Attraction and retention of non-family business employees
- Authors: Van Zyl, Jacques
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1365 , Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Description: The purpose of this research treatise was to identify specific aspects related to employees in a non-family owned business that can be adopted by family owned businesses in order to attract, attain and motivate non-family employees. The focus of the researched aspect was based on seven categories of business management, namely; governance, policies and procedures, direction and planning, leadership, employee development, rewards and other general related characteristics. The research commenced with a literature review, which centered on background information pertaining to family owned businesses and specific aspects related to organisation and management thereof. It was assessed that very few completed research papers exit that addressed the topic as indicated above. The research focussed on a medium sized, non-family owned business within the consulting engineering industry. The physical research consisted of a questionnaire distributed to all of the employees of the particular firm. The questionnaire was made up of two sections. The first was a typical Likert scale type and the second, open ended questions. The questions of both question sets were categorised in specific business control and management topics, namely: - Governance; - Policies and procedures; - Direction and planning; - Leadership; - Employee development; - Rewards; and, - General aspects. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the factors that are regarded to be important by unrelated employees in work environment, specifically focusing on attaining, retaining and motivating aspects. The study found that the average employee prefers to have desire for formal management structures and see succession planning not only as an important sustainable business strategy, but also as an underlying motivation principle. Also identified were the partialities towards formal employee management systems, employee development, and the value of monetary rewards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Van Zyl, Jacques
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1365 , Family-owned business enterprises , Employee retention
- Description: The purpose of this research treatise was to identify specific aspects related to employees in a non-family owned business that can be adopted by family owned businesses in order to attract, attain and motivate non-family employees. The focus of the researched aspect was based on seven categories of business management, namely; governance, policies and procedures, direction and planning, leadership, employee development, rewards and other general related characteristics. The research commenced with a literature review, which centered on background information pertaining to family owned businesses and specific aspects related to organisation and management thereof. It was assessed that very few completed research papers exit that addressed the topic as indicated above. The research focussed on a medium sized, non-family owned business within the consulting engineering industry. The physical research consisted of a questionnaire distributed to all of the employees of the particular firm. The questionnaire was made up of two sections. The first was a typical Likert scale type and the second, open ended questions. The questions of both question sets were categorised in specific business control and management topics, namely: - Governance; - Policies and procedures; - Direction and planning; - Leadership; - Employee development; - Rewards; and, - General aspects. The primary objective of this study was to identify and explore the factors that are regarded to be important by unrelated employees in work environment, specifically focusing on attaining, retaining and motivating aspects. The study found that the average employee prefers to have desire for formal management structures and see succession planning not only as an important sustainable business strategy, but also as an underlying motivation principle. Also identified were the partialities towards formal employee management systems, employee development, and the value of monetary rewards.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Audit of community pharmacy activities
- Authors: Blignault, Suzette Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Pharmacy , Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1533 , Pharmacy , Community health services
- Description: In South Africa the pharmacy profession has experienced a number of changes around the turn of the century such as the introduction of the National Drug Policy (NDP), pharmacy ownership and price regulation. With this the role and earnings of the pharmacy profession, as well as to what extent the pharmacist adds value to the profession and society, are being questioned. Community pharmacists are thus faced with the challenge to prove that the value that they add to society is meaningful. Therefore, the aim of the study was to document community pharmacy availability and activities in South Africa and based on this to quantify the perceived value that the community pharmacist adds to society through the delivery of pharmaceutical services and pharmaceutical care. In order to determine the pharmacist’s true value added two surveys were conducted in 2006; an original pharmacist survey and a general public survey. The results obtained were verified by a follow–up pharmacist survey in 2009 to confirm or reject the results obtained in the original survey. The study was representative of both the community pharmacies and the general public in South Africa and was primarily quantitative in design and analysis. More than half of the responding pharmacies (63.16%) were open seven days a week. The average hours of service per day ranged from 10 hours (Monday to Friday) through to 6.45 hours on Saturdays and 3 hours on Sundays. Pharmacists continuously upgraded their professional knowledge. More than three quarters of pharmacies had the necessary equipment available to perform the services investigated in the study. The general public was not aware of all the services provided by pharmacists and as a result, depending on the service, many people did not make use of these services. The general public that made use of services delivered by community pharmacies mainly perceived the services delivered to be of good quality. The main barrier to practicing pharmaceutical care was indicated by pharmacists as not receiving payment for the advice given followed by pharmaceutical care being time consuming, and that there was not enough time to talk to patients. The general public indicated that they found it difficult to ask questions in pharmacies because other patients could hear what was discussed, or other patients had to wait longer if they asked something, and pharmacy staff being too busy. The results of the original pharmacist and the general public survey were confirmed by the results of the follow-up survey with the exception of dispensing prescription medicine (8 minutes 28 seconds), OTC medicine (7 minutes 23 seconds), counselling of prescription medicine (8 minutes 51 seconds) and OTC medicine (8 minutes) which on average took longer to conduct than in the previous analysis. The study highlighted the value added to the wellness and quality of life of the community of South Africa through the delivery of pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services by community pharmacy staff, and proved that pharmacists are committed to the provision of pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Blignault, Suzette Martha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Pharmacy , Community health services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10130 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1533 , Pharmacy , Community health services
- Description: In South Africa the pharmacy profession has experienced a number of changes around the turn of the century such as the introduction of the National Drug Policy (NDP), pharmacy ownership and price regulation. With this the role and earnings of the pharmacy profession, as well as to what extent the pharmacist adds value to the profession and society, are being questioned. Community pharmacists are thus faced with the challenge to prove that the value that they add to society is meaningful. Therefore, the aim of the study was to document community pharmacy availability and activities in South Africa and based on this to quantify the perceived value that the community pharmacist adds to society through the delivery of pharmaceutical services and pharmaceutical care. In order to determine the pharmacist’s true value added two surveys were conducted in 2006; an original pharmacist survey and a general public survey. The results obtained were verified by a follow–up pharmacist survey in 2009 to confirm or reject the results obtained in the original survey. The study was representative of both the community pharmacies and the general public in South Africa and was primarily quantitative in design and analysis. More than half of the responding pharmacies (63.16%) were open seven days a week. The average hours of service per day ranged from 10 hours (Monday to Friday) through to 6.45 hours on Saturdays and 3 hours on Sundays. Pharmacists continuously upgraded their professional knowledge. More than three quarters of pharmacies had the necessary equipment available to perform the services investigated in the study. The general public was not aware of all the services provided by pharmacists and as a result, depending on the service, many people did not make use of these services. The general public that made use of services delivered by community pharmacies mainly perceived the services delivered to be of good quality. The main barrier to practicing pharmaceutical care was indicated by pharmacists as not receiving payment for the advice given followed by pharmaceutical care being time consuming, and that there was not enough time to talk to patients. The general public indicated that they found it difficult to ask questions in pharmacies because other patients could hear what was discussed, or other patients had to wait longer if they asked something, and pharmacy staff being too busy. The results of the original pharmacist and the general public survey were confirmed by the results of the follow-up survey with the exception of dispensing prescription medicine (8 minutes 28 seconds), OTC medicine (7 minutes 23 seconds), counselling of prescription medicine (8 minutes 51 seconds) and OTC medicine (8 minutes) which on average took longer to conduct than in the previous analysis. The study highlighted the value added to the wellness and quality of life of the community of South Africa through the delivery of pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services by community pharmacy staff, and proved that pharmacists are committed to the provision of pharmaceutical care and pharmaceutical services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Barriers to accessing water services in the Motherwell township
- Authors: Mbashe, Mfundo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water-supply -- Developing countries , Water resources development -- Developing countries , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1190 , Water-supply -- Developing countries , Water resources development -- Developing countries , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness
- Description: Access to adequate water and sanitation services in South Africa still remain a pipe dream for the millions who are trapped at the bottom of the class structures in the country. The poverty stricken communities living in Townships such as Motherwell, everyday long for water services infrastructure to be built in their places of residence. The costs of accessing water services also becomes a setback for many consumers in the area, this is after the infrastructure has been installed in their areas. The high unemployment rate plays an enormous role in many consumers not affording water services. Bureaucracy between the government department of Housing and the NMMBM also impedes delivery of water services for without formal housing, water and sanitation is impossible to be accessed within the households. The study revealed from the semi-structured interviews which were held with Mayoral Council official and Ward Councillors as well as with members of the communities NU 12 and 29 that access to adequate water services was not successful and satisfactory. The findings of the research demonstrate that the Municipality has a problem with retaining staff members in the portfolio of Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, which is the responsible department for providing water and sanitation services to the local inhabitants. This study was conducted from April 2009 to November 2009 and it was aimed at finding the Barriers to accessing water services in the Motherwell Township.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mbashe, Mfundo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Water-supply -- Developing countries , Water resources development -- Developing countries , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9039 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1190 , Water-supply -- Developing countries , Water resources development -- Developing countries , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management , Water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness
- Description: Access to adequate water and sanitation services in South Africa still remain a pipe dream for the millions who are trapped at the bottom of the class structures in the country. The poverty stricken communities living in Townships such as Motherwell, everyday long for water services infrastructure to be built in their places of residence. The costs of accessing water services also becomes a setback for many consumers in the area, this is after the infrastructure has been installed in their areas. The high unemployment rate plays an enormous role in many consumers not affording water services. Bureaucracy between the government department of Housing and the NMMBM also impedes delivery of water services for without formal housing, water and sanitation is impossible to be accessed within the households. The study revealed from the semi-structured interviews which were held with Mayoral Council official and Ward Councillors as well as with members of the communities NU 12 and 29 that access to adequate water services was not successful and satisfactory. The findings of the research demonstrate that the Municipality has a problem with retaining staff members in the portfolio of Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, which is the responsible department for providing water and sanitation services to the local inhabitants. This study was conducted from April 2009 to November 2009 and it was aimed at finding the Barriers to accessing water services in the Motherwell Township.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine in South African fresh water cyanobacteria : incidence, prevalence, ecotoxicological considerations and human exposure risk
- Authors: Esterhuizen-Londt, Maranda
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Cyanobacteria , Bioaccumulation , Chromatographic analysis , Neurotoxic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1473 , Cyanobacteria , Bioaccumulation , Chromatographic analysis , Neurotoxic agents
- Description: β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid associated with human neurodegenerative disease. Due to the cosmopolitan nature of cyanobacteria, detection of BMAA in cyanobacteria has caused concerns about human exposure risk. This study was therefore based on the hypothesis that BMAA poses a health risk to humans either by direct ingestion or by indirect exposure to BMAA from a cyanobacterial source via a freshwater food chain. A validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) BMAA analysis method and a confirmatory liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method, with improved sensitivity, were developed in addition to a LC-MS/MS method for analyte confirmation. These methods were used to quantify BMAA in South African cyanobacteria, isolated from various potable water reservoirs. The majority of the isolates tested, contained BMAA. Possible human exposure by direct consumption of BMAA released from cyanobacterial blooms was investigated by the development of a robust solid phase extraction (SPE) method used for BMAA concentration and quantification in raw and treated tap water. Despite the use of the SPE method that facilitated the concentration of BMAA from large quantities of water, no free dissolved BMAA was detected in raw or processed fresh water. The fate of exogenous BMAA was therefore investigated firstly by evaluating the efficacy of standard water treatment processes employed in South Africa and secondly by investigating the possibility of BMAA bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic food chains. Standard water treatment processes proved highly efficient at removing free dissolved BMAA, explaining the absence of BMAA in treated tap water. However, the cause of the BMAA absence in raw potable water remained unknown. Uptake of BMAA by model aquatic organisms was investigated in controlled experiments. BMAA uptake was documented in both Ceratophyllum demersum and Daphnia magna, however, BMAA-protein association and biomagnification were not observed in D. magna. BMAA had an inhibitory effect on the oxidative stress enzyme acitivties of both organisms tested (as well as human S9 extracts), resulting in accumulation of detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Exposure of crop plants to BMAA in controlled experiments resulted in BMAA uptake, protein association, and subsequent inhibition of the antioxidative enzyme activities. However, BMAA was detected in neither free nor protein-associated form in natural crop plants irrigated with known BMAA-containing bloom water. Post-mortem liver samples of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Crocodylus niloticus (Crocodile), from a natural fresh water ecosystem that experienced frequent cyanobacterial blooms, contained both free and protein-associated BMAA. Higher BMAA concentrations were found in crocodile liver samples compared to fish liver samples, strongly suggesting biomagnification from one trophic level to the next. BMAA concentrations corresponded to crocodile age. This is the first report of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in two trophic levels in a fresh water ecosystem. These findings strongly suggest possible human exposure via aquatic food chains of cyanobacterial origin. Direct BMAA exposure via drinking water is not plausible due to the efficiency of standard water treatment processes to remove BMAA. The use of raw water for agricultural and recreational use, however, remains a problem. The development of management strategies as well as daily tolerable levels for BMAA is urgently required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Esterhuizen-Londt, Maranda
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Cyanobacteria , Bioaccumulation , Chromatographic analysis , Neurotoxic agents
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1473 , Cyanobacteria , Bioaccumulation , Chromatographic analysis , Neurotoxic agents
- Description: β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid associated with human neurodegenerative disease. Due to the cosmopolitan nature of cyanobacteria, detection of BMAA in cyanobacteria has caused concerns about human exposure risk. This study was therefore based on the hypothesis that BMAA poses a health risk to humans either by direct ingestion or by indirect exposure to BMAA from a cyanobacterial source via a freshwater food chain. A validated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) BMAA analysis method and a confirmatory liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method, with improved sensitivity, were developed in addition to a LC-MS/MS method for analyte confirmation. These methods were used to quantify BMAA in South African cyanobacteria, isolated from various potable water reservoirs. The majority of the isolates tested, contained BMAA. Possible human exposure by direct consumption of BMAA released from cyanobacterial blooms was investigated by the development of a robust solid phase extraction (SPE) method used for BMAA concentration and quantification in raw and treated tap water. Despite the use of the SPE method that facilitated the concentration of BMAA from large quantities of water, no free dissolved BMAA was detected in raw or processed fresh water. The fate of exogenous BMAA was therefore investigated firstly by evaluating the efficacy of standard water treatment processes employed in South Africa and secondly by investigating the possibility of BMAA bioaccumulation and biomagnification in aquatic food chains. Standard water treatment processes proved highly efficient at removing free dissolved BMAA, explaining the absence of BMAA in treated tap water. However, the cause of the BMAA absence in raw potable water remained unknown. Uptake of BMAA by model aquatic organisms was investigated in controlled experiments. BMAA uptake was documented in both Ceratophyllum demersum and Daphnia magna, however, BMAA-protein association and biomagnification were not observed in D. magna. BMAA had an inhibitory effect on the oxidative stress enzyme acitivties of both organisms tested (as well as human S9 extracts), resulting in accumulation of detrimental reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells. Exposure of crop plants to BMAA in controlled experiments resulted in BMAA uptake, protein association, and subsequent inhibition of the antioxidative enzyme activities. However, BMAA was detected in neither free nor protein-associated form in natural crop plants irrigated with known BMAA-containing bloom water. Post-mortem liver samples of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) and Crocodylus niloticus (Crocodile), from a natural fresh water ecosystem that experienced frequent cyanobacterial blooms, contained both free and protein-associated BMAA. Higher BMAA concentrations were found in crocodile liver samples compared to fish liver samples, strongly suggesting biomagnification from one trophic level to the next. BMAA concentrations corresponded to crocodile age. This is the first report of bioaccumulation and biomagnification in two trophic levels in a fresh water ecosystem. These findings strongly suggest possible human exposure via aquatic food chains of cyanobacterial origin. Direct BMAA exposure via drinking water is not plausible due to the efficiency of standard water treatment processes to remove BMAA. The use of raw water for agricultural and recreational use, however, remains a problem. The development of management strategies as well as daily tolerable levels for BMAA is urgently required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Bioaccumulation and ecotoxicology of b-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) in model crop plants
