Towards shaping the field: theorising the knowledge in a formal course for academic developers
- Vorster, Jo-Anne E, Quinn, Lynn
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne E , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66578 , vital:28966 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1070126
- Description: publisher version , In recent years there have been calls both for building the knowledge base of academic development (AD) and for systematic induction of newcomers to the field if AD is to advance as a professional and an academic field. Despite the importance and complexity of AD, induction of novice academic developers remains mostly informal and predominantly focuses on the practices of the field. We argue that more-experienced academic developers have an obligation to provide formal and systematic routes into the field and its knowledge base than is currently the case. One way of doing this is through offering a formal course for growing the next generation of academic developers. Such a course could equip newcomers with a more solid and shared knowledge base, thus contributing to shaping the epistemic spine of AD. In this paper, using Maton's Legitimation Code Theory, we offer an analysis of an existing course aimed at equipping novices with the theoretical and practical knowledge to enable them to solve some of the problems in higher education. From this analysis have emerged general principles that could inform the selection, sequencing and pacing of knowledge in a formal course for academic developers.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Vorster, Jo-Anne E , Quinn, Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66578 , vital:28966 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1070126
- Description: publisher version , In recent years there have been calls both for building the knowledge base of academic development (AD) and for systematic induction of newcomers to the field if AD is to advance as a professional and an academic field. Despite the importance and complexity of AD, induction of novice academic developers remains mostly informal and predominantly focuses on the practices of the field. We argue that more-experienced academic developers have an obligation to provide formal and systematic routes into the field and its knowledge base than is currently the case. One way of doing this is through offering a formal course for growing the next generation of academic developers. Such a course could equip newcomers with a more solid and shared knowledge base, thus contributing to shaping the epistemic spine of AD. In this paper, using Maton's Legitimation Code Theory, we offer an analysis of an existing course aimed at equipping novices with the theoretical and practical knowledge to enable them to solve some of the problems in higher education. From this analysis have emerged general principles that could inform the selection, sequencing and pacing of knowledge in a formal course for academic developers.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Unfulfilled promises: the implementation of the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act in South Africa
- Mwambene, Lea, Kruuse, Helen
- Authors: Mwambene, Lea , Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129175 , vital:36227 , DOI:10.1093/lawfam/ebv009
- Description: The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 1998 (the Act) regulates all matters in relation to customary marriages in South Africa. The Act was specifically enacted to recognize customary marriages as valid, but was also passed to address gender inequality by regulating various customary marriage aspects, the most important being registration and proprietary consequences. This article reflects on the findings of a qualitative study on the registration and proprietary consequences of customary marriages conducted in two rural sites in the Eastern Cape (the former Ciskei and Transkei) and one urban site in the Western Cape (Khayelitsha). These findings show two important issues. First, that access to resources upon death of a spouse or divorce is often premised on successful registration of the marriage, which seldom occurs. Secondly, that the continued patriarchal nature of customary marriages stands in the way of realizing gender equality, particularly in relation to the proprietary consequences of a marriage. As a result, we make possible recommendations of how the Act’s objectives can be met.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mwambene, Lea , Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129175 , vital:36227 , DOI:10.1093/lawfam/ebv009
- Description: The Recognition of Customary Marriages Act 1998 (the Act) regulates all matters in relation to customary marriages in South Africa. The Act was specifically enacted to recognize customary marriages as valid, but was also passed to address gender inequality by regulating various customary marriage aspects, the most important being registration and proprietary consequences. This article reflects on the findings of a qualitative study on the registration and proprietary consequences of customary marriages conducted in two rural sites in the Eastern Cape (the former Ciskei and Transkei) and one urban site in the Western Cape (Khayelitsha). These findings show two important issues. First, that access to resources upon death of a spouse or divorce is often premised on successful registration of the marriage, which seldom occurs. Secondly, that the continued patriarchal nature of customary marriages stands in the way of realizing gender equality, particularly in relation to the proprietary consequences of a marriage. As a result, we make possible recommendations of how the Act’s objectives can be met.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
Can δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes and fatty acid signatures indicate changes in phytobenthos composition on an artificial substrate?
- Dalu, Tatenda, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68086 , vital:29197 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.974018
- Description: Publisher version , Temporal changes in fatty acid composition and δ15N, δ13C stable isotope values of the phytobenthos growing on artificial clay substrates under natural conditions over a 28-day period at an upstream and a downstream site in the Kowie River near Grahamstown were investigated in 2012. High concentrations of diatom markers 16:1ω7 and 20:5ω3 fatty acids were recorded, especially at the downstream site, reflecting the importance of diatoms in contributing to the phytobenthos communities at that station. After day 7 at the downstream site the average δ15N value of the phytobenthos was lighter, gradually increasing by ∼2‰ and ∼5‰ overall to heavier values on day 28. At the upstream site there were no significant changes (<1‰ increase) in δ15N values of the phytobenthos over time. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) signatures in the phytobenthos communities were significantly different between sites (one-way ANOVA; p < 0.001). The stable isotope values and fatty acid concentrations of phytobenthos at the downstream site were different to those of the phytobenthos at the upstream site, and they changed concurrently with changes in the phytobenthos community structure. At the downstream site there was a strong correlation of the δ15N of phytobenthos with nitrates (R = 0.56) and time (weeks; R = 0.81). However, the fatty acids were not specific enough to characterise the composition of phytobenthos communities. Other biomarker methods, such as stable isotopes and microscopic examination of the communities, were found to be useful. The results from this relatively small-scale tile experiment indicate the complexity of changes in fatty acid composition and δ15N, δ13C stable isotope values of a phytobenthos community. Stable isotope and fatty acid composition can be successfully used to map changes in phytobenthos composition and carbon and nitrogen flow patterns along a river continuum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68086 , vital:29197 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.974018
