Changing social imaginaries, multiplicities and ‘one sole world’: Reading Scandinavian environmental and sustainability education research papers with Badiou and Taylor at hand
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182506 , vital:43836 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620903504081"
- Description: Badiou’s ontological work draws attention to multiplicities – the oneness of ontology, which he explains can only become ontologically differentiated into events or sites through political, artistic or amorous practices that philosophies can think and invent from. He also draws attention to the fusion of events and sites, and he explains that events (such as producing special issues of journals located in particular sites) are reflexive. He also tells us, however, that the reflexive structure of an artistic or scientific event (such as producing a special issue of a journal) is not always immediately evident. In writing this response article I work with this concept – and probe how the production of events (such as a special issue of a journal produced in a specific site) may be reflexive. This is the purpose of the article. This response article therefore probes some of the political, structural and intellectual processes that come to shape scholarship in different sites, and here I draw on the insights into social imaginaries provided by Charles Taylor to develop a perspective on the scholarship that is reflected in this journal. Through this, I seek to open the notion of multiplicities, oneness and the particularities of our social imaginaries as themes for thinking about educational scholarship events produced within and across geo‐physical, socio‐ecological and socio‐economic spaces in different parts of the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/182506 , vital:43836 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620903504081"
- Description: Badiou’s ontological work draws attention to multiplicities – the oneness of ontology, which he explains can only become ontologically differentiated into events or sites through political, artistic or amorous practices that philosophies can think and invent from. He also draws attention to the fusion of events and sites, and he explains that events (such as producing special issues of journals located in particular sites) are reflexive. He also tells us, however, that the reflexive structure of an artistic or scientific event (such as producing a special issue of a journal) is not always immediately evident. In writing this response article I work with this concept – and probe how the production of events (such as a special issue of a journal produced in a specific site) may be reflexive. This is the purpose of the article. This response article therefore probes some of the political, structural and intellectual processes that come to shape scholarship in different sites, and here I draw on the insights into social imaginaries provided by Charles Taylor to develop a perspective on the scholarship that is reflected in this journal. Through this, I seek to open the notion of multiplicities, oneness and the particularities of our social imaginaries as themes for thinking about educational scholarship events produced within and across geo‐physical, socio‐ecological and socio‐economic spaces in different parts of the world.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Characterisation of dissimilar friction stir welds between 5754 Aluminium alloy and C11000 copper
- Authors: Akinlabi, Esther Titilayo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys , Copper alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1536 , Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys , Copper alloys
- Description: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process invented and patented by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991, for joining ferrous and non-ferrous materials1. The FSW of Aluminium and its alloys has been commercialised; and recent interest is focused on joining dissimilar materials. However, in order to commercialise the process, research studies are required to characterise and establish process windows. This research work through material characterisation of the welded joints establishes a process window for the Friction Stir welding of 5754 Aluminium Alloy and C11000 Copper. Furthermore, preliminary studies83,85 on the FSW of aluminium and copper have revealed the presence of intermetallic compounds which are detrimental to the weld qualities. This research work is also aimed at establishing process parameters that will result in limited or no intermetallic formation in the weld. The joint integrity of the resulting welds will also be correlated with the input process parameters. Based on the preliminary investigations conducted, a final weld matrix consisting of twenty seven welds was produced by varying the rotational speed between 600 and 1200 rpm, and the feed rate between 50 and 300 mm/min using three different shoulder diameter tools – 15, 18 and 25 mm to compare the heat input into the welds and to achieve the best results. The welds were characterised through microstructural evaluation, tensile testing, microhardness profiling, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, electrical resistivity and statistical analysis – in order to establish the interrelationship between the process parameters and the weld qualities. viii Microstructural evaluation of the weld samples revealed that the interfacial regions are characterised by mixture layers of aluminium and copper; while 33 percent of the tensile samples are within the acceptable range (> 75 percent joint efficiency). High Vickers microhardness values were measured at the joint interfaces, which corresponded with the intermetallic compounds. The Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of thin layers of intermetallics in nanoscale at the interfacial regions. The diffractograms of the X-Ray Diffraction analysis showed small peaks for intermetallics in some of the welds. Low electrical resistivities were measured at the joint interfaces. The statistical analysis showed that the downward vertical force, (Fz) can significantly influence the resulting weld qualities. An overall summary of the analysis of the weld qualities - with respect to the shoulder diameter tools employed showed that the 18 mm shoulder diameter tool is most appropriate among the three shoulder diameters considered, and a process window of medium spindle speed of 950 rpm and low-to-medium feed rate between 50 and 150 mm/min is established for FSW of Aluminium and Copper. Welds produced at 1200 rpm and 300 mm/min with low heat input did not have intermetallics formed at the joint interface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Akinlabi, Esther Titilayo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys , Copper alloys
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:9629 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1536 , Friction stir welding , Aluminum alloys , Copper alloys
- Description: Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process invented and patented by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991, for joining ferrous and non-ferrous materials1. The FSW of Aluminium and its alloys has been commercialised; and recent interest is focused on joining dissimilar materials. However, in order to commercialise the process, research studies are required to characterise and establish process windows. This research work through material characterisation of the welded joints establishes a process window for the Friction Stir welding of 5754 Aluminium Alloy and C11000 Copper. Furthermore, preliminary studies83,85 on the FSW of aluminium and copper have revealed the presence of intermetallic compounds which are detrimental to the weld qualities. This research work is also aimed at establishing process parameters that will result in limited or no intermetallic formation in the weld. The joint integrity of the resulting welds will also be correlated with the input process parameters. Based on the preliminary investigations conducted, a final weld matrix consisting of twenty seven welds was produced by varying the rotational speed between 600 and 1200 rpm, and the feed rate between 50 and 300 mm/min using three different shoulder diameter tools – 15, 18 and 25 mm to compare the heat input into the welds and to achieve the best results. The welds were characterised through microstructural evaluation, tensile testing, microhardness profiling, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, electrical resistivity and statistical analysis – in order to establish the interrelationship between the process parameters and the weld qualities. viii Microstructural evaluation of the weld samples revealed that the interfacial regions are characterised by mixture layers of aluminium and copper; while 33 percent of the tensile samples are within the acceptable range (> 75 percent joint efficiency). High Vickers microhardness values were measured at the joint interfaces, which corresponded with the intermetallic compounds. The Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of thin layers of intermetallics in nanoscale at the interfacial regions. The diffractograms of the X-Ray Diffraction analysis showed small peaks for intermetallics in some of the welds. Low electrical resistivities were measured at the joint interfaces. The statistical analysis showed that the downward vertical force, (Fz) can significantly influence the resulting weld qualities. An overall summary of the analysis of the weld qualities - with respect to the shoulder diameter tools employed showed that the 18 mm shoulder diameter tool is most appropriate among the three shoulder diameters considered, and a process window of medium spindle speed of 950 rpm and low-to-medium feed rate between 50 and 150 mm/min is established for FSW of Aluminium and Copper. Welds produced at 1200 rpm and 300 mm/min with low heat input did not have intermetallics formed at the joint interface.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Chemical transformations and phytochemical studies of bioactive components from extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L
