Challenges facing a financial insitution to improve service quality and customer retention
- Authors: Meyer, I T
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bank management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10846 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45 , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bank management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Description: The financial industry and more specifically Retail banking is a very competitive industry. The profit margins are shrinking with the entrance of newcompetitors into the market place. During the last two to three years various foreign banks have opened offices in South Africa, cherry picking the high net worth customers fromthe traditional high street banks. The product range between these banks is the same, maybe at times presented in a different wrapping. The one differential factor between the various banks is service and the quality thereof. The researcher, being a banker, decided to investigate how to improve the quality of service which is the main problemof this study. The secondary problems or subproblems are: * How to solve service breakdown? * How to retain customers after a service breakdown? The researcher first did a literature survey focusing on the key drives of this research namely: * Improving quality service. * Problem resolution. * Customer retention. An empirical investigation was also undertaken focusing on the personal market segment and the high net worth individuals. The demarcation of the survey was restricted to a specific area on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, and in particular the retail market and three specific branches on the South Coast, namely: * Scottburgh; * Margate, and * Port Shepstone. The main finding of the empirical survey indicates an average service rating of 8.38, which is in excess of the financial institution’s national service objective of 8.22 for 2001. This indicates that in most areas the service quality of this financial institution is good. The results fromthe literature survey as well as the empirical investigation indicated that service quality can only be achieved through a collective effort from all role players within the bank. The resolution of service breakdown needs to be controlled and managed to rectify breakdowns effectively within specific time limits that are acceptable to the individual customer. The barriers to retain customerswill become less effective should the financial institution not be able to restore or improve service quality for their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Meyer, I T
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bank management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10846 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45 , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa , Bank management -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- South Africa
- Description: The financial industry and more specifically Retail banking is a very competitive industry. The profit margins are shrinking with the entrance of newcompetitors into the market place. During the last two to three years various foreign banks have opened offices in South Africa, cherry picking the high net worth customers fromthe traditional high street banks. The product range between these banks is the same, maybe at times presented in a different wrapping. The one differential factor between the various banks is service and the quality thereof. The researcher, being a banker, decided to investigate how to improve the quality of service which is the main problemof this study. The secondary problems or subproblems are: * How to solve service breakdown? * How to retain customers after a service breakdown? The researcher first did a literature survey focusing on the key drives of this research namely: * Improving quality service. * Problem resolution. * Customer retention. An empirical investigation was also undertaken focusing on the personal market segment and the high net worth individuals. The demarcation of the survey was restricted to a specific area on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, and in particular the retail market and three specific branches on the South Coast, namely: * Scottburgh; * Margate, and * Port Shepstone. The main finding of the empirical survey indicates an average service rating of 8.38, which is in excess of the financial institution’s national service objective of 8.22 for 2001. This indicates that in most areas the service quality of this financial institution is good. The results fromthe literature survey as well as the empirical investigation indicated that service quality can only be achieved through a collective effort from all role players within the bank. The resolution of service breakdown needs to be controlled and managed to rectify breakdowns effectively within specific time limits that are acceptable to the individual customer. The barriers to retain customerswill become less effective should the financial institution not be able to restore or improve service quality for their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law
- Authors: Volsak, Nobubele
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Probation officers Probation officers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Juvenile delinquents Probation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006534
- Description: This study aimed at focusing on the challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law, in the Eastern region, which forms part of the Eastern Cape Province. The main purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of probation officers in terms of the legislation that they are using when making decisions pertaining to young persons and the types of programmes that they offer to young persons for diversion and prevention purposes. The researcher also wanted to generate a greater understanding of the resources which probation officers have and need in order to run their programmes successfully to young persons, as well as to explore their feelings about working with young persons. The researcher did some literature review in relation to this field, where it became evident that probation services in respect of young persons in conflict with the law, is a relatively new field of specialisation in South Africa. This field started around 1995 as a result of the Inter - Ministerial Committee (IMC) on young people at risk, which was set up to respond and manage the crisis of more than one thousand children who were released from prisons and police cells. The IMC then, identified probation officers as leading role players in dealing with young persons in conflict with the law. An exploratory (non - experimental) design was used to carry out the research. A qualitative research method was also used as it attempts to describe and explain social reality from the points of view of the participants. This is because the researcher was interested to find out the experiences of probation officers in relation to their work with young persons. A non - probability purposive sample of all (11) probation officers was used. A semi - structured interview schedule with both closed and open - ended questions was used to collect data. All the information gathered from those personal interviews, was analysed by hand because the researcher wanted to interpret and produce social explanations. The findings of this small - scale study have revealed that there are a number of challenges facing probation officers. For example presently there is no comprehensive legislation for the management of young persons caught up in the criminal justice system. Instead, limited provisions are spread throughout a number of separate statutes, which make it difficult for probation officers to apply them. This study has also revealed that there is a shortage of human and material resources, which somehow impact negatively on how probation officers render services to their clientele. All probation officers in this study have positive feelings and attitudes about their work despite the fact that there are some challenges facing them that need to be addressed. Specific recommendations have been made based on the findings of this study, which could contribute to the development of probation services in respect of young persons in conf lict with the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Volsak, Nobubele
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Probation officers Probation officers -- Attitudes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Juvenile delinquents Probation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006534
- Description: This study aimed at focusing on the challenges facing probation officers working with young persons in conflict with the law, in the Eastern region, which forms part of the Eastern Cape Province. The main purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of probation officers in terms of the legislation that they are using when making decisions pertaining to young persons and the types of programmes that they offer to young persons for diversion and prevention purposes. The researcher also wanted to generate a greater understanding of the resources which probation officers have and need in order to run their programmes successfully to young persons, as well as to explore their feelings about working with young persons. The researcher did some literature review in relation to this field, where it became evident that probation services in respect of young persons in conflict with the law, is a relatively new field of specialisation in South Africa. This field started around 1995 as a result of the Inter - Ministerial Committee (IMC) on young people at risk, which was set up to respond and manage the crisis of more than one thousand children who were released from prisons and police cells. The IMC then, identified probation officers as leading role players in dealing with young persons in conflict with the law. An exploratory (non - experimental) design was used to carry out the research. A qualitative research method was also used as it attempts to describe and explain social reality from the points of view of the participants. This is because the researcher was interested to find out the experiences of probation officers in relation to their work with young persons. A non - probability purposive sample of all (11) probation officers was used. A semi - structured interview schedule with both closed and open - ended questions was used to collect data. All the information gathered from those personal interviews, was analysed by hand because the researcher wanted to interpret and produce social explanations. The findings of this small - scale study have revealed that there are a number of challenges facing probation officers. For example presently there is no comprehensive legislation for the management of young persons caught up in the criminal justice system. Instead, limited provisions are spread throughout a number of separate statutes, which make it difficult for probation officers to apply them. This study has also revealed that there is a shortage of human and material resources, which somehow impact negatively on how probation officers render services to their clientele. All probation officers in this study have positive feelings and attitudes about their work despite the fact that there are some challenges facing them that need to be addressed. Specific recommendations have been made based on the findings of this study, which could contribute to the development of probation services in respect of young persons in conf lict with the law
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Change management implications of a retrenchment strategy in a selected section of a telecommunications organisation
- Authors: Aucamp, Mertz
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10847 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46 , Organizational change -- Management , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa
- Description: An audit report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) indicated that a company needs to ensure that support is provided to those employees who remain after a staff reduction process and that their needs are managed effectively. One of the recommendations by ANAO for companies that are embarking on restructuring and future staff reduction programs, is the facilitation of change management workshops, or intervention to prepare the staff to manage change. A literature study revealed that no change management model existed that specifically focused on the “survivors” of a retrenchment or restructuring strategy in a company. The literature study was therefore used to assist in developing a change management in Telkom SA. Pre-assessment and post-assessment questionnaires were developed to test the employees’ abilities to manage change and their understanding of the changes that the telecommunications industry is facing. The findings of the survey showed a high level of employee tolerance to change and illuminated the value that was added by the developed change management model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Aucamp, Mertz
