the impact of Environmental Education programmes in this and similar environments, and recommendations are put forward to help facilitate related studies in the future.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Anton Muziwakhe Lembede

  • Authors: Ka Msumza, Luyanda , Edgar, Robert
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Lembede, Anton Muziwakhe, 1914-1947 African National Congress -- Youth League Africans -- Government relations South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1909-1948
  • Language: English
  • Type: Manuscript , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2702 , vital:20318
  • Description: This essay is an introduction to Freedom in Our Lifetime: The Collected Writings of Anton M. Lembede to be published by Skotaville Press in 1995. On Easter Sunday 1944 a group of young political activists gathered at the Bantu Men's Social Centre in Orlando township to launch the African National Congress Youth League. Motivated by their desire to shake up the "Old Guard" in the African National Congress (ANC) and set the ANC on a militant course, this "Class of '44“ became the nucleus of a remarkable generation of African leaders - Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Jordan Ngubane, Ellen Kuzwayo, Albertina Sisulu, A.P. Mda, Dan Tloome, and David Bopape - many of whom remained at the forefront of the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa for the next half century. However, in 1944, the figure the Youth Leaguers turned to for their first president is not even listed in this group. He was a Natal-born lawyer, Anton Muziwakhe Lembede. Known to his friends as "Lembs," Lembede was a political neophyte when he moved from the Orange Free State to Johannesburg in 1943 to practice law. However his sharp intellect, fiery personality, and unwavering commitment to the struggle made an immediate impression on his peers, and he was quickly catapulted into prominence in both the Youth League and the parent ANC. , Digitised by Rhodes University Library on behalf of the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER)
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Aspects of the biology and ecology of some intertidal Holothurians (Echinodermata) along the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa

  • Authors: Foster, Gregory George
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Echinodermata , Echinodermata -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005320 , Echinodermata , Echinodermata -- South Africa
  • Description: Four species of dendrochirote holothurians, Roweia stephensoni John, Pseudocnella sykion Lampert, Aslia spyridophora Clark, Roweia frauenfeldi frauenfeldi Ludwig, and one aspidochirote holothurian, Neostichopus grammatus Clark, are common inhabitants of the intertidal regions of the eastern Cape rocky shores of South Africa. All five species are sympatric for most of their geographical distribution. The intertidal distributions, densities and biomasses of R. stephensoni, P. sykion and N. grammatus were examined at six sites from Port Elizabeth to East London in the eastern Cape. At all sites the three species showed similar overlapping zonations with R. stephensoni and P. sykion reaching their highest maximum mean densities and biomasses (drained wet weight) in the lower mid-shore region (401m² and 684g/m², 181m² and 269g/m², respectively at Port Elizabeth), whilst N. grammatus in the low-shore region (61m² and 72g/m², at Port Elizabeth). The highest densities and biomasses of all three species were recorded on boulder shores that had minimal sand inundation. Seasonality of reproduction of R. stephensoni, P. sykion and N. grammatus was compared at Port Elizabeth, using gonad index values, gonadal tubule diameters, egg diameters and spermatozoon content in tubules from January 1992 until August 1993. All three species are dioecious and did not deviate from a 1: 1 sex ratio. Sizes at first sexual maturity were 2.5-2.9 cm³ for R. stephensoni and P. sykion, and 3.0-3.9cm³ for N. grammatus. The gonads of R. stephensoni and P. sykion consist of a bunch of unbranched tubules of equal diameter, with males having more tubules of a smaller diameter than females. By contrast, the gonad of N. grammatus consists of two tufts of multiple branched tubules. All three species followed annual reproductive cycles, and in R. stephensoni and P. sykion gametogenesis occurred from March 1992 until August/September 1992, and maturity was maintained until the main spawning event in January 1993. By contrast, in N. grammatus gametogenesis occurred from July 1992 until September 1992, and maturity was maintained until the main spawning event in December 1992/January 1993. Unlike R. stephensoni and P. sykion the reproductive cycle of N. grammatus was more pronounced, in that the gonad regressed after spawning. Aspects of the feeding biology of R. stephensoni, P. sykion, A. spyridophora, R.ffrauenfeldi and N. grammatus were compared, using the gross buccal tentacle morphology, type and size range of ingested food particles, and gut lengths. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the buccal tentacles of R. stephensoni, P. sykion and A. spyridophora could be classified as dendritic, branching numerous times with the tips terminating in numerous nodes covered with discs of papillate projections. The buccal tentacle structure of R. f frauenfeldi deviated from the typical dendrochirote dendritic form. The tentacles are stout with few branches which terminate in large bulbous nodes lacking discs of papillate projections. Neostichopus grammatus possesses buccal tentacles that could be classified as peltate, terminating in large nodes which also lacked discs of papillate projections. Roweia stephensoni, P. sykion and A. spyridophora are suspension-feeders, ingesting food particles mostly <53μm in size. Roweia f frauenfeldi was classed as a "heavy" suspension-feeder, ingesting food particles mostly between 250μm-1.18μm, while N. grammatus is a deposit-feeder, ingesting benthic sediments mostly between 106-500μm. The gut lengths of the dendrochirote holothurians were found to be significantly longer than that of the aspidochirote, and may be attributed to the nature of the food ingested.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Attitudes to affirmative action and the perceived impact of affirmative action programmes in the South African business environment : a comparative study based on race and gender