- Authors: Okoh, Omobola Oluranti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/354 , Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Description: Variations in the yield, chemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. cultivated in Alice, Eastern Cape of South Africa over a period of 12 months using the solvent-free microwave extraction and traditional hydrodistillation methods were evaluated. The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed the presence of 33 compounds with 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, camphor, verbenone, bornyl acetate and camphene constituting about 80 percent of the oils throughout the period of investigation, with the solvent-free microwave extraction method generally yielding more of the major components than the hydrodistillation method. Each of the major components of the oils varied in quantity and quality of yield at different periods of the year. The method of extraction and time of harvest are of importance to the quantity and quality of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis. Higher amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes such as borneol, camphor, terpene- 4-ol, linalool, a-terpeneol were present in the oil of SFME in comparison with HD. However, HD oil contained more monoterpene hydrocarbons such as a-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, myrcene, a-phellanderene, 1,8-cineole, trans- β-ocimene, γ-teprinene, and cis-sabinene hydrate than SFME extracted oil. Accumulation of monoterpene alcohols and ketones was observed during maturation process of Rosmarinus leaves. Quantitative evaluation of antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined using a serial microplate dilution method. The essential oils obtained using both methods of extraction were active against all the bacteria tested at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the SFME extracted oils ranged between 0.23 and 1.88 mg mL-1, while those of the HD extracted oils varied between 0.94 and 7.5 mg mL-1, thus suggesting that the oil obtained by solvent free microwave extraction was more active against bacteria than the oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the obtained oils were tested by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH+) assay and β- carotene bleaching test. In the DPPH+ assay, while the free radical scavenging activity of the oil obtained by SFME method showed percentage inhibitions of between 48.8 percent and 67 percent, the HD derived oil showed inhibitions of between 52.2 percent and 65.30 percent at concentrations of 0.33, 0.50 and 1.0 mg mL-1, respectively. In the β-carotene bleaching assay, the percentage inhibition increased with increasing concentration of both oils with a higher antioxidant activity of the oil obtained through the SFME than the HD method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the extracts using three eluent solvent systems of varying polarities i. e. CEF, BEA and EMW and sprayed with vanillin-sulfuric acid. The chemical composition of the different extracts was similar with the exception of methanol and water extracts which had only one or two visible compounds after treating with vanillin-spray reagent. To evaluate the number of antibacterial compounds present in the fractions, bioautography was used against two most important nosocomial microorganisms. S. aureus (Gram positive) and E. coli (Gram negative). Nearly all the crude serial extraction fractions contained compounds that inhibited the growth of E. coli. The hexane extract had the most lines of inhibition followed by ethyl acetate. Bioassay-guided fractionation against E. coli was used to isolate antibacterial compounds. The largest number of antibacterial compounds occurred in the hexane fraction. Furthermore we tried to complete the characterization by extracting and studying other biologically important plant metabolites such as phenolic compounds to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Rosmarinus extracts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Okoh, Omobola Oluranti
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/354 , Essences and essential oils , Rosmarinus , Lamiaceae , Solution (Chemistry) , Extractive distillation , Medicinal plants , Bioactive compounds
- Description: Variations in the yield, chemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis L. cultivated in Alice, Eastern Cape of South Africa over a period of 12 months using the solvent-free microwave extraction and traditional hydrodistillation methods were evaluated. The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed the presence of 33 compounds with 1,8-cineole, a-pinene, camphor, verbenone, bornyl acetate and camphene constituting about 80 percent of the oils throughout the period of investigation, with the solvent-free microwave extraction method generally yielding more of the major components than the hydrodistillation method. Each of the major components of the oils varied in quantity and quality of yield at different periods of the year. The method of extraction and time of harvest are of importance to the quantity and quality of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis. Higher amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes such as borneol, camphor, terpene- 4-ol, linalool, a-terpeneol were present in the oil of SFME in comparison with HD. However, HD oil contained more monoterpene hydrocarbons such as a-pinene, camphene, β-pinene, myrcene, a-phellanderene, 1,8-cineole, trans- β-ocimene, γ-teprinene, and cis-sabinene hydrate than SFME extracted oil. Accumulation of monoterpene alcohols and ketones was observed during maturation process of Rosmarinus leaves. Quantitative evaluation of antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration values were determined using a serial microplate dilution method. The essential oils obtained using both methods of extraction were active against all the bacteria tested at a concentration of 10 mg mL-1. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the SFME extracted oils ranged between 0.23 and 1.88 mg mL-1, while those of the HD extracted oils varied between 0.94 and 7.5 mg mL-1, thus suggesting that the oil obtained by solvent free microwave extraction was more active against bacteria than the oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of the obtained oils were tested by means of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH+) assay and β- carotene bleaching test. In the DPPH+ assay, while the free radical scavenging activity of the oil obtained by SFME method showed percentage inhibitions of between 48.8 percent and 67 percent, the HD derived oil showed inhibitions of between 52.2 percent and 65.30 percent at concentrations of 0.33, 0.50 and 1.0 mg mL-1, respectively. In the β-carotene bleaching assay, the percentage inhibition increased with increasing concentration of both oils with a higher antioxidant activity of the oil obtained through the SFME than the HD method. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used to analyze the chemical composition of the extracts using three eluent solvent systems of varying polarities i. e. CEF, BEA and EMW and sprayed with vanillin-sulfuric acid. The chemical composition of the different extracts was similar with the exception of methanol and water extracts which had only one or two visible compounds after treating with vanillin-spray reagent. To evaluate the number of antibacterial compounds present in the fractions, bioautography was used against two most important nosocomial microorganisms. S. aureus (Gram positive) and E. coli (Gram negative). Nearly all the crude serial extraction fractions contained compounds that inhibited the growth of E. coli. The hexane extract had the most lines of inhibition followed by ethyl acetate. Bioassay-guided fractionation against E. coli was used to isolate antibacterial compounds. The largest number of antibacterial compounds occurred in the hexane fraction. Furthermore we tried to complete the characterization by extracting and studying other biologically important plant metabolites such as phenolic compounds to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Rosmarinus extracts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Citrus, labour and gender in the Eastern Cape: the case of the Kat River area
- Mzitshi, Zoleka Alice Florence
- Authors: Mzitshi, Zoleka Alice Florence
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Citrus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus , Working class women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex role -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/379 , Citrus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus , Working class women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex role -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Agriculture plays a significant role in South Africa’s export earning and in providing employment opportunities. Amongst the major agricultural crops is citrus. Within the context of postmodern and feminist geographies and utilizing the intensive research design, this thesis discusses citrus production with a focus on growers and black women workers in the Kat River Valley area in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape. The thesis also explores the challenges and implications of restructuring within agriculture for growers, cooperatives and labour within the citrus industry. It is argued that whilst legislation related to labour and tenure within agriculture has changed since the mid-1990s, power relations in the citrus industry have remained firmly entrenched. Consequently, the flexible labour strategies that the citrus farmers adopted have had serious consequences for women worker
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mzitshi, Zoleka Alice Florence
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Citrus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus , Working class women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex role -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/379 , Citrus -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus , Working class women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex role -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citrus fruit industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Agriculture plays a significant role in South Africa’s export earning and in providing employment opportunities. Amongst the major agricultural crops is citrus. Within the context of postmodern and feminist geographies and utilizing the intensive research design, this thesis discusses citrus production with a focus on growers and black women workers in the Kat River Valley area in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape. The thesis also explores the challenges and implications of restructuring within agriculture for growers, cooperatives and labour within the citrus industry. It is argued that whilst legislation related to labour and tenure within agriculture has changed since the mid-1990s, power relations in the citrus industry have remained firmly entrenched. Consequently, the flexible labour strategies that the citrus farmers adopted have had serious consequences for women worker
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Climate injustice: How should education respond?