- Niyonzima, Francois Niyongabo
- Authors: Niyonzima, Francois Niyongabo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Cyanobacteria , Environmental toxicology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1475 , Cyanobacteria , Environmental toxicology
- Description: Cyanobacteria are known to produce a variety of toxic compounds. β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is one of the neurotoxins produced by most cyanobacteria. BMAA has been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS / PDC) and was suggested to contribute to this pathology after biomagnification and slow release of BMAA from a protein associated form. The uptake and accumulation of BMAA by the aquatic macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum has recently been shown, but the consumption of aquatic macrophytes by humans is not typical. The uptake by, and accumulation in, crop plants (Nasturtium officinale and Daucus carota) was therefore investigated so as to establish the existence of any risk to humans from the consumption of plants irrigated with water from dams with high cyanobacterial biomass and therefore high BMAA levels. After the exposure to the BMAA through the growth medium, BMAA had no effect on growth and development of N. officinale and D. carota. The uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA was observed in N. officinale and D. carota, and was found to be concentration-dependent. Both free and bound cellular BMAA was detected following BMAA exposure through the growth medium. The photosynthetic apparatus of N. officinale was not significantly damaged. The uptake and accumulation of BMAA in edible terrestrial plants may constitute another route of human exposure to BMAA; it may now be prudent to avoid spray irrigation of edible plants with waters from dams with high cyanobacterial biomass and therefore high BMAA levels. After uptake by plants, the cyanotoxins may induce oxidative stress. A recent study showed that BMAA has a significant inhibitory effect on the oxidative stress enzymes in C. demersum. Therefore, the toxicological effects on selected plants were investigated by a range of biochemical enzyme assays in order to establish the plant stress response to exogenous BMAA. The inhibition of antioxidant enzymes upon exposure of N. officinale to BMAA through the growth medium was observed. The inhibition of antioxidant defence enzymes by BMAA correlated with the BMAA bioaccumulation in N. officinale. Further investigations are needed to analyze the uptake, accumulation, and ecotoxicology of BMAA in other crop plants, and to examine the fate of BMAA in these plants particularly its distribution and metabolism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Niyonzima, Francois Niyongabo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Cyanobacteria , Environmental toxicology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1475 , Cyanobacteria , Environmental toxicology
- Description: Cyanobacteria are known to produce a variety of toxic compounds. β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is one of the neurotoxins produced by most cyanobacteria. BMAA has been implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / Parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS / PDC) and was suggested to contribute to this pathology after biomagnification and slow release of BMAA from a protein associated form. The uptake and accumulation of BMAA by the aquatic macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum has recently been shown, but the consumption of aquatic macrophytes by humans is not typical. The uptake by, and accumulation in, crop plants (Nasturtium officinale and Daucus carota) was therefore investigated so as to establish the existence of any risk to humans from the consumption of plants irrigated with water from dams with high cyanobacterial biomass and therefore high BMAA levels. After the exposure to the BMAA through the growth medium, BMAA had no effect on growth and development of N. officinale and D. carota. The uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA was observed in N. officinale and D. carota, and was found to be concentration-dependent. Both free and bound cellular BMAA was detected following BMAA exposure through the growth medium. The photosynthetic apparatus of N. officinale was not significantly damaged. The uptake and accumulation of BMAA in edible terrestrial plants may constitute another route of human exposure to BMAA; it may now be prudent to avoid spray irrigation of edible plants with waters from dams with high cyanobacterial biomass and therefore high BMAA levels. After uptake by plants, the cyanotoxins may induce oxidative stress. A recent study showed that BMAA has a significant inhibitory effect on the oxidative stress enzymes in C. demersum. Therefore, the toxicological effects on selected plants were investigated by a range of biochemical enzyme assays in order to establish the plant stress response to exogenous BMAA. The inhibition of antioxidant enzymes upon exposure of N. officinale to BMAA through the growth medium was observed. The inhibition of antioxidant defence enzymes by BMAA correlated with the BMAA bioaccumulation in N. officinale. Further investigations are needed to analyze the uptake, accumulation, and ecotoxicology of BMAA in other crop plants, and to examine the fate of BMAA in these plants particularly its distribution and metabolism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
C3TO : a scalable architecture for mobile chat based tutoring
- Authors: Butgereit, Laura Lee
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Intelligent tutoring systems , Instructional systems -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1511 , Intelligent tutoring systems , Instructional systems -- Design
- Description: C³TO (Chatter Call Centre/Tutoring Online) is a scalable architecture to support mobile online tutoring using chat protocols over cell phones. It is the scalability of this architecture which is the primary focus of this dissertation. Much has been written lamenting the state of mathematics education in South Africa. It is not a pretty story. In order to help solve this mathematical crisis, the “Dr Math” research project was started in January, 2007. “Dr Math” strove to assist school pupils with their mathematics homework by providing access to tutors from a nearby university to help them. The school pupils used MXit on their cell phones and the tutors used normal computer workstations. The original “Dr Math” research project expected no more than twenty to thirty school pupils to participate. Unexpectedly thousands of school pupils started asking “Dr Math” to assist them with their mathematics homework. The original software could not scale. The original software could not cater for the thousands of pupils needing help. The scalability problems which existed in the original “Dr Math” project included: hardware scalability issues, software scalability problems, lack of physical office space for tutors, and tutor time being wasted by trivial questions. C³TO tackled these scalability concerns using an innovative three level approach by implementing a technological feature level, a tactical feature level, and a strategic feature level in the C³TO architecture. The technological level included specific components, utilities, and platforms which promoted scalability. The technological level provided the basic building blocks with which to construct a scalable architecture. The tactical level arranged the basic building blocks of the technological level into a scalable architecture. The tactical level provided short term solutions to scalability concerns by providing easy configurability and decision making. The strategic level attempted to answer the pupils questions before they actually arrived at the tutor thereby reducing the load on the human tutors. C³TO was extensively tested and evaluated. C³TO supported thousands of school pupils with their mathematics homework over a period of ten months. C³TO was used to support a small conference. C³TO was used to encourage people to volunteer their time in participation of Mandela Day. C³TO was used to support “Winter School” during the winter school holiday. In all these cases, C³TO proved itself to be scalable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Butgereit, Laura Lee
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Intelligent tutoring systems , Instructional systems -- Design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9746 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1511 , Intelligent tutoring systems , Instructional systems -- Design
- Description: C³TO (Chatter Call Centre/Tutoring Online) is a scalable architecture to support mobile online tutoring using chat protocols over cell phones. It is the scalability of this architecture which is the primary focus of this dissertation. Much has been written lamenting the state of mathematics education in South Africa. It is not a pretty story. In order to help solve this mathematical crisis, the “Dr Math” research project was started in January, 2007. “Dr Math” strove to assist school pupils with their mathematics homework by providing access to tutors from a nearby university to help them. The school pupils used MXit on their cell phones and the tutors used normal computer workstations. The original “Dr Math” research project expected no more than twenty to thirty school pupils to participate. Unexpectedly thousands of school pupils started asking “Dr Math” to assist them with their mathematics homework. The original software could not scale. The original software could not cater for the thousands of pupils needing help. The scalability problems which existed in the original “Dr Math” project included: hardware scalability issues, software scalability problems, lack of physical office space for tutors, and tutor time being wasted by trivial questions. C³TO tackled these scalability concerns using an innovative three level approach by implementing a technological feature level, a tactical feature level, and a strategic feature level in the C³TO architecture. The technological level included specific components, utilities, and platforms which promoted scalability. The technological level provided the basic building blocks with which to construct a scalable architecture. The tactical level arranged the basic building blocks of the technological level into a scalable architecture. The tactical level provided short term solutions to scalability concerns by providing easy configurability and decision making. The strategic level attempted to answer the pupils questions before they actually arrived at the tutor thereby reducing the load on the human tutors. C³TO was extensively tested and evaluated. C³TO supported thousands of school pupils with their mathematics homework over a period of ten months. C³TO was used to support a small conference. C³TO was used to encourage people to volunteer their time in participation of Mandela Day. C³TO was used to support “Winter School” during the winter school holiday. In all these cases, C³TO proved itself to be scalable.