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Management , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10847 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46 , Organizational change -- Management , Downsizing of organizations -- South Africa
- Description: An audit report by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) indicated that a company needs to ensure that support is provided to those employees who remain after a staff reduction process and that their needs are managed effectively. One of the recommendations by ANAO for companies that are embarking on restructuring and future staff reduction programs, is the facilitation of change management workshops, or intervention to prepare the staff to manage change. A literature study revealed that no change management model existed that specifically focused on the “survivors” of a retrenchment or restructuring strategy in a company. The literature study was therefore used to assist in developing a change management in Telkom SA. Pre-assessment and post-assessment questionnaires were developed to test the employees’ abilities to manage change and their understanding of the changes that the telecommunications industry is facing. The findings of the survey showed a high level of employee tolerance to change and illuminated the value that was added by the developed change management model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Clustering as a strategy for manufacturing performance in the Eastern Cape Automotive industry
- Makuwaza, Gwynneth Chandakaita
- Authors: Makuwaza, Gwynneth Chandakaita
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002670 , Automobile industry and trade , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Performance
- Description: South Africa's current industrial policy focuses on the economy at two levels: a sectoral and spatial level. The former relates to the manner in which industrial policy is concentrating on particular sectors i.e. industrial clusters. This shift in industrial policy from targeting individual industries to an emphasis on industrial clusters, has complemented the change in focus to export promotion under trade policy. Furthermore, there has been increasing recognition of the need to improve industry performance and competitiveness in order to successfully implement export growth. Industry clusters are considered as having the potential to increase manufacturing performance and can provide the basis for sustainable competitive advantage for nations. Consequently the concept of industry clusters was introduced in South Africa in 1997. Because industry clusters are relatively new in South Africa, most of the cluster initiatives in various sectors of the economy are in their early stages of development. Nevertheless, some are already showing signs of potential success in increasing competitiveness in particular sectors. This thesis uses Porter's "diamond" framework apprdach to investigate whether clustering has improved the manufacturing performance of the motor industry in the Eastern Cape. International experience from both developed and developing countries will illustrate the potential of clustering as a powerful strategy in increasing manufacturing performance and consequently competitiveness. Ultimately this should lead to long-term economic development, especially if government adopts clusterbased economic development policies. Information from a survey conducted on both the motor vehicle assemblers and component suppliers is used in this study. The findings reveal that it is mainly the motor vehicle assemblers who have experienced some improvements in manufacturing performance. The components sector on the other hand has not experienced any such improvements. This thesis concludes with the recommendation that it is important to develop cluster policy as a broader and dynamic view of competition. The main emphasis under such policy would be a move from targeting particular industries and providing subsidies towards focusing attention to all clusters in the economy. To effectively apply such a policy requires the repositioning of national, local and provincial government in order to become more involved in regional development issues. Moreover, the various levels of government need to incorporate cluster policy into their competitive strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Makuwaza, Gwynneth Chandakaita
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002670 , Automobile industry and trade , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Performance
- Description: South Africa's current industrial policy focuses on the economy at two levels: a sectoral and spatial level. The former relates to the manner in which industrial policy is concentrating on particular sectors i.e. industrial clusters. This shift in industrial policy from targeting individual industries to an emphasis on industrial clusters, has complemented the change in focus to export promotion under trade policy. Furthermore, there has been increasing recognition of the need to improve industry performance and competitiveness in order to successfully implement export growth. Industry clusters are considered as having the potential to increase manufacturing performance and can provide the basis for sustainable competitive advantage for nations. Consequently the concept of industry clusters was introduced in South Africa in 1997. Because industry clusters are relatively new in South Africa, most of the cluster initiatives in various sectors of the economy are in their early stages of development. Nevertheless, some are already showing signs of potential success in increasing competitiveness in particular sectors. This thesis uses Porter's "diamond" framework apprdach to investigate whether clustering has improved the manufacturing performance of the motor industry in the Eastern Cape. International experience from both developed and developing countries will illustrate the potential of clustering as a powerful strategy in increasing manufacturing performance and consequently competitiveness. Ultimately this should lead to long-term economic development, especially if government adopts clusterbased economic development policies. Information from a survey conducted on both the motor vehicle assemblers and component suppliers is used in this study. The findings reveal that it is mainly the motor vehicle assemblers who have experienced some improvements in manufacturing performance. The components sector on the other hand has not experienced any such improvements. This thesis concludes with the recommendation that it is important to develop cluster policy as a broader and dynamic view of competition. The main emphasis under such policy would be a move from targeting particular industries and providing subsidies towards focusing attention to all clusters in the economy. To effectively apply such a policy requires the repositioning of national, local and provincial government in order to become more involved in regional development issues. Moreover, the various levels of government need to incorporate cluster policy into their competitive strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Cognitive behavioural treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome: an in-depth case study
- Authors: Rusch, Mary L
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Chronic fatigue syndrome , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Psychological aspects , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Exercise therapy , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002555
- Description: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic disabling condition characterised by persistent physical and mental fatigue, and a variety of somatic, psychological and neurological symptoms. The aetiology of CFS is unknown and the cause of the illness remains controversial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a non-pharmacological treatment approach that has been shown to be effective in treating patients with CFS. It is based on a model that hypothesises that certain maladaptive thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs may contribute to self-defeating behaviour that perpetuates symptoms and disability, and thereby impedes recovery. The main aim of this study was to critically examine the cognitive-behavioural approach of CFS outlined by Sharpe, Chalder, Palmer & Wessely (1997) by conducting three in-depth case studies. An additional aim was to present a full cognitive developmental case conceptualisation of CFS based on the theories of Leahy (1996) and Young (1994). This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a CBT treatment programme in a 48-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with CFS for three years. The treatment consisted of sixteen sessions of CBT and was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. On the basis of this study, a set of core maladaptive schema in the area of disconnection and rejection was identified. In addition, it was found that specific compensatory schemas had developed to offset the core maladaptive schemas and that this compensatory strategy played an important role in maintaining the condition. The results also showed a significant decline in fatigue coupled with a moderate decline in functional disability and depression. A one-month follow-up interview revealed evidence of a substantial consolidation of therapeutic gains in that the improvements observed at the end of the treatment were sustained. Finally, the feasibility of incorporating a cognitive-developmental and/or schema-focused model into the standard CBT treatment model is discussed and the case study method as a research toll is evaluated in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Rusch, Mary L
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Chronic fatigue syndrome , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Psychological aspects , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Exercise therapy , Chronic fatigue syndrome -- Treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002555
- Description: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a chronic disabling condition characterised by persistent physical and mental fatigue, and a variety of somatic, psychological and neurological symptoms. The aetiology of CFS is unknown and the cause of the illness remains controversial. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a non-pharmacological treatment approach that has been shown to be effective in treating patients with CFS. It is based on a model that hypothesises that certain maladaptive thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs may contribute to self-defeating behaviour that perpetuates symptoms and disability, and thereby impedes recovery. The main aim of this study was to critically examine the cognitive-behavioural approach of CFS outlined by Sharpe, Chalder, Palmer & Wessely (1997) by conducting three in-depth case studies. An additional aim was to present a full cognitive developmental case conceptualisation of CFS based on the theories of Leahy (1996) and Young (1994). This case study evaluated the effectiveness of a CBT treatment programme in a 48-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed with CFS for three years. The treatment consisted of sixteen sessions of CBT and was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively. On the basis of this study, a set of core maladaptive schema in the area of disconnection and rejection was identified. In addition, it was found that specific compensatory schemas had developed to offset the core maladaptive schemas and that this compensatory strategy played an important role in maintaining the condition. The results also showed a significant decline in fatigue coupled with a moderate decline in functional disability and depression. A one-month follow-up interview revealed evidence of a substantial consolidation of therapeutic gains in that the improvements observed at the end of the treatment were sustained. Finally, the feasibility of incorporating a cognitive-developmental and/or schema-focused model into the standard CBT treatment model is discussed and the case study method as a research toll is evaluated in light of the findings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Community knowledge, cohesion and environmental sustainability : an educational case study in Clarkson