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437268 , vital:73364 , ISBN 9780203866399 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203866399-11/climate-injustice-education-respond-heila-lotz-sisitka
- Description: The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Cli-mate Change (IPCC 2007) identifi es Africa as one of the continents of the world most vulnerable to climate change. Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is aggravated by the interaction of multiple stresses such as poverty, poor governance, and weak institutions, limited access to capi-tal (including technology), ecosystem degradation, confl ict and disasters (UNEP 2006), and a generally poor quality of education (UNESCO 2004). The climate injustices and exacerbating circumstances experienced by poor and weak states today lie in the long-term historical emergence of a modern (and increasingly global) world order framed by a hegemonic Westphalian state system. This state system privileges exclusive, undi-vided sovereignty over a bounded territory (Fraser 2008), and is known more popularly as the ‘nation state’ system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437268 , vital:73364 , ISBN 9780203866399 , https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203866399-11/climate-injustice-education-respond-heila-lotz-sisitka
- Description: The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Cli-mate Change (IPCC 2007) identifi es Africa as one of the continents of the world most vulnerable to climate change. Africa’s vulnerability to climate change is aggravated by the interaction of multiple stresses such as poverty, poor governance, and weak institutions, limited access to capi-tal (including technology), ecosystem degradation, confl ict and disasters (UNEP 2006), and a generally poor quality of education (UNESCO 2004). The climate injustices and exacerbating circumstances experienced by poor and weak states today lie in the long-term historical emergence of a modern (and increasingly global) world order framed by a hegemonic Westphalian state system. This state system privileges exclusive, undi-vided sovereignty over a bounded territory (Fraser 2008), and is known more popularly as the ‘nation state’ system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Collaborative monitoring in ecosystem management in South Africa's communal lands
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Bolus, Cosman
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006948 , Conservation of natural resources -- South Africa , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Management , Community development -- South Africa -- Citizen participation , Conservation of natural resources -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Internationally there is an increasing focus on involving local communities in natural resource management and monitoring. Monitoring methods which are professionally driven appear to be inadequate to deal with the monitoring of natural resource use and biodiversity conservation, globally. This is especially evident in areas such as South African rural communal land. Two community based natural resource management (CBNRM) programmes in areas which are communally governed in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, namely Nqabara and Machubeni, were used as part of this research study. This thesis identified and tested potentially simple and cost effective monitoring methods related to the utilization of the local rangelands and indigenous forests. The criteria that were tested include 1) appropriateness and effectiveness in measuring change, and 2) contribution to building adaptive capacity among local land managers through learning. The criteria were assessed using a scoring system for each monitoring method in order to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses . This was done by using both quantitative and qualitative data. Contribution to building adaptive capacity was assessed by evaluating technical capacity gained, local ecological knowledge contributed and learning by participants. This was done using qualitative data. The results show that the monitoring methods had different strengths and weaknesses in relation to the criteria, making them more appropriate for different priorities such as effectively measuring change or building adaptive capacity. It is argued that an adaptive approach is a useful component in the participatory monitoring process. An adaptive framework was developed from lessons learnt in this study for collaborative monitoring. Challenges such as low literacy levels and adequate training still need to be addressed to strengthen efforts towards participatory monitoring. Factors such as incentives, conflict and local values may negatively affect the legitimacy and sustainability of participatory monitoring and therefore also need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Compactification of lattice-valued convergence spaces
- Authors: Jäger, Gunter
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012339
- Description: We define compactness for stratified lattice-valued convergence spaces and show that a Tychonoff theorem is true. Further a generalization of the classical Richardson compactification is given. This compactification has a universal property.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Jäger, Gunter
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012339
- Description: We define compactness for stratified lattice-valued convergence spaces and show that a Tychonoff theorem is true. Further a generalization of the classical Richardson compactification is given. This compactification has a universal property.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Company-community participation as a conflict management strategy: a case study of AngloGold Ashanti in Mongbwalu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Authors: Barnett, Sarah
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Mining corporations , Social participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1265 , Conflict management -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Mining corporations , Social participation
- Description: Mining companies operating in developing countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have come under increasing public criticism for not only failing to bring benefits to the country in which they operate but for often making the situation even worse through adverse environmental and social impacts. The particular focus of this treatise is the social division that a new mining project can generate between the operating company and the community living on or near to the mine site. In one area in north-eastern DRC, a large multinational mining company, AngloGold Ashanti, plans to develop a gold mine. While there have been no manifest conflicts between the company and the host community, there is evident latent conflict in the form of uncertainty and mistrust between parties. Although the company is engaged in two different models of companycommunity participation, this has either resulted in or failed to prevent tensions between the company and the local community. This research offers an exploration and discussion of the existing models of company-community participation as a conflict management strategy. With reference to relevant research and literature, as well as other available models for company-community participation, this treatise will provide a series of recommendations as to how the existing models could be made more effective in managing conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Barnett, Sarah
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Mining corporations , Social participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8200 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1265 , Conflict management -- Congo (Democratic Republic) , Mining corporations , Social participation
- Description: Mining companies operating in developing countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have come under increasing public criticism for not only failing to bring benefits to the country in which they operate but for often making the situation even worse through adverse environmental and social impacts. The particular focus of this treatise is the social division that a new mining project can generate between the operating company and the community living on or near to the mine site. In one area in north-eastern DRC, a large multinational mining company, AngloGold Ashanti, plans to develop a gold mine. While there have been no manifest conflicts between the company and the host community, there is evident latent conflict in the form of uncertainty and mistrust between parties. Although the company is engaged in two different models of companycommunity participation, this has either resulted in or failed to prevent tensions between the company and the local community. This research offers an exploration and discussion of the existing models of company-community participation as a conflict management strategy. With reference to relevant research and literature, as well as other available models for company-community participation, this treatise will provide a series of recommendations as to how the existing models could be made more effective in managing conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Comparison of A₄ neutrino mass models
- Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Barry, James Munnik Hamilton
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Neutrinos -- Mass , Standard model (Nuclear physics) , Particles (Nuclear physics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5554 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015271
- Description: The present neutrino oscillation data are compatible with tri-bimaximal mixing, to leading order. The addition of an A₄ family symmetry and extended Higgs sector to the Standard Model can generate this mixing pattern, assuming the correct vacuum expectation value alignment of Higgs scalars. The effect of deviating this alignment is studied, for different types of A₄ models, with a phenomenological emphasis: the effect of perturbations on the model predictions for the neutrino oscillation and neutrino mass observables. The standard theoretical description of neutrino oscillations is presented, along with a summary of the past, present and future experimental efforts aimed at measuring the neutrino mixing parameters. Additionally, the current constraints on the sum of absolute neutrino masses and the amplitude for neutrinoless double beta decay, which is yet to be observed, are discussed. These constraints provide a model-independent test of family symmetery models. The Standard Model is reviewed, and extensions to the Standard Model such as the seesaw mechanism(s) are discussed: these are designed to endow neutrinos with mass, and can be incorporated into A₄ symmetry models. Models with different A₄ particle assignments are analysed for deviations from tribimaximal mixing. There are nine models presented in Chapter 5, with lepton doublets transforming as 3 (underlined) and right-handed charged leptons transforming as 1, 1', 1" (all underlined) ; five of these include right-handed neutrinos transforming as 3 (underlined) and make use of the seesaw mechanism. Chapter 6 contains the analysis of six models that assign all leptons to the 3 (underlined) representation, with four of these utilising the seesaw mechanism. The models are tested for any degree of fine tuning of the parameters that define the mass matrices. The effect of perturbations on the mixing angle observables, in particular sin² ∅₁₃ and sin² ∅₂₃, is studied, as well as the effect on the Jarlskog invariant, Jcp. Investigations of the (Mee)- ∑Mv parameter space allow for comparison with current data, and can lead to the possible exclusion of a particular model by constraints from future data.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Comparison of the neuroprotective potential of theanine and minocycline