- 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
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
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
Copreneurships in South African small and medium-sized family business
- Authors: Eybers, Carey
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1207 , Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Taking cognisance of the increasingly important role that copreneurial businesses play in national economies, the unique challenges that they face, and the lack of research attention given to such spousal teams, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the more effective functioning of copreneurships in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the Perceived success of copreneurships in South Africa, as well as the conditions required for the effective and harmonious functioning of such spousal partnerships. This study seeks to incorporate previous findings and studies on team effectiveness and spousal relationships into a comprehensive conceptual model. After conducting a comprehensive literature study, as well as examining the different teamwork models proposed and the study by Farrington (2009), it became clear that successful teams have validated their proficiency with regard to two types of factors, namely, relational-based and organisational-based factors. Within these two categories of factors, 14 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the measures of effectiveness of copreneurships, namely the dependent variable Perceived success; and the intervening variable Financial performance. All of the factors in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from Farrington’s (2009) measuring instrument, as well as several measuring instruments used in other studies, were used in the operationalisation of these factors. In addition, several items were self-generated from secondary sources. Respondents were identified using the convenience snowball sampling technique, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data gathered from the 380 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated for this purpose. The original intervening variable Financial performance could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, Financial performance split into v two separate variables which were named Financial performance and Growth performance. The original dependent variable Perceived success was confirmed by the factor analyses. The relational- and organisational-based factors could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, seven new relational- and seven new organisational-based factors emerged, and where necessary these factors were renamed. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables in this study, was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Owing to the sample-size restrictions, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Instead, seven submodels were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent and intervening variables in this study: • Spousal relationship • Commitment to spouse • Equal status • Commitment to the business • Emotional attachment • Non-family involvement • Personal needs alignment • Leadership • Competencies • Internal context In order to investigate the influence of the various demographic variables on the intervening and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Linear Regression analysis and t-tests were performed. How leadership occurs in a copreneurial business, the tenure of the business, the location of the business, the status of the copreneurship, the level of spousal involvement in the business and the vi number of employees were found to have an influence on the intervening and dependent variables of this study. By empirically investigating copreneurships, this study has added to the limited amount of family business literature on these complex partnerships. By way of the conceptual models developed in this study a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the factors influencing the success of copreneurships. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist couples in managing their copreneurships in such a way as to nurture their marriage relationships and at the same time enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Eybers, Carey
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1207 , Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Taking cognisance of the increasingly important role that copreneurial businesses play in national economies, the unique challenges that they face, and the lack of research attention given to such spousal teams, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the more effective functioning of copreneurships in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the Perceived success of copreneurships in South Africa, as well as the conditions required for the effective and harmonious functioning of such spousal partnerships. This study seeks to incorporate previous findings and studies on team effectiveness and spousal relationships into a comprehensive conceptual model. After conducting a comprehensive literature study, as well as examining the different teamwork models proposed and the study by Farrington (2009), it became clear that successful teams have validated their proficiency with regard to two types of factors, namely, relational-based and organisational-based factors. Within these two categories of factors, 14 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the measures of effectiveness of copreneurships, namely the dependent variable Perceived success; and the intervening variable Financial performance. All of the factors in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from Farrington’s (2009) measuring instrument, as well as several measuring instruments used in other studies, were used in the operationalisation of these factors. In addition, several items were self-generated from secondary sources. Respondents were identified using the convenience snowball sampling technique, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data gathered from the 380 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated for this purpose. The original intervening variable Financial performance could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, Financial performance split into v two separate variables which were named Financial performance and Growth performance. The original dependent variable Perceived success was confirmed by the factor analyses. The relational- and organisational-based factors could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, seven new relational- and seven new organisational-based factors emerged, and where necessary these factors were renamed. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables in this study, was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Owing to the sample-size restrictions, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Instead, seven submodels were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent and intervening variables in this study: • Spousal relationship • Commitment to spouse • Equal status • Commitment to the business • Emotional attachment • Non-family involvement • Personal needs alignment • Leadership • Competencies • Internal context In order to investigate the influence of the various demographic variables on the intervening and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Linear Regression analysis and t-tests were performed. How leadership occurs in a copreneurial business, the tenure of the business, the location of the business, the status of the copreneurship, the level of spousal involvement in the business and the vi number of employees were found to have an influence on the intervening and dependent variables of this study. By empirically investigating copreneurships, this study has added to the limited amount of family business literature on these complex partnerships. By way of the conceptual models developed in this study a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the factors influencing the success of copreneurships. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist couples in managing their copreneurships in such a way as to nurture their marriage relationships and at the same time enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Criminalisation of HIV/AIDS in South Africa: a critical look at the Criminal Law (Sexual offences and related matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007
- Authors: Ndawula, Barnabas
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1280 , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa
- Description: Human Immuno Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have formed part of the South African landscape since the first report in 19831and today South Africa is reported to be the country with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the World2. This state of affairs, in combination with South Africa’s high sexual crime rate resulted in a general public out-cry with calls for the government and the legislature to enact laws to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS3. Government and the legislature finally responded by way of promulgating the criminal law (sexual Offences and related matters) Amendment Act4 (hereinafter the sexual Offences Act). The Sexual Offences Act inter alia provides for the compulsory testing of alleged offenders of sexual crimes5 This treatise will show that chapter five of the sexual Offences Act, indirectly criminalises HIV/AIDS, and that this is not desirable. It will be submitted that the criminalisation of HIV is against the stated UNAIDS policy 6 It is finally submitted in this treatise that South Africa should repeal all provisions in its law that directly or indirectly criminalises HIV/AIDS transmission and instead follow both and is a deterrent to public health methods of curbing the epidemic, while at the same time exacerbates the spread of the epidemic by forcing people who are HIV positive not to openly come out. It will be argued in the use of criminal law against the transmission of HIV creates stigma and is also an attack on individual human rights. The study will also show that the supposed marginalised persons, such as women and children are not protected by the use of criminal law in the prevention of HIV transmission, contrary to the arguments of the proponents of those who support the use of criminal law. The study will show that far from protecting these marginalised groups of people, criminalisation of HIV transmission, does in fact hurt them the UNAIDS policy and the South African development corporation (SADC) Model Law on HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ndawula, Barnabas
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1280 , AIDS (Disease) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Sex crimes -- South Africa