- Authors: Uithaler, Eldrid Marlon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Community life -- South Africa Social participation -- South Africa Community development -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Competency-based education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003334
- Description: An ethnographic case study was done in the rural community of Clarkson which lies at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Rural communities gathered and developed local wisdom on the natural resources around them. The study shows that in the past, life in Clarkson was characterised by such shared wisdom, an abundance of natural resources, as well as strong community cohesion. With the advent of modern lifestyles community cohesion and practices were disrupted and today, people living in Clarkson are less dependent on each other and on local resources. This study suggests that some of the past wisdom, community knowledge, practices and skills that existed for ages in Clarkson, can still be useful today in the context of environmental sustainability. The incorporation of this knowledge into the new outcomes-based education curriculum in South Africa and the local school curriculum, is explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Uithaler, Eldrid Marlon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Community life -- South Africa Social participation -- South Africa Community development -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa Competency-based education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1453 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003334
- Description: An ethnographic case study was done in the rural community of Clarkson which lies at the foot of the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Rural communities gathered and developed local wisdom on the natural resources around them. The study shows that in the past, life in Clarkson was characterised by such shared wisdom, an abundance of natural resources, as well as strong community cohesion. With the advent of modern lifestyles community cohesion and practices were disrupted and today, people living in Clarkson are less dependent on each other and on local resources. This study suggests that some of the past wisdom, community knowledge, practices and skills that existed for ages in Clarkson, can still be useful today in the context of environmental sustainability. The incorporation of this knowledge into the new outcomes-based education curriculum in South Africa and the local school curriculum, is explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Credit accessibility and rural development in the former Ciskei: an overview of Keiskammahoek
- Authors: Kimemia, Peter Njau
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003100 , Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
- Description: This study focuses on the issue of credit accessibility for the rural poor. Taking cognisance of the critical role played by innovative micro-lending mechanisms in the sphere of rural development, the study reaffirms the need to enhance access to financial services by rural communities. However, it also reveals the fact that there are numerous impediments to access to credit for the people living in parts of the Keiskammahoek District of the former Ciskei. Key among the impediments has been lack of awareness about the existence and the activities of micro-lending institutions. This has, in a large measure been blamed for many of the rural poor people's failure to approach such institutions for funding. As a result, the affected people's efforts to fully actualize themselves economically have to a certain extent been hampered. Consequently, as its core argument, this study views as crucial the need to tackle all the attendant impediments. It also suggests that as the first step, the government, NGOs as well as formal and informal lending institutions should endeavour to disseminate the requisite information on micro-financing and in enhancing the affected people's institutional capacity to effectively use credit obtained for commercially productive ventures. Without sorting out the basics first, credit extension even when easily availed may not have the desired impact. At worst, it may actually complicate the poverty situation as the people grapple with piling debts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Kimemia, Peter Njau
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003100 , Credit -- Research -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Rural development -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- South Africa -- Ciskei , Poor -- Developing countries
- Description: This study focuses on the issue of credit accessibility for the rural poor. Taking cognisance of the critical role played by innovative micro-lending mechanisms in the sphere of rural development, the study reaffirms the need to enhance access to financial services by rural communities. However, it also reveals the fact that there are numerous impediments to access to credit for the people living in parts of the Keiskammahoek District of the former Ciskei. Key among the impediments has been lack of awareness about the existence and the activities of micro-lending institutions. This has, in a large measure been blamed for many of the rural poor people's failure to approach such institutions for funding. As a result, the affected people's efforts to fully actualize themselves economically have to a certain extent been hampered. Consequently, as its core argument, this study views as crucial the need to tackle all the attendant impediments. It also suggests that as the first step, the government, NGOs as well as formal and informal lending institutions should endeavour to disseminate the requisite information on micro-financing and in enhancing the affected people's institutional capacity to effectively use credit obtained for commercially productive ventures. Without sorting out the basics first, credit extension even when easily availed may not have the desired impact. At worst, it may actually complicate the poverty situation as the people grapple with piling debts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Cumulative mild head injury in rugby: a comparison of cognitive deficit and postconcussive symptomatology between schoolboy rugby players and non-contact sport controls
- Authors: Beilinsohn, Taryn
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain damage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002440 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain damage
- Description: This study investigates the cumulative effects of concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of schoolboy rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and a self-report postconcussive questionnaire were administered to top level schoolboy rugby players (n=47), and a non-contact sport control group of top level schoolboy hockey players (n=34). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with cognitive deficit were carried out between i) the schoolboy rugby and the schoolboy hockey players, ii) the rugby forward and the rugby backline players; iii) the rugby forward and the schoolboy hockey players and, iv) the rugby backline and the schoolboy hockey players. Results on the neuropsychological test battery did not provide any substantial evidence of a higher level of neuropsychological impairment in the rugby players relative to the control group, or in the rugby forward players relative to the rugby backline players. Results obtained on the postconcussive symptom questionnaire provided tentative indications that the rugby players do report a greater frequency of postconcussive symptomatology. The symptoms most frequently reported were being easily angered, memory problems, clumsy speech and sleep difficulties. It was hypothesized that the absence of cognitive impairment in the schoolboy rugby players compared with that noted for professional players was due to their younger age, relatively high IQ and education level and a less intensive level of physical participation in the sport, and hence less accumulated exposure to the game, thereby decreasing their exposure to mild head injuries. From a theoretical perspective, these pre-existing conditions were considered to act as protective factors against reductions in brain reserve capacity and concomitant susceptibility to the onset of neuropsychological dysfunction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Beilinsohn, Taryn
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain damage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002440 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Brain damage
- Description: This study investigates the cumulative effects of concussive and subconcussive mild head injury on the cognitive functioning of schoolboy rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests and a self-report postconcussive questionnaire were administered to top level schoolboy rugby players (n=47), and a non-contact sport control group of top level schoolboy hockey players (n=34). Group comparisons of the percentage of individuals with cognitive deficit were carried out between i) the schoolboy rugby and the schoolboy hockey players, ii) the rugby forward and the rugby backline players; iii) the rugby forward and the schoolboy hockey players and, iv) the rugby backline and the schoolboy hockey players. Results on the neuropsychological test battery did not provide any substantial evidence of a higher level of neuropsychological impairment in the rugby players relative to the control group, or in the rugby forward players relative to the rugby backline players. Results obtained on the postconcussive symptom questionnaire provided tentative indications that the rugby players do report a greater frequency of postconcussive symptomatology. The symptoms most frequently reported were being easily angered, memory problems, clumsy speech and sleep difficulties. It was hypothesized that the absence of cognitive impairment in the schoolboy rugby players compared with that noted for professional players was due to their younger age, relatively high IQ and education level and a less intensive level of physical participation in the sport, and hence less accumulated exposure to the game, thereby decreasing their exposure to mild head injuries. From a theoretical perspective, these pre-existing conditions were considered to act as protective factors against reductions in brain reserve capacity and concomitant susceptibility to the onset of neuropsychological dysfunction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Design, synthesis and characterization of novel rhenium(V) and technetium(V) complexes as potential radiopharmaceuticals
- Authors: Hlabela, Patrick Simon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Radiopharmaceuticals , Rhenium , Technetium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004964 , Radiopharmaceuticals , Rhenium , Technetium
- Description: A number of bidentate N, N-diethyl-N' -(R ')benzoylthiourea ligands (where R' = H,CH₃,CI,OCH₃ and N0₂) have been synthesized, as well as the three Re(V) precursor complexes, ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂,[ReO₂(py)₄]CI and [n-Bu₄N] [ReOCI₄J. The reaction of N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea (LH) with these three metal precursor complexes in methanol in the presence of a base gave a novel mixed-ligand complex bis(N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthioureato)methoxyoxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OMe)] (1). In the absence of a base and under an inert atmosphere, the reaction between [n-Bu₄N][ReOCI₄] and LH yielded bis(N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthioureato)chlorooxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂CI] (lb). The reaction of LH with [ReO₂(py)₄]CI in ethanol and iso-propanol in the presence of sodium acetate gave the novel mixed ligand complexes bis(N,N-diethyl-N'benzoylthioureato) ethoxyoxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OEt)] (6) and bis(N,N-diethyl-N'benzoylthioureato)(iso-propoxy)oxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OiPr)] (7), respectively. An oxygen bridged dirhenium complex, [(L)₂0Re-O-ReO(L)₂] (15) was obtained when the reaction was carried out in acetonitrile. A series of mixed ligand Re(V)-oxo complexes using N, N-diethyl-Nʾ-(R' )benzoylthiourea (LR'),N,N-morpholino-N' -(R')benzoylthiourea (morph-LR') and 8-(N-(R')benzoylthiocarbamoyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane ligands (spiro-LR') (where R' = H,CH₃,CI, OCH₃ and N0₂) ((1)(14) have been prepared by the reaction of [ReO₂(py)₄]CI and the ligand in the presence of sodium acetate in methanol. The solution state chemistry of these complexes has shown that complexes(1)-(14) (with the exception of (1b)) undergo dimerization in solution to give complex (15) in the presence of water. Preliminary ¹H NMR kinetics studies of the dimerization of (1), (6) and (7) to (15) have shown that the rate of dimerization decreases in the order (7) > (6) > (1). The rate of dimerization has also been compared for complexes (1), [ReO(morph-L)₂(OMe)] (8) and [ReO(spiro-L)₂(OMe)] (13) and the rate of dimerization was found to be fastest for (13). The crystal structures of (1), [ReO(LN0₂)₂(OMe)] (4), (6) and (15) have been determined. The Re(V)-oxo complexes (1), (4) and (6) have a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with the two acylthiourea ligands binding in a cis arrangement in the equatorial plane of the octahedron. The alkoxy and oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and are situated trans to each other. The crystal and molecular structure of complex (15), consist of two slightly distorted octahedral [ReO(L)₂] moieties bridged by an oxygen atom with a Re-O-Re bond angle of 175.2(2)°. The preliminary studies done in the present study have indicated that the complexation chemistry of technetium(V) with the N,N-diethyl-benzoylthiourea is different to that of rhenium (V). The reaction between [n-BuN₄][TcOCl₄] and N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea yielded the square pyramidal cationic complex [TcO(L)₂]Cl. By contrast the octahedral methoxy complex [ReO(L )₂( OMe)] was obtained when the analogous Re(V)-oxo precursor, [n-Bu₄N] [ReOCI₄], was reacted with N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea under the same reaction conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Hlabela, Patrick Simon