- Authors: Mpofu, Tariro Ann-Maureen
- Date: 2010 , 2010-09-20
- Subjects: Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003253 , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Description: Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. The most commonly experienced stroke in the clinical setting is focal ischaemia in which the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is occluded and leads to a complex series of various pathophysiological pathways that ultimately lead to neuronal cell death. Several studies have been conducted on various therapeutic agents in the search for a neuroprotective drug and various animal models have been used to carry out this research. While theanine, a component of green tea and minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, have been shown to possess some neuroprotective properties, the mechanisms by which these two agents carry out these effects still remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which these drugs carry out these neuroprotective effects and their neuroprotective ability in a MCA occlusion model of focal ischaemia. Ischaemia leads to oxidative stress due to the imbalance of free radicals and the endogenous antioxidant defence system. An antioxidant assay using the stable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical was used to assess the antiradical properties of each drug. It was found that minocycline showed superior antioxidant activity in vitro when compared to theanine. Further studies on the drugs‟ ability to attenuate the Fenton reaction (in which iron catalyses the formation of reactive species) were elucidated using electrochemical analysis, UV/VIS studies, ferrozine and ferritin assays. It was found that minocycline, in contrast to theanine, was able to bind to iron ions and thus potentially prevent the participation of iron in metal catalysed radical reaction. The antioxidant activity of both drugs was further investigated by assessing their effect on cyanide-induced superoxide generation and quinolinic acid (QA)-induced lipid peroxidation (LP). Experimental evidence shows that both drugs had no significant effect on the generation of superoxide in vitro and that there was a significant decrease in LP for minocycline in vitro and theanine in vivo. The metal binding and antioxidant properties were postulated to be a possible mechanism through which these agents reduced lipid peroxidation. A study was conducted to determine the effects of the drugs on the biosynthesis of the neurotoxin, QA and it was found that minocycline increases the levels of holoenzyme activity of tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in vitro and that theanine reduces the levels of the same enzyme in vivo after treatment for 10 days. TDO is the enzyme that converts tryptophan to other products that enable enzymatic activity to change it to QA. Minocycline was thought to bring about this effect as it has been shown from preceding experimental studies that it is an effective reducing agent. Theanine on the other hand is hypothesised to bring about a reduction in holoenzyme activity by changing the binding of tryptophan to the enzyme or affecting the radicals that participate in the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan. A focal ischaemic model of stroke was induced by occluding the MCA. Histological examination of the hippocampus post -ischaemia shows a reduction in the size of the infarct after pre-treatment with minocycline only. A further study into the effects of the drugs on the generation of superoxide and on the levels of the endogenous glutathione after a stroke was carried out. Pre-treatment of the animals with either theanine or minocycline showed no significant effects on the generation of the radical species or of the endogenous antioxidant which ruled out these as a mechanism of neuroprotection of both drugs, post-ischaemia.The findings of this study provide novel information on the possible mechanisms by which both theanine and minocycline act to bring about neuroprotection. In particular in this study, pre-treatment with minocycline has shown promise in the focal ischaemic model of stroke.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mpofu, Tariro Ann-Maureen
- Date: 2010 , 2010-09-20
- Subjects: Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003253 , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Tetracyclines , Antibiotics -- Side effects , Theanine -- Evaluation , Drugs -- Administration , Cerebrovascular disease -- Prevention
- Description: Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death worldwide. The most commonly experienced stroke in the clinical setting is focal ischaemia in which the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is occluded and leads to a complex series of various pathophysiological pathways that ultimately lead to neuronal cell death. Several studies have been conducted on various therapeutic agents in the search for a neuroprotective drug and various animal models have been used to carry out this research. While theanine, a component of green tea and minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, have been shown to possess some neuroprotective properties, the mechanisms by which these two agents carry out these effects still remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to investigate the mechanisms by which these drugs carry out these neuroprotective effects and their neuroprotective ability in a MCA occlusion model of focal ischaemia. Ischaemia leads to oxidative stress due to the imbalance of free radicals and the endogenous antioxidant defence system. An antioxidant assay using the stable 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) radical was used to assess the antiradical properties of each drug. It was found that minocycline showed superior antioxidant activity in vitro when compared to theanine. Further studies on the drugs‟ ability to attenuate the Fenton reaction (in which iron catalyses the formation of reactive species) were elucidated using electrochemical analysis, UV/VIS studies, ferrozine and ferritin assays. It was found that minocycline, in contrast to theanine, was able to bind to iron ions and thus potentially prevent the participation of iron in metal catalysed radical reaction. The antioxidant activity of both drugs was further investigated by assessing their effect on cyanide-induced superoxide generation and quinolinic acid (QA)-induced lipid peroxidation (LP). Experimental evidence shows that both drugs had no significant effect on the generation of superoxide in vitro and that there was a significant decrease in LP for minocycline in vitro and theanine in vivo. The metal binding and antioxidant properties were postulated to be a possible mechanism through which these agents reduced lipid peroxidation. A study was conducted to determine the effects of the drugs on the biosynthesis of the neurotoxin, QA and it was found that minocycline increases the levels of holoenzyme activity of tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) in vitro and that theanine reduces the levels of the same enzyme in vivo after treatment for 10 days. TDO is the enzyme that converts tryptophan to other products that enable enzymatic activity to change it to QA. Minocycline was thought to bring about this effect as it has been shown from preceding experimental studies that it is an effective reducing agent. Theanine on the other hand is hypothesised to bring about a reduction in holoenzyme activity by changing the binding of tryptophan to the enzyme or affecting the radicals that participate in the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan. A focal ischaemic model of stroke was induced by occluding the MCA. Histological examination of the hippocampus post -ischaemia shows a reduction in the size of the infarct after pre-treatment with minocycline only. A further study into the effects of the drugs on the generation of superoxide and on the levels of the endogenous glutathione after a stroke was carried out. Pre-treatment of the animals with either theanine or minocycline showed no significant effects on the generation of the radical species or of the endogenous antioxidant which ruled out these as a mechanism of neuroprotection of both drugs, post-ischaemia.The findings of this study provide novel information on the possible mechanisms by which both theanine and minocycline act to bring about neuroprotection. In particular in this study, pre-treatment with minocycline has shown promise in the focal ischaemic model of stroke.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Concussion in contact sport: investigating the neurocognitive profile of Afrikaans adolescent rugby players
- Authors: Horsman, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Afrikaner students -- Intelligence testing Sports -- Psychological aspects Rugby football injuries Neural computers Neuropsychological tests Brain -- Concussion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503
- Description: A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Horsman, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Afrikaner students -- Intelligence testing Sports -- Psychological aspects Rugby football injuries Neural computers Neuropsychological tests Brain -- Concussion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2994 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002503
- Description: A number of computerised tests have been especially developed to facilitate the medical management of the sports-related concussion. Probably the most widely used of these programmes is the ImPACT test that was developed in the USA and that is registered with the HPCSA for use in the South African context. A recent Afrikaans version of the test served as the basis of the present study with the following objectives: (i) to collect Afrikaans ImPACT normative data on a cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players with Model C education for comparison with existing South African English first language adolescent rugby players with Private/Model C schooling, and (ii) to investigate the pre-versus postseason ImPACT neurocognitive test profiles of this cohort of Afrikaans first language adolescent rugby players versus equivalent noncontact sports controls. The results for Part 1 of the study generally demonstrate poorer performance in respect of the Afrikaans cohort, which is understood to be the result of poorer quality of education. The results for Part 2 demonstrated failure of the rugby group to benefit from practice on the ImPACT Visual Motor Speed composite score to the same extent as the control group. It is argued that this apparent cognitive vulnerability in the rugby group is due to lowered cognitive reserve capacity in association with long term exposure to concussive and sub-concussive injury.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Connectivity between marine reserves and exploited areas in the philopatric reef fish Chrysoblephus laticeps (Teleostei: Sparidae)