- Description: Human Immuno Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have formed part of the South African landscape since the first report in 19831and today South Africa is reported to be the country with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the World2. This state of affairs, in combination with South Africa’s high sexual crime rate resulted in a general public out-cry with calls for the government and the legislature to enact laws to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS3. Government and the legislature finally responded by way of promulgating the criminal law (sexual Offences and related matters) Amendment Act4 (hereinafter the sexual Offences Act). The Sexual Offences Act inter alia provides for the compulsory testing of alleged offenders of sexual crimes5 This treatise will show that chapter five of the sexual Offences Act, indirectly criminalises HIV/AIDS, and that this is not desirable. It will be submitted that the criminalisation of HIV is against the stated UNAIDS policy 6 It is finally submitted in this treatise that South Africa should repeal all provisions in its law that directly or indirectly criminalises HIV/AIDS transmission and instead follow both and is a deterrent to public health methods of curbing the epidemic, while at the same time exacerbates the spread of the epidemic by forcing people who are HIV positive not to openly come out. It will be argued in the use of criminal law against the transmission of HIV creates stigma and is also an attack on individual human rights. The study will also show that the supposed marginalised persons, such as women and children are not protected by the use of criminal law in the prevention of HIV transmission, contrary to the arguments of the proponents of those who support the use of criminal law. The study will show that far from protecting these marginalised groups of people, criminalisation of HIV transmission, does in fact hurt them the UNAIDS policy and the South African development corporation (SADC) Model Law on HIV and AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Critical reflections on the war on terrorism from an international human rights perspective
- Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Fabbriciani, Antonio Antonino
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9041 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1205 , Human rights , War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 , Civil rights , International law
- Description: This study explored the balancing out of the rights associated with terrorist and counter-terrorist attacks by using descriptive case studies of the US 9/11 attacks; and the counter-terrorist attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. The research was conducted within a critical theory paradigm, drawing on the ideas of Habermas and other Critical Theorists. The research design was influenced by the securitive and ideological nature of the topic and it was decided that an extensive review of literature would be more suitable than a field study. A small number of interviews added to the richness of the data. Human rights, needs and international relations were investigated to serve as a theoretical starting-point for the study (Chapter 2). The case studies were subsequently explored against the background of this theoretical approach. This thesis therefore assessed the impact of human rights law on terrorism and counter-terrorism attacks under the Human Rights Act (1998). It considered how the provisions of the Human Rights Act have influenced the formulation and interpretation of anti-terrorism laws, and it examined the role of the judiciary in adjudicating disputes between the individual and the state. It further discussed human needs and the progress on human rights, terrorist attacks, as well as counter-terrorism attacks. Extensive data was gathered on the 9/11 attacks, and it was concluded that these attacks fall within the definition of crimes against humanity under international human rights jurisprudence. To bring about a truly secure world we must adopt a new paradigm that shifts priority to the security of the individuals and of communities to achieving human security, the honouring of human rights, and respect for the rule of law. This will obviously require a renewed commitment by all individuals and a shared sense of responsibility for all people, all over the world. What we need now is a major course correction – a new iii A. Fabbriciani approach which begins with a broader understanding of what defines human rights and the rule of law (Wilson, 2007). The study also focuses on counter-terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and Iraq (Chapters 3 and 4). It was shown that counter-terrorist attacks had an effect on the global economic system and development policies, which have been dominated by ideological strategies for many years. However, resistance has come from Islamic states, which have realised that new-liberal economic practices are incompatible with their theological and economic traditions. This has caused a situation to rethink global development programmes by political leaders, and to move away from new-liberal schemes towards true global development strategies. One of the main findings of the study was that the crimes of persecution and torture on the basis of political or religious views have been perpetrated by both parties, namely Al-Qaeda, and the US and its allies. It has been shown that the explored acts of terrorism and counter-attacks represent crimes against humanity, as defined by the relevant provisions of international law.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Customer profiling using a service-orientated architecture
- Authors: Ntawanga, Felix
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1146 , Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Description: Customer profiling has recently gained much recognition in the e-commerce domain because of the benefits it is capable of bringing to online business. Customer profiling has been implemented in various systems development approaches such as in a client-server environment. Recently there has been an increase in the number of organisations adopting and implementing e-commerce systems using service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles. This research set out to determine how a customer profile can be implemented using open source SOA implementation tools, and how SOA-based customer profiles can be utilised to provide appropriate personalisation in an SOA environment. The research further endeavoured to complete a comparative study on customer profile implementation in two different architectures, namely SOA and client-server. An extensive literature review was conducted on SOA, customer profiling and e-commerce systems development. SOA enabling technologies, such as, web services, enterprise service bus (ESB) and open source Sun Java SOA implementation tools, for example, Open ESB, GlassFish application server and Netbeans IDE were analysed. A Java web services-based customer profiling system was prototyped following SOA design principles. An end-user evaluation survey was conducted using eye tracking with a sample of 30 participants. The evaluation was done on two e-commerce systems with the same interface but running on two different customer profile back-ends, SOA and client-server. The results show that participants did not experience significant difference between the two systems, however, eye tracking results showed a significant difference between the two systems. The research concluded that customer profiling using SOA offers more benefits than implementations using other architectures such as client-server. SOA component-based development proved to be easier to manage, develop, integrate and improves interoperability between different technologies. The research brought together necessary techniques and technologies that organisations can use to implement SOA. Using SOA, organisations can integrate and utilise different technologies seamlessly to achieve business goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ntawanga, Felix
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10464 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1146 , Consumer profiling -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Service-oriented architecture (Computer science) , Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Computer programs
- Description: Customer profiling has recently gained much recognition in the e-commerce domain because of the benefits it is capable of bringing to online business. Customer profiling has been implemented in various systems development approaches such as in a client-server environment. Recently there has been an increase in the number of organisations adopting and implementing e-commerce systems using service-oriented architecture (SOA) principles. This research set out to determine how a customer profile can be implemented using open source SOA implementation tools, and how SOA-based customer profiles can be utilised to provide appropriate personalisation in an SOA environment. The research further endeavoured to complete a comparative study on customer profile implementation in two different architectures, namely SOA and client-server. An extensive literature review was conducted on SOA, customer profiling and e-commerce systems development. SOA enabling technologies, such as, web services, enterprise service bus (ESB) and open source Sun Java SOA implementation tools, for example, Open ESB, GlassFish application server and Netbeans IDE were analysed. A Java web services-based customer profiling system was prototyped following SOA design principles. An end-user evaluation survey was conducted using eye tracking with a sample of 30 participants. The evaluation was done on two e-commerce systems with the same interface but running on two different customer profile back-ends, SOA and client-server. The results show that participants did not experience significant difference between the two systems, however, eye tracking results showed a significant difference between the two systems. The research concluded that customer profiling using SOA offers more benefits than implementations using other architectures such as client-server. SOA component-based development proved to be easier to manage, develop, integrate and improves interoperability between different technologies. The research brought together necessary techniques and technologies that organisations can use to implement SOA. Using SOA, organisations can integrate and utilise different technologies seamlessly to achieve business goals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Derivatives in emerging markets: a South African focus
- Authors: Schwegler, Stefan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Derivative securities , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9281 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1401 , Derivative securities , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Description: This research focused on derivative instruments which are financial securities whose values are derived from the values of underlying assets, such as shares, bonds, currencies or interest rates. Derivatives are predominantly used to manage risks in portfolios (hedging) and trading (speculation). Derivatives have been used for centuries and have developed into one of the largest global financial markets. The most common derivative instruments available to investors are options, futures, swaps and contracts for difference, as they are fairly easy to understand and apply. During the 2008/2009 global financial crisis derivatives, especially credit derivatives, made headlines and although they did not cause the crisis, they accelerated it. Furthermore, the 2008/2009 financial crisis also increased the negative sentiments many investors have towards derivatives. As a result of the crisis the growth in the global derivatives market came to a halt for the first time in decades. In light of the above, the primary objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of derivatives trading in emerging markets, especially in the South African context, as these financial securities are very useful portfolio management tools. The aim of this study was to describe the current state of the South African derivatives market; to investigate the role that derivative instruments played in the 2008/2009 global financial crisis; and to identify the variables influencing investors’ decisions whether or not to include derivatives in their portfolios. Given the nature of the problem stated a qualitative or phenomenological