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Radiopharmaceuticals , Rhenium , Technetium
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4306 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004964 , Radiopharmaceuticals , Rhenium , Technetium
- Description: A number of bidentate N, N-diethyl-N' -(R ')benzoylthiourea ligands (where R' = H,CH₃,CI,OCH₃ and N0₂) have been synthesized, as well as the three Re(V) precursor complexes, ReOCl₃(PPh₃)₂,[ReO₂(py)₄]CI and [n-Bu₄N] [ReOCI₄J. The reaction of N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea (LH) with these three metal precursor complexes in methanol in the presence of a base gave a novel mixed-ligand complex bis(N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthioureato)methoxyoxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OMe)] (1). In the absence of a base and under an inert atmosphere, the reaction between [n-Bu₄N][ReOCI₄] and LH yielded bis(N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthioureato)chlorooxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂CI] (lb). The reaction of LH with [ReO₂(py)₄]CI in ethanol and iso-propanol in the presence of sodium acetate gave the novel mixed ligand complexes bis(N,N-diethyl-N'benzoylthioureato) ethoxyoxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OEt)] (6) and bis(N,N-diethyl-N'benzoylthioureato)(iso-propoxy)oxorhenium(V), [ReO(L)₂(OiPr)] (7), respectively. An oxygen bridged dirhenium complex, [(L)₂0Re-O-ReO(L)₂] (15) was obtained when the reaction was carried out in acetonitrile. A series of mixed ligand Re(V)-oxo complexes using N, N-diethyl-Nʾ-(R' )benzoylthiourea (LR'),N,N-morpholino-N' -(R')benzoylthiourea (morph-LR') and 8-(N-(R')benzoylthiocarbamoyl)-1,4-dioxa-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane ligands (spiro-LR') (where R' = H,CH₃,CI, OCH₃ and N0₂) ((1)(14) have been prepared by the reaction of [ReO₂(py)₄]CI and the ligand in the presence of sodium acetate in methanol. The solution state chemistry of these complexes has shown that complexes(1)-(14) (with the exception of (1b)) undergo dimerization in solution to give complex (15) in the presence of water. Preliminary ¹H NMR kinetics studies of the dimerization of (1), (6) and (7) to (15) have shown that the rate of dimerization decreases in the order (7) > (6) > (1). The rate of dimerization has also been compared for complexes (1), [ReO(morph-L)₂(OMe)] (8) and [ReO(spiro-L)₂(OMe)] (13) and the rate of dimerization was found to be fastest for (13). The crystal structures of (1), [ReO(LN0₂)₂(OMe)] (4), (6) and (15) have been determined. The Re(V)-oxo complexes (1), (4) and (6) have a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with the two acylthiourea ligands binding in a cis arrangement in the equatorial plane of the octahedron. The alkoxy and oxo ligands occupy the axial positions and are situated trans to each other. The crystal and molecular structure of complex (15), consist of two slightly distorted octahedral [ReO(L)₂] moieties bridged by an oxygen atom with a Re-O-Re bond angle of 175.2(2)°. The preliminary studies done in the present study have indicated that the complexation chemistry of technetium(V) with the N,N-diethyl-benzoylthiourea is different to that of rhenium (V). The reaction between [n-BuN₄][TcOCl₄] and N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea yielded the square pyramidal cationic complex [TcO(L)₂]Cl. By contrast the octahedral methoxy complex [ReO(L )₂( OMe)] was obtained when the analogous Re(V)-oxo precursor, [n-Bu₄N] [ReOCI₄], was reacted with N,N-diethyl-N'-benzoylthiourea under the same reaction conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Determining the use of human capital to achieve a competitive advantage in the National Ports Authority of South Africa
- Authors: Du Preez, Ian Justus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Portnet (South Africa) , Human capital -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50 , Portnet (South Africa) , Human capital -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Description: A new business world is emerging, which every organisation must appreciate and know how to exploit. The concepts of strategy do not need to be rewritten, but must be adapted to this new era. Utilisation of the Internet and human capital to its fullest is transforming the way that business is conducted in achieving its objectives. The key to an organisation’s competitive advantage, is to invest in training, skills enhancement and the personal development of its staff. A requirement of the National Ports Authority is to be committed to basic adult education and preparing employees for re-skilling from the shop floor to the boardroom to ensure it is seen as an equal opportunity employer. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors necessary to achieve strategic advantage using human capital. Relevant literature was used to develop a new model to address some of the issues facing the organisation, as well as ensuring that the National Ports Authority can leverage itself into a competitive advantage. To manage and measure knowledge-based resources is one of the most important challenges for a modern company. This challenge is incorporated in the new model developed by the study. The theoretical model consisted of various factors, which were analysed and formed into principles which were identifiable from the literature study. This model was then used to compile a questionnaire to test the responsiveness of the role players concurring. The empirical results analysed indicated that the respondents concurred with the theoretical study and factors of the new model that was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Du Preez, Ian Justus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Portnet (South Africa) , Human capital -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10848 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50 , Portnet (South Africa) , Human capital -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Description: A new business world is emerging, which every organisation must appreciate and know how to exploit. The concepts of strategy do not need to be rewritten, but must be adapted to this new era. Utilisation of the Internet and human capital to its fullest is transforming the way that business is conducted in achieving its objectives. The key to an organisation’s competitive advantage, is to invest in training, skills enhancement and the personal development of its staff. A requirement of the National Ports Authority is to be committed to basic adult education and preparing employees for re-skilling from the shop floor to the boardroom to ensure it is seen as an equal opportunity employer. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors necessary to achieve strategic advantage using human capital. Relevant literature was used to develop a new model to address some of the issues facing the organisation, as well as ensuring that the National Ports Authority can leverage itself into a competitive advantage. To manage and measure knowledge-based resources is one of the most important challenges for a modern company. This challenge is incorporated in the new model developed by the study. The theoretical model consisted of various factors, which were analysed and formed into principles which were identifiable from the literature study. This model was then used to compile a questionnaire to test the responsiveness of the role players concurring. The empirical results analysed indicated that the respondents concurred with the theoretical study and factors of the new model that was developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Development of effective solutions for the implementation and management of owner-driver schemes in the Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ranchod, Sanjiv
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Transportation, Automotive -- Dispatching , Small business -- Management Case studies , Storage and removal trade -- Subcontracting -- South Africa , Trucking -- South Africa , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55 , Transportation, Automotive -- Dispatching , Small business -- Management Case studies , Storage and removal trade -- Subcontracting -- South Africa , Trucking -- South Africa , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Description: Introduction: During the past decade, companies have examined their core business, and anything that was not related to this, or did not add value to their product, was outsourced. One of the functions which fell into this category was the distribution operation, or more commonly known as transportation (in and out bound). In many instances, the distribution function was given up for tender, and specialised transport businesses, called third party logistic providers, whose core business was transport, were given the opportunity of taking over the distribution function. Some progressive companies went a little beyond the traditional approach and created opportunities for their own employees to be involved in the newly created, outsourced distribution network. This was largely an empowerment opportunity, with the aim of creating SME’s (Small-Medium-Enterprises), and providing people from a previously disadvantaged background (black people and other ethnic minorities) the opportunity to go into a business enterprise for themselves. The latter, although, politically the correct thing to do, simultaneously created opportunities and problems. Many of the companies that empowered their own employees, through Owner-Driver schemes, used the driving competency levels as the main criteria for the transition process. The other required skills were often overlooked or ignored. This empowerment process was driven to promote “Black Economic Empowerment”, an important national imperative. Although this process was an honorable gesture on the part of many companies, the process often took place without much foresight The viability and long-term continuity of the business were not taken into account. It is the researchers personal view, based on interviews with O-D’s and companies operating O-D schemes that the O-D’s which were empowered to operate their own business ventures, had limited or insufficient business skills and the very businesses that were given to them to improve their lifestyle were at risk of becoming unviable enterprises. This is clearly evident in some of the schemes being operated by companies such as Autonet and South African Breweries (hereinafter referred to as SAB). Other Eastern Cape companies that operate Owner-Driver schemes include Italtile, Shatterprufe and Ready Mix Materials (hereinafter referred to as RMM), and according to Management consultants spoken to, have obtained mixed levels of success with their schemes. The above schemes were confirmed with the various companies mentioned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Ranchod, Sanjiv