  • Authors: Wright, Sarah-Ann L
  • Date: 1994
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: vital:3250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015715
  • Description: Affirmative action is a sensitive and controversial topic evoking a host of emotional reactions regarding tokenism, reverse discrimination, lowering of standards, quota systems and a disregard for meritocracy (Gatherer & Erikson, 1992). It is also a topic receiving considerable attention in the context of a changing South Africa and will be one of the first steps taken in the labour arena under a new government (Charoux, 1991 ). The goals of the research were firstly, to detail and compare the attitudes of men and women, black and white to affirmative action and secondly, to examine the perceived impact of an affirmative action programme on beneficiaries as well as non-beneficiaries. The research was of a quantitative and qualitative nature, so as to provide the scope and depth desired in such an investigation. A survey was conducted using the data collection techniques of a mail questionnaire (quantitative focus) and individual in-depth interviews (qualitative focus). A pilot study was conducted. The majority of the questions in the questionnaire conformed to the conventions of the Likert Scale (Oppenheim, 1992) and data was analysed using percentile frequencies. Data from the interviews was analysed using the qualitative methods of noting themes and patterns, and clustering as proposed by Miles and Hubem1an (1984). The research was conducted in one large organisation in the infomation services industry, situated in the PWV area. Four key sample groups of white men, white women, black men and black women were used. The results of the research indicate that respondents perceive affirmative action as a policy to primarily address the educational disadvantages of black people in South Africa. Initial attitudes to affirmative action reflected a negative orientation amongst whites but a positive orientation amongst blacks. However, probing into the issues indicated that whilst there is an acceptance of the philosophy of and the need for affirmative action for black people, disagreement existed over which implementation methods of affirmative action (preferential treatment and quota systems) were acceptable and at what interfaces (hiring, training and development, promotion), implementation was acceptable. Attitudes on these various issues were often not divided along racial or gender lines and considerable divergence of attitudes also existed within the sample groups. Gender in affirmative action received less consideration by all four sample groups. Results also indicate that beneficiaries of affirmative action do not perceive affirmative action policies and programmes as stigmatising or negatively affecting their self-esteem. Nonbeneficiaries communicated that affirmative action could result in white resentment if blacks benefit at the expense of whites. Low levels of resentment were evident in the research. The organisation's affirmative action programme was seen to be ineffective due to the lack of communication about the programme, no evidence of its progress in terms of significant representation of blacks at senior levels in company XXX and the inequities that were seen to be still pervading the organisation.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Author, ideology and publisher a symbiotic relationship : Lovedale Missionary Press and early Black writing in South Africa: with specific reference to the critical writings of H.I.E. Dlomo

  • Authors: Midgley, Henry Peter
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Shepherd, Robert H W (Robert Henry Wishart), 1888-1971 Dhlomo, H I E (Herbert I E), 1903-1956 Rhodes University Dissertations African literature Lovedale Institution South African literature -- Black authors -- History and criticism South African literature (English) -- History and criticism Politics and literature -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century Press and politics -- South Africa -- History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002284
  • Description: The specific instances of R.H.W. Shepherd and H.I.E. Dhlomo are used in this thesis to investigate some of the many factors that influence the formation of a colonial literature, such as politics, social structures and personal ideals. By isolating the Lovedale Mission Press ~s a "contact zone" - a·place where the cultures of the colonizer and the colonized come into direct contact with each other - it is possible to trace how the interaction between these cultures shaped the writing of a particular African writer, H.I.E. Dhlomo. This is done through an analysis of historical factors that shaped the policy of the Lovedale Mission Press in the twentieth century: the development of liberalism in South Africa, the·role of the missionary in African education, the function ofa liberal magazine such as The South African Outlook and the appointment of an ambitious missionary, R.I.W. Shepherd, to the position of Director of Publications. This necessarily included a study of Shepherd's vision of African literature. On the other hand, this study takes cognisance of the factors that shaped Herbert Dhlomo's vision of literature: the development of African nationalism, the entrenchment of segregation as a politial doctrine, and most importantly, his struggle to have his creative writing published by the Lovedale Press. It is shown how Shepherd's vision of what African literature should entail contrasted with Dhlomo's, and how, as a result, Dhlomo deliberately structured his critical writing as a response to Shepherd's Eurocentric approach to African literature.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Authority, avoidances and marriage: an analysis of the position of Gcaleka women in Qwaninga, Willowvale District, Transkei