research paradigm was adopted. This paradigm was deemed suitable given the exploratory nature of the research. Primary and secondary data for this study were obtained through semi-structured personal interviews with 21 experts in the South African financial services industry and through an extensive literature review, respectively. A research instrument, based on the literature review was developed to facilitate the interviewing process. The results of the empirical investigation show that although the majority of respondents use derivative instruments in managing their portfolios, the South African derivatives market is still in its development phase. Many investors do not use derivatives frequently as they lack knowledge about derivative instruments, receive uncompetitive prices, are restricted by rules and regulations as well as investment mandates. Fourteen variables were identified as having a possible impact on investors' decisions whether or not to use derivatives in their portfolios. The five variables identified in the empirical investigation as being the most important, were the level of information available and the transparency of price determination; investor’s knowledge of different derivative instruments; investor’s level of risk tolerance; the level of liquidity in the market; and investor's knowledge and familiarity with financial markets. The findings of this study suggest that financial institutions, selling and trading derivative instruments, should concentrate on these five variables to make derivatives more attractive investment alternatives for investors. In order for South African investors to consider derivatives as suitable investments more often, it is strongly recommended to educate investors better about these products and decrease the negative sentiments investors have towards derivatives. This should be done by showing and explaining to investors that derivatives are useful hedging and portfolio management tools. It is necessary to state the dangers and benefits of derivatives, as well as the features differentiating them. Financial institutions trading derivative instruments, local education facilities (e.g. universities) and financial markets related organisations should educate investors by providing various educational tools, such as online courses, booklets, seminars or presentations about derivative products on offer. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to make derivative markets more transparent through adequate and appropriate regulations. In that, investors are better protected from counterparty risks and trade in a safer environment due to clearing houses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Schwegler, Stefan
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Derivative securities , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9281 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1401 , Derivative securities , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Description: This research focused on derivative instruments which are financial securities whose values are derived from the values of underlying assets, such as shares, bonds, currencies or interest rates. Derivatives are predominantly used to manage risks in portfolios (hedging) and trading (speculation). Derivatives have been used for centuries and have developed into one of the largest global financial markets. The most common derivative instruments available to investors are options, futures, swaps and contracts for difference, as they are fairly easy to understand and apply. During the 2008/2009 global financial crisis derivatives, especially credit derivatives, made headlines and although they did not cause the crisis, they accelerated it. Furthermore, the 2008/2009 financial crisis also increased the negative sentiments many investors have towards derivatives. As a result of the crisis the growth in the global derivatives market came to a halt for the first time in decades. In light of the above, the primary objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of derivatives trading in emerging markets, especially in the South African context, as these financial securities are very useful portfolio management tools. The aim of this study was to describe the current state of the South African derivatives market; to investigate the role that derivative instruments played in the 2008/2009 global financial crisis; and to identify the variables influencing investors’ decisions whether or not to include derivatives in their portfolios. Given the nature of the problem stated a qualitative or phenomenological research paradigm was adopted. This paradigm was deemed suitable given the exploratory nature of the research. Primary and secondary data for this study were obtained through semi-structured personal interviews with 21 experts in the South African financial services industry and through an extensive literature review, respectively. A research instrument, based on the literature review was developed to facilitate the interviewing process. The results of the empirical investigation show that although the majority of respondents use derivative instruments in managing their portfolios, the South African derivatives market is still in its development phase. Many investors do not use derivatives frequently as they lack knowledge about derivative instruments, receive uncompetitive prices, are restricted by rules and regulations as well as investment mandates. Fourteen variables were identified as having a possible impact on investors' decisions whether or not to use derivatives in their portfolios. The five variables identified in the empirical investigation as being the most important, were the level of information available and the transparency of price determination; investor’s knowledge of different derivative instruments; investor’s level of risk tolerance; the level of liquidity in the market; and investor's knowledge and familiarity with financial markets. The findings of this study suggest that financial institutions, selling and trading derivative instruments, should concentrate on these five variables to make derivatives more attractive investment alternatives for investors. In order for South African investors to consider derivatives as suitable investments more often, it is strongly recommended to educate investors better about these products and decrease the negative sentiments investors have towards derivatives. This should be done by showing and explaining to investors that derivatives are useful hedging and portfolio management tools. It is necessary to state the dangers and benefits of derivatives, as well as the features differentiating them. Financial institutions trading derivative instruments, local education facilities (e.g. universities) and financial markets related organisations should educate investors by providing various educational tools, such as online courses, booklets, seminars or presentations about derivative products on offer. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to make derivative markets more transparent through adequate and appropriate regulations. In that, investors are better protected from counterparty risks and trade in a safer environment due to clearing houses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Developing a protocol for campus health service professional nurses to manage students with mental distress
- Authors: Dalton, Linda Louise
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: College students -- Mental health , College students -- Mental health services , Nurses -- Mental health , Distress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1303 , College students -- Mental health , College students -- Mental health services , Nurses -- Mental health , Distress (Psychology)
- Description: Professional nurses working at a campus health service have to cope with challenges such as staff shortages and budgetary constraints associated with working in a complex environment providing primary health care. The aim of primary health care includes promoting health, preventing disease and the early detection and treatment of illness. Mental health services form an integral part of the integrated primary health care package as implemented in the campus health service. Students attend the Campus Health Service for help related to their health. Health care is provided by professional nurses and counsellors through a comprehensive primary health care service which serves students as well as staff. Some students may state that they experience feelings of being stressed or depressed. Other students may complain of physical symptoms such as headache or upper backache. Upon further investigation emotional problems may be identified as the cause of the psychosomatic symptoms. The professional nurses working in the campus health service verbalised that it is sometimes difficult to identify a mental illness or mental distress as there is no effective assessment tool that they can use. Management of conditions is also problematic as there are no protocols indicating the therapeutic interventions that can be taken. The research question in this study was therefore: What information should be included in a protocol to assess and manage a student experiencing mental distress that can be used by professional nurses working in a Campus Health Service? The aim of this study is to develop a mental health care protocol for campus health service professional nurses to assess and manage university students who are experiencing mental distress. The research design of this study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive, explanatory and contextual. In this study the Delphi research technique was used to create an instrument to standardise mental health care in a campus health service. The Delphi technique is a series of sequential questionnaires or “rounds” interspersed with controlled feedback that seeks to gain the most reliable consensus of opinion of a group of experts. A questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review. The research population of this study consisted of two groups: professional nurses with knowledge of student health care needs and expert psychiatric nurses. The study was conducted at the Campus Health Service at a university in the Eastern Cape. The data collection and analysis was done utilising the Delphi technique. Trustworthiness was ensured by using the Lincoln and Guba Model utilising the criteria of credibility, applicability, dependability and conformability. In this study the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and self determination were applied to ensure that participants are treated with respect and consideration and ensured high ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this study. The findings of this research were utilised to assist the researcher in developing a protocol for mental health care of students in campus health service settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Dalton, Linda Louise
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: College students -- Mental health , College students -- Mental health services , Nurses -- Mental health , Distress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10030 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1303 , College students -- Mental health , College students -- Mental health services , Nurses -- Mental health , Distress (Psychology)