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Transportation, Automotive -- Dispatching , Small business -- Management Case studies , Storage and removal trade -- Subcontracting -- South Africa , Trucking -- South Africa , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10891 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55 , Transportation, Automotive -- Dispatching , Small business -- Management Case studies , Storage and removal trade -- Subcontracting -- South Africa , Trucking -- South Africa , Contracting out -- South Africa
- Description: Introduction: During the past decade, companies have examined their core business, and anything that was not related to this, or did not add value to their product, was outsourced. One of the functions which fell into this category was the distribution operation, or more commonly known as transportation (in and out bound). In many instances, the distribution function was given up for tender, and specialised transport businesses, called third party logistic providers, whose core business was transport, were given the opportunity of taking over the distribution function. Some progressive companies went a little beyond the traditional approach and created opportunities for their own employees to be involved in the newly created, outsourced distribution network. This was largely an empowerment opportunity, with the aim of creating SME’s (Small-Medium-Enterprises), and providing people from a previously disadvantaged background (black people and other ethnic minorities) the opportunity to go into a business enterprise for themselves. The latter, although, politically the correct thing to do, simultaneously created opportunities and problems. Many of the companies that empowered their own employees, through Owner-Driver schemes, used the driving competency levels as the main criteria for the transition process. The other required skills were often overlooked or ignored. This empowerment process was driven to promote “Black Economic Empowerment”, an important national imperative. Although this process was an honorable gesture on the part of many companies, the process often took place without much foresight The viability and long-term continuity of the business were not taken into account. It is the researchers personal view, based on interviews with O-D’s and companies operating O-D schemes that the O-D’s which were empowered to operate their own business ventures, had limited or insufficient business skills and the very businesses that were given to them to improve their lifestyle were at risk of becoming unviable enterprises. This is clearly evident in some of the schemes being operated by companies such as Autonet and South African Breweries (hereinafter referred to as SAB). Other Eastern Cape companies that operate Owner-Driver schemes include Italtile, Shatterprufe and Ready Mix Materials (hereinafter referred to as RMM), and according to Management consultants spoken to, have obtained mixed levels of success with their schemes. The above schemes were confirmed with the various companies mentioned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Ecology and breeding biology of Lanner Falcons in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Stephenson, Alan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Birds -- Breeding , Birds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Birds -- Ecology , Falcons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005352 , Birds -- Breeding , Birds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Birds -- Ecology , Falcons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lanner Falcons Falco biarmicus are the commonest large falcons in Africa and this study in the coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa investigated their ecology from 1984 to 2000. Lanners have recently been categorised as near-threatened and this study was initiated to ascertain if the population was stable. Breeding success of a small population, in different habitat types, was monitored intensively from 1997 to 2000, and the factors that inhibited breeding were investigated. The earliest onset of incubation was 17 July and the latest 16 August, with 2.2 young fledged per breeding pair over the four-year period. Incubation lasted 32 days and young fledged after 42-45 days. All nest sites were on cliffs with a mean height of 114 m, a mean vertical face of 53 m; 45% of the nests were in ravens’ nests. The aspect of cliff sites also influenced breeding success. Radio tracking was used to determine home range, habitat use and hunting methods, with prey species identified. Home ranges were between 66 km² and 249 km². Preferred prey was domestic chickens, pigeons and small birds during the breeding season. Foraging ranges were smaller in intensively cultivated areas with seed crops. Data obtained from ringing returns showed that no long distance movements occurred in this region, but two juveniles dispersed 152 km and 127 km. Conservation aspects with possible threats to Lanner Falcons such as poisons, electrocutions and direct persecution are discussed with some recommendations made for future research. Evidence from this study indicates that Lanner breeding success is not limited by nest site availability, but by rainfall timing and prey availability. Lanners foraged more in open areas than areas with tall vegetation, and benefited from intensive agriculture. This population appeared to be healthy and in no danger of declining in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Stephenson, Alan
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Birds -- Breeding , Birds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Birds -- Ecology , Falcons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5667 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005352 , Birds -- Breeding , Birds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Birds -- Ecology , Falcons -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lanner Falcons Falco biarmicus are the commonest large falcons in Africa and this study in the coastal area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa investigated their ecology from 1984 to 2000. Lanners have recently been categorised as near-threatened and this study was initiated to ascertain if the population was stable. Breeding success of a small population, in different habitat types, was monitored intensively from 1997 to 2000, and the factors that inhibited breeding were investigated. The earliest onset of incubation was 17 July and the latest 16 August, with 2.2 young fledged per breeding pair over the four-year period. Incubation lasted 32 days and young fledged after 42-45 days. All nest sites were on cliffs with a mean height of 114 m, a mean vertical face of 53 m; 45% of the nests were in ravens’ nests. The aspect of cliff sites also influenced breeding success. Radio tracking was used to determine home range, habitat use and hunting methods, with prey species identified. Home ranges were between 66 km² and 249 km². Preferred prey was domestic chickens, pigeons and small birds during the breeding season. Foraging ranges were smaller in intensively cultivated areas with seed crops. Data obtained from ringing returns showed that no long distance movements occurred in this region, but two juveniles dispersed 152 km and 127 km. Conservation aspects with possible threats to Lanner Falcons such as poisons, electrocutions and direct persecution are discussed with some recommendations made for future research. Evidence from this study indicates that Lanner breeding success is not limited by nest site availability, but by rainfall timing and prey availability. Lanners foraged more in open areas than areas with tall vegetation, and benefited from intensive agriculture. This population appeared to be healthy and in no danger of declining in the near future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Effect of feeding regimen, temperature and stocking density on growth and survival of juvenile clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
- Authors: Johnston, Gavin
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Anemonefishes , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Fishes -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005118 , Anemonefishes , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Fishes -- Growth
- Description: In aquaculture, a thorough knowledge of the specific environmental requirements of a species is needed in order to maximize growth rate and survival. There is a paucity of data regarding the fundamental environmental requirements for the ongrowing phase of clownfish juveniles. This prompted the design of three experiments to determine the best feeding regimen, temperature and stocking density that maximize growth and survival of Amphiprion percula. Ration size and feeding frequency are important factors for optimizing fish growth during the juvenile grow-out phase. A factorial growth trial was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency and ration size on the growth of juvenile clownfish (Amphiprion percula).Three feeding frequencies (1, 2 and 3 times daily) and six rations (2,4,6,8, 10 and 12 % body weight per day (BW.day⁻¹)) were used to test the growth response over a twelve week period. Non-linear regression analysis on the effect of ration, independent of feeding frequency, on growth resulted in a significant (n = 36; r² = 68.7) parabolic model: In y = -0.0302x² + 0.5159x + -4.4377. Maximum growth corresponded to a ration of 8.5% BW.day⁻¹. Survival as a function of ration was significantly lower at 2% BW.day⁻¹. Data were further examined with Analysis of CoVariance (ANCOVA) to determine the effect of ration on growth at each feeding frequency. The combination revealed a maximum growth rate when the fish were fed a ration of 10% BW.day⁻¹ divided into two equal meals. The required ration per meal to maintain maximum growth was also found to decrease as feeding frequency increased. The determination of the best temperature for growth is of great importance due to the direct relationship between fish metabolism and temperature. The thermal preferendum of A. percula has already been estimated at 26 ± 0.7°C but it is not known whether this closely approximates the temperature for maximum growth. Sixteen tanks were set to different temperatures ranging between 21.5 and 30.2 °C. Ten juvenile A. percula were placed in each tank and growth was measured fortnightly over the course of the 10 week experiment. Non-linear regression analysis resulted in significant models for fish length (y = -0.0005x² + 0.00267x - 0.0338; r² = 56.7, n = 11) and weight (y= -0.00016x² + 0.0084x - 0.1073; r² = 61.6, n = 11). These models predict that maximum growth would be at 27.7 and 27.1 °C for length and weight, respectively. Temperature, over the range tested, had no apparent effect on survival. There was no significant difference between the temperatures for maximum growth and the preferred temperature. The effect of stocking densities ranging from 0.2 fish.L¹ to 4.0 fish.L⁻¹ on growth were used in the third experiment. The fish were fed to satiation twice daily and growth was measured fortnightly throughout the 8 week experiment. No effects on growth, survival or coefficient of variation were found within the range of stocking densities tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Johnston, Gavin
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Anemonefishes , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Fishes -- Growth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005118 , Anemonefishes , Fishes -- Feeding and feeds , Fishes -- Growth