- Teske, Peter R, Forget, Fabian R G, Cowley, Paul D, von der Heyden, Sophie, Beheregaray, Luciano B
- Authors: Teske, Peter R , Forget, Fabian R G , Cowley, Paul D , von der Heyden, Sophie , Beheregaray, Luciano B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008086
- Description: "No-take‟ Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are successful in protecting populations of many exploited fish species, but it is often unclear whether networks of MPAs are adequately spaced to ensure connectivity among reserves, and whether spillover occurs into adjacent exploited areas. Such issues are particularly important in species with low dispersal potential, many of which exist as genetically distinct regional stocks.The roman, Chrysoblephus laticeps, is an overexploited, commercially important fishery species endemic to South Africa. Post-recruits display resident behavior and occupy small home ranges, making C. laticeps a suitable model species to investigate connectivity in marine teleosts with potentially low dispersal ability. We used multilocus data from two types of highly variable genetic markers (mitochondrial DNA control region and microsatellites) to clarify patterns of genetic connectivity and population structure in C. laticeps using samples from two MPAs and several moderately or severely exploited regions. Despite using analytical tools that are sensitive to detect even subtle genetic structure, we found that this species exists as a single, well-mixed stock throughout its core distribution. This finding lends supports to the status of MPAs as an adequate tool for managing overexploited marine teleosts. Even though adult dispersal out of MPAs is limited, the fact that the large adults in these reserves produce exponentially more offspring than their smaller counterparts in exploited areas makes MPAs a rich source of recruits. We nonetheless caution against concluding that the lack of structure identified in C. laticeps and several other southern African teleosts can be considered to be representative of marine teleosts in this region in general. Many such species are represented in more than one marine biogeographic province and may be comprised of regionally-adapted stocks that need to be managed individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Teske, Peter R , Forget, Fabian R G , Cowley, Paul D , von der Heyden, Sophie , Beheregaray, Luciano B
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6776 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008086
- Description: "No-take‟ Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are successful in protecting populations of many exploited fish species, but it is often unclear whether networks of MPAs are adequately spaced to ensure connectivity among reserves, and whether spillover occurs into adjacent exploited areas. Such issues are particularly important in species with low dispersal potential, many of which exist as genetically distinct regional stocks.The roman, Chrysoblephus laticeps, is an overexploited, commercially important fishery species endemic to South Africa. Post-recruits display resident behavior and occupy small home ranges, making C. laticeps a suitable model species to investigate connectivity in marine teleosts with potentially low dispersal ability. We used multilocus data from two types of highly variable genetic markers (mitochondrial DNA control region and microsatellites) to clarify patterns of genetic connectivity and population structure in C. laticeps using samples from two MPAs and several moderately or severely exploited regions. Despite using analytical tools that are sensitive to detect even subtle genetic structure, we found that this species exists as a single, well-mixed stock throughout its core distribution. This finding lends supports to the status of MPAs as an adequate tool for managing overexploited marine teleosts. Even though adult dispersal out of MPAs is limited, the fact that the large adults in these reserves produce exponentially more offspring than their smaller counterparts in exploited areas makes MPAs a rich source of recruits. We nonetheless caution against concluding that the lack of structure identified in C. laticeps and several other southern African teleosts can be considered to be representative of marine teleosts in this region in general. Many such species are represented in more than one marine biogeographic province and may be comprised of regionally-adapted stocks that need to be managed individually.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Considerations on the economic impact of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on South Africa
- Authors: Menezes, Mathew Gomes
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: World Cup (Soccer) (2010) -- Economic aspects Sports -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Soccer -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002697
- Description: Mega-events are associated with significant positive implications such as enhanced international exposure of the host, improved infrastructure, increased tourist numbers, higher employment levels and tax revenues, greater feelings of patriotism among host region residents and integration of the host into the international community. Supporters of events have claimed that the occasions stimulate prominent economic gains for the host region. The economic and tourism growth that occurred in Barcelona following the 1992 Olympic Games is erroneously cited by proponents of hosting as an example of the potential benefits that an event can derive on the host. Those Games were not the sole driver of growth in the region. An analysis of previous mega-events, demonstrated that net benefits were not a necessary consequence of hosting. Comparison of pre-event estimates of the economic impact and their actual effects are universally divergent. The observation was validated by the consensus academic opinion that economic impact studies systematically overstate the benefits of hosting, and underestimate the costs. Further, different forward-looking studies of the same event, calculate vastly different predictions. The tools for calculating the economic impact, specifically Input-Output Analysis and Computable General Equilibrium, do not provide useful predictions given their dependence on the inaccurate data. With 2010 cost data having continually increased since 2003, determining the appropriate inputs to an I-O or CGE is problematic. It was identified that the weight given to the multiplier effect was also a factor in the amplification of the expected benefits. Given the poor data sets available as inputs to I-O and CGE models, the study concentrated on conducting a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of the determinants of the economic impact of the 2010 World Cup based on the premise that the identification of the relative costs and benefits of staging the event was regarded as a greater contribution to the body of knowledge on the topic. It can be expected that there will not be significant short-term economic gains; this study predicted a net cost of R8.4bn, which is marginally offset by short-term net intangible benefits. The short-term economic consequences of the 2010 World Cup are expected to be overshadowed by the long-term effects on revenues within the tourism industry. The image implication of hosting 2010 is the most salient factor in considering the economic impact of 2010, as an alteration in the national image can have long-term effects on FDI and tourism. It is however not a certainty that the international exposure that South Africa receives will be beneficial, in the instance that the World Cup is characterised by poor organisational measures or crime. The net impact of hosting is expected to be a function of the long-term benefits, which can be expected to exceed the short-terms costs, and derive a cumulative net benefit from staging 2010. The World Cup is however unlikely to stimulate the economic growth rate above levels that would have occurred had the event not been held in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Menezes, Mathew Gomes
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: World Cup (Soccer) (2010) -- Economic aspects Sports -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Soccer -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:963 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002697
- Description: Mega-events are associated with significant positive implications such as enhanced international exposure of the host, improved infrastructure, increased tourist numbers, higher employment levels and tax revenues, greater feelings of patriotism among host region residents and integration of the host into the international community. Supporters of events have claimed that the occasions stimulate prominent economic gains for the host region. The economic and tourism growth that occurred in Barcelona following the 1992 Olympic Games is erroneously cited by proponents of hosting as an example of the potential benefits that an event can derive on the host. Those Games were not the sole driver of growth in the region. An analysis of previous mega-events, demonstrated that net benefits were not a necessary consequence of hosting. Comparison of pre-event estimates of the economic impact and their actual effects are universally divergent. The observation was validated by the consensus academic opinion that economic impact studies systematically overstate the benefits of hosting, and underestimate the costs. Further, different forward-looking studies of the same event, calculate vastly different predictions. The tools for calculating the economic impact, specifically Input-Output Analysis and Computable General Equilibrium, do not provide useful predictions given their dependence on the inaccurate data. With 2010 cost data having continually increased since 2003, determining the appropriate inputs to an I-O or CGE is problematic. It was identified that the weight given to the multiplier effect was also a factor in the amplification of the expected benefits. Given the poor data sets available as inputs to I-O and CGE models, the study concentrated on conducting a comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis of the determinants of the economic impact of the 2010 World Cup based on the premise that the identification of the relative costs and benefits of staging the event was regarded as a greater contribution to the body of knowledge on the topic. It can be expected that there will not be significant short-term economic gains; this study predicted a net cost of R8.4bn, which is marginally offset by short-term net intangible benefits. The short-term economic consequences of the 2010 World Cup are expected to be overshadowed by the long-term effects on revenues within the tourism industry. The image implication of hosting 2010 is the most salient factor in considering the economic impact of 2010, as an alteration in the national image can have long-term effects on FDI and tourism. It is however not a certainty that the international exposure that South Africa receives will be beneficial, in the instance that the World Cup is characterised by poor organisational measures or crime. The net impact of hosting is expected to be a function of the long-term benefits, which can be expected to exceed the short-terms costs, and derive a cumulative net benefit from staging 2010. The World Cup is however unlikely to stimulate the economic growth rate above levels that would have occurred had the event not been held in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Consolidating democracy through integrating the chieftainship institution with elected councils in Lesotho: a case study of four community councils in Maseru