- Description: Professional nurses working at a campus health service have to cope with challenges such as staff shortages and budgetary constraints associated with working in a complex environment providing primary health care. The aim of primary health care includes promoting health, preventing disease and the early detection and treatment of illness. Mental health services form an integral part of the integrated primary health care package as implemented in the campus health service. Students attend the Campus Health Service for help related to their health. Health care is provided by professional nurses and counsellors through a comprehensive primary health care service which serves students as well as staff. Some students may state that they experience feelings of being stressed or depressed. Other students may complain of physical symptoms such as headache or upper backache. Upon further investigation emotional problems may be identified as the cause of the psychosomatic symptoms. The professional nurses working in the campus health service verbalised that it is sometimes difficult to identify a mental illness or mental distress as there is no effective assessment tool that they can use. Management of conditions is also problematic as there are no protocols indicating the therapeutic interventions that can be taken. The research question in this study was therefore: What information should be included in a protocol to assess and manage a student experiencing mental distress that can be used by professional nurses working in a Campus Health Service? The aim of this study is to develop a mental health care protocol for campus health service professional nurses to assess and manage university students who are experiencing mental distress. The research design of this study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive, explanatory and contextual. In this study the Delphi research technique was used to create an instrument to standardise mental health care in a campus health service. The Delphi technique is a series of sequential questionnaires or “rounds” interspersed with controlled feedback that seeks to gain the most reliable consensus of opinion of a group of experts. A questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review. The research population of this study consisted of two groups: professional nurses with knowledge of student health care needs and expert psychiatric nurses. The study was conducted at the Campus Health Service at a university in the Eastern Cape. The data collection and analysis was done utilising the Delphi technique. Trustworthiness was ensured by using the Lincoln and Guba Model utilising the criteria of credibility, applicability, dependability and conformability. In this study the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and self determination were applied to ensure that participants are treated with respect and consideration and ensured high ethical standards. Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this study. The findings of this research were utilised to assist the researcher in developing a protocol for mental health care of students in campus health service settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Developing an e-health framework through electronic healthcare readiness assessment
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Coleman, Alfred
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1519 , Health -- Computer network resources , Medical care -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Public health -- South Africa -- Computer network resources , Internet in medicine -- South Africa , Medical informatics -- South Africa , Telecommunication in medicine -- South Africa
- Description: The major socio-economic development challenges facing most African countries include economic diversification, poverty, unemployment, diseases and the unsustainable use of natural resources. The challenge of quality healthcare provisioning is compounded by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub Saharan Africa. However, there is a great potential in using electronic healthcare (e-health) as one of the supportive systems within the healthcare sector to address these pressing challenges facing healthcare systems in developing countries, including solving inequalities in healthcare delivery between rural and urban hospitals/clinics. The purpose of this study was to compile a Provincial E-health Framework (PEHF) based on the feedback from electronic healthcare readiness assessments conducted in selected rural and urban hospitals/clinics in the North West Province in South Africa. The e-healthcare readiness assessment was conducted in the light of effective use of ICT in patient healthcare record system, consultation among healthcare professionals, prescription of medication, referral of patients and training of healthcare professionals in ICT usage. The study was divided into two phases which were phases 1 and 2 and a qualitative design supported by a case study approach was used. Data were collected using different techniques to enhance triangulation of data. The techniques included group interviews, qualitative questionnaires, photographs, document analysis and expert opinions. The outcome of the assessment led to the compilation of the PEHF which was based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). SOA was chosen to integrate the hospitals/clinics‟ ICT infrastructure yet allowing each hospital/clinic the autonomy to control its own ICT environment. To assist hospitals/clinics integrate their ICT resources, this research study proposed an Infrastructure Network Architecture which clustered hospitals/clinics to share common ICT infrastructure instead of duplicating these resources. Furthermore, processes of the e-health services (e-patient health IV record system, e-consultation system, e-prescription system, e-referral system and e-training system) were provided to assist in the implementation of the PEHF. Finally, a set of guidelines were provided by the research study to aid the implementation of the PEHF.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Development of insulin resistance in a rat model and the effects of sutherlandia frutescens as treatment and prevention
- Authors: Mackenzie, Janine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Metabolic syndrome , Insulin resistance -- Animal models , Obesity -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016216
- Description: The global number of obese people has reached pandemic proportions. High caloric diets and reduced physical exercise are to blame for this growing epidemic. Obesity has a very complex association with several other metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) and cardiovascular disease. This puts a huge burden on health care systems world wide and claims many lives. Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditionally used herb, which is known to have anti-diabetic properties. However, the direct mode of action of S. frutescens still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental stages of high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR, to illuminate the pathogenesis of IR with a focal point on modifications in the lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of S. frutescens as a treatment or prevention drug for IR and associated metabolic changes were examined. Two sets of experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats. In the first experiment rats, one week post weaning received a low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d). Rats were sacrificed at week 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 in the feeding regime. In a second experiment rats were fed with a LFD or a HFD for 12 weeks and treated thereafter with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d), metformin (13mg/kg BW/d) or water (control) for 28 days. Rats in the second experiment were sacrificed at week 12 to confirm IR while concurrently run rats were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment. For all the experiments rats were anaesthetized, blood was removed and rats were dissected. Plasma samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, blood lipid parameters and cytokines. Liver, muscle and adipose tissue were analyzed for glucose uptake, total lipid content, lipid profile and fatty acid profile. It was shown that the intake of HFD caused IR and hyperinsulinaemia. The developmental stages in experiment one confirmed that an increase in plasma free fatty acids preceeded the onset of IR. Plasma and tissue lipid parameters (free fatty acid-, triglyceride- and cholesterol concentrations) showed pathological modifications in the HFD group. An ectopic accumulation of fat was observed in muscle and liver, as well as a change in membrane fatty acid profile. The results for circulating cytokines were somewhat inconclusive. Rats supplemented with S. frutescens did not develop HFD-induced IR (study one) or IR was reversed (study two). S. frutescens treatment also resulted in positive changes in plasma and tissue lipid parameters. In summary, an animal model for HFD-induced IR was established and the detrimental effect of elevated plasma FFA on glucose and lipid metabolism was observed. A novel discovery suggests that the anti-diabetic mode of action of S. frutescens is through modulation of lipid metabolism. It was also established that S. frutescens has the potential to prevent IR in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mackenzie, Janine
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Metabolic syndrome , Insulin resistance -- Animal models , Obesity -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:10340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016216
- Description: The global number of obese people has reached pandemic proportions. High caloric diets and reduced physical exercise are to blame for this growing epidemic. Obesity has a very complex association with several other metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance (IR), diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) and cardiovascular disease. This puts a huge burden on health care systems world wide and claims many lives. Sutherlandia frutescens is a traditionally used herb, which is known to have anti-diabetic properties. However, the direct mode of action of S. frutescens still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the developmental stages of high fat diet (HFD)-induced IR, to illuminate the pathogenesis of IR with a focal point on modifications in the lipid metabolism. Furthermore, the effects of S. frutescens as a treatment or prevention drug for IR and associated metabolic changes were examined. Two sets of experiments were conducted on male Wistar rats. In the first experiment rats, one week post weaning received a low fat diet (LFD), high fat diet (HFD) or HFD supplemented with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d). Rats were sacrificed at week 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 in the feeding regime. In a second experiment rats were fed with a LFD or a HFD for 12 weeks and treated thereafter with S. frutescens (50mg/kg BW/d), metformin (13mg/kg BW/d) or water (control) for 28 days. Rats in the second experiment were sacrificed at week 12 to confirm IR while concurrently run rats were sacrificed after 28 days of treatment. For all the experiments rats were anaesthetized, blood was removed and rats were dissected. Plasma samples were analyzed for insulin, glucose, blood lipid parameters and cytokines. Liver, muscle and adipose tissue were analyzed for glucose uptake, total lipid content, lipid profile and fatty acid profile. It was shown that the intake of HFD caused IR and hyperinsulinaemia. The developmental stages in experiment one confirmed that an increase in plasma free fatty acids preceeded the onset of IR. Plasma and tissue lipid parameters (free fatty acid-, triglyceride- and cholesterol concentrations) showed pathological modifications in the HFD group. An ectopic accumulation of fat was observed in muscle and liver, as well as a change in membrane fatty acid profile. The results for circulating cytokines were somewhat inconclusive. Rats supplemented with S. frutescens did not develop HFD-induced IR (study one) or IR was reversed (study two). S. frutescens treatment also resulted in positive changes in plasma and tissue lipid parameters. In summary, an animal model for HFD-induced IR was established and the detrimental effect of elevated plasma FFA on glucose and lipid metabolism was observed. A novel discovery suggests that the anti-diabetic mode of action of S. frutescens is through modulation of lipid metabolism. It was also established that S. frutescens has the potential to prevent IR in vivo.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Die geskiedenis van Despatch, 1945-1995: 'n verkennende studie