- Description: In aquaculture, a thorough knowledge of the specific environmental requirements of a species is needed in order to maximize growth rate and survival. There is a paucity of data regarding the fundamental environmental requirements for the ongrowing phase of clownfish juveniles. This prompted the design of three experiments to determine the best feeding regimen, temperature and stocking density that maximize growth and survival of Amphiprion percula. Ration size and feeding frequency are important factors for optimizing fish growth during the juvenile grow-out phase. A factorial growth trial was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency and ration size on the growth of juvenile clownfish (Amphiprion percula).Three feeding frequencies (1, 2 and 3 times daily) and six rations (2,4,6,8, 10 and 12 % body weight per day (BW.day⁻¹)) were used to test the growth response over a twelve week period. Non-linear regression analysis on the effect of ration, independent of feeding frequency, on growth resulted in a significant (n = 36; r² = 68.7) parabolic model: In y = -0.0302x² + 0.5159x + -4.4377. Maximum growth corresponded to a ration of 8.5% BW.day⁻¹. Survival as a function of ration was significantly lower at 2% BW.day⁻¹. Data were further examined with Analysis of CoVariance (ANCOVA) to determine the effect of ration on growth at each feeding frequency. The combination revealed a maximum growth rate when the fish were fed a ration of 10% BW.day⁻¹ divided into two equal meals. The required ration per meal to maintain maximum growth was also found to decrease as feeding frequency increased. The determination of the best temperature for growth is of great importance due to the direct relationship between fish metabolism and temperature. The thermal preferendum of A. percula has already been estimated at 26 ± 0.7°C but it is not known whether this closely approximates the temperature for maximum growth. Sixteen tanks were set to different temperatures ranging between 21.5 and 30.2 °C. Ten juvenile A. percula were placed in each tank and growth was measured fortnightly over the course of the 10 week experiment. Non-linear regression analysis resulted in significant models for fish length (y = -0.0005x² + 0.00267x - 0.0338; r² = 56.7, n = 11) and weight (y= -0.00016x² + 0.0084x - 0.1073; r² = 61.6, n = 11). These models predict that maximum growth would be at 27.7 and 27.1 °C for length and weight, respectively. Temperature, over the range tested, had no apparent effect on survival. There was no significant difference between the temperatures for maximum growth and the preferred temperature. The effect of stocking densities ranging from 0.2 fish.L¹ to 4.0 fish.L⁻¹ on growth were used in the third experiment. The fish were fed to satiation twice daily and growth was measured fortnightly throughout the 8 week experiment. No effects on growth, survival or coefficient of variation were found within the range of stocking densities tested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Effect of high energy diets on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young Bonsmara bulls
- Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Authors: Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Bonsmara cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58 , Bonsmara cattle
- Description: A study to evaluate the effect of feeding a high energy diet on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young bulls was carried out at two different locations in the Free State Province. Two trials were conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of level of dietary energy and age of the bulls on their productive performance and reproductive characteristics. In the first trial, two levels of energy were fed to two groups of young (343 ± days) Bonsmara bulls. The high energy group HE (n=36) bulls were Phase-C performance tested in an official performance testing center and received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). The medium energy group ME (n=18) bulls were phase-D performance tested and received a medium-energy diet for 140 days (28 days adaptation and 112 days testing). At the end of both performance testing periods, the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The productive parameters compared included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA) and body condition score (BCS). The reproductive parameters compared between groups included scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume (Vol) and concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), as well as percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor (MinD). The results of this trial indicated that in general, bulls from the HE group showed a significant (p<0.01) higher FLW, BCS, ADG and ADA, but a significant (p<0.01) lower volume and concentration of the ejaculate, lower mass movement and linear motility, lower percentage of live sperm and higher percentage of major defects and significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of minor defects than the bulls from the ME group. In the second trial, 36 young Bonsmara bulls were divided into two groups according to their age at the arrival at an official Phase-C performance testing center. Older bulls (OB) (n=19) and younger bulls (YB) (n=17) all received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). At the end of the Phase-C test the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The animals from both groups that did not pass the Phase-C test, either due to poor performance or not meeting the breed standards, were slaughtered at an official abattoir and their scrotums and carcass characteristics were also compared. The productive parameters compared between the two groups included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA), body condition score (BCS), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight both warm (CWW) and cold (CWC), as well as dressing percentage (CDP) and fat grade (CFG). The reproductive parameters compared between the two groups included scrotal circumference (SC), total scrotal weight (TSW), scrotal fat (SF), scrotal skin weight (SSW), paired testes weight (PTW), scrotal skin thickness (SST), total testes circumference (TTC), total testicle volume (TTV), weight of epididimis / spermatic cord (WESC), volume of epididymis / spermatic cord (VESC) and the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS), semen concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor(MinD) as well as the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS). The results of this trial indicated that in general, the younger bulls showed a significant (p<0.05) higher ADG, but a significant (p<0.05) lower ADA than the older bulls. Regarding the reproductive organs compared, the younger bulls showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher total scrotal weight, scrotal fat and scrotal skin weight and thickness. No significant differences were observed on the testicular parameters measured between the two groups. In addition, both weight (WECS) and volume (VECS) of the epididymis / spermatic cord were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the older bulls. In general, the younger group showed poorer semen characteristics. A significantly (p<0.01) lower sperm concentration and linear movement and a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of major defects were recorded on the younger bulls, when compared to the older bulls. About half of the bulls in each group showed clear signs of depressed spermatogenesis in their seminiferous tubules, during the histological examination of testicular tissue. The results of this study indicates that high energy diets are beneficial for the productive performance of young bulls (growth rate, BCS and carcass characteristics), but have a detrimental effect on the reproductive characteristics of young bulls. The effect of high energy diets on both the productive and reproductive performances of young beef bulls are more pronounced at a younger age. High energy diets resulted in heavier scrotums in the younger bulls when compared to the older bulls, as a direct result of a higher fat deposition in this region without any relevant effect on testicular size. No intra-testicular fat deposition was observed. The scrotal fat observed in high energy fed young bulls accumulated mainly in the neck of the scrotum, although subcutaneously. These fat deposits may impair testicular thermoregulation and negatively affect the spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules, reducing both sperm quantity and quality. Further studies on the effect of high energy diets on bull fertility (as well as on rams and buck) are recommended, to evaluate the extension and duration of its detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Labuschagné, Hermanus Stefanus
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Bonsmara cattle
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Agricultural Management)
- Identifier: vital:10956 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58 , Bonsmara cattle
- Description: A study to evaluate the effect of feeding a high energy diet on the productive and reproductive characteristics of young bulls was carried out at two different locations in the Free State Province. Two trials were conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of level of dietary energy and age of the bulls on their productive performance and reproductive characteristics. In the first trial, two levels of energy were fed to two groups of young (343 ± days) Bonsmara bulls. The high energy group HE (n=36) bulls were Phase-C performance tested in an official performance testing center and received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). The medium energy group ME (n=18) bulls were phase-D performance tested and received a medium-energy diet for 140 days (28 days adaptation and 112 days testing). At the end of both performance testing periods, the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The productive parameters compared included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA) and body condition score (BCS). The reproductive parameters compared between groups included scrotal circumference (SC), semen volume (Vol) and concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), as well as percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor (MinD). The results of this trial indicated that in general, bulls from the HE group showed a significant (p<0.01) higher FLW, BCS, ADG and ADA, but a significant (p<0.01) lower volume and concentration of the ejaculate, lower mass movement and linear motility, lower percentage of live sperm and higher percentage of major defects and significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of minor defects than the bulls from the ME group. In the second trial, 36 young Bonsmara bulls were divided into two groups according to their age at the arrival at an official Phase-C performance testing center. Older bulls (OB) (n=19) and younger bulls (YB) (n=17) all received a high energy diet for 112 days (28 days adaptation and 84 days testing). At the end of the Phase-C test the productive performances and reproductive characteristics of the two groups were compared. The animals from both groups that did not pass the Phase-C test, either due to poor performance or not meeting the breed standards, were slaughtered at an official abattoir and their scrotums and carcass characteristics were also compared. The productive parameters compared between the two groups included final live body weight (FLW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily gain per day of age (ADA), body condition score (BCS), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight both warm (CWW) and cold (CWC), as well as dressing percentage (CDP) and fat grade (CFG). The reproductive parameters compared between the two groups included scrotal circumference (SC), total scrotal weight (TSW), scrotal fat (SF), scrotal skin weight (SSW), paired testes weight (PTW), scrotal skin thickness (SST), total testes circumference (TTC), total testicle volume (TTV), weight of epididimis / spermatic cord (WESC), volume of epididymis / spermatic cord (VESC) and the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS), semen concentration (SConO), mass movement (MV), linear motility (LM), percentage live sperm (LS), percentage of total abnormalities: major (MD) and minor(MinD) as well as the percentage of bulls with depressed spermatogenesis (PBDS). The results of this trial indicated that in general, the younger bulls showed a significant (p<0.05) higher ADG, but a significant (p<0.05) lower ADA than the older bulls. Regarding the reproductive organs compared, the younger bulls showed a significantly (p<0.01) higher total scrotal weight, scrotal fat and scrotal skin weight and thickness. No significant differences were observed on the testicular parameters measured between the two groups. In addition, both weight (WECS) and volume (VECS) of the epididymis / spermatic cord were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the older bulls. In general, the younger group showed poorer semen characteristics. A significantly (p<0.01) lower sperm concentration and linear movement and a significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of major defects were recorded on the younger bulls, when compared to the older bulls. About half of the bulls in each group showed clear signs of depressed spermatogenesis in their seminiferous tubules, during the histological examination of testicular tissue. The results of this study indicates that high energy diets are beneficial for the productive performance of young bulls (growth rate, BCS and carcass characteristics), but have a detrimental effect on the reproductive characteristics of young bulls. The effect of high energy diets on both the productive and reproductive performances of young beef bulls are more pronounced at a younger age. High energy diets resulted in heavier scrotums in the younger bulls when compared to the older bulls, as a direct result of a higher fat deposition in this region without any relevant effect on testicular size. No intra-testicular fat deposition was observed. The scrotal fat observed in high energy fed young bulls accumulated mainly in the neck of the scrotum, although subcutaneously. These fat deposits may impair testicular thermoregulation and negatively affect the spermatogenesis in the seminiferous tubules, reducing both sperm quantity and quality. Further studies on the effect of high energy diets on bull fertility (as well as on rams and buck) are recommended, to evaluate the extension and duration of its detrimental effects on subsequent fertility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Effects of discrimination on promotion of women into top managerial positions in the Eastern Cape