- Authors: Kapa, Motlamelle Anthony
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Customary law -- Lesotho Constitutional law -- Lesotho Local government -- Lesotho -- Maseru Culture and law -- Lesotho -- Maseru Lesotho -- Politics and government Democracy -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002996
- Description: This study analyses the relationship between the chieftainship institution and the elected councils in Lesotho. Based on a qualitative case study method the study seeks to understand this relationship in four selected councils in the Maseru district and how this can be nurtured to achieve a consolidated democracy. Contrary to modernists‟ arguments (that indigenous African political institutions, of which the chieftainship is part, are incompatible with liberal democracy since they are, inter alia, hereditary, they compete with their elective counterparts for political power, they threaten the democratic consolidation process, and they are irrelevant to democratising African systems), this study finds that these arguments are misplaced. Instead, chieftainship is not incompatible with liberal democracy per se. It supports the democratisation process (if the governing parties pursue friendly and accommodative policies to it) but uses its political agency in reaction to the policies of ruling parties to protect its survival interests, whether or not this undermines democratic consolidation process. The chieftainship has also acted to defend democracy when the governing party abuses its political power to undermine democratic rule. It performs important functions in the country. Thus, it is still viewed by the country‟s political leadership, academics, civil society, and councillors as legitimate and highly relevant to the Lesotho‟s contemporary political system. Because of the inadequacies of the government policies and the ambiguous chieftainship-councils integration model, which tend to marginalise the chieftainship and threaten its survival, its relationship with the councils was initially characterised by conflict. However, this relationship has improved, due to the innovative actions taken not by the central government, but by the individual Councils and chiefs themselves, thus increasing the prospects for democratic consolidation. I argue for and recommend the adoption in Lesotho of appropriate variants of the mixed government model to integrate the chieftainship with the elected councils, based on the re-contextualised and re-territorialised conception and practice of democracy, which eschews its universalistic EuroAmerican version adopted by the LCD government, but recognises and preserves the chieftainship as an integral part of the Basotho society, the embodiment of its culture, history, national identity and nationhood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Kapa, Motlamelle Anthony
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Customary law -- Lesotho Constitutional law -- Lesotho Local government -- Lesotho -- Maseru Culture and law -- Lesotho -- Maseru Lesotho -- Politics and government Democracy -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2786 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002996
- Description: This study analyses the relationship between the chieftainship institution and the elected councils in Lesotho. Based on a qualitative case study method the study seeks to understand this relationship in four selected councils in the Maseru district and how this can be nurtured to achieve a consolidated democracy. Contrary to modernists‟ arguments (that indigenous African political institutions, of which the chieftainship is part, are incompatible with liberal democracy since they are, inter alia, hereditary, they compete with their elective counterparts for political power, they threaten the democratic consolidation process, and they are irrelevant to democratising African systems), this study finds that these arguments are misplaced. Instead, chieftainship is not incompatible with liberal democracy per se. It supports the democratisation process (if the governing parties pursue friendly and accommodative policies to it) but uses its political agency in reaction to the policies of ruling parties to protect its survival interests, whether or not this undermines democratic consolidation process. The chieftainship has also acted to defend democracy when the governing party abuses its political power to undermine democratic rule. It performs important functions in the country. Thus, it is still viewed by the country‟s political leadership, academics, civil society, and councillors as legitimate and highly relevant to the Lesotho‟s contemporary political system. Because of the inadequacies of the government policies and the ambiguous chieftainship-councils integration model, which tend to marginalise the chieftainship and threaten its survival, its relationship with the councils was initially characterised by conflict. However, this relationship has improved, due to the innovative actions taken not by the central government, but by the individual Councils and chiefs themselves, thus increasing the prospects for democratic consolidation. I argue for and recommend the adoption in Lesotho of appropriate variants of the mixed government model to integrate the chieftainship with the elected councils, based on the re-contextualised and re-territorialised conception and practice of democracy, which eschews its universalistic EuroAmerican version adopted by the LCD government, but recognises and preserves the chieftainship as an integral part of the Basotho society, the embodiment of its culture, history, national identity and nationhood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Constraints and challenges faced by small, medium and micro enterprise contractors in Malawi
- Authors: Chilipunde, Rodrick Lengama
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management , Contractors' operations -- Malawi , Small business -- Malawi -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1220 , Small business -- Malawi -- Management , Contractors' operations -- Malawi , Small business -- Malawi -- Finance
- Description: Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are an important sector of any construction economy. The need for efficient SMMEs is well documented and cannot be over-emphasised. SMMEs are vital in their contribution to employment creation and value reorientation. However, their in process operations are not well understood and have rarely been addressed. The aim of this research was therefore to establish a base level of understanding of the operational core-face of SMMEs in Malawi. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted on 52 SMMEs. The field survey used the questionnaire instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that there are binding constraints in the operations of SMMEs. The field survey confirmed the issues raised in the literature and posited the operational challenges as lack of finance, training and business skills; limited skills in Construction Information Technology (IT), and prevalence of unethical conduct amongst some of the stakeholders. The findings make an invaluable contribution to the search for solutions to the problems faced by construction SMMEs in Malawi and provide insight for further research in institutional weaknesses and policy issues regarding in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, SMMEs in Malawi will continue to experience poor growth and competitiveness. The recommendations include the developing of training programmes in business management, introduction of sector specific financing programmes and the provision of an appropriate regulatory and legislative framework. By establishing the core issues affecting the operations of SMMEs in the Malawian construction industry, the research has contributed to the enhancement of the understanding of this elusive subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chilipunde, Rodrick Lengama
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management , Contractors' operations -- Malawi , Small business -- Malawi -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9686 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1220 , Small business -- Malawi -- Management , Contractors' operations -- Malawi , Small business -- Malawi -- Finance
- Description: Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are an important sector of any construction economy. The need for efficient SMMEs is well documented and cannot be over-emphasised. SMMEs are vital in their contribution to employment creation and value reorientation. However, their in process operations are not well understood and have rarely been addressed. The aim of this research was therefore to establish a base level of understanding of the operational core-face of SMMEs in Malawi. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted on 52 SMMEs. The field survey used the questionnaire instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that there are binding constraints in the operations of SMMEs. The field survey confirmed the issues raised in the literature and posited the operational challenges as lack of finance, training and business skills; limited skills in Construction Information Technology (IT), and prevalence of unethical conduct amongst some of the stakeholders. The findings make an invaluable contribution to the search for solutions to the problems faced by construction SMMEs in Malawi and provide insight for further research in institutional weaknesses and policy issues regarding in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, SMMEs in Malawi will continue to experience poor growth and competitiveness. The recommendations include the developing of training programmes in business management, introduction of sector specific financing programmes and the provision of an appropriate regulatory and legislative framework. By establishing the core issues affecting the operations of SMMEs in the Malawian construction industry, the research has contributed to the enhancement of the understanding of this elusive subject.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Constructing a web of culture: the case of akKOORd, an Overberg community choir
- Authors: Jacobs, Sunell Human