- Description: Publisher version , Temporal changes in fatty acid composition and δ15N, δ13C stable isotope values of the phytobenthos growing on artificial clay substrates under natural conditions over a 28-day period at an upstream and a downstream site in the Kowie River near Grahamstown were investigated in 2012. High concentrations of diatom markers 16:1ω7 and 20:5ω3 fatty acids were recorded, especially at the downstream site, reflecting the importance of diatoms in contributing to the phytobenthos communities at that station. After day 7 at the downstream site the average δ15N value of the phytobenthos was lighter, gradually increasing by ∼2‰ and ∼5‰ overall to heavier values on day 28. At the upstream site there were no significant changes (<1‰ increase) in δ15N values of the phytobenthos over time. Stable nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) signatures in the phytobenthos communities were significantly different between sites (one-way ANOVA; p < 0.001). The stable isotope values and fatty acid concentrations of phytobenthos at the downstream site were different to those of the phytobenthos at the upstream site, and they changed concurrently with changes in the phytobenthos community structure. At the downstream site there was a strong correlation of the δ15N of phytobenthos with nitrates (R = 0.56) and time (weeks; R = 0.81). However, the fatty acids were not specific enough to characterise the composition of phytobenthos communities. Other biomarker methods, such as stable isotopes and microscopic examination of the communities, were found to be useful. The results from this relatively small-scale tile experiment indicate the complexity of changes in fatty acid composition and δ15N, δ13C stable isotope values of a phytobenthos community. Stable isotope and fatty acid composition can be successfully used to map changes in phytobenthos composition and carbon and nitrogen flow patterns along a river continuum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Conscientious objection to performing same-sex marriage in South Africa
- Authors: Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129186 , vital:36228 , https://doi.org/10.1093/lawfam/ebu001
- Description: This article considers whether public servants should be exempt from South Africa’s equality provisions and anti-discrimination legislation in solemnizing same-sex marriages. In order to deal with this question, the article analyses the treatment of freedom of conscience and conscientious objection by comparing the solemnization of same-sex marriage by public servants, with another public service: that of terminations of pregnancy. While each situation will inevitably turn on the particular circumstances of the case, I argue that there should be a content-neutral guiding principle (as well as consistency) in dealing with these situations. The issue in each situation is narrowed to whether a civil servant’s personal convictions can override the state’s secular obligations in providing a service, and whether there is room for a qualified right to conscientious objection. By analysing the matter in this way, it is clear that the unqualified statutory exemption clause in South Africa’s Civil Union Act is constitutionally objectionable.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kruuse, Helen
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129186 , vital:36228 , https://doi.org/10.1093/lawfam/ebu001
- Description: This article considers whether public servants should be exempt from South Africa’s equality provisions and anti-discrimination legislation in solemnizing same-sex marriages. In order to deal with this question, the article analyses the treatment of freedom of conscience and conscientious objection by comparing the solemnization of same-sex marriage by public servants, with another public service: that of terminations of pregnancy. While each situation will inevitably turn on the particular circumstances of the case, I argue that there should be a content-neutral guiding principle (as well as consistency) in dealing with these situations. The issue in each situation is narrowed to whether a civil servant’s personal convictions can override the state’s secular obligations in providing a service, and whether there is room for a qualified right to conscientious objection. By analysing the matter in this way, it is clear that the unqualified statutory exemption clause in South Africa’s Civil Union Act is constitutionally objectionable.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Conspecific alarm cue sensitivity by the estuarine calanoid copepod, Paracartia longipatella
- Wasserman, Ryan J, Kramer, Rachel, Vink, Tim J F, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Wasserman, Ryan J , Kramer, Rachel , Vink, Tim J F , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68062 , vital:29194 , https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12135
- Description: Publisher version , Sensitivity to chemical cues associated with predation threat has been well observed in many freshwater zooplankters, yet few studies have highlighted such sensitivity in eury- and stenohaline metazoans. We aimed to assess sensitivity to conspecific chemical alarm cues in the estuarine copepod, Paracartia longipatella. Alarm cues associated with predation have been shown to have population level effects on certain zooplanktonic species. As such, we assessed the occurrence of such effects on population dynamics of P.longipatella over a 12 day period. Using experimental in situ mesocosms, we compared P.longipatella adult, copepodite and nauplii numbers between three treatments; one inoculated with conspecific alarm cues, one containing direct predation pressure (zooplanktivorous fish), and a control treatment containing no predation threat. Trends in population abundances were similar between the direct predation and alarm cue treatments for the six days of the experiment, decreasing in abundance. During the latter half of the study, however, P.longipatella abundances in the alarm cue treatment increased, while those in the presence of direct predation continued to decrease. In the treatment absent of any predation threat, P.longipatella abundances increased consistently over time for the duration of the study. We suggest that P.longipatella are indeed sensitive to conspecific alarm cues associated with predation threat. Furthermore, we propose that prolonged exposure to conspecific alarm cues in the absence of any real threat results in a reduction in sensitive to these cues.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Wasserman, Ryan J , Kramer, Rachel , Vink, Tim J F , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68062 , vital:29194 , https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12135
- Description: Publisher version , Sensitivity to chemical cues associated with predation threat has been well observed in many freshwater zooplankters, yet few studies have highlighted such sensitivity in eury- and stenohaline metazoans. We aimed to assess sensitivity to conspecific chemical alarm cues in the estuarine copepod, Paracartia longipatella. Alarm cues associated with predation have been shown to have population level effects on certain zooplanktonic species. As such, we assessed the occurrence of such effects on population dynamics of P.longipatella over a 12 day period. Using experimental in situ mesocosms, we compared P.longipatella adult, copepodite and nauplii numbers between three treatments; one inoculated with conspecific alarm cues, one containing direct predation pressure (zooplanktivorous fish), and a control treatment containing no predation threat. Trends in population abundances were similar between the direct predation and alarm cue treatments for the six days of the experiment, decreasing in abundance. During the latter half of the study, however, P.longipatella abundances in the alarm cue treatment increased, while those in the presence of direct predation continued to decrease. In the treatment absent of any predation threat, P.longipatella abundances increased consistently over time for the duration of the study. We suggest that P.longipatella are indeed sensitive to conspecific alarm cues associated with predation threat. Furthermore, we propose that prolonged exposure to conspecific alarm cues in the absence of any real threat results in a reduction in sensitive to these cues.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Dependence on environmental resources and implications for household welfare: evidence from the Kalahari drylands, South Africa
- Thondhlana, Gladman, Muchapondwa, Edwin
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Muchapondwa, Edwin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67810 , vital:29149 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.10.003