- Yona, Noxolo Nondwe Trewhellah
- Authors: Yona, Noxolo Nondwe Trewhellah
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Sex discrimination against women , Businesswomen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57 , Sex discrimination against women , Businesswomen
- Description: The effects of discrimination on promotion of women into top managerial positions is investigated in this study. In order to investigate these effects, the use of a questionnaire for survey was developed. The questionnaire consisted of thirty-one statements in which a response to each question contributed towards the results of this study. The literature study was used as an eye opener to the South African situation with comparison to other countries. The purpose of the empirical study was to determine the effects of discrimination especially in the Eastern Cape. The answers of the respondents were analysed and interpreted with relation to the findings from the literature study. Concluding remarks are provided which could assist firms in the private sector when faced with the challenge of the advancement of women and the implementation of the Labour policies which endorse the equal opportunity programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Yona, Noxolo Nondwe Trewhellah
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Sex discrimination against women , Businesswomen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57 , Sex discrimination against women , Businesswomen
- Description: The effects of discrimination on promotion of women into top managerial positions is investigated in this study. In order to investigate these effects, the use of a questionnaire for survey was developed. The questionnaire consisted of thirty-one statements in which a response to each question contributed towards the results of this study. The literature study was used as an eye opener to the South African situation with comparison to other countries. The purpose of the empirical study was to determine the effects of discrimination especially in the Eastern Cape. The answers of the respondents were analysed and interpreted with relation to the findings from the literature study. Concluding remarks are provided which could assist firms in the private sector when faced with the challenge of the advancement of women and the implementation of the Labour policies which endorse the equal opportunity programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Environment as integrating organiser: a case study of curriculum 2005 in KwaMhlanga, South Africa
- Authors: Khumalo, Four-Ten Enock
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Competency-based education -- Research -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga Environmental education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003393
- Description: Curriculum 2005 is an attempt by the South African government to create and implement a strategic plan to change the formal school curriculum. The new curriculum has 'integration' as one of its focal features. This study is an investigation of the use of' environment' as an integrating' organiser' in the senior phase of Curriculum 2005 in a selection of schools in the Mpumalanga province. While the Curriculum 2005 framework encourages curriculum integration, this is an area which might be neglected during implementation, because there is so little experience among teachers of working in an 'integrated' way. Environmental education is an approach to education which requires and facilitates curriculum integration. This study has the potential to contribute to our understanding of the integration of environmental learning across the new curriculum. Questionnaires and vignettes based on document analysis, follow-up interviews and classroom observations, involving a small group of teachers, were used in conducting the study. The investigation has revealed that participating teachers show a limited understanding of the constructs 'environment' and 'phase organiser'. Teachers do not take or introduce a critical perspective on the nature and causes of environmental issues. They treat the construct 'environment' and associated issues quite superficially when working with learners. Participating teachers generally misunderstood the concept 'phase organisers' and tended to interpret it in concepts associated with the curriculum framework they were used to. Curriculum 2005 also requires teachers to take on a more active curriculum development role. This study looked at four teachers' attempts to develop learning programme units, and at the way in which two teachers implement their curriculum plans focussing on 'environment', in the classroom. It was found that participating teachers do not always follow the same sequence or steps when developing a learning programme. Learning programme units were not considered in developmental sequence, they lacked some form of continuity and links between intended learning outcomes and teaching activities were also lacking. There was inadequate integration between learning areas. Furthermore, integration between knowledge, skills, values and attitudes was also not quite clear among the teachers, and they tended to deal with environmental knowledge in a rather limited way, focussing instead on the awareness and attitudes. These findings are of concern, and they are in keeping with the Curriculum 2005 Review Report, which highlighted the danger of inadequate focus on curriculum content. On overall teachers seem to be struggling with the whole notion of 'integration', even though environment as a phase organiser is meant to assist with curriculum integration. The thesis ends with recommendations on how teachers might be assisted to achieve meaningful curriculum integration, through using learning outcomes as well as content knowledge relevant to environmental learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Khumalo, Four-Ten Enock
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Competency-based education -- Research -- South Africa Curriculum planning -- South Africa Environmental education -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga Environmental education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1511 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003393
- Description: Curriculum 2005 is an attempt by the South African government to create and implement a strategic plan to change the formal school curriculum. The new curriculum has 'integration' as one of its focal features. This study is an investigation of the use of' environment' as an integrating' organiser' in the senior phase of Curriculum 2005 in a selection of schools in the Mpumalanga province. While the Curriculum 2005 framework encourages curriculum integration, this is an area which might be neglected during implementation, because there is so little experience among teachers of working in an 'integrated' way. Environmental education is an approach to education which requires and facilitates curriculum integration. This study has the potential to contribute to our understanding of the integration of environmental learning across the new curriculum. Questionnaires and vignettes based on document analysis, follow-up interviews and classroom observations, involving a small group of teachers, were used in conducting the study. The investigation has revealed that participating teachers show a limited understanding of the constructs 'environment' and 'phase organiser'. Teachers do not take or introduce a critical perspective on the nature and causes of environmental issues. They treat the construct 'environment' and associated issues quite superficially when working with learners. Participating teachers generally misunderstood the concept 'phase organisers' and tended to interpret it in concepts associated with the curriculum framework they were used to. Curriculum 2005 also requires teachers to take on a more active curriculum development role. This study looked at four teachers' attempts to develop learning programme units, and at the way in which two teachers implement their curriculum plans focussing on 'environment', in the classroom. It was found that participating teachers do not always follow the same sequence or steps when developing a learning programme. Learning programme units were not considered in developmental sequence, they lacked some form of continuity and links between intended learning outcomes and teaching activities were also lacking. There was inadequate integration between learning areas. Furthermore, integration between knowledge, skills, values and attitudes was also not quite clear among the teachers, and they tended to deal with environmental knowledge in a rather limited way, focussing instead on the awareness and attitudes. These findings are of concern, and they are in keeping with the Curriculum 2005 Review Report, which highlighted the danger of inadequate focus on curriculum content. On overall teachers seem to be struggling with the whole notion of 'integration', even though environment as a phase organiser is meant to assist with curriculum integration. The thesis ends with recommendations on how teachers might be assisted to achieve meaningful curriculum integration, through using learning outcomes as well as content knowledge relevant to environmental learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Enzymology of activated sewage sludge during anaerobic treatment of wastewaters : identification, characterisation, isolation and partial purification of proteases
- Tshivhunge, Azwiedziswi Sylvia
- Authors: Tshivhunge, Azwiedziswi Sylvia
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Sewage sludge , Sewage sludge -- Environmental aspects , Sewage sludge digestion , Anaerobic bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004072 , Sewage sludge , Sewage sludge -- Environmental aspects , Sewage sludge digestion , Anaerobic bacteria
- Description: During anaerobic digestion bacteria inside the digester require a carbon source for their growth and metabolism, sewage sludge was used as a carbon source in this study. The COD content was used to measure the disappearance of the substrate. COD content was reduced by 48.3% and 49% in the methanogenic and sulphidogenic bioreactors, respectively, while sulphate concentration was reduced by 40%, producing 70mg/L of hydrogen sulphide as the end product over the first 5-7 days. Sulphate (which is used as a terminal electron acceptor of sulphur reducing bacteria) has little or no effect on the sulphidogenic and methanogenic proteases. Sulphite and sulphide (the intermediate and end product of sulphate reduction) increased protease activity by 20% and 40%-80%, respectively. Maximum protease activity occurred on day 21 in the methanogenic reactor and on day 9 in the sulphidogenic reactor. The absorbance, which indicates the level of amino acid increased to 2 and 9 for methanogenic and sulphidogenic bioreactors, respectively. Proteases that were active during anaerobic digestion were associated with the pellet (organic particulate matter) of the sewage. These enzymes have an optimum activity at pH 10 and at temperature of 50°C. The proteases that were active at pH 5 and 7, had optimum temperatures at 30°C and 60°C, respectively. Due to their association with organic particulate matter, these enzymes were stable at their optimum temperatures for at least five hours at their respective pH. Inhibition by PMSF, TPCK and 1.10-phenanthroline suggested that proteases inside the anaerobic digester are a mixture of cysteine, serine and metalloproteases. At pH 5, however, EDTA appeared to enhance protease activity by 368% (three-fold). Acetic acid decreased protease activity by 21%, while both propionic and butyric acid at 200 mg/L cause total inhibition of protease activity while these acids at higher pH (where they exist as their corresponding salts) exerted little effect. Copper, iron and zinc inhibited protease activity by 85% at pH 5 with concentrations ranging between 200 and 600 mg/L. On the other hand, nickel, showed an increase in protease activity of nearly 250%. At pH 7 and 10, copper had no effect on protease activity while iron, nickel and zinc inhibited these enzymes by 20-40%. Proteases at pH 7 were extracted from the pellet by sonication, releasing 50% of the total enzymes into the solution. The enzymes were precipitated by ammonium sulphate precipitation, and further purified by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Ion exchange chromatography revealed that most of the enzymes that hydrolyse proteins are negatively charged while gel filtration showed that their molecular weight is approximately 500 kDa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Tshivhunge, Azwiedziswi Sylvia