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Choral music -- South Africa -- Overberg , Choirs (Music) , Overberg (South Africa) -- History , City and town life -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8506 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1254 , Choral music -- South Africa -- Overberg , Choirs (Music) , Overberg (South Africa) -- History , City and town life -- Social aspects
- Description: akKOORd, a community choir in the relatively small southern region of the Overberg, was formed in 2006, and although the choir has only a brief history, its spirit, activities, and concerts have inspired and touched many people. This qualitative study pays attention to aspects of the choir’s history, its performance practice and of the “web” of community members connected to and involved in its activities. Through interviews and personal notes this in-depth study provides a “micronarrative” of this choir within the “web” of the Overberg community itself. It aims to not only interpret this narrative with regard to the meaning behind actions and their symbolic importance in society, but also to explore its relevance in the broader context of current South African cultural discourse. During this research it became evident that policy makers and potential funders regard this predominantly white choir with its Western repertoire as a form of undesirable exclusivity and elitism. This study opposes such a point of view, contending instead that elitism in the form of excellence has the power to defy barriers of social standing and ethnicity, and to unite people through a collective sense of ownership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Jacobs, Sunell Human
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Choral music -- South Africa -- Overberg , Choirs (Music) , Overberg (South Africa) -- History , City and town life -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8506 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1254 , Choral music -- South Africa -- Overberg , Choirs (Music) , Overberg (South Africa) -- History , City and town life -- Social aspects
- Description: akKOORd, a community choir in the relatively small southern region of the Overberg, was formed in 2006, and although the choir has only a brief history, its spirit, activities, and concerts have inspired and touched many people. This qualitative study pays attention to aspects of the choir’s history, its performance practice and of the “web” of community members connected to and involved in its activities. Through interviews and personal notes this in-depth study provides a “micronarrative” of this choir within the “web” of the Overberg community itself. It aims to not only interpret this narrative with regard to the meaning behind actions and their symbolic importance in society, but also to explore its relevance in the broader context of current South African cultural discourse. During this research it became evident that policy makers and potential funders regard this predominantly white choir with its Western repertoire as a form of undesirable exclusivity and elitism. This study opposes such a point of view, contending instead that elitism in the form of excellence has the power to defy barriers of social standing and ethnicity, and to unite people through a collective sense of ownership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Contemporary left politics in South Africa: the case of the tri-partite alliance in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hesjedal, Siv Helen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Politics, Practical -- South Africa Social classes -- South Africa -- History Political parties -- South Africa African National Congress South African Communist Party Cosatu Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Politics and government Politics, Practical -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003083
- Description: This thesis aims to make sense of Left politics in South Africa within the Tri-partite Alliance between the ANC, SACP and COSATU. The thesis focuses on developments in the Eastern Cape, between 2000 and 2008. The thesis describes the prevalent forms of Left politics in the Eastern Cape and the tendencies in the Alliance that organise this Left. The thesis also examines the historical, social and political conditions and that shape the form and content of Left politics in the province. Based on a survey of literature on what is considered the core manifestations of Left politics globally in the 20th Century Left politics is defined as the elements of the political spectrum that are concerned with the progressive resolution of involuntary disadvantage and with a goal of abolishing class society and capitalism. Although the Alliance as a whole should be seen to be on the Left on an international political spectrum, this thesis argues that the Left/Right dichotomy is useful for understanding the politics of the Alliance, as long as the second part of this definition is taken into consideration. The Alliance Left is understood as those leaders and activists within the Alliance that have the SACP and Cosatu as their operating base. It will be argued that this Left is, in its practice, largely concerned with what insiders refer to as politics of „influence‟, rather than with politics of „structural transformation‟. It is the ANC that is the leader of the Alliance and the party in government and thus it is on the terrain of ANC strategy, policy and positions that contestation in the Alliance plays itself out. Thus, for the Left, there is strength in the idea of the Alliance. However, there are significant theoretical and political weaknesses in the Left that undermine the possibility of making good use of various corporatist platforms to pursue the agenda of the Left in the Eastern Cape. There is also increased contestation within the Alliance Left itself about the continued usefulness of this strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Contemporary left politics in South Africa: the case of the tri-partite alliance in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Hesjedal, Siv Helen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Politics, Practical -- South Africa Social classes -- South Africa -- History Political parties -- South Africa African National Congress South African Communist Party Cosatu Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Politics and government Politics, Practical -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003083
- Description: This thesis aims to make sense of Left politics in South Africa within the Tri-partite Alliance between the ANC, SACP and COSATU. The thesis focuses on developments in the Eastern Cape, between 2000 and 2008. The thesis describes the prevalent forms of Left politics in the Eastern Cape and the tendencies in the Alliance that organise this Left. The thesis also examines the historical, social and political conditions and that shape the form and content of Left politics in the province. Based on a survey of literature on what is considered the core manifestations of Left politics globally in the 20th Century Left politics is defined as the elements of the political spectrum that are concerned with the progressive resolution of involuntary disadvantage and with a goal of abolishing class society and capitalism. Although the Alliance as a whole should be seen to be on the Left on an international political spectrum, this thesis argues that the Left/Right dichotomy is useful for understanding the politics of the Alliance, as long as the second part of this definition is taken into consideration. The Alliance Left is understood as those leaders and activists within the Alliance that have the SACP and Cosatu as their operating base. It will be argued that this Left is, in its practice, largely concerned with what insiders refer to as politics of „influence‟, rather than with politics of „structural transformation‟. It is the ANC that is the leader of the Alliance and the party in government and thus it is on the terrain of ANC strategy, policy and positions that contestation in the Alliance plays itself out. Thus, for the Left, there is strength in the idea of the Alliance. However, there are significant theoretical and political weaknesses in the Left that undermine the possibility of making good use of various corporatist platforms to pursue the agenda of the Left in the Eastern Cape. There is also increased contestation within the Alliance Left itself about the continued usefulness of this strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Contemporary precision, bias and accuracy of minimum post-mortem intervals estimated using development of carrion-feeding insects
- Villet, Martin H, Richards, Cameron S, Midgley, John M
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Richards, Cameron S , Midgley, John M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442769 , vital:74032 , ISBN 978-1-4020-9684-6 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9684-6_7
- Description: Medicocriminal forensic entomology focuses primarily on providing evidence of the amount of time that a corpse or carcass has been exposed to colonization by insects, which helps to estimate the post mortem interval (PMI). Specifically, the estimate is of a minimum post mortem interval (PMImin), because death may occur a variable amount of time before colonization (Fig. 7.1); the maximum post mortem interval (PMImax) is estimated using the time that the person was last seen alive. Forensic entomology derives the bulk of its evidence from two sources: the ecological succession of carrion insect communities and the development of immature insects (Byrd and Castner 2001; Catts and Haskel 1990; Smith 1986). This chapter is concerned with assessing the confidence that can be placed in the accuracy of estimates derived from insect development. (Schoenly et al. 1996) dealt with this theme in succession-based estimates of PMImin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Villet, Martin H , Richards, Cameron S , Midgley, John M
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442769 , vital:74032 , ISBN 978-1-4020-9684-6 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9684-6_7
- Description: Medicocriminal forensic entomology focuses primarily on providing evidence of the amount of time that a corpse or carcass has been exposed to colonization by insects, which helps to estimate the post mortem interval (PMI). Specifically, the estimate is of a minimum post mortem interval (PMImin), because death may occur a variable amount of time before colonization (Fig. 7.1); the maximum post mortem interval (PMImax) is estimated using the time that the person was last seen alive. Forensic entomology derives the bulk of its evidence from two sources: the ecological succession of carrion insect communities and the development of immature insects (Byrd and Castner 2001; Catts and Haskel 1990; Smith 1986). This chapter is concerned with assessing the confidence that can be placed in the accuracy of estimates derived from insect development. (Schoenly et al. 1996) dealt with this theme in succession-based estimates of PMImin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Contextualising curriculum through issues-based approaches: a case of eco-schools in Kenya