- Description: Publisher version , This paper examines dependence on environmental resources and impacts on household welfare among the indigenous San and Mier rural communities neighbouring Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. Data on the various household income types, including environmental income, were collected through a structured survey of 200 households. Environmental income constituted 20% of the total income. The poorest income quintile showed the highest relative dependence on environmental income (31%), though absolute environmental income increased with total income. Poverty analyses showed that poverty incidence and poverty gap would increase by 13 and 7 percentage points respectively without environmental income. Gini-coefficient analyses revealed that income inequality would increase by 6 percentage points for all households if environmental income was excluded. The results generally suggest that environmental income is important for both the poor and the well-off, and wealth accumulation might be tied to resource use. There is a case for promoting sound environmental management, and sustainable and fair resource use in the Kalahari drylands in order to help pull more households out of poverty. Our findings also point to issues of heterogeneity in resource access even among indigenous communities previously thought to be homogenous. These should be key considerations for conservation interventions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Muchapondwa, Edwin
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67810 , vital:29149 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2014.10.003
- Description: Publisher version , This paper examines dependence on environmental resources and impacts on household welfare among the indigenous San and Mier rural communities neighbouring Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in South Africa. Data on the various household income types, including environmental income, were collected through a structured survey of 200 households. Environmental income constituted 20% of the total income. The poorest income quintile showed the highest relative dependence on environmental income (31%), though absolute environmental income increased with total income. Poverty analyses showed that poverty incidence and poverty gap would increase by 13 and 7 percentage points respectively without environmental income. Gini-coefficient analyses revealed that income inequality would increase by 6 percentage points for all households if environmental income was excluded. The results generally suggest that environmental income is important for both the poor and the well-off, and wealth accumulation might be tied to resource use. There is a case for promoting sound environmental management, and sustainable and fair resource use in the Kalahari drylands in order to help pull more households out of poverty. Our findings also point to issues of heterogeneity in resource access even among indigenous communities previously thought to be homogenous. These should be key considerations for conservation interventions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Group work as 'terrains of learning' for students in South African higher education
- Thondhlana, Gladman, Belluigi, Dina Z
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Belluigi, Dina Z
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67636 , vital:29123 , https://journals.co.za/content/persed/32/4/EJC164258
- Description: Publisher version , A common global perception of group work in the higher education context is that it has the potential to act as a platform which can enable student learning by means of interactions, shared diverse experiences, deep engagement with subject concepts and the achievement of tasks collaboratively. Indeed, in different socio-economic, historical and institutional contexts, group work activities have become levers by which deeper learning could be achieved. Drawing on perceptions and experiences of group work among environmental science students at a South African university, we investigate the ways in which group work could be more expansively viewed as 'terrains of learning' for students. The results in general indicate that students have positive perceptions and experiences of group work, though problematic elements are evident. This particular case study points to the attention that should be paid to understanding issues of background, ethnicity and various student personalities which could hinder or enable the desired student learning. Such an understanding could contribute to debates regarding the achievement of higher quality learning, given issues of diversity and transformation in the South African higher education context.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Thondhlana, Gladman , Belluigi, Dina Z
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67636 , vital:29123 , https://journals.co.za/content/persed/32/4/EJC164258
- Description: Publisher version , A common global perception of group work in the higher education context is that it has the potential to act as a platform which can enable student learning by means of interactions, shared diverse experiences, deep engagement with subject concepts and the achievement of tasks collaboratively. Indeed, in different socio-economic, historical and institutional contexts, group work activities have become levers by which deeper learning could be achieved. Drawing on perceptions and experiences of group work among environmental science students at a South African university, we investigate the ways in which group work could be more expansively viewed as 'terrains of learning' for students. The results in general indicate that students have positive perceptions and experiences of group work, though problematic elements are evident. This particular case study points to the attention that should be paid to understanding issues of background, ethnicity and various student personalities which could hinder or enable the desired student learning. Such an understanding could contribute to debates regarding the achievement of higher quality learning, given issues of diversity and transformation in the South African higher education context.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Hyperbenthic and pelagic predators regulate alternate key planktonic copepods in shallow temperate estuaries
- Wasserman, Ryan J, Vink, Tim J F, Kramer, Rachel, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Wasserman, Ryan J , Vink, Tim J F , Kramer, Rachel , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68224 , vital:29220 , https://doi.org/10.1071/MF13233
- Description: Publisher version , Although predation has been identified as an important community driver, the role of predator diversity in structuring estuarine zooplankton has not been assessed. As such, we investigated the effects of two different zooplanktivorous fish species on the estuarine zooplankton community during a 12-day mesocosm study. Three experimental treatments were established, whereby natural zooplankton communities were subject to either (1) no predatory pressure, (2) predation by a pelagic predator (Monodactylus falciformis) or (3) predation by a hyper-benthic predator (Glossogobius callidus). The pelagic feeding M. falciformis fed largely on the numerically dominant mid-water copepod species, Paracartia longipatella. In contrast, the hyper-benthic fish had a greater predatory impact on the less numerically dominant copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, which demonstrates strong diel vertical migration. Variations in prey-population regulation are ascribed to the distinct behavioural differences of the predators, and mediated by the differences in behaviour of the copepod species.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Wasserman, Ryan J , Vink, Tim J F , Kramer, Rachel , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68224 , vital:29220 , https://doi.org/10.1071/MF13233
- Description: Publisher version , Although predation has been identified as an important community driver, the role of predator diversity in structuring estuarine zooplankton has not been assessed. As such, we investigated the effects of two different zooplanktivorous fish species on the estuarine zooplankton community during a 12-day mesocosm study. Three experimental treatments were established, whereby natural zooplankton communities were subject to either (1) no predatory pressure, (2) predation by a pelagic predator (Monodactylus falciformis) or (3) predation by a hyper-benthic predator (Glossogobius callidus). The pelagic feeding M. falciformis fed largely on the numerically dominant mid-water copepod species, Paracartia longipatella. In contrast, the hyper-benthic fish had a greater predatory impact on the less numerically dominant copepod, Pseudodiaptomus hessei, which demonstrates strong diel vertical migration. Variations in prey-population regulation are ascribed to the distinct behavioural differences of the predators, and mediated by the differences in behaviour of the copepod species.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Isn’t it time to start thinking about ‘developing’ academic developers in a more systematic way?