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Sewage sludge , Sewage sludge -- Environmental aspects , Sewage sludge digestion , Anaerobic bacteria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004072 , Sewage sludge , Sewage sludge -- Environmental aspects , Sewage sludge digestion , Anaerobic bacteria
- Description: During anaerobic digestion bacteria inside the digester require a carbon source for their growth and metabolism, sewage sludge was used as a carbon source in this study. The COD content was used to measure the disappearance of the substrate. COD content was reduced by 48.3% and 49% in the methanogenic and sulphidogenic bioreactors, respectively, while sulphate concentration was reduced by 40%, producing 70mg/L of hydrogen sulphide as the end product over the first 5-7 days. Sulphate (which is used as a terminal electron acceptor of sulphur reducing bacteria) has little or no effect on the sulphidogenic and methanogenic proteases. Sulphite and sulphide (the intermediate and end product of sulphate reduction) increased protease activity by 20% and 40%-80%, respectively. Maximum protease activity occurred on day 21 in the methanogenic reactor and on day 9 in the sulphidogenic reactor. The absorbance, which indicates the level of amino acid increased to 2 and 9 for methanogenic and sulphidogenic bioreactors, respectively. Proteases that were active during anaerobic digestion were associated with the pellet (organic particulate matter) of the sewage. These enzymes have an optimum activity at pH 10 and at temperature of 50°C. The proteases that were active at pH 5 and 7, had optimum temperatures at 30°C and 60°C, respectively. Due to their association with organic particulate matter, these enzymes were stable at their optimum temperatures for at least five hours at their respective pH. Inhibition by PMSF, TPCK and 1.10-phenanthroline suggested that proteases inside the anaerobic digester are a mixture of cysteine, serine and metalloproteases. At pH 5, however, EDTA appeared to enhance protease activity by 368% (three-fold). Acetic acid decreased protease activity by 21%, while both propionic and butyric acid at 200 mg/L cause total inhibition of protease activity while these acids at higher pH (where they exist as their corresponding salts) exerted little effect. Copper, iron and zinc inhibited protease activity by 85% at pH 5 with concentrations ranging between 200 and 600 mg/L. On the other hand, nickel, showed an increase in protease activity of nearly 250%. At pH 7 and 10, copper had no effect on protease activity while iron, nickel and zinc inhibited these enzymes by 20-40%. Proteases at pH 7 were extracted from the pellet by sonication, releasing 50% of the total enzymes into the solution. The enzymes were precipitated by ammonium sulphate precipitation, and further purified by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Ion exchange chromatography revealed that most of the enzymes that hydrolyse proteins are negatively charged while gel filtration showed that their molecular weight is approximately 500 kDa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Evaluation of Lewis acid catalysed and other nitration strategies for the selective nitration of cresols
- Van Niekerk, Rudolf Jacob Francois
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Rudolf Jacob Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Nitration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60 , Nitration
- Description: The nitration of m- and p-cresol was investigated under mild reaction conditions in a number of solvents; the effects of certain nitration catalysts were also evaluated. These different reaction parameters were evaluated in terms of their effect on a number of important reaction responses. Other important factors that were investigated were the manipulation of the isomer ratios by changing reaction parameters, as well as important process chemistry information, such as product distribution, isolation and purification, identification of side products formed, and evaluation of the heat of reaction. Use was made of an experimental design system to evaluate the effect of reaction parameters on the chosen design responses. It was found that the ratio of para to ortho nitrocresol products could be influenced slightly by using low concentrations of nitric acid and low reaction temperatures. A different mechanism for the formation of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (from mcresol nitration) was proposed (compared with that previously reported), which could explain a “one mole nitric acid” pathway and the fact that only the pbenzoquinone isomer was observed. Reaction side products were identified and found to consist of dimers of cresol and nitrocresol, which were probably the result of oxidation of the cresol, subsequent formation of a quinomethide intermediate and reaction with either the product or the substrate. The heat of nitration was determined for various reaction systems and found to be governed by two factors, namely the actual nitration process and also an oxidation process, which is responsible for the formation of side products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Rudolf Jacob Francois
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Nitration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:10957 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60 , Nitration
- Description: The nitration of m- and p-cresol was investigated under mild reaction conditions in a number of solvents; the effects of certain nitration catalysts were also evaluated. These different reaction parameters were evaluated in terms of their effect on a number of important reaction responses. Other important factors that were investigated were the manipulation of the isomer ratios by changing reaction parameters, as well as important process chemistry information, such as product distribution, isolation and purification, identification of side products formed, and evaluation of the heat of reaction. Use was made of an experimental design system to evaluate the effect of reaction parameters on the chosen design responses. It was found that the ratio of para to ortho nitrocresol products could be influenced slightly by using low concentrations of nitric acid and low reaction temperatures. A different mechanism for the formation of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (from mcresol nitration) was proposed (compared with that previously reported), which could explain a “one mole nitric acid” pathway and the fact that only the pbenzoquinone isomer was observed. Reaction side products were identified and found to consist of dimers of cresol and nitrocresol, which were probably the result of oxidation of the cresol, subsequent formation of a quinomethide intermediate and reaction with either the product or the substrate. The heat of nitration was determined for various reaction systems and found to be governed by two factors, namely the actual nitration process and also an oxidation process, which is responsible for the formation of side products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Expanding the capabilities of the DPS lonosonde system
- Authors: Magnus, Lindsay Gerald
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018243
- Description: The Digisonde Portable Sounder (DPS) is a low power pulse ionosonde capable of recording a wealth of scientific information about the ionosphere. The routine vertical incidence mode, that produces the scaled ionospheric parameters, only records limited Doppler and no precise angle of arrival (AoA) information. The drift mode produces precise scientific information but only limited range information. This thesis explains the operation of the DPS and then examines the drift data by first showing the Doppler velocities (V*) calculated for a fixed frequency ionogram as well as the velocities calculated from an interesting ionospheric disturbance measured with a stepped frequency ionogram and second by illustrating the presence of a variation in the AoA of ionospheric echoes at sunrise. The conclusion of the thesis is that a drift vertical incidence mode be developed to allow the simultaneous measurement of the scaled ionospheric parameters and the precise AoA and full Doppler spectrum information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Magnus, Lindsay Gerald
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Ionosondes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5560 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018243
- Description: The Digisonde Portable Sounder (DPS) is a low power pulse ionosonde capable of recording a wealth of scientific information about the ionosphere. The routine vertical incidence mode, that produces the scaled ionospheric parameters, only records limited Doppler and no precise angle of arrival (AoA) information. The drift mode produces precise scientific information but only limited range information. This thesis explains the operation of the DPS and then examines the drift data by first showing the Doppler velocities (V*) calculated for a fixed frequency ionogram as well as the velocities calculated from an interesting ionospheric disturbance measured with a stepped frequency ionogram and second by illustrating the presence of a variation in the AoA of ionospheric echoes at sunrise. The conclusion of the thesis is that a drift vertical incidence mode be developed to allow the simultaneous measurement of the scaled ionospheric parameters and the precise AoA and full Doppler spectrum information.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Exploring job satisfaction amongst government social workers in East London
- Authors: Sela, Michelle
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006499 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of job satisfaction amongst government social workers. To achieve this, twenty social workers employed at the Department of Welfare in East London and Mdantsane were interviewed. South African literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research. Literature that was consulted was found to be supportive of the theoretical notion that social work has long been recognised as being a stressful profession and that the nature of social work practice itself can be potentially stressful. The study found that there are many stressors and dissatisfactions which government social workers are currently experiencing. Some of the social workers have indicated a desire to leave the profession as a result of the dissatisfactions. The study findings suggest a need for combining oganisational with individual oriented initiatives to decrease the many stressors the social workers are experiencing. The thesis ends with recommendations of various strategies for addressing the concerns of the social workers in order to increase their job satisfaction
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Sela, Michelle
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:705 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006499 , Social workers -- Supervision of , Social workers -- Professional ethics , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Social service -- Vocational guidance
- Description: During this research an attempt was made to gain an understanding of job satisfaction amongst government social workers. To achieve this, twenty social workers employed at the Department of Welfare in East London and Mdantsane were interviewed. South African literature on this topic is limited and it is believed that this study will present a valuable basis to pursue in further research. Literature that was consulted was found to be supportive of the theoretical notion that social work has long been recognised as being a stressful profession and that the nature of social work practice itself can be potentially stressful. The study found that there are many stressors and dissatisfactions which government social workers are currently experiencing. Some of the social workers have indicated a desire to leave the profession as a result of the dissatisfactions. The study findings suggest a need for combining oganisational with individual oriented initiatives to decrease the many stressors the social workers are experiencing. The thesis ends with recommendations of various strategies for addressing the concerns of the social workers in order to increase their job satisfaction
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001