- Authors: Epus, Joash Gregory Odeke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum planning -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum change -- Kenya -- Case studies Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Environmental education -- Activity programs -- Namibia -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003344
- Description: This study involved an issues-based approach to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme in Kenya. It adopted a two-phase design using interpretivist and socially critical research orientations. In this study, research is represented as a process which is socially constructed within a particular theoretical, contextual, social and historical context by unfolding the thesis to illuminate how the phases are closely woven into each other. The first phase used the survey method for a contextual review of existing approaches and views relating to environmental education in the formal education sector. The survey aimed to develop a deeper understanding of environmental education as currently practiced in Kenya and to unravel the complexities surrounding it. It involved about two hundred and six primary school teachers and a critical review of a set of resource materials used in Kenyan Primary Schools. It revealed that some aspects of environmental education practice and the prevailing technocratic view of curriculum in Kenyan primary schools potentially limit possibilities for issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation. The action research process in four case study schools in Nyanza province of Kenya represent an attempt to address issues in context through socially critical environmental education. Participant observations, workshops and document analysis revealed that, contextualised conceptions of the terms ‘environment’ and ‘environmental education’ that resulted from a process of deliberation of meaning by teachers in relation to their contexts and practices served to set perspective for the action research process. Further, the planning phase which involved environmental auditing to identify issues of concern, prioritization of actions, issues to address, and action planning to guide implementation was critical in setting the agenda of the action research process in each of the case study schools. Integration and infusion of local issues of concern into curriculum planning further enriched processes of curriculum contextualisation, making them relevant to local contexts by addressing real issues through appropriate pedagogical approaches in auditing, investigation and research, communicating and interpreting results, reflecting on investigations and taking action. The action research process further enhanced cooperation and partnership between the case study schools and surrounding communities with mutual benefits. The research report demonstrates that despite the limitations posed by the technocratic orientation of the Kenyan curriculum, it is possible to address real environmental issues, risks and associated sustainable development challenges in context through issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Epus, Joash Gregory Odeke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Environmental education -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum planning -- Kenya -- Case studies Curriculum change -- Kenya -- Case studies Environmental literacy -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies Environmental education -- Activity programs -- Namibia -- Case studies Conservation of natural resources -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1463 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003344
- Description: This study involved an issues-based approach to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme in Kenya. It adopted a two-phase design using interpretivist and socially critical research orientations. In this study, research is represented as a process which is socially constructed within a particular theoretical, contextual, social and historical context by unfolding the thesis to illuminate how the phases are closely woven into each other. The first phase used the survey method for a contextual review of existing approaches and views relating to environmental education in the formal education sector. The survey aimed to develop a deeper understanding of environmental education as currently practiced in Kenya and to unravel the complexities surrounding it. It involved about two hundred and six primary school teachers and a critical review of a set of resource materials used in Kenyan Primary Schools. It revealed that some aspects of environmental education practice and the prevailing technocratic view of curriculum in Kenyan primary schools potentially limit possibilities for issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation. The action research process in four case study schools in Nyanza province of Kenya represent an attempt to address issues in context through socially critical environmental education. Participant observations, workshops and document analysis revealed that, contextualised conceptions of the terms ‘environment’ and ‘environmental education’ that resulted from a process of deliberation of meaning by teachers in relation to their contexts and practices served to set perspective for the action research process. Further, the planning phase which involved environmental auditing to identify issues of concern, prioritization of actions, issues to address, and action planning to guide implementation was critical in setting the agenda of the action research process in each of the case study schools. Integration and infusion of local issues of concern into curriculum planning further enriched processes of curriculum contextualisation, making them relevant to local contexts by addressing real issues through appropriate pedagogical approaches in auditing, investigation and research, communicating and interpreting results, reflecting on investigations and taking action. The action research process further enhanced cooperation and partnership between the case study schools and surrounding communities with mutual benefits. The research report demonstrates that despite the limitations posed by the technocratic orientation of the Kenyan curriculum, it is possible to address real environmental issues, risks and associated sustainable development challenges in context through issues-based approaches to curriculum contextualisation in the context of the Eco-Schools programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Contrasting biodiversity values in four states of Eastern Province thornveld
- Authors: Duncan, Imogen May
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003759 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Duncan, Imogen May
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4190 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003759 , Biodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agrobiodiversity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Veld -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Landscape assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Land use and land transformation are major threats to biodiversity. Only a small percentage of land and thus biodiversity is protected within reserves. The majority of biodiversity lies in the hands of private and communal farmers and in order to protect biodiversity they must perceive it as having some value and have the means and incentive to conserve it. This study examined two things: (i) the relationship between biodiversity and measures of ecosystem health, range condition, primary production and presence of useful plants that would be expected to be of relevant use to land users, (ii) the perceptions of farmers of vegetation states that differ in the abovementioned attributes. Within the Eastern Province Thornveld of the Smaldeel area, four different vegetation states were selected for the study, namely park-like grassland with scattered Acacia karroo (“savanna”), heavily infested Acacia karroo grassland (“acacia”), thicket-grassland mosaic (“thicket”) and heavily utilised thicketgrassland in communal lands (“communal”). The four states are a consequence of different patterns of browsing and fire, in both pre-colonial and recent times. Different ecological attributes were assessed and compared for each state and the relationships between the different attributes determined. Ecosystem health, in terms of stability or resistance to erosion, infiltration/water-holding capacity, and nutrient cycling were compared using Landscape Function Analysis. The agricultural value of the different landscapes was measured using range condition assessment techniques. Plant species richness and other measures of diversity, along with their conservation and usefulness values, were compared between states. Plant productivity and biomass were compared using satellite data. The thicket state was found to be the most functional due to the added habitat complexity provided by the vegetation. It was the most biodiverse, the most useful and contained many, but not all of the important conservation species. The communal state had high biodiversity and was be fairly resilient to heavy usage, not showing the expected signs of land degradation. The savanna state, although thought of as the optimum state for cattle production, was not significantly different from the other states in terms of agricultural potential, but had the lowest values for plant diversity, browse potential, abundance of useful plant species and biomass. The acacia state had the highest and least stable values in terms of biomass production, however it was found to contain species of conservation importance. The preference that four groups of land users, namely men and women from commercial and communal farming areas, expressed for the four vegetation states was assessed using semi-structured interviews in conjunction with A3 colour photographs. The men and women from the communal areas and the men from the commercial areas valued the thicket state highly for its farming potential. The male commercial farmers also valued the savanna state highly as they perceived it as being most productive for cattle farming. Both the thicket state and the savanna state were found aesthetically pleasing by all the user groups, in line with theories of preference for modified savannas and for familiar environments. There appears to be potential for preserving biodiversity on farmland. The farmers in this study, with their very utilitarian perspective, were found to intuitively gauge the health of the landscape and recognise biodiversity as indicating good farming land. The commercial farmers were strongly influenced by economic motives and thus attracted to the savanna state, but also recognised the opportunity for a wider variety of farming activities in the thicket state. The communal farmers have a high dependence on the land for their livelihoods and preferred the thicket state for its overall usefulness. The views of the farmers indicate that the opportunity for conservation is good, however much of the thicket state lies in the communal land, where the openaccess land use system makes managing for biodiversity difficult.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010