- Authors: Steyn, Jacobus Pieter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dispatch (South Africa) -- History , Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Despatch
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16142 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1116 , Dispatch (South Africa) -- History , Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Despatch
- Description: Hierdie studie se fokus is op die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch. Daar word op die sosiale, politieke en godsdienstige geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap op Despatch gekonsentreer. Die studie ondersoek slegs die geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch aangesien die dorp bekend daarvoor is dat dit oorwegend ʼn wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap is. Die ekonomie van Despatch en die bruin en swart inwoners word egter kortliks bespreek. Die tydperk van hierdie studie handel van 1945 – 1995. Dit was tydens hierdie jare wat Despatch amptelik as ʼn munisipaliteit gefunksioneer het. Uit die aard van die saak moet die studie gebeure wat aanleiding tot die nedersetting van wit mense langs die oewer van die Swartkopsrivier bespreek. Daar word ʼn kort studie gemaak van die periode 1700 (toe die eerste wit mense hulle langs die oewers van die Swartkopsrivier gevestig het) tot 1939 (wat die begin was van permanente nedersettings langs die syspoor op Despatch). Sekere gebeure word verder as 1995 bespreek. Dit word gedoen om kontinuiteit te behou wanneer belangrike gebeurtenisse, soos die oorskakeling na demokratiese regering in 1994, ondersoek word. Die doel van die studie is om ʼn verkennende ondersoek rakende die geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch te doen. Die studie is ʼn verkennende ondersoek omrede nie al die aspekte van die geskiedenis van Despatch ondersoek sal word nie. Slegs die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap se sosiale strukture (onderwys, godsdiens en kultuur), munisipale bestuur en politiek sal ondersoek word.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Steyn, Jacobus Pieter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Dispatch (South Africa) -- History , Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Despatch
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:16142 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1116 , Dispatch (South Africa) -- History , Afrikaners -- South Africa -- Despatch
- Description: Hierdie studie se fokus is op die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch. Daar word op die sosiale, politieke en godsdienstige geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap op Despatch gekonsentreer. Die studie ondersoek slegs die geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch aangesien die dorp bekend daarvoor is dat dit oorwegend ʼn wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap is. Die ekonomie van Despatch en die bruin en swart inwoners word egter kortliks bespreek. Die tydperk van hierdie studie handel van 1945 – 1995. Dit was tydens hierdie jare wat Despatch amptelik as ʼn munisipaliteit gefunksioneer het. Uit die aard van die saak moet die studie gebeure wat aanleiding tot die nedersetting van wit mense langs die oewer van die Swartkopsrivier bespreek. Daar word ʼn kort studie gemaak van die periode 1700 (toe die eerste wit mense hulle langs die oewers van die Swartkopsrivier gevestig het) tot 1939 (wat die begin was van permanente nedersettings langs die syspoor op Despatch). Sekere gebeure word verder as 1995 bespreek. Dit word gedoen om kontinuiteit te behou wanneer belangrike gebeurtenisse, soos die oorskakeling na demokratiese regering in 1994, ondersoek word. Die doel van die studie is om ʼn verkennende ondersoek rakende die geskiedenis van die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap van Despatch te doen. Die studie is ʼn verkennende ondersoek omrede nie al die aspekte van die geskiedenis van Despatch ondersoek sal word nie. Slegs die wit Afrikaanssprekende-gemeenskap se sosiale strukture (onderwys, godsdiens en kultuur), munisipale bestuur en politiek sal ondersoek word.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Diet and population trends of warthog in the Addo Elephant National Park
- Authors: Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Warthog -- South Africa -- Addo Elelphant National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1277 , Warthog -- South Africa -- Addo Elelphant National Park
- Description: The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has recently been recognised as an alien invasive species in the Eastern Cape and their population is increasing rapidly within the region. This then raises a concern as it is recorded that invasive species have negative impacts on both economic and ecological aspects of biodiversity in the receiving community. There are few studies that have documented the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. This study therefore seeks to determine the diet and population trends of this species in the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) Main Camp and the results obtained can be correlated with previous studies and used to quantify the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. Warthogs are specialized grazers, it was therefore hypothesized that they will have potential impacts on grazing resources in the AENP Main Camp. The diet of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp was determined through microhistological analysis of faecal material of samples collected seasonally. Population trends of common warthogs were determined in relation to the effects of predation on the population growth and population age structure of these animals within the AENP Main Camp. The results were compared with the findings for common warthog population growth and population age structure of Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), a predator free population. It was hypothesized that the population growth rate of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp before the introduction of lions and hyaenas in the AENP would not differ from the population growth rate of common warthogs in GFRNR. Secondly, the post-lion/hyaena common warthog population in the AENP Main Camp would differ from both the AENP Main Camp pre-lion/hyaena and GFRNR common warthog populations due to the presence of large predators in the AENP Main Camp. For population age structure it was hypothesized that the two populations, AENP Main Camp and GFRNR would differ because of predators increasing mortality. The diet of common warthogs was dominated by grass (87.4 percent), with Cynodon dactylon being the dominant grass species. Common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp should be properly managed because they have potential impact on grasses. The population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp showed no effect of predation, with population growth not differing from that of GFRNR. Predation had an effect on common warthog population age structure with AENP Main Camp and GFRNR populations differing, particularly in terms of adult structure. Thus, population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp is not determined by the presence of predators. These findings highlight the status of common warthog as an invasive species in the AENP Main Camp and potentially impacting on grass species and show little effects of top-down population regulation. These results show a need of monitoring common warthog population as well as their potential impacts in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mgqatsa, Nokubonga
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Warthog -- South Africa -- Addo Elelphant National Park
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10693 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1277 , Warthog -- South Africa -- Addo Elelphant National Park
- Description: The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has recently been recognised as an alien invasive species in the Eastern Cape and their population is increasing rapidly within the region. This then raises a concern as it is recorded that invasive species have negative impacts on both economic and ecological aspects of biodiversity in the receiving community. There are few studies that have documented the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. This study therefore seeks to determine the diet and population trends of this species in the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) Main Camp and the results obtained can be correlated with previous studies and used to quantify the impacts of this species in the Eastern Cape. Warthogs are specialized grazers, it was therefore hypothesized that they will have potential impacts on grazing resources in the AENP Main Camp. The diet of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp was determined through microhistological analysis of faecal material of samples collected seasonally. Population trends of common warthogs were determined in relation to the effects of predation on the population growth and population age structure of these animals within the AENP Main Camp. The results were compared with the findings for common warthog population growth and population age structure of Great Fish River Nature Reserve (GFRNR), a predator free population. It was hypothesized that the population growth rate of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp before the introduction of lions and hyaenas in the AENP would not differ from the population growth rate of common warthogs in GFRNR. Secondly, the post-lion/hyaena common warthog population in the AENP Main Camp would differ from both the AENP Main Camp pre-lion/hyaena and GFRNR common warthog populations due to the presence of large predators in the AENP Main Camp. For population age structure it was hypothesized that the two populations, AENP Main Camp and GFRNR would differ because of predators increasing mortality. The diet of common warthogs was dominated by grass (87.4 percent), with Cynodon dactylon being the dominant grass species. Common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp should be properly managed because they have potential impact on grasses. The population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp showed no effect of predation, with population growth not differing from that of GFRNR. Predation had an effect on common warthog population age structure with AENP Main Camp and GFRNR populations differing, particularly in terms of adult structure. Thus, population growth of common warthogs in the AENP Main Camp is not determined by the presence of predators. These findings highlight the status of common warthog as an invasive species in the AENP Main Camp and potentially impacting on grass species and show little effects of top-down population regulation. These results show a need of monitoring common warthog population as well as their potential impacts in the area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010