An exploration of the impact of AIDS-related losses and role changes on grandmothers
- Authors: Burt, Mary
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Loss (Psychology) Grandmothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006487
- Description: The US Bureau of the Census (1999) projected that by 2004, 14 million people in sub-Saharan Africa will develop full blown AIDS, making this region by far the largest disease burden in the world (World Health Organization, 2002). The United Nations AIDS Programme judged South Africa to have the leading number of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2002). To date there has been extensive research conducted on the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on families in Africa. However an area of investigation that has remained largely underreported is the inquiry into the psychological impacts of HIV/AIDS on elderly caregivers. In African families older women increasingly have to provide care to their adult children with AIDS and their orphaned grandchildren. However few research studies have assessed the experience of parental caregiving and its psychological impacts on these women. This qualitative research study hypothesised that the role of primary parental caregiver in fact causes a range of psychologically distressing states, which serve to compromise the psychological well-being of these caregivers. To investigate this hypothesis three Xhosa speaking women living in informal settlements in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were selected for the study. The women were interviewed by means of semi-structured interviews, which consisted of questions related to their caregiving experiences, their experiences of loss, their choice of coping strategies, the role of support networks and their experiences of foster care responsibilities. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded hermeneutic approach. The research results confirmed the working hypothesis. The research revealed that although it was considered culturally appropriate for older women to care for their children and grandchildren, their caregiver roles caused significant psychological distress. Their distress was related to: emotional and physical exhaustion, complicated grief reactions and ongoing emotional and physical upheaval related to foster care responsibilities. Based on the results, the research recommendations emphasised the need for continual awareness of the psychological implications of caregiving for older African women with the aim to preserve their capacity to function as the primary caring resource to families struck by HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Burt, Mary
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape HIV infections -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Bereavement -- Psychological aspects -- Eastern Cape Foster parents -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Loss (Psychology) Grandmothers -- South Africa -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3131 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006487
- Description: The US Bureau of the Census (1999) projected that by 2004, 14 million people in sub-Saharan Africa will develop full blown AIDS, making this region by far the largest disease burden in the world (World Health Organization, 2002). The United Nations AIDS Programme judged South Africa to have the leading number of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide (World Health Organisation, 2002). To date there has been extensive research conducted on the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on families in Africa. However an area of investigation that has remained largely underreported is the inquiry into the psychological impacts of HIV/AIDS on elderly caregivers. In African families older women increasingly have to provide care to their adult children with AIDS and their orphaned grandchildren. However few research studies have assessed the experience of parental caregiving and its psychological impacts on these women. This qualitative research study hypothesised that the role of primary parental caregiver in fact causes a range of psychologically distressing states, which serve to compromise the psychological well-being of these caregivers. To investigate this hypothesis three Xhosa speaking women living in informal settlements in Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were selected for the study. The women were interviewed by means of semi-structured interviews, which consisted of questions related to their caregiving experiences, their experiences of loss, their choice of coping strategies, the role of support networks and their experiences of foster care responsibilities. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded hermeneutic approach. The research results confirmed the working hypothesis. The research revealed that although it was considered culturally appropriate for older women to care for their children and grandchildren, their caregiver roles caused significant psychological distress. Their distress was related to: emotional and physical exhaustion, complicated grief reactions and ongoing emotional and physical upheaval related to foster care responsibilities. Based on the results, the research recommendations emphasised the need for continual awareness of the psychological implications of caregiving for older African women with the aim to preserve their capacity to function as the primary caring resource to families struck by HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An indirect method to assess the energy expenditure of manual labourers in situ
- Scott, Patricia A, Christie, Candice J
- Authors: Scott, Patricia A , Christie, Candice J
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008390
- Description: The aim of ergonomics is to identify any incompatibility between worker capabilities and the demands of their job. It is therefore desirable that in a developing country such as South Africa we have some basic, yet valid and usable means of measuring worker responses to physically demanding manual tasks. Extensive ergonomic research has been conducted in the controlled environment of laboratories around the globe, but only a limited number of investigations have been conducted in the workplace. This is due to the impossibility of controlling the extraneous factors such as the environment and changing workloads while assessing worker responses, plus the impracticality of using hi-tech equipment under difficult conditions on unsophisticated workers. The likelihood of obtaining ‘natural’ responses thereby is low. The focus of this study was to establish a less invasive means of assessing the physiological responses (specifically energy expenditure) of manual labourers working in the field. Twenty-three forestry stackers were assessed. Heart-rate responses were recorded during a full shift, after which the workers participated in a submaximal incremental step test. Subjects were fitted with a gas analyser, and heart rate and oxygen consumption responses were measured throughout the 12-min test. These data were used to establish a regression equation based on the relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption (r² = 0.49; r = 0.69). Using this equation (y=0.26x – 6.42), one can measure heart rate in the field and predict the energy cost of manual tasks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Scott, Patricia A , Christie, Candice J
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008390
- Description: The aim of ergonomics is to identify any incompatibility between worker capabilities and the demands of their job. It is therefore desirable that in a developing country such as South Africa we have some basic, yet valid and usable means of measuring worker responses to physically demanding manual tasks. Extensive ergonomic research has been conducted in the controlled environment of laboratories around the globe, but only a limited number of investigations have been conducted in the workplace. This is due to the impossibility of controlling the extraneous factors such as the environment and changing workloads while assessing worker responses, plus the impracticality of using hi-tech equipment under difficult conditions on unsophisticated workers. The likelihood of obtaining ‘natural’ responses thereby is low. The focus of this study was to establish a less invasive means of assessing the physiological responses (specifically energy expenditure) of manual labourers working in the field. Twenty-three forestry stackers were assessed. Heart-rate responses were recorded during a full shift, after which the workers participated in a submaximal incremental step test. Subjects were fitted with a gas analyser, and heart rate and oxygen consumption responses were measured throughout the 12-min test. These data were used to establish a regression equation based on the relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption (r² = 0.49; r = 0.69). Using this equation (y=0.26x – 6.42), one can measure heart rate in the field and predict the energy cost of manual tasks.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An interdisciplinary cruise dedicated to understanding ocean eddies upstream of the Prince Edward Islands
- Ansorge, Isabelle J, Froneman, P William, Lutjeharms, Johan R E, Bernard, Kim S, Lange, Louise, Lukáč, D, Backburg, B, Blake, Justin, Bland, S, Burls, N, Davies-Coleman, Michael T, Gerber, R, Gildenhuys, S, Hayes-Foley, P, Ludford, A, Manzoni, T, Robertson, E, Southey, D, Swart, S, Van Rensburg, D, Wynne, S
- Authors: Ansorge, Isabelle J , Froneman, P William , Lutjeharms, Johan R E , Bernard, Kim S , Lange, Louise , Lukáč, D , Backburg, B , Blake, Justin , Bland, S , Burls, N , Davies-Coleman, Michael T , Gerber, R , Gildenhuys, S , Hayes-Foley, P , Ludford, A , Manzoni, T , Robertson, E , Southey, D , Swart, S , Van Rensburg, D , Wynne, S
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007566
- Description: A detailed hydrographic and biological survey was carried out in the region of the South-West Indian Ridge during April 2004. Altimetry and hydrographic data have identified this region as an area of high flow variability. Hydrographic data revealed that here the Subantarctic Polar Front (SAF) and Antarctic Polar Front (APF) converge to form a highly intense frontal system. Water masses identified during the survey showed a distinct separation in properties between the northwestern and southeastern corners. In the north-west, water masses were distinctly Subantarctic (>8.5°C, salinity >34.2), suggesting that the SAF lay extremely far to the south. In the southeast corner water masses were typical of the Antarctic zone, showing a distinct subsurface temperature minimum of <2.5°C. Total integrated chl-a concentration during the survey ranged from 4.15 to 22.81 mg chl-a m[superscript (-2)], with the highest concentrations recorded at stations occupied in the frontal region. These data suggest that the region of the South-West Indian Ridge represents not only an area of elevated biological activity but also acts as a strong biogeographic barrier to the spatial distribution of zooplankton.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Ansorge, Isabelle J , Froneman, P William , Lutjeharms, Johan R E , Bernard, Kim S , Lange, Louise , Lukáč, D , Backburg, B , Blake, Justin , Bland, S , Burls, N , Davies-Coleman, Michael T , Gerber, R , Gildenhuys, S , Hayes-Foley, P , Ludford, A , Manzoni, T , Robertson, E , Southey, D , Swart, S , Van Rensburg, D , Wynne, S
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007566