  • Authors: Liebenberg, Alida
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Marriage customs and rites -- South Africa -- Transkei , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Women -- Developing countries
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:2100 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002663 , Marriage customs and rites -- South Africa -- Transkei , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Women -- Developing countries
  • Description: Authority as it operates in the daily lives of married women in Gcaleka society is reinforced and maintained by a body of avoidances which women need to observe during their married lives. Avoidances constitute part of the control system in the society whereby wives are being 'kept in their place'. Avoidances do not only restrict her, but also safeguard her position and her interests. Lines of authority emerge through the process of interaction; the structure reveals itself as avoidances are acted out in time and space. This study was conducted in Qwaninga, an administrative area in the coastal area of the Willowvale district, Transkei. The research started out as a study of ritual impurity and the status of women in a traditional, 'red' Gcaleka society. It soon became clear that pollution practices and beliefs associated with women form part of a greater body of avoidances which women need to observe during their married lives. Avoidances entail economic, dietary, sexual, linguistic and spatial prohibitions; as well as restrictions concerning what a woman is supposed to wear, and her withdrawal from social life. These restrictions are enforced through certain ritual and other sanctions. Three forms of avoidances are identified in this study, and are discussed and analysed. Avoidances are found in the everyday male/female division in society; in the ways through which the wife shows respect towards her husband and her in-laws (especially her husband's ancestors); and in the reproductive situations a woman finds herself in from time to time. In many anthropological studies in the past women have often been hidden in the background. This study is an attempt to give women the prominence they should be given, to show that nonwestern women are not as subordinated as people in Western society like to assume. In Gcaleka society the authority structure affecting the position of women is not only based on a distinction being made between males and females. It will be shown that a finer authority structure operates in this society whereby gender as well as age and kinship distinctions are being made. These distinctions constitute a system of classification which is safeguarded and protected by the avoidances and other restrictions imposed on women.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Babesia canis : a characterization of five field stocks in Southern Africa

  • Authors: Van Heerden, Garth William
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Babesia canis -- Africa, Southern , Tick-borne diseases -- Africa, Southern , Dogs -- Parasites
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:5645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005327 , Babesia canis -- Africa, Southern , Tick-borne diseases -- Africa, Southern , Dogs -- Parasites
  • Description: This study attempted to characterise 5 field stocks of B. canis, collected from various geographic areas of southern Africa in terms of pathogenicity, immune response, cross resistance and antigenic composition. This was done by means of artificial infection of two to four year old Beagle dogs. Serological tests included indirect fluorescent antibody tests, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis , Western blotting of B. canis antigen and immune serum transfers. The ZIM1, GHT1 , QTN1 and DBN1 stocks were found to be virulent and the JHB1 stock, which might be a cardiac form of babesiosis, was found to be highly virulent. Immune responses of dogs to primary challenges were poor. A second challenge or relapse was important in the development of a resistant immunity. Heterologous challenges showed that dogs which were immune to the ZIM1, QTN1 and DBN1 stocks were partially immune to the JHB1 stock. The dog that was immune to the GHT1 stock was the only one that was totally resistant to the JHB1 stock. Western blots revealed interstock antigenic variation between the JHB1 and the other four stocks. These differences were, however, not great enough to separate the stocks taxonomically.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Behavioural model debugging in Linda

  • Authors: Sewry, David Andrew
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: LINDA (Computer system) Debugging in computer science
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4674 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006697
  • Description: This thesis investigates event-based behavioural model debugging in Linda. A study is presented of the Linda parallel programming paradigm, its amenability to debugging, and a model for debugging Linda programs using Milner's CCS. In support of the construction of expected behaviour models, a Linda program specification language is proposed. A behaviour recognition engine that is based on such specifications is also discussed. It is shown that Linda's distinctive characteristics make it amenable to debugging without the usual problems associated with paraUel debuggers. Furthermore, it is shown that a behavioural model debugger, based on the proposed specification language, effectively exploits the debugging opportunity. The ideas developed in the thesis are demonstrated in an experimental Modula-2 Linda system.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Biocatalytic and biomimetic studies of polyphenol oxidase