- Quinn, Lynn, Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Authors: Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66546 , vital:28961 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1360144X.2013.879719
- Description: publisher version , There is no defined route to becoming an academic developer. The research on pathways into the field (e.g. Kensington-Miller, Brailsford, and Gossman, 2012; McDonald, 2010; McDonald and Stockley, 2008) shows that in most cases ‘serendipity and chance played a role’ (McDonald, 2010, p. 40). Moreover, induction into academic development (AD) is often ad hoc, haphazard, and informal. Due to the changing higher education (HE) context, the field has grown exponentially and in many countries now plays a central role in institutions. This has generated increased demand for knowledgeable and competent developers that are able to contribute towards solving some vexing problems in contemporary HE. Current recruitment and induction processes of new developers do not necessarily meet this demand. In light of the above, we pose the question: given the changing context of HE and the field of AD, is it not time for us to induct newcomers into the field more systematically? As Kensington-Miller et al. (2012) suggest, we should not leave the induction of the next generation of developers to chance. We suggest that one way of ensuring appropriate induction is through a formal course for developers. Difficulties for newcomers to the field are illustrated by Kensington-Miller et al. (2012) when they report seeking ‘top tips’ at a HERDSA conference. We do not dismiss informal learning at conferences or the role of mentoring, coaching, apprenticeship, and so on, in inducting developers, nor do we minimise the benefits of relatively structured processes such as fellowship programmes, workshops, and postgraduate qualifications in related fields. However, these ways of induction may not offer novices the structured and systematic developmental opportunities needed to become developers able to fulfil varied, complex, and sometimes contradictory roles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Quinn, Lynn , Vorster, Jo-Anne E
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66546 , vital:28961 , https://doi.org/10.1080/1360144X.2013.879719
- Description: publisher version , There is no defined route to becoming an academic developer. The research on pathways into the field (e.g. Kensington-Miller, Brailsford, and Gossman, 2012; McDonald, 2010; McDonald and Stockley, 2008) shows that in most cases ‘serendipity and chance played a role’ (McDonald, 2010, p. 40). Moreover, induction into academic development (AD) is often ad hoc, haphazard, and informal. Due to the changing higher education (HE) context, the field has grown exponentially and in many countries now plays a central role in institutions. This has generated increased demand for knowledgeable and competent developers that are able to contribute towards solving some vexing problems in contemporary HE. Current recruitment and induction processes of new developers do not necessarily meet this demand. In light of the above, we pose the question: given the changing context of HE and the field of AD, is it not time for us to induct newcomers into the field more systematically? As Kensington-Miller et al. (2012) suggest, we should not leave the induction of the next generation of developers to chance. We suggest that one way of ensuring appropriate induction is through a formal course for developers. Difficulties for newcomers to the field are illustrated by Kensington-Miller et al. (2012) when they report seeking ‘top tips’ at a HERDSA conference. We do not dismiss informal learning at conferences or the role of mentoring, coaching, apprenticeship, and so on, in inducting developers, nor do we minimise the benefits of relatively structured processes such as fellowship programmes, workshops, and postgraduate qualifications in related fields. However, these ways of induction may not offer novices the structured and systematic developmental opportunities needed to become developers able to fulfil varied, complex, and sometimes contradictory roles.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Regulatory incoherence and economic potential of freshwater recreational fisheries: the trout triangle in South Africa
- Marire, Juniours, Snowball, Jeanette D, Fraser, Gavin C G
- Authors: Marire, Juniours , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68621 , vital:29295 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2753/JEI0021-3624480406
- Description: Publisher version , We apply John R. Commons’s negotiational psychology, specifically his principle of sovereignty, to the development of a discordant regulatory culture and its likely impact on the economic potential of recreational fishing. Using South African environmental judicial precedents and other documentation, we formulate six plausible hypotheses. We argue that regulatory incoherence, entitlement insecurity, corporate-dominated social valuation, strategic power coalitions, lack of procedural fairness, and the extent of judicial enforcement of environmental rights help explain the economic potential and isolation of the freshwater recreational fisheries sector. We find a consistent pattern of extraction and monopolization of sovereign power by the Department of Mineral Resources from propertied parties. Thus, regulatory domination is a major mechanism affecting the economic potential of recreational fisheries in the Trout Triangle. While Commons postulated that private property is a sufficient condition for participation in the determination and use of sovereign power, we argue that private/public property is only a necessary condition. The conjunctive sufficient condition is the existence of both regulatory coherence between spheres of government and property.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Marire, Juniours , Snowball, Jeanette D , Fraser, Gavin C G
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68621 , vital:29295 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2753/JEI0021-3624480406
- Description: Publisher version , We apply John R. Commons’s negotiational psychology, specifically his principle of sovereignty, to the development of a discordant regulatory culture and its likely impact on the economic potential of recreational fishing. Using South African environmental judicial precedents and other documentation, we formulate six plausible hypotheses. We argue that regulatory incoherence, entitlement insecurity, corporate-dominated social valuation, strategic power coalitions, lack of procedural fairness, and the extent of judicial enforcement of environmental rights help explain the economic potential and isolation of the freshwater recreational fisheries sector. We find a consistent pattern of extraction and monopolization of sovereign power by the Department of Mineral Resources from propertied parties. Thus, regulatory domination is a major mechanism affecting the economic potential of recreational fisheries in the Trout Triangle. While Commons postulated that private property is a sufficient condition for participation in the determination and use of sovereign power, we argue that private/public property is only a necessary condition. The conjunctive sufficient condition is the existence of both regulatory coherence between spheres of government and property.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Sanitation policy and prevention of environmental contamination in South Africa
- Hoossein, Shafick, Whittington-Jones, Kevin J, Tandlich, Roman
- Authors: Hoossein, Shafick , Whittington-Jones, Kevin J , Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76834 , vital:30628 , DOI:10.30638/eemj.2014.141