- Description: A detailed hydrographic and biological survey was carried out in the region of the South-West Indian Ridge during April 2004. Altimetry and hydrographic data have identified this region as an area of high flow variability. Hydrographic data revealed that here the Subantarctic Polar Front (SAF) and Antarctic Polar Front (APF) converge to form a highly intense frontal system. Water masses identified during the survey showed a distinct separation in properties between the northwestern and southeastern corners. In the north-west, water masses were distinctly Subantarctic (>8.5°C, salinity >34.2), suggesting that the SAF lay extremely far to the south. In the southeast corner water masses were typical of the Antarctic zone, showing a distinct subsurface temperature minimum of <2.5°C. Total integrated chl-a concentration during the survey ranged from 4.15 to 22.81 mg chl-a m[superscript (-2)], with the highest concentrations recorded at stations occupied in the frontal region. These data suggest that the region of the South-West Indian Ridge represents not only an area of elevated biological activity but also acts as a strong biogeographic barrier to the spatial distribution of zooplankton.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An interpretive use of drawings to explore the lived experiences of orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa
- Authors: Steenveld, Clint Michael
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa HIV infections -- South Africa HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) in children -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004374
- Description: Against the backdrop of the growing problem of AIDS orphans in South Africa and greater sub-Saharan Africa, this qualitative enquiry examines the lives of three South African orphaned children living with HIV / AIDS in a children's home in Cape Town. It aims to generate rich, child-centred descriptions of some of the significant experiences of the children's lives. Drawings, dialogue and narrative were employed to generate the primary data. This was supplemented by collateral interviews and other relevant records, e.g. medical and biographical. Existential-phenomenological theory informed the approach to data collection and analysis. Each child produced a series often to twelve impromptu drawings over a period often weeks. These drawings and transcripts of the children's verbal descriptions of their drawings were extensively analysed. Significant themes for each participant as well as themes common to all three were identified. Some of the central themes emerging include loss, abandonment, death, disease awareness and coping. The children's ability to develop adaptive coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of traumatic loss and terminal illness was a particularly outstanding feature of the findings. Recommendations are made regarding future research to address the lack of qualitative, child-focused investigations as well as appropriate interventions for addressing the psychosocial needs of orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Steenveld, Clint Michael
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa HIV infections -- South Africa HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) -- Psychological aspects HIV infections -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa AIDS (Disease) in children -- Psychological aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3099 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004374
- Description: Against the backdrop of the growing problem of AIDS orphans in South Africa and greater sub-Saharan Africa, this qualitative enquiry examines the lives of three South African orphaned children living with HIV / AIDS in a children's home in Cape Town. It aims to generate rich, child-centred descriptions of some of the significant experiences of the children's lives. Drawings, dialogue and narrative were employed to generate the primary data. This was supplemented by collateral interviews and other relevant records, e.g. medical and biographical. Existential-phenomenological theory informed the approach to data collection and analysis. Each child produced a series often to twelve impromptu drawings over a period often weeks. These drawings and transcripts of the children's verbal descriptions of their drawings were extensively analysed. Significant themes for each participant as well as themes common to all three were identified. Some of the central themes emerging include loss, abandonment, death, disease awareness and coping. The children's ability to develop adaptive coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of traumatic loss and terminal illness was a particularly outstanding feature of the findings. Recommendations are made regarding future research to address the lack of qualitative, child-focused investigations as well as appropriate interventions for addressing the psychosocial needs of orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An introduction: Peteni in context
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC47870
- Description: preprint , It is rare for a writer to make a literary impact with only one novel. It is even more unusual when that work is written by a novice author in his early sixties. Yet such is the case of R.L. Peteni, whose novel, Hill of Fools, was published by David Philip in South Africa in 1976, and internationally in the same year by Heinemann in the African Writers Series. Four years later, in 1980, the book was translated by the author into Xhosa as Kwazidenge and published by the Lovedale Press. Twenty years after initial publication, in 1996, there came a television version of Kwazidenge broadcast by the SABC, starring Willie Thambo and Amanda Quwe, though the locale was translated – in the bizarre logic of television – to an urban environment on the Cape Flats. The transposition, though pragmatic in terms of television demographics, destroyed much of the point of Peteni’s work, for Hill of Fools is South Africa’s first regional novel in English by a black writer. It is also the first novel in English by a Xhosa-speaker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Wright, Laurence
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: vital:7036 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007372 , http://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC47870
- Description: preprint , It is rare for a writer to make a literary impact with only one novel. It is even more unusual when that work is written by a novice author in his early sixties. Yet such is the case of R.L. Peteni, whose novel, Hill of Fools, was published by David Philip in South Africa in 1976, and internationally in the same year by Heinemann in the African Writers Series. Four years later, in 1980, the book was translated by the author into Xhosa as Kwazidenge and published by the Lovedale Press. Twenty years after initial publication, in 1996, there came a television version of Kwazidenge broadcast by the SABC, starring Willie Thambo and Amanda Quwe, though the locale was translated – in the bizarre logic of television – to an urban environment on the Cape Flats. The transposition, though pragmatic in terms of television demographics, destroyed much of the point of Peteni’s work, for Hill of Fools is South Africa’s first regional novel in English by a black writer. It is also the first novel in English by a Xhosa-speaker.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into how marketers cope with an environment of high complexity and turbulence, with special reference to the South African environment
- Authors: Mason, Roger Bruce
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003873 , Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Description: This study investigated relationships between marketing success, the level of external environmental complexity and turbulence, and marketing mix tactics. The literature suggested that more successful companies in simple and stable environments use stabilising marketing tactics, while more successful companies in complex and turbulent environments use destabilising tactics, regardless of industry habits, management preferences or market sector. A marketing mix model for the different environments was developed using a chaos and complexity theory perspective. The study was exploratory, using a qualitative, case study technique. Data was collected via depth interviews and document analysis from four companies in the information technology (IT) and packaging industries. These industries were identified as, respectively, the most complex and turbulent, and the simplest and most stable, South African environments. Two companies from each industry were chosen to reflect more successful and less successful companies. The more successful company in the complex/turbulent environment was found to use destabilising tactics, as did the more successful company in the simple/stable environment. Therefore, contrary to expectations, it appears that destabilising tactics contribute more to success than stabilising tactics do, regardless of the environment. It was also found, contrary to expectations, that stabilising tactics were used by both the less successful companies. The research concluded that destabilising tactics are related to more success and stabilising tactics to less success. The lack of clear differentiation between the two industries may be because the whole South African environment is complex and turbulent, because the packaging industry is not sufficiently simple and stable to differentiate it from the IT industry or because packaging industry managers perceive their industry to be complex and turbulent and act accordingly. Despite these uncertainties, the research showed the marketing mix model to be reasonably accurate for the complex/turbulent environment, and therefore of potential value to South African companies. To overcome the equivocal findings, further research is recommended in different industries, in countries with different levels of complexity and turbulence and into specific marketing mix tactics. Research into managers’ perceptions of environmental complexity and turbulence and into co-evolution of marketing tactics and external environments would also be of value.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mason, Roger Bruce
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:752 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003873 , Marketing -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Industrial management -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Chaotic behavior in systems , Complexity (Philosophy)
- Description: This study investigated relationships between marketing success, the level of external environmental complexity and turbulence, and marketing mix tactics. The literature suggested that more successful companies in simple and stable environments use stabilising marketing tactics, while more successful companies in complex and turbulent environments use destabilising tactics, regardless of industry habits, management preferences or market sector. A marketing mix model for the different environments was developed using a chaos and complexity theory perspective. The study was exploratory, using a qualitative, case study technique. Data was collected via depth interviews and document analysis from four companies in the information technology (IT) and packaging industries. These industries were identified as, respectively, the most complex and turbulent, and the simplest and most stable, South African environments. Two companies from each industry were chosen to reflect more successful and less successful companies. The more successful company in the complex/turbulent environment was found to use destabilising tactics, as did the more successful company in the simple/stable environment. Therefore, contrary to expectations, it appears that destabilising tactics contribute more to success than stabilising tactics do, regardless of the environment. It was also found, contrary to expectations, that stabilising tactics were used by both the less successful companies. The research concluded that destabilising tactics are related to more success and stabilising tactics to less success. The lack of clear differentiation between the two industries may be because the whole South African environment is complex and turbulent, because the packaging industry is not sufficiently simple and stable to differentiate it from the IT industry or because packaging industry managers perceive their industry to be complex and turbulent and act accordingly. Despite these uncertainties, the research showed the marketing mix model to be reasonably accurate for the complex/turbulent environment, and therefore of potential value to South African companies. To overcome the equivocal findings, further research is recommended in different industries, in countries with different levels of complexity and turbulence and into specific marketing mix tactics. Research into managers’ perceptions of environmental complexity and turbulence and into co-evolution of marketing tactics and external environments would also be of value.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into retaining specialised employees within Spoornet
- Authors: Swanepoel, Jack Ian
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/241 , Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Description: State-owned enterprises (SOE’s) in South Africa have long been financial albatrosses around the government’s neck. The government decided to restructure them so that they can play a role in the overall economic development of the country (Didiza, 2002:15). Transnet, one of South Africa’s largest SOE’s, is the largest transportation company in South Africa and is divided into various business units, of which Spoornet (rail transportation) is one. Spoornet has had to evolve from a subsidised state owned enterprise to a semi-privatised business unit, able to survive in a competitive business world. This entailed streamlining and restructuring the business unit in order for it to become more productive and financially fit. One of the biggest threats was the amount of human capital that Spoornet employed. The workforce had to be reduced in order to allow Spoornet to become an effective and competitive business unit. In addition to this, Spoornet must adhere to affirmative action policies instituted by government labour laws (Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998). This act was introduced to redress the present effects of South Africa’s past in bringing about a diverse workforce broadly representing South Africa’s demographics. This has resulted in early retirement packages being offered to assist Spoornet in achieving employment equity targets. All of these changes have had a major impact on employee turnover that has resulted in a large amount of skills and expertise being lost. Professional, specialised and skilled people are in global demand, which has added to the exodus of employees from many organisations. Spoornet has experienced this at an alarming rate, so much so that in 2001, they established a retention committee to address ways to reverse the high number of specialised employee exits. Abstract iv The overall purpose of the research was to identify strategies for Spoornet to retain their specialised and skilled employees, thereby reducing the amount of specialised and skilled staff turnover. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: • Firstly, a full literature study regarding strategies that an organisation can utilise for the retention of their critical employees was researched. • Secondly, the views of current Spoornet employees on retention strategies were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing a questionnaire. • Lastly, recommendations due to the findings of the researcher were identified for Spoornet to retain their highly skilled and specialised employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Swanepoel, Jack Ian
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/241 , Employee retention , Spoornet (Firm : South Africa) -- Officals and employees , Railroads -- South Africa -- Employees
- Description: State-owned enterprises (SOE’s) in South Africa have long been financial albatrosses around the government’s neck. The government decided to restructure them so that they can play a role in the overall economic development of the country (Didiza, 2002:15). Transnet, one of South Africa’s largest SOE’s, is the largest transportation company in South Africa and is divided into various business units, of which Spoornet (rail transportation) is one. Spoornet has had to evolve from a subsidised state owned enterprise to a semi-privatised business unit, able to survive in a competitive business world. This entailed streamlining and restructuring the business unit in order for it to become more productive and financially fit. One of the biggest threats was the amount of human capital that Spoornet employed. The workforce had to be reduced in order to allow Spoornet to become an effective and competitive business unit. In addition to this, Spoornet must adhere to affirmative action policies instituted by government labour laws (Employment Equity Act, Act 55 of 1998). This act was introduced to redress the present effects of South Africa’s past in bringing about a diverse workforce broadly representing South Africa’s demographics. This has resulted in early retirement packages being offered to assist Spoornet in achieving employment equity targets. All of these changes have had a major impact on employee turnover that has resulted in a large amount of skills and expertise being lost. Professional, specialised and skilled people are in global demand, which has added to the exodus of employees from many organisations. Spoornet has experienced this at an alarming rate, so much so that in 2001, they established a retention committee to address ways to reverse the high number of specialised employee exits. Abstract iv The overall purpose of the research was to identify strategies for Spoornet to retain their specialised and skilled employees, thereby reducing the amount of specialised and skilled staff turnover. The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: • Firstly, a full literature study regarding strategies that an organisation can utilise for the retention of their critical employees was researched. • Secondly, the views of current Spoornet employees on retention strategies were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing a questionnaire. • Lastly, recommendations due to the findings of the researcher were identified for Spoornet to retain their highly skilled and specialised employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into school learners' perceptions of linguistic politeness norms within and across cultures
- Authors: Kenyon, Tracy Karen
- Date: 2004 , 2013-05-31
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social interaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Speech acts (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004715 , Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social interaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Speech acts (Linguistics)
- Description: The assumption underlying this study is that cultures differ in terms of politeness norms. Often people from different cultures approach one another in what they think is an appropriate manner and the outcome is miscommunication. This may be attributed to differing cultural norms and this study aims to examine what a sample of school learners perceive to be polite behaviour when making requests and their reasons for doing so. This study focuses on perceived politeness norms (Brown and Levinson 1978) in English across selected South African cultures. The individuals are seen as reflecting a cultural identity, using norms that they feel are appropriate in given situations. Previous researchers have endeavoured to show that politeness norms are universal, but it has emerged that this is not always the case. When people from differing language and cultural backgrounds come into contact they have to find a common ground for their interaction to be successful (Lustig and Koester 1999). Of particular interest is the way people request things, both the way they phrase their request and their reasons for phrasing it this way. In order to investigate this, twenty-nine same-sex pairs of Grade 10 learners were selected from three schools with different cultural backgrounds in Grahamstown. These learners were required to complete a Discourse Completion Test, which contained both Think-Aloud and Retrospection Procedures, while they were being audio-taped. This data was transcribed and analysed using a model that was developed and adapted to describe request strategies. This data is shown through the use of basic statistics, even though it is primarily qualitative. The data is given this qualitative dimension by looking at the factors that the co-conversants attend to. The recorded data shows that although second language speakers of English have a formula for requesting things, they are not always able to articulate why they use the request strategies they do. It appears that English first language speakers and speakers who have English as an additional language request things similarly, but the first language speakers have access to a greater variety of politeness strategies. They also attend to different contextual features. This shows that while the need to be polite seems to be universal, the expectations of the speakers will be different and while a first language speaker of English would not misinterpret the force of a given speech act, they may feel that the person who has English as an additional language is rude. Sensitivity is therefore called for in order to combat mutual negative stereotyping and misunderstandings. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kenyon, Tracy Karen
- Date: 2004 , 2013-05-31
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social interaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Speech acts (Linguistics)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004715 , Language policy -- South Africa , Multilingualism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Multiculturalism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social interaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sociolinguistics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Intercultural communication -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Speech acts (Linguistics)
- Description: The assumption underlying this study is that cultures differ in terms of politeness norms. Often people from different cultures approach one another in what they think is an appropriate manner and the outcome is miscommunication. This may be attributed to differing cultural norms and this study aims to examine what a sample of school learners perceive to be polite behaviour when making requests and their reasons for doing so. This study focuses on perceived politeness norms (Brown and Levinson 1978) in English across selected South African cultures. The individuals are seen as reflecting a cultural identity, using norms that they feel are appropriate in given situations. Previous researchers have endeavoured to show that politeness norms are universal, but it has emerged that this is not always the case. When people from differing language and cultural backgrounds come into contact they have to find a common ground for their interaction to be successful (Lustig and Koester 1999). Of particular interest is the way people request things, both the way they phrase their request and their reasons for phrasing it this way. In order to investigate this, twenty-nine same-sex pairs of Grade 10 learners were selected from three schools with different cultural backgrounds in Grahamstown. These learners were required to complete a Discourse Completion Test, which contained both Think-Aloud and Retrospection Procedures, while they were being audio-taped. This data was transcribed and analysed using a model that was developed and adapted to describe request strategies. This data is shown through the use of basic statistics, even though it is primarily qualitative. The data is given this qualitative dimension by looking at the factors that the co-conversants attend to. The recorded data shows that although second language speakers of English have a formula for requesting things, they are not always able to articulate why they use the request strategies they do. It appears that English first language speakers and speakers who have English as an additional language request things similarly, but the first language speakers have access to a greater variety of politeness strategies. They also attend to different contextual features. This shows that while the need to be polite seems to be universal, the expectations of the speakers will be different and while a first language speaker of English would not misinterpret the force of a given speech act, they may feel that the person who has English as an additional language is rude. Sensitivity is therefore called for in order to combat mutual negative stereotyping and misunderstandings. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into school principals' experience and perceptions of participative management
- Authors: Mungunda, Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003481
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate three principals’ perceptions and experience of participative management and to gain insight into and understanding of the dimensions involved in participative management from the perspective of the three principals. The research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, since I was interested in understanding the subjective experience and individual perceptions of three principals with regard to participative management and the meaning they attach to it in their natural settings: how they describe, interpret and make sense of participative management. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings indicate overwhelming support for the notion that participative management (collegiality) does have a positive influence with regard to creating a sense of common goals, shared vision, a sense of ownership, commitment and improved human relations. The respondents emphasized the critical role of the leader in facilitating the implementation of collegiality as well as an increasing awareness of the potential of participative management to improve human development through delegation. The responses revealed interesting paradoxes with regard to the tensions between leadership and leaderless organizations, as well as between autonomy and interdependence. Responses also reflect the sentiment that participative management should be selective, involving only those with the necessary skills and expertise in the decision-making process. While there is an appreciation of the benefits to be derived from collegiality, critical statements about participative management include the time-consuming nature of participative management, and the notion that participative management impinges on the authority of the principals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Mungunda, Charles
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Education -- Namibia Educational change -- Namibia School management and organization -- Namibia Educational leadership -- Namibia Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1599 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003481
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate three principals’ perceptions and experience of participative management and to gain insight into and understanding of the dimensions involved in participative management from the perspective of the three principals. The research was conducted within the interpretive paradigm, since I was interested in understanding the subjective experience and individual perceptions of three principals with regard to participative management and the meaning they attach to it in their natural settings: how they describe, interpret and make sense of participative management. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, interviews and observation. The findings indicate overwhelming support for the notion that participative management (collegiality) does have a positive influence with regard to creating a sense of common goals, shared vision, a sense of ownership, commitment and improved human relations. The respondents emphasized the critical role of the leader in facilitating the implementation of collegiality as well as an increasing awareness of the potential of participative management to improve human development through delegation. The responses revealed interesting paradoxes with regard to the tensions between leadership and leaderless organizations, as well as between autonomy and interdependence. Responses also reflect the sentiment that participative management should be selective, involving only those with the necessary skills and expertise in the decision-making process. While there is an appreciation of the benefits to be derived from collegiality, critical statements about participative management include the time-consuming nature of participative management, and the notion that participative management impinges on the authority of the principals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the antibacterial activites of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Eastern Cape to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients
- Authors: Wilson, Katherine Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/242 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very serious and are usually fatal. Prolonged antibiotic treatment can result in the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, studies are required to determine if traditional medicinal plants have any significant effects (i.e. antibacterial effects in this case) on certain bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, providing possible alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to test the effects of several Eastern Cape medicinal plants on specific bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, for possible antibacterial activities. Four plants traditionally used to treat lung infections (Artemisia afra, Dodonaea angustifolia, Leonotis leonurus & Tulbaghia violacea), and different strains of four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas species & Klebsiella pneumoniae), usually causing lung infections were investigated. Methanol, aqueous and acetone extraction methods were used to make extracts of the various plants chosen. A decoction of each plant was also investigated. An adapted microtitre plate method for testing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts against the chosen bacteria was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant extract was determined by means of this method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Wilson, Katherine Leigh
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10985 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/242 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are very serious and are usually fatal. Prolonged antibiotic treatment can result in the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, studies are required to determine if traditional medicinal plants have any significant effects (i.e. antibacterial effects in this case) on certain bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, providing possible alternative treatment. The aim of this study was to test the effects of several Eastern Cape medicinal plants on specific bacteria causing lung infections in CF patients, for possible antibacterial activities. Four plants traditionally used to treat lung infections (Artemisia afra, Dodonaea angustifolia, Leonotis leonurus & Tulbaghia violacea), and different strains of four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas species & Klebsiella pneumoniae), usually causing lung infections were investigated. Methanol, aqueous and acetone extraction methods were used to make extracts of the various plants chosen. A decoction of each plant was also investigated. An adapted microtitre plate method for testing the antibacterial activity of the plant extracts against the chosen bacteria was used. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of each plant extract was determined by means of this method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the application (positioning) of geographic information systems (GIS)in PROPNET for competitivie advantange
- Authors: Lawrence, Gavin Eldred
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/243 , Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Description: In an ever changing competitive environment, business is constantly faced with decisions. The ability to make informed decisions hinges on the organization’s power to properly integrate/position technology into the business processes of the organization. To stay in business organizations must be able to compete with rivals in their industry. The purpose of this research is to determine why the Geographic Information System (GIS) is not being utilized to its full potential. In order to determine the reason for this under utilization a literature study was undertaken with respect to GIS, how GIS is being positioned within PROPNET and what steps can be taken to improve the strategic positioning of GIS within PROPNET. A study was conducted which was limited to GIS professionals. An introduction to GIS is also given. A survey was then conducted within PROPNET. The survey covered competitive advantage, the value chain, kinds of information systems in relation to the different groups served within an organization and GIS. The results of the research survey corresponded with views expressed in the literature. Results concluded that GIS is incorrectly positioned within PROPNET for it to be competitive and that it should be repositioned within the operational level of the organization and utilized as a transaction processing system. The repositioning will lead to competitive advantage over rivals. Literature also revealed that GIS can be found in all sectors of the value chain. A strategy is proposed to reposition GIS within PROPNET. Recommendations are made to guide the repositioning. The subject field is new and there is little literature on GIS positioning and competitive advantage. There are significant advantages to repositioning GIS within PROPNET.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Lawrence, Gavin Eldred
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/243 , Geographic information systems -- South Africa , Competition -- South Africa , Positioning (Advertising)
- Description: In an ever changing competitive environment, business is constantly faced with decisions. The ability to make informed decisions hinges on the organization’s power to properly integrate/position technology into the business processes of the organization. To stay in business organizations must be able to compete with rivals in their industry. The purpose of this research is to determine why the Geographic Information System (GIS) is not being utilized to its full potential. In order to determine the reason for this under utilization a literature study was undertaken with respect to GIS, how GIS is being positioned within PROPNET and what steps can be taken to improve the strategic positioning of GIS within PROPNET. A study was conducted which was limited to GIS professionals. An introduction to GIS is also given. A survey was then conducted within PROPNET. The survey covered competitive advantage, the value chain, kinds of information systems in relation to the different groups served within an organization and GIS. The results of the research survey corresponded with views expressed in the literature. Results concluded that GIS is incorrectly positioned within PROPNET for it to be competitive and that it should be repositioned within the operational level of the organization and utilized as a transaction processing system. The repositioning will lead to competitive advantage over rivals. Literature also revealed that GIS can be found in all sectors of the value chain. A strategy is proposed to reposition GIS within PROPNET. Recommendations are made to guide the repositioning. The subject field is new and there is little literature on GIS positioning and competitive advantage. There are significant advantages to repositioning GIS within PROPNET.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the attitudes of teachers in Port Elizabeth to the inplementation of computer assisted learning
- Authors: Harvey, Paul David
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teachers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/384 , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teachers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes
- Description: In general, insufficient research has been done to validate the usefulness and relevance of computers in educational settings (Hitchcock, 2000; Robinson et al., 2003; Baillie et al., 2000; Housego et al., 2000; Valdez et al., 2004). Schools therefore tend to adopt educational technologies before determining whether and how the technology will be used to its full capacity, or what the human and educational impact would be on learners and teachers (Hobson et al., 1998; McCabe et al., 2003; Hugo, 2002). In South Africa the eEducation policy, scripted by the Department of Education (DOE), has been created as an implementation and integration plan for educational technologies in South African schools, where all South African learners at schools are to be functionally computer literate by the year 2013 (DOE, 2003c). However, a limited amount of research has been performed investigating the educational relevance or optimal method for Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) implementation in South African schools. The purpose of the undertaken research study is to create an understanding of teachers’ attitudes toward CAL implementation and integration, as well as to provide insight into the optimal CAL implementation and integration methods in South African schools. The research problem under study therefore is: What are teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation and integration of CAL systems in South African schools? The research study is performed within the quantitative research paradigm and can be described as both exploratory and descriptive in orientation. In the context of this research the population under study is Grade 10 Mathematics teachers that teach in the city of Port Elizabeth. Out of a total of 153 teachers who form part of the study population, 78 successfully completed survey instruments, returning a high yield of 51% of the total study population. The analysis of the total teacher sample group provides the most statistically robust analysis breakdown of the study, and therefore can be reported with a high level of confidence. However, as the study is exploratory in nature, the analysis of various subject breakdowns have been included and iii reported in the study to provide anecdotal insight across diverse variable groups. Subject breakdowns include gender, demographic groups, and age groups, levels of qualifications and level of computer use experience. The findings indicate that teachers in general feel very positive about the use of computers in schools, specifically for teaching purposes, and believe the use of computers in education is inevitable but provides value in the educational context. Though teachers demonstrate high levels of access to computers and fairly capable computer abilities, they demonstrate low levels of awareness of available computer facilities, as well as low levels of computer use. The findings therefore indicate a need for greater integration of CAL systems into the curricula and greater training opportunities. However, teachers show that they have a preference for traditional teaching methods to CAL instructional methods, demonstrating a specific preference for traditional chalk and whiteboard media. The findings suggest that teachers do not value computers for their instructional purposes, but rather for their practical educational related activities. The findings also suggest that the use of computers to teach is not a priority of education related computer use. Teachers indicate that a variety of both traditional and modern media is best suited to various educational activities. With regard to CAL instruction, teachers demonstrate a preference for a teaching scenario where teachers use computers to prepare and teach lessons, but learners only perform exercises on computers under teacher supervision. Teachers demonstrate greater aversion to teaching situations where learners learn independently off computers. Teachers therefore indicate that Drill and Practice and Testing software are the most suitable for general CAL implementation and use, in support of previous studies in South Africa. Finally, from a developmental perspective in the context of South Africa, teachers overwhelmingly indicate that the widespread implementation of CAL systems should not occur before all schools have their basic needs of water, sanitation, electricity and human resources fulfilled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Harvey, Paul David
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teachers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/384 , Computer-assisted instruction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teachers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Attitudes
- Description: In general, insufficient research has been done to validate the usefulness and relevance of computers in educational settings (Hitchcock, 2000; Robinson et al., 2003; Baillie et al., 2000; Housego et al., 2000; Valdez et al., 2004). Schools therefore tend to adopt educational technologies before determining whether and how the technology will be used to its full capacity, or what the human and educational impact would be on learners and teachers (Hobson et al., 1998; McCabe et al., 2003; Hugo, 2002). In South Africa the eEducation policy, scripted by the Department of Education (DOE), has been created as an implementation and integration plan for educational technologies in South African schools, where all South African learners at schools are to be functionally computer literate by the year 2013 (DOE, 2003c). However, a limited amount of research has been performed investigating the educational relevance or optimal method for Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) implementation in South African schools. The purpose of the undertaken research study is to create an understanding of teachers’ attitudes toward CAL implementation and integration, as well as to provide insight into the optimal CAL implementation and integration methods in South African schools. The research problem under study therefore is: What are teachers’ attitudes toward the implementation and integration of CAL systems in South African schools? The research study is performed within the quantitative research paradigm and can be described as both exploratory and descriptive in orientation. In the context of this research the population under study is Grade 10 Mathematics teachers that teach in the city of Port Elizabeth. Out of a total of 153 teachers who form part of the study population, 78 successfully completed survey instruments, returning a high yield of 51% of the total study population. The analysis of the total teacher sample group provides the most statistically robust analysis breakdown of the study, and therefore can be reported with a high level of confidence. However, as the study is exploratory in nature, the analysis of various subject breakdowns have been included and iii reported in the study to provide anecdotal insight across diverse variable groups. Subject breakdowns include gender, demographic groups, and age groups, levels of qualifications and level of computer use experience. The findings indicate that teachers in general feel very positive about the use of computers in schools, specifically for teaching purposes, and believe the use of computers in education is inevitable but provides value in the educational context. Though teachers demonstrate high levels of access to computers and fairly capable computer abilities, they demonstrate low levels of awareness of available computer facilities, as well as low levels of computer use. The findings therefore indicate a need for greater integration of CAL systems into the curricula and greater training opportunities. However, teachers show that they have a preference for traditional teaching methods to CAL instructional methods, demonstrating a specific preference for traditional chalk and whiteboard media. The findings suggest that teachers do not value computers for their instructional purposes, but rather for their practical educational related activities. The findings also suggest that the use of computers to teach is not a priority of education related computer use. Teachers indicate that a variety of both traditional and modern media is best suited to various educational activities. With regard to CAL instruction, teachers demonstrate a preference for a teaching scenario where teachers use computers to prepare and teach lessons, but learners only perform exercises on computers under teacher supervision. Teachers demonstrate greater aversion to teaching situations where learners learn independently off computers. Teachers therefore indicate that Drill and Practice and Testing software are the most suitable for general CAL implementation and use, in support of previous studies in South Africa. Finally, from a developmental perspective in the context of South Africa, teachers overwhelmingly indicate that the widespread implementation of CAL systems should not occur before all schools have their basic needs of water, sanitation, electricity and human resources fulfilled.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the captive spawning, egg characteristics and egg quality of the mud crab (Scylla serrata) in South Africa
- Authors: Churchill, Giles John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Scylla serrata , Crabs -- South Africa , Scylla serrata -- South Africa , Crabs -- Eggs -- Incubation , Crabs -- Spawning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015963
- Description: The source of a reliable supply of seed is one of the most important factors determining the success of aquaculture. At present mud crab culture is reliant on wild caught juveniles, which limits the expansion of mud crab farming globally. This, coupled with the paucity of knowledge of the spawning and egg characteristics of mud crabs, prompted the investigation into the captive spawning, incubation and egg quality of Scylla serrata in South Africa. A total of 112 mature females were caught from three estuaries in northern KwaZulu Natal and acclimated to captive conditions. Mature females were present in the estuaries throughout the year and ranged from 90 to 200 mm carapace width. Except for 40 crabs all the females spawned in captivity. On average spawning took place 38 ± 23 days after capture but was not dependent on crab size. Fecundity was significantly correlated to crab size (p = 0.026), with larger females producing more eggs. The average fecundity per batch was 5.79 ± 2.07 million eggs. Hatch success rate for all egg batches was high averaging 84 ± 6 %. Egg dropping occurred in all egg batches during incubation. On average 6.5 % of the egg mass was dropped during incubation. At the average temperature of 27⁰C eggs in the incubation system hatched within 292 ± 12 hours after extrusion. In-vitro incubation of eggs proved to be an ineffective means of incubating Scylla serrata eggs with a hatch success rate of only 25 ± 5 %. Egg quality was assessed both directly, using variables such as hatch success rate and hatch synchronicity and retrospectively by using stress tests and comparing survival of larvae from different coloured egg batches. Lipid class composition and fatty acid methyl ester content for 28 batches of eggs and 16 batches of larvae were analyzed. The biochemical composition of the egg was correlated to survival of larvae in the stress tests to ascertain if the lipid content of the eggs determines their quality. Stress tests were used to retrospectively assess egg quality. Four stressors were administered to newly hatched larvae and the LD50 values recorded. An average LD50 of 64 hours was recorded for the starvation tests, 40% for the salinity tests, 37 ppm for the formalin tests and 39.7 mg/l NH3 for the ammonia stress tests was recorded. Egg colour ranged from pale yellow to orange-red. Egg colour was not influenced by female size or the time the females spent in captivity prior to spawning. Egg colour can therefore not be used as an indicator of quality. The lipid profiles of newly extruded eggs had no effect on hatch synchronicity or hatch success rate. However, the stress tests identified female size (p ≤ 0.02), DHA content of the egg (p ≤ 0.02), Σ omega-3 fatty acids of eggs (p ≤ 0.02) and EPA content of eggs (p ≤ 0.007) as possible determinants of egg quality. Larger crabs tended to produce poorer quality eggs. Egg quality also decreased as the amount of DHA, EPA and the Σ omega-3 fatty acids decreased in the eggs. To summarize, the results of this study indicated that the following parameters affect egg quality - crab size, DHA, EPA and Σ omega-3 fatty acid content of eggs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Churchill, Giles John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Scylla serrata , Crabs -- South Africa , Scylla serrata -- South Africa , Crabs -- Eggs -- Incubation , Crabs -- Spawning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5376 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015963
- Description: The source of a reliable supply of seed is one of the most important factors determining the success of aquaculture. At present mud crab culture is reliant on wild caught juveniles, which limits the expansion of mud crab farming globally. This, coupled with the paucity of knowledge of the spawning and egg characteristics of mud crabs, prompted the investigation into the captive spawning, incubation and egg quality of Scylla serrata in South Africa. A total of 112 mature females were caught from three estuaries in northern KwaZulu Natal and acclimated to captive conditions. Mature females were present in the estuaries throughout the year and ranged from 90 to 200 mm carapace width. Except for 40 crabs all the females spawned in captivity. On average spawning took place 38 ± 23 days after capture but was not dependent on crab size. Fecundity was significantly correlated to crab size (p = 0.026), with larger females producing more eggs. The average fecundity per batch was 5.79 ± 2.07 million eggs. Hatch success rate for all egg batches was high averaging 84 ± 6 %. Egg dropping occurred in all egg batches during incubation. On average 6.5 % of the egg mass was dropped during incubation. At the average temperature of 27⁰C eggs in the incubation system hatched within 292 ± 12 hours after extrusion. In-vitro incubation of eggs proved to be an ineffective means of incubating Scylla serrata eggs with a hatch success rate of only 25 ± 5 %. Egg quality was assessed both directly, using variables such as hatch success rate and hatch synchronicity and retrospectively by using stress tests and comparing survival of larvae from different coloured egg batches. Lipid class composition and fatty acid methyl ester content for 28 batches of eggs and 16 batches of larvae were analyzed. The biochemical composition of the egg was correlated to survival of larvae in the stress tests to ascertain if the lipid content of the eggs determines their quality. Stress tests were used to retrospectively assess egg quality. Four stressors were administered to newly hatched larvae and the LD50 values recorded. An average LD50 of 64 hours was recorded for the starvation tests, 40% for the salinity tests, 37 ppm for the formalin tests and 39.7 mg/l NH3 for the ammonia stress tests was recorded. Egg colour ranged from pale yellow to orange-red. Egg colour was not influenced by female size or the time the females spent in captivity prior to spawning. Egg colour can therefore not be used as an indicator of quality. The lipid profiles of newly extruded eggs had no effect on hatch synchronicity or hatch success rate. However, the stress tests identified female size (p ≤ 0.02), DHA content of the egg (p ≤ 0.02), Σ omega-3 fatty acids of eggs (p ≤ 0.02) and EPA content of eggs (p ≤ 0.007) as possible determinants of egg quality. Larger crabs tended to produce poorer quality eggs. Egg quality also decreased as the amount of DHA, EPA and the Σ omega-3 fatty acids decreased in the eggs. To summarize, the results of this study indicated that the following parameters affect egg quality - crab size, DHA, EPA and Σ omega-3 fatty acid content of eggs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the coverage of diverse forms of tourism in South African travel magazines
- Authors: Kotzé, Louis Jacobus Daniël
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , South Africa -- Description and travel Periodicals -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/339 , Tourism -- South Africa , South Africa -- Description and travel Periodicals -- Research
- Description: There have been several changes in tourism in South Africa since 1994. During apartheid, black people were not allowed to become involved in important aspects of tourism, particularly at management level. However, this situation is changing and all cultures are gradually becoming engaged in th e tourism industry. The economic progress of the black community has resulted in the materialization of cultural villages, tourism projects to give rural people jobs, and an increase in township tourist attractions, heritage tours, etc. These initiatives have led to the establishment of certain types of tourism such as cultural tourism, urban tourism and community-based tourism. It could be said without hesitation, at the prescientific level, that the diversity in cultures, for one, is a major attraction of this country. Another change has been the increase in tourism from countries which have been excluded from South Africa in the past. Examples of these are African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, as well as countries on other continents, including India, Bangladesh and the East-European bloc. Up to 2003/4, South Africa experienced the longest uninterrupted period of economic growth in its history. This resulted in people being able to afford a higher standard of living and therefore having more money to spend on travelling. as the economic growth stimulated the growth of tourism, both local and foreign, in the country. Seen from the perspective of the tourism industry, it is important to keep the public informed and up to date about what a country has to offer in order to maintain the increase in tourism. The media assist in this process. The travelling public is informed by word of mouth, but also through newspapers, magazines, television and radio. Information about the different attractions, whether cultures, wildlife or sport, et cetera, would not always be easy to find, were it not for the media. As tourism grows, more tourist attractions will develop, with a bigger need for tourists to be informed as an immediate result. The role of the media in this information giving is th erefore constantly on the increase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kotzé, Louis Jacobus Daniël
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Tourism -- South Africa , South Africa -- Description and travel Periodicals -- Research
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:10992 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/339 , Tourism -- South Africa , South Africa -- Description and travel Periodicals -- Research
- Description: There have been several changes in tourism in South Africa since 1994. During apartheid, black people were not allowed to become involved in important aspects of tourism, particularly at management level. However, this situation is changing and all cultures are gradually becoming engaged in th e tourism industry. The economic progress of the black community has resulted in the materialization of cultural villages, tourism projects to give rural people jobs, and an increase in township tourist attractions, heritage tours, etc. These initiatives have led to the establishment of certain types of tourism such as cultural tourism, urban tourism and community-based tourism. It could be said without hesitation, at the prescientific level, that the diversity in cultures, for one, is a major attraction of this country. Another change has been the increase in tourism from countries which have been excluded from South Africa in the past. Examples of these are African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria, as well as countries on other continents, including India, Bangladesh and the East-European bloc. Up to 2003/4, South Africa experienced the longest uninterrupted period of economic growth in its history. This resulted in people being able to afford a higher standard of living and therefore having more money to spend on travelling. as the economic growth stimulated the growth of tourism, both local and foreign, in the country. Seen from the perspective of the tourism industry, it is important to keep the public informed and up to date about what a country has to offer in order to maintain the increase in tourism. The media assist in this process. The travelling public is informed by word of mouth, but also through newspapers, magazines, television and radio. Information about the different attractions, whether cultures, wildlife or sport, et cetera, would not always be easy to find, were it not for the media. As tourism grows, more tourist attractions will develop, with a bigger need for tourists to be informed as an immediate result. The role of the media in this information giving is th erefore constantly on the increase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the effects of co-operative learning strategies on the test results of science students at N3 level at the Port Elizabeth College for Further Education and Training
- Authors: Ferreira, Dennis Compton
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/245 , Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The poor academic performance of Engineering Science N3 students at the Port Elizabeth College for Further Education and Training prompted me to conduct this study. The aim thereof was to investigate the influence that a co-operative learning strategy would have on the test results of students who enrolled for this programme. The hypothesis being tested in this study was whether co-operative learning strategies would improve the test results of science students in the N3 Engineering Science class. A literature review on co-operative learning, its principles as well as the role of the lecturer as facilitator was conducted. In addition, the different types of co-operative learning techniques were investigated so that an approach conducive to the needs of students studying at Further Education and Training Colleges could be selected. The Student Team Achievement Divisions (STAD) technique was deemed to be the most suitable approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques are employed in this study. Interviews were carried out with fellow lecturers at the Port Elizabeth College to determine what teaching strategies are generally implemented in the N3 class. Experimental research involving two groups of 30 students was then conducted to determine the results of students. The one group (experimental) was subjected to an intervention, namely the STAD co-operative learning technique while the other group (control) was taught using the traditional method of talk and chalk. This intervention took place over a period of ix two weeks. However, prior to the co-operative learning intervention and before students were divided into groups, they were taught as a single group for a period of two weeks. The total time spent on this experiment was therefore four weeks. Student test scores gathered from the experiment was statistically analysed and reported on in chapter five. These results indicated that the experimental group out-performed the control group by a significant margin. The higher academic achievement of students in the experimental group could only be attributed to the alternative teaching strategy (STAD) which was absent in the teaching of the control group. This proved the hypothesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Ferreira, Dennis Compton
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/245 , Group work in education , Examinations -- Validity , Science students -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The poor academic performance of Engineering Science N3 students at the Port Elizabeth College for Further Education and Training prompted me to conduct this study. The aim thereof was to investigate the influence that a co-operative learning strategy would have on the test results of students who enrolled for this programme. The hypothesis being tested in this study was whether co-operative learning strategies would improve the test results of science students in the N3 Engineering Science class. A literature review on co-operative learning, its principles as well as the role of the lecturer as facilitator was conducted. In addition, the different types of co-operative learning techniques were investigated so that an approach conducive to the needs of students studying at Further Education and Training Colleges could be selected. The Student Team Achievement Divisions (STAD) technique was deemed to be the most suitable approach. Both qualitative and quantitative data gathering techniques are employed in this study. Interviews were carried out with fellow lecturers at the Port Elizabeth College to determine what teaching strategies are generally implemented in the N3 class. Experimental research involving two groups of 30 students was then conducted to determine the results of students. The one group (experimental) was subjected to an intervention, namely the STAD co-operative learning technique while the other group (control) was taught using the traditional method of talk and chalk. This intervention took place over a period of ix two weeks. However, prior to the co-operative learning intervention and before students were divided into groups, they were taught as a single group for a period of two weeks. The total time spent on this experiment was therefore four weeks. Student test scores gathered from the experiment was statistically analysed and reported on in chapter five. These results indicated that the experimental group out-performed the control group by a significant margin. The higher academic achievement of students in the experimental group could only be attributed to the alternative teaching strategy (STAD) which was absent in the teaching of the control group. This proved the hypothesis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the extended use of mobile phone technology in the cellular industry in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Inman, Michael Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/247 , Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Description: While experiencing exponential growth worldwide, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are key factors in business today. The ubiquitous nature of the mobile phone in South Africa and the use of wireless technologies facilitate business in areas where current fixed infrastructure is limited or non-existent, thereby aiding in the development of rural areas. This descriptive study determines what factors will extend the use of mobile phone technology in business. The literature indicates business advantage can be gained from incorporating technology into a strategic framework but in so doing must consider the complexities of the technology and its lifecycle. Currently, e-mail and Internet access would be the most likely applications of data use via Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). As a technology-based study the methodology used e-mail to deliver a survey targeting staff from the three cellular network operators in Port Elizabeth. The mobile industry and Port Elizabeth were both considered good indicators of technology use and the progression of infrastructure throughout South Africa. The findings indicate that although most mobile phones have the features required by users, the current use of associated data applications is low. Email is the most appropriate application and expected to be significant in 2006. The technology is of strategic importance and can be applied to make idle time productive. Successful use depends on the removal of barriers. In the case of e-mail and Internet access; the most significant of these is the complexity of the initial set-up. Despite the complexity of technology evolution and the challenges of effective business application, substantial gains can be still be realised. Currently, technology is best deployed to meet specialised needs. The expected introduction of third generation technologies herald’s higher data transfer rates, providing the opportunity for more generalised application in business in the immediate future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Inman, Michael Christopher
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10923 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/247 , Cell phone services industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Cell phones , Cell phone systems
- Description: While experiencing exponential growth worldwide, Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are key factors in business today. The ubiquitous nature of the mobile phone in South Africa and the use of wireless technologies facilitate business in areas where current fixed infrastructure is limited or non-existent, thereby aiding in the development of rural areas. This descriptive study determines what factors will extend the use of mobile phone technology in business. The literature indicates business advantage can be gained from incorporating technology into a strategic framework but in so doing must consider the complexities of the technology and its lifecycle. Currently, e-mail and Internet access would be the most likely applications of data use via Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). As a technology-based study the methodology used e-mail to deliver a survey targeting staff from the three cellular network operators in Port Elizabeth. The mobile industry and Port Elizabeth were both considered good indicators of technology use and the progression of infrastructure throughout South Africa. The findings indicate that although most mobile phones have the features required by users, the current use of associated data applications is low. Email is the most appropriate application and expected to be significant in 2006. The technology is of strategic importance and can be applied to make idle time productive. Successful use depends on the removal of barriers. In the case of e-mail and Internet access; the most significant of these is the complexity of the initial set-up. Despite the complexity of technology evolution and the challenges of effective business application, substantial gains can be still be realised. Currently, technology is best deployed to meet specialised needs. The expected introduction of third generation technologies herald’s higher data transfer rates, providing the opportunity for more generalised application in business in the immediate future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the impact of the use of an integrated learning system on mathematics standard grade paper 2 marks of grade 12 learners of one high school in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Barnard, Stefanus van Rooyen
- Authors: Barnard, Stefanus van Rooyen
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematics -- Examinations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:10780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/248 , Mathematics -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematics -- Examinations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The aim of this study was an exploration of the relationship between the use of an Integrated Learning System (ILS), entitled Master Maths, as a supplement to traditional mathematics instruction, and mathematics achievement as measured by the Paper 2 marks of the National Mathematics Examinations for standard grade learners in grade 12. The use of technology in education has increased over the past decade. One way of integrating technology into instructional programmes has been through the use of Integrated Learning Systems (ILSs). The review of the literature traces the history of computer-assisted instruction as conducted on ILSs. The review of recent research studies focuses on the impact of ILSs on learner achievement in mathematics internationally and in the South African context. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to research the impact of the Master Maths programme on mathematics achievement. Twenty-six learners of the 133 standard grade learners from one high school in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth were selected for each of the experimental and control groups. The experimental group worked on the Master Maths programme for twelve sessions of three hours each. The results of the quantitative analysis show that the intervention did not make a significant difference to the experimental group. The Master Maths programme led to only a 0.56% increase in the marks of the experimental group. The qualitative analysis drew a comparison between the modules of the Master Maths programme and the relevant examination questions in terms of content covered and cognitive levels. The researcher used Bloom’s Cognitive Taxonomy to evaluate the cognitive levels. The data show that it was easier for the learners to obtain higher marks in the module tests than in the examination questions. The data indicate that the module tests were easier than the examination questions in that the cognitive levels of the module tests were lower. The data confirm that there is a gap between the acquisition and evaluation of core skills tested by the modules used in the intervention and the wider knowledge and skills tested in the examination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Barnard, Stefanus van Rooyen
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematics -- Examinations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DEd
- Identifier: vital:10780 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/248 , Mathematics -- Research -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Mathematics -- Examinations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The aim of this study was an exploration of the relationship between the use of an Integrated Learning System (ILS), entitled Master Maths, as a supplement to traditional mathematics instruction, and mathematics achievement as measured by the Paper 2 marks of the National Mathematics Examinations for standard grade learners in grade 12. The use of technology in education has increased over the past decade. One way of integrating technology into instructional programmes has been through the use of Integrated Learning Systems (ILSs). The review of the literature traces the history of computer-assisted instruction as conducted on ILSs. The review of recent research studies focuses on the impact of ILSs on learner achievement in mathematics internationally and in the South African context. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to research the impact of the Master Maths programme on mathematics achievement. Twenty-six learners of the 133 standard grade learners from one high school in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth were selected for each of the experimental and control groups. The experimental group worked on the Master Maths programme for twelve sessions of three hours each. The results of the quantitative analysis show that the intervention did not make a significant difference to the experimental group. The Master Maths programme led to only a 0.56% increase in the marks of the experimental group. The qualitative analysis drew a comparison between the modules of the Master Maths programme and the relevant examination questions in terms of content covered and cognitive levels. The researcher used Bloom’s Cognitive Taxonomy to evaluate the cognitive levels. The data show that it was easier for the learners to obtain higher marks in the module tests than in the examination questions. The data indicate that the module tests were easier than the examination questions in that the cognitive levels of the module tests were lower. The data confirm that there is a gap between the acquisition and evaluation of core skills tested by the modules used in the intervention and the wider knowledge and skills tested in the examination.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the neuroprotective effects of melatonin in a model of rotenone-induced neurodegeneration
- Authors: Kadanthode, Rubina John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003241 , Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Description: Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with ageing, is characterised by abnormal and profound loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but epidemiological studies suggest an association with pesticides and other environmental toxins, and biochemical studies implicate oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment, particularly at the level of complex I enzyme. Recently, rotenone, a commonly used organic pesticide and a classical inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I has been reported to reproduce the specific features of Parkinson’s disease in rodents. The mitochondrial respiratory chain is one of the most important sites of reactive oxygen species production under physiological conditions. Toxic free radicals have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases as well as ageing itself. Melatonin, a secretory product of the pineal gland is a multifaceted free radical scavenger and natural antioxidant. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin against the environmental neurotoxin, rotenone was investigated. Initial studies showed that inhibition of mitochondrial complex I enzyme by rotenone induced superoxide radical generation. Melatonin, administered to the rat in vivo and in vitro was able to offer neuroprotection by curtailing the production of superoxide radicals induced by rotenone. Mitochondria, being the major target of rotenone, the effects of melatonin were investigated at the mitochondrial level. Melatonin was able to increase the electron transport chain activity thus preventing the respiratory inhibition by rotenone. The pineal hormone also counteracted the action of rotenone on complex I enzyme. These results suggest melatonin’s ability to potentially limit the free radical generation and thereby modulate the mitochondrial functions. The detection and measurement of lipid peroxidation is the evidence most frequently cited to support the involvement of free radical reactions in toxicology and in human disease. Melatonin also offered significant protection in vivo and in vitro against rotenone induced lipid peroxidation. Since iron plays a major role in oxidative damage and in the progression of Parkinson’s disease, the effect of melatonin on both rotenone and iron induced lipid peroxidation was investigated, the results of which show that melatonin affords protection and this was suggested to be due to its interaction with the rotenone-iron complex that might have formed. Electrochemical studies were further used to characterise the interactions between melatonin, rotenone and iron (III). Melatonin was shown to bind with iron and thus reducing their toxicity. Histological studies were undertaken to assess the effects of melatonin on rotenone induced toxicity on the dopaminergic neurons in the rat brain. Rotenone treated brains showed extensive neuronal damage whereas with melatonin less damage was observed. Rotenone induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic cell death has been identified in PD brains. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death was detected and quantified by the TUNEL staining. Rotenone treated sections showed signs of apoptosis whereas with melatonin, less apoptotic damage was observed. The findings of this study indicate that the neurohormone, melatonin may protect against rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Since melatonin production falls substantially during ageing, the loss of this antioxidant is theorized to be instrumental in the degenerative processes associated with advanced age. Considering how devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, are to a patient and the patient’s families, the discovery of protective agents are a matter of urgency. Further investigations using the pesticide model will help to determine the involvement of environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of human diseases as well as to test therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Kadanthode, Rubina John
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003241 , Melatonin , Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Treatment , Rotenone
- Description: Parkinson’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders associated with ageing, is characterised by abnormal and profound loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but epidemiological studies suggest an association with pesticides and other environmental toxins, and biochemical studies implicate oxidative damage and mitochondrial impairment, particularly at the level of complex I enzyme. Recently, rotenone, a commonly used organic pesticide and a classical inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I has been reported to reproduce the specific features of Parkinson’s disease in rodents. The mitochondrial respiratory chain is one of the most important sites of reactive oxygen species production under physiological conditions. Toxic free radicals have been implicated in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases as well as ageing itself. Melatonin, a secretory product of the pineal gland is a multifaceted free radical scavenger and natural antioxidant. In the present study, the neuroprotective effects of melatonin against the environmental neurotoxin, rotenone was investigated. Initial studies showed that inhibition of mitochondrial complex I enzyme by rotenone induced superoxide radical generation. Melatonin, administered to the rat in vivo and in vitro was able to offer neuroprotection by curtailing the production of superoxide radicals induced by rotenone. Mitochondria, being the major target of rotenone, the effects of melatonin were investigated at the mitochondrial level. Melatonin was able to increase the electron transport chain activity thus preventing the respiratory inhibition by rotenone. The pineal hormone also counteracted the action of rotenone on complex I enzyme. These results suggest melatonin’s ability to potentially limit the free radical generation and thereby modulate the mitochondrial functions. The detection and measurement of lipid peroxidation is the evidence most frequently cited to support the involvement of free radical reactions in toxicology and in human disease. Melatonin also offered significant protection in vivo and in vitro against rotenone induced lipid peroxidation. Since iron plays a major role in oxidative damage and in the progression of Parkinson’s disease, the effect of melatonin on both rotenone and iron induced lipid peroxidation was investigated, the results of which show that melatonin affords protection and this was suggested to be due to its interaction with the rotenone-iron complex that might have formed. Electrochemical studies were further used to characterise the interactions between melatonin, rotenone and iron (III). Melatonin was shown to bind with iron and thus reducing their toxicity. Histological studies were undertaken to assess the effects of melatonin on rotenone induced toxicity on the dopaminergic neurons in the rat brain. Rotenone treated brains showed extensive neuronal damage whereas with melatonin less damage was observed. Rotenone induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic cell death has been identified in PD brains. Furthermore, the apoptotic cell death was detected and quantified by the TUNEL staining. Rotenone treated sections showed signs of apoptosis whereas with melatonin, less apoptotic damage was observed. The findings of this study indicate that the neurohormone, melatonin may protect against rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Since melatonin production falls substantially during ageing, the loss of this antioxidant is theorized to