  • Authors: Burton, Stephanie Gail
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Phenol oxidase Polyphenols Oxidases
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:4028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004088
  • Description: Mushroom polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.14.18.1) was investigated to determine its potential for application as a biocatalyst in the synthesis of o-quinones, in organic medium. In order to determine the kinetic properties of the biocatalyst, a system was devised which comprised an immobilised polyphenol oxidase extract, functioning in chloroform. The system was hydrated by the addition of buffer. A simple method for the consistent measurement of reaction rates in this heterogenous system was designed and used to obtain detailed enzyme kinetic data relating to optimisation of reaction conditions and substrate specificity. The aqueous content of the system was optimised using p-cresol as a substrate. A crude, immobilised extract of Agaricus bisporus was used to hydroxylate and oxidise a range of selected p-substituted phenolic substrates, yielding, as the sale products, o-quinones. These products were efficiently reduced to catechols by extracting the reaction mixtures with aqueous ascorbic acid solution. The biocatalytic system was also successfully utilised to produce L-DOPA, the drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, from L-acetyl tyrosine ethyl ester (ATEE). Michaelis-Menten kinetics were used to obtain apparent Km and V values with respect to the selected phenolic substrates, and the kinetic parameters obtained were found to correlate well with the steric requirements of the substrates and with their hydrophobicity. In the course of the investigation, a novel ¹H NMR method was used to facilitate measurement of the UV molar absorption coefficients of the o-quinones in reaction mixtures, thus avoiding the necessity to isolate these unstable, water-sensitive products. The biocatalytic system was extended to a continuous process, in which the immobilised enzyme was shown to function successfully in the chloroform medium for several hours, with high conversion rates. Modifications, involving partial purification and the addition of a surfactant, were investigated to determine their effect on the kinetic parameters. The results obtained using partially purified enzyme indicated that the removal of extraneous protein and/or melanoid material lead to a reduced capacity for conversion of sterically demanding substrates. The addition of the anionic detergent, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SOS), enhanced the ability of the biocatalyst to bind and oxidise sterically demanding substrates. These effects are attributed to changes in the polar state of groups within the protein binding pocket, which result in altered flexibility and hydrophobicity. Computer modelling of several biomimetic dinuclear copper complexes also indicated the importance of flexibility for effective biocatalysis. Novel binuclear copper (II complexes, containing a flexible biphenyl spacer and imidazole or benzimidazole donors, were prepared and analysed using NMR, UV, AA and cyclic voltammetric techniques. The complexes were also shown, in a detailed kinetic study, to mimic the catecholase activity of polyphenol oxidase by oxidising 3,5-di-tertbutylcatechol, and to catalyse the coupling of the phenolic substrate 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. However, the complexes were apparently too flexible to react with smaller substrates. These biomimetic complexes provided valuable insights into the nature of the dinuclear copper binding site.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Case studies of tutors' responses to student writing and the way in which students interpret these

  • Authors: Paxton, Moragh Isobel Jane
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Written communication -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Written communication -- South Africa -- Case studies Grading and marking (Students) -- Case studies
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
  • Identifier: vital:1430 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003311
  • Description: This thesis examines tutor feedback on student essays to ascertain the extent to which these responses assist in teaching the academic and specific disciplinary conventions and to determine what is effective feedback and what is not. The investigation constituted an evaluation of a small sample of essays and the framework for this evaluation was developed from a study of current theories of literacy and language teaching. It was further informed by data gathered from interviews with students and tutors and questionnaires completed by them. This was done in order to establish how students interpret and react to feedback and to demonstrate the level of understanding between tutors and students in this mode of communication. The conclusion was that tutor feedback can provide a valuable method for teaching the discourse of the discipline. However, results of the study revealed that communication often breaks down because tutors and students do not share a common language for talking about academic discourse and because students may not have understood the requirements of the task. In addition, the study found that responses to a small group of essays in the lowest mark category and written by second language students, were very inadequate. As the researcher, I concluded that graduate tutors were not well equipped for the task of dealing with these weaker essays. I have made suggestions for future research in this area and I believe that the data from this case study will provide valuable ideas for training tutors for responding to student essays.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Centralised bargaining - Where to CWIU

  • Authors: Chemical Workers Industrial Union (CWIU)
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: CWIU
  • Language: English
  • Type: text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170148 , vital:41862
  • Description: Since the late 1980's, there has been a serious realisation on the part of Cosatu and CWIU leadership, of the need for Centralised Bargaining. Two broad areas of concern which pressurised us in this direction were: 1) The low level of class consciousness on the part of the majority of members during this period especially with regard to the complete lack of solidarity around wage struggles. 2) The organisational incapacity of the unions to cope with the excessive demands of plant based bargaining. This wasted resources and undermined the quality of work and achievement of annual wage bargaining. Faced by this reality, achieving consensus on the need for a campaign to achieve centralised bargaining at leadership level was relatively easy. Unions in other sectors eg. metal, mining, clothing, textile and the public sector, regularly set examples of what could be achieved by well run centralised bargaining. Numsa's experience illustrated the strengths and pitfalls of centralised bargaining - ie. Numsa's mandating and report back processes, the Mercedes Benz strike by opponents to the "one bite at the cherry".
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  • Date Issued: 1994
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