- Description: Prior to 1994, 21 million people were without access to sanitation in South Africa. Progress towards the backlog elimination started after 1994, but was slow-paced. From 1994 until 2011, the sanitation backlog has been decreased by between 29.8 and 79.2 % from the 1994 levels, depending on the province. Mechanisms were created for implementation of sanitation projects, but this was marginally successful and risk of environmental pollution from sanitation persisted. The period between 2009 and present day seemed to have brought on a significant fast-tracking of sanitation project around South Africa. This coincides with the transfer of oversight and partial implementation responsibility to the Department of Human Settlement and the launch of the Rural Household Infrastructure Programme. It also originated from the integrated programmes which drew in input from all stakeholders at the national and local government levels. Limitations still exist in maintenance and sanitation skills’ portfolio of some local municipalities, mainly in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Province. However, the present status is still in partial conflict with government aims, legislation and policies. Novel tools such as the Technology Assessment and the Environmental Technology Assessment will have to be implemented in the sanitation decision-making and the novel strategies for skills development will have to be devised. If sufficient maintenance skills are developed in a local municipal area, then this will prevent negative environmental effects and results in lowered sanitation-related environmental contamination. Improvement in can be expected from the new national Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Hoossein, Shafick , Whittington-Jones, Kevin J , Tandlich, Roman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/76834 , vital:30628 , DOI:10.30638/eemj.2014.141
- Description: Prior to 1994, 21 million people were without access to sanitation in South Africa. Progress towards the backlog elimination started after 1994, but was slow-paced. From 1994 until 2011, the sanitation backlog has been decreased by between 29.8 and 79.2 % from the 1994 levels, depending on the province. Mechanisms were created for implementation of sanitation projects, but this was marginally successful and risk of environmental pollution from sanitation persisted. The period between 2009 and present day seemed to have brought on a significant fast-tracking of sanitation project around South Africa. This coincides with the transfer of oversight and partial implementation responsibility to the Department of Human Settlement and the launch of the Rural Household Infrastructure Programme. It also originated from the integrated programmes which drew in input from all stakeholders at the national and local government levels. Limitations still exist in maintenance and sanitation skills’ portfolio of some local municipalities, mainly in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Province. However, the present status is still in partial conflict with government aims, legislation and policies. Novel tools such as the Technology Assessment and the Environmental Technology Assessment will have to be implemented in the sanitation decision-making and the novel strategies for skills development will have to be devised. If sufficient maintenance skills are developed in a local municipal area, then this will prevent negative environmental effects and results in lowered sanitation-related environmental contamination. Improvement in can be expected from the new national Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Stable isotope ratios indicate differential omnivory among syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders
- Richoux, Nicole B, Vermeulen, Ilke, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68261 , vital:29224 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2358-6
- Description: Publisher version , We utilised stable isotope ratios to assess differences in diet among three indigenous and syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders (mussels Perna perna, barnacles Tetraclita serrata, and polychaetes Gunnarea gaimardi). We also determined the spatial and temporal variability in the suspension-feeder diets by collecting specimens on two occasions from two regions adjacent to hydrologically distinct river mouths (i.e. one with larger annual freshwater throughput than the other). The results showed that the isotopic niches (used as proxies for trophic niches) of the three species did not overlap and that the barnacles occupied a trophic position (3.4) well above those of the mussels (2) and polychaetes (2.6). We ascribed the interspecific differences primarily to the disparate feeding mechanisms used by the species. Large-scale regional (~50 km) differences in suspension-feeder diets were apparent, but not small-scale (up to a few km north and south of each estuary mouth). The regional differences in diet resulted from the increased availability of estuarine-origin suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton in the region adjacent to the river with relatively larger freshwater output, although overall incorporation of zooplankton versus mixed SPM into consumer diets was relatively consistent between regions and through time. Temporal shifts in suspension-feeder diets were apparent from stable carbon isotope ratios in the consumers. Our results showcase the measurable effects of regional-scale processes that can alter the food sources for dominant primary consumers in the rocky intertidal, thus potentially affecting entire food webs through bottom-up processes. The clear evidence for trophic niche partitioning offers valuable insights into how potentially strong competitors can coexist.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Vermeulen, Ilke , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68261 , vital:29224 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2358-6
- Description: Publisher version , We utilised stable isotope ratios to assess differences in diet among three indigenous and syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders (mussels Perna perna, barnacles Tetraclita serrata, and polychaetes Gunnarea gaimardi). We also determined the spatial and temporal variability in the suspension-feeder diets by collecting specimens on two occasions from two regions adjacent to hydrologically distinct river mouths (i.e. one with larger annual freshwater throughput than the other). The results showed that the isotopic niches (used as proxies for trophic niches) of the three species did not overlap and that the barnacles occupied a trophic position (3.4) well above those of the mussels (2) and polychaetes (2.6). We ascribed the interspecific differences primarily to the disparate feeding mechanisms used by the species. Large-scale regional (~50 km) differences in suspension-feeder diets were apparent, but not small-scale (up to a few km north and south of each estuary mouth). The regional differences in diet resulted from the increased availability of estuarine-origin suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton in the region adjacent to the river with relatively larger freshwater output, although overall incorporation of zooplankton versus mixed SPM into consumer diets was relatively consistent between regions and through time. Temporal shifts in suspension-feeder diets were apparent from stable carbon isotope ratios in the consumers. Our results showcase the measurable effects of regional-scale processes that can alter the food sources for dominant primary consumers in the rocky intertidal, thus potentially affecting entire food webs through bottom-up processes. The clear evidence for trophic niche partitioning offers valuable insights into how potentially strong competitors can coexist.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Temporal and spatial variability in the abundance, biomass and distribution of Palaemon peringueyi (Decapoda: Crustacea) are influenced by biological but not physico-chemical factors in the permanently open Kariega Estuary, South Africa
- Nyalungu, Nonhlanhla P, Hodgson, Alan N, Froneman, P William, Dopolo, M, Masubelele, M
- Authors: Nyalungu, Nonhlanhla P , Hodgson, Alan N , Froneman, P William , Dopolo, M , Masubelele, M
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68106 , vital:29200 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.960792
- Description: Publisher version , Biological and physico-chemical factors affecting abundance and biomass of shrimp Palaemon peringueyi were investigated in 2010–2011 in the lower, middle and upper reaches of the freshwater-deprived permanently open Kariega Estuary. Shrimp abundance and biomass ranged from 0 to 88 ind. m−2 and 0 to 4.4 g wwt m−2, respectively. Shrimps were most abundant in the lower reach, and highest abundances and biomasses were recorded in the lower reach in June when salinities were low. The shrimps were almost always absent in the upper reach. Juveniles were found mostly in the lower and middle reaches, whereas adults were distributed in all three reaches. Regression analyses showed no statistically significant relationship for either abundance or biomass of the shrimps with temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (p > 0.05). The relationship between shrimp abundance and biomass and vegetation cover was positive and statistically significant (R2 = 0.109 and 0.185, respectively; p < 0.05). Vegetation cover plays an important role in determining the presence, distribution and abundance or biomass of P. peringueyi in this estuary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nyalungu, Nonhlanhla P , Hodgson, Alan N , Froneman, P William , Dopolo, M , Masubelele, M
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68106 , vital:29200 , https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.960792
- Description: Publisher version , Biological and physico-chemical factors affecting abundance and biomass of shrimp Palaemon peringueyi were investigated in 2010–2011 in the lower, middle and upper reaches of the freshwater-deprived permanently open Kariega Estuary. Shrimp abundance and biomass ranged from 0 to 88 ind. m−2 and 0 to 4.4 g wwt m−2, respectively. Shrimps were most abundant in the lower reach, and highest abundances and biomasses were recorded in the lower reach in June when salinities were low. The shrimps were almost always absent in the upper reach. Juveniles were found mostly in the lower and middle reaches, whereas adults were distributed in all three reaches. Regression analyses showed no statistically significant relationship for either abundance or biomass of the shrimps with temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen (p > 0.05). The relationship between shrimp abundance and biomass and vegetation cover was positive and statistically significant (R2 = 0.109 and 0.185, respectively; p < 0.05). Vegetation cover plays an important role in determining the presence, distribution and abundance or biomass of P. peringueyi in this estuary.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
The (in)significance of the common law? Constitutional interpretation and the Mansingh judgments
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68900 , vital:29337 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC155168
- Description: Publisher version , The law reports abound with case law on the interpretation of the provisions in the Bill of Rights. Cases on the interpretation of constitutional provisions that fall outside of the Bill of Rights are, by contrast, few and far between. (A few prominent examples are S v Mhlungu 1995 (3) SA 867 (CC); President of the Republic of South Africa v South African Rugby Football Union 2000 (1) SA 1 (CC) ('SARFU'); Matatiele Municipality v President of the Republic of South Africa 2006 (5) SA 47 (CC); Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC); Merafong Demarcation Forum v President of the Republic of South Africa 2008 (5) SA171 (CC); Chonco v President of the Republic of South Africa 2010 (6) BCLR 511 (CC); Albutt v Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 2010 (3) SA 293 (CC).) Mansingh's April 2011 application to the North Gauteng High Court was one of these unusual cases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68900 , vital:29337 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC155168
- Description: Publisher version , The law reports abound with case law on the interpretation of the provisions in the Bill of Rights. Cases on the interpretation of constitutional provisions that fall outside of the Bill of Rights are, by contrast, few and far between. (A few prominent examples are S v Mhlungu 1995 (3) SA 867 (CC); President of the Republic of South Africa v South African Rugby Football Union 2000 (1) SA 1 (CC) ('SARFU'); Matatiele Municipality v President of the Republic of South Africa 2006 (5) SA 47 (CC); Doctors for Life International v Speaker of the National Assembly 2006 (6) SA 416 (CC); Merafong Demarcation Forum v President of the Republic of South Africa 2008 (5) SA171 (CC); Chonco v President of the Republic of South Africa 2010 (6) BCLR 511 (CC); Albutt v Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation 2010 (3) SA 293 (CC).) Mansingh's April 2011 application to the North Gauteng High Court was one of these unusual cases.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
The rooting system of Leptophloeum Dawson: New material from the upper Devonian, Famennian Witpoort Formation of South Africa
- Prestianni, Cyrille, Gess, Robert W
- Authors: Prestianni, Cyrille , Gess, Robert W
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72732 , vital:30104 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2014.05.007
- Description: The rhizomorphs of Early (Devonian and Early Carboniferous) arborescent lycopsids are known from only a handful of taxa. That of Leptophloeum is previously described from a single fragmentary specimen from China that, in our opinion, has been incorrectly interpreted. Here we describe several relatively well-preserved examples of Leptophloeumrhizomorphs from the Famennian aged Waterloo Farm Lägerstatte of South Africa. We demonstrate an unlobed cormose morphology separated from the microphyll bearing axis by a smooth transition zone. This provides one of the few known examples of a cormose lycopsid rhizomorph dating back to the Devonian. We assign this material and all previously published South African Leptophloeum material to Leptophloeum rhombicum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Prestianni, Cyrille , Gess, Robert W
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72732 , vital:30104 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2014.05.007
- Description: The rhizomorphs of Early (Devonian and Early Carboniferous) arborescent lycopsids are known from only a handful of taxa. That of Leptophloeum is previously described from a single fragmentary specimen from China that, in our opinion, has been incorrectly interpreted. Here we describe several relatively well-preserved examples of Leptophloeumrhizomorphs from the Famennian aged Waterloo Farm Lägerstatte of South Africa. We demonstrate an unlobed cormose morphology separated from the microphyll bearing axis by a smooth transition zone. This provides one of the few known examples of a cormose lycopsid rhizomorph dating back to the Devonian. We assign this material and all previously published South African Leptophloeum material to Leptophloeum rhombicum.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Unclogging the wheels: how the shift from politics to law affects Africa's relationship with the international system
- Authors: Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127123 , vital:35958 , https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/tlcp23amp;div=17amp;g_sent=1amp;casa_token=amp;collection=journals
- Description: Gone are the days when scholars debated whether international law was really law and whether the adjudicatory organs of the international system could effectuate the demands of the international rule of law. 1 This old time debate has, in recent times, given way to temperate and yet decisive acknowledgement of the legal authority of institutions resident within the international system.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Juma, Laurence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127123 , vital:35958 , https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/tlcp23amp;div=17amp;g_sent=1amp;casa_token=amp;collection=journals
- Description: Gone are the days when scholars debated whether international law was really law and whether the adjudicatory organs of the international system could effectuate the demands of the international rule of law. 1 This old time debate has, in recent times, given way to temperate and yet decisive acknowledgement of the legal authority of institutions resident within the international system.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
Using multivariate analysis and stable isotopes to assess the effects of substrate type on phytobenthos communities
- Dalu, Tatenda, Richoux, Nicole B, Froneman, P William
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68123 , vital:29201 , https://doi.org/10.5268/IW-4.4.719
- Description: Publisher version , For more than a century, artificial substrates have been employed in phytobenthos studies. In the present study, we compared the phytobenthos community structure in a field experiment over 3 seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on 3 types of artificial substrates (brick, brown clay tiles, and grey clay tiles) and 3 natural substrates (macrophytes, rocks, and sediment) in a small, temperate system. A combination of multivariate analyses (cluster, multi-response permutation procedure, indicator species [IndVal], and canonical correspondence analysis [CCA]) and stable isotope analysis was used. We identified 96 total phytobenthos taxa. Artificial substrates resulted in different substrate communities, as shown by stable isotope analysis, cluster analysis, and a multi-response permutation procedure, with only those communities growing on grey tiles being similar to natural substrate communities. Overall, artificial substrates exhibited slightly higher species richness compared to natural substrates over the 3 seasons, although there were no significant differences (p> 0.05). Phytobenthos grown on brown tiles, rocks, and bricks showed seasonal variability of the carbon isotope δ13C values using one-way ANOVA (p< 0.05). Phytobenthos community structure did not show great seasonal variation; however, CCA identified water flow, conductivity, ammonium, phosphate, and water depth as important in structuring phytobenthos communities on different substrates. IndVal analysis showed that common phytobenthos taxa were not restricted to a single substrate, but preference was generally high for natural substrate, especially rocks, compared to artificial substrates. Substrate microhabitat type seems to influence the communities within the study areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dalu, Tatenda , Richoux, Nicole B , Froneman, P William
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68123 , vital:29201 , https://doi.org/10.5268/IW-4.4.719
- Description: Publisher version , For more than a century, artificial substrates have been employed in phytobenthos studies. In the present study, we compared the phytobenthos community structure in a field experiment over 3 seasons (summer, autumn, and winter) on 3 types of artificial substrates (brick, brown clay tiles, and grey clay tiles) and 3 natural substrates (macrophytes, rocks, and sediment) in a small, temperate system. A combination of multivariate analyses (cluster, multi-response permutation procedure, indicator species [IndVal], and canonical correspondence analysis [CCA]) and stable isotope analysis was used. We identified 96 total phytobenthos taxa. Artificial substrates resulted in different substrate communities, as shown by stable isotope analysis, cluster analysis, and a multi-response permutation procedure, with only those communities growing on grey tiles being similar to natural substrate communities. Overall, artificial substrates exhibited slightly higher species richness compared to natural substrates over the 3 seasons, although there were no significant differences (p> 0.05). Phytobenthos grown on brown tiles, rocks, and bricks showed seasonal variability of the carbon isotope δ13C values using one-way ANOVA (p< 0.05). Phytobenthos community structure did not show great seasonal variation; however, CCA identified water flow, conductivity, ammonium, phosphate, and water depth as important in structuring phytobenthos communities on different substrates. IndVal analysis showed that common phytobenthos taxa were not restricted to a single substrate, but preference was generally high for natural substrate, especially rocks, compared to artificial substrates. Substrate microhabitat type seems to influence the communities within the study areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
A ring-closing metathesis approach to eight-membered benzannelated scaffolds and subsequent internal alkene isomerizations
- Taher, Abu, Aderibigbe, Blessing A, Morgans, Garreth L, Madeley, Lee G, Khanye, Setshaba D, Van der Westhuizen, Leandi, Fernandes, Manuel A, Smith, Vincent J, Michael, Joseph P, Green, Ivan R, Van Otterlo, Willem A L
- Authors: Taher, Abu , Aderibigbe, Blessing A , Morgans, Garreth L , Madeley, Lee G , Khanye, Setshaba D , Van der Westhuizen, Leandi , Fernandes, Manuel A , Smith, Vincent J , Michael, Joseph P , Green, Ivan R , Van Otterlo, Willem A L
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66252 , vital:28925 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2012.12.043
- Description: publisher version , A set of eight-membered benzannelated heterocycles containing two heteroatoms (O,O, NR,NR and O,NR where R=protecting group) was synthesized by ring-closing metathesis from the corresponding ortho-bis-allyl precursors. In this manner, 7-methoxy-2,5-dihydro-1,6-benzodioxocine, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,6-benzodiazocines, 5,6-dihydro-2H-1,6-benzoxazocines and 5,6,9,10-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-b][1,4]diazocine were synthesized. A number of these compounds were then treated with the catalyst [RuClH(CO)(PPh3)3] to facilitate isomerization of the alkene into conjugation with the heteroatoms in the eight-membered ring. Quite surprisingly, an equal ratio of regioisomers was obtained, even if the heteroatoms were different.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Taher, Abu , Aderibigbe, Blessing A , Morgans, Garreth L , Madeley, Lee G , Khanye, Setshaba D , Van der Westhuizen, Leandi , Fernandes, Manuel A , Smith, Vincent J , Michael, Joseph P , Green, Ivan R , Van Otterlo, Willem A L
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66252 , vital:28925 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tet.2012.12.043
- Description: publisher version , A set of eight-membered benzannelated heterocycles containing two heteroatoms (O,O, NR,NR and O,NR where R=protecting group) was synthesized by ring-closing metathesis from the corresponding ortho-bis-allyl precursors. In this manner, 7-methoxy-2,5-dihydro-1,6-benzodioxocine, 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1,6-benzodiazocines, 5,6-dihydro-2H-1,6-benzoxazocines and 5,6,9,10-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-b][1,4]diazocine were synthesized. A number of these compounds were then treated with the catalyst [RuClH(CO)(PPh3)3] to facilitate isomerization of the alkene into conjugation with the heteroatoms in the eight-membered ring. Quite surprisingly, an equal ratio of regioisomers was obtained, even if the heteroatoms were different.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
An Unprecedented 'Precedent'?: Phodiclinics (Pty) Ltd v Pinehaven Private Hospital (Pty) Ltd (594/2010)[2011] ZASCA163 (28 September 2011); 2011 4 All SA 331 (SCA)
- Authors: Glover, Graham B
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69950 , vital:29598 , https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2364288
- Description: There are some fundamental underlying requirements that need to be in place for a system of precedent to operate. Of these I wish to isolate two that are germane to this note. The first is that court decisions (especially those in which a written judgment is handed down) need to be clearly reasoned and logically articulated to be understandable, effective and to have value in a system of precedent that finds its ultimate lodestar in the rule of law. There is no constitutional or statutory requirement that a court in all cases must furnish reasons, or even written reasons, for its decision But the practice of doing so, the Constitutional Court has said, supports the rule of law, ensuring that judicial decision-making does not occur in a manner that is arbitrary, and ensures that judges may be held accountable for their decisions. The second requirement is a technical rule – the rule of majority: if the case is heard by a full bench, and where differing opinions are handed down by the judges hearing the case, the ratio decidendi can only be identified from those judges whose reasoning is in the majority.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Glover, Graham B
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69950 , vital:29598 , https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2364288
- Description: There are some fundamental underlying requirements that need to be in place for a system of precedent to operate. Of these I wish to isolate two that are germane to this note. The first is that court decisions (especially those in which a written judgment is handed down) need to be clearly reasoned and logically articulated to be understandable, effective and to have value in a system of precedent that finds its ultimate lodestar in the rule of law. There is no constitutional or statutory requirement that a court in all cases must furnish reasons, or even written reasons, for its decision But the practice of doing so, the Constitutional Court has said, supports the rule of law, ensuring that judicial decision-making does not occur in a manner that is arbitrary, and ensures that judges may be held accountable for their decisions. The second requirement is a technical rule – the rule of majority: if the case is heard by a full bench, and where differing opinions are handed down by the judges hearing the case, the ratio decidendi can only be identified from those judges whose reasoning is in the majority.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
Dancing with the devil: formative peer assessment and academic performance
- Mostert, Markus, Snowball, Jeanette D
- Authors: Mostert, Markus , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69301 , vital:29483 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2012.705262
- Description: Peer assessment can be important in developing active and independent learners, as well as providing more and faster feedback in large classes, compared to marking done by tutors. In addition, the evaluative, critical stance required by students in order to assess their peers' work encourages the development of higher-order cognitive skills. Changing roles from being assessed to being an assessor can also improve students' ability to judge and improve on their own work. However, peer assessment does have potential problems and there is some debate as to the appropriate academic level at which to implement it, the kinds of feedback that are given and the ways in which students respond. In addition, there is little evidence that peer assessment has an impact on academic performance. This research reports the results of an online peer assessment exercise for a macroeconomics essay conducted in a large Economics 1 class at Rhodes University. Of the 800 students, about half participated in the peer assessment exercise. Data were collected from students via a formal course evaluation. In addition, a sample of 50 essays was evaluated in terms of the relationship between peer marks and final (tutor) marks received and the impact that peer assessment had on the quality of the final essay submitted. An Ordinary Least Squares regression was used to investigate the impact of peer assessment participation on marks. Results showed that peer marks tended to ‘bunch’ in the 60–68% range, indicating the reluctance of peers to give very high or low marks. In general, peers gave more useful feedback on technical aspects, such as presentation and referencing (which were also the categories in which students most often made improvements), than on content. Regression analysis showed that peer assessment participation was not a significant determinant of final essay mark, but that economics ability and English language proficiency were.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mostert, Markus , Snowball, Jeanette D
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69301 , vital:29483 , https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2012.705262
- Description: Peer assessment can be important in developing active and independent learners, as well as providing more and faster feedback in large classes, compared to marking done by tutors. In addition, the evaluative, critical stance required by students in order to assess their peers' work encourages the development of higher-order cognitive skills. Changing roles from being assessed to being an assessor can also improve students' ability to judge and improve on their own work. However, peer assessment does have potential problems and there is some debate as to the appropriate academic level at which to implement it, the kinds of feedback that are given and the ways in which students respond. In addition, there is little evidence that peer assessment has an impact on academic performance. This research reports the results of an online peer assessment exercise for a macroeconomics essay conducted in a large Economics 1 class at Rhodes University. Of the 800 students, about half participated in the peer assessment exercise. Data were collected from students via a formal course evaluation. In addition, a sample of 50 essays was evaluated in terms of the relationship between peer marks and final (tutor) marks received and the impact that peer assessment had on the quality of the final essay submitted. An Ordinary Least Squares regression was used to investigate the impact of peer assessment participation on marks. Results showed that peer marks tended to ‘bunch’ in the 60–68% range, indicating the reluctance of peers to give very high or low marks. In general, peers gave more useful feedback on technical aspects, such as presentation and referencing (which were also the categories in which students most often made improvements), than on content. Regression analysis showed that peer assessment participation was not a significant determinant of final essay mark, but that economics ability and English language proficiency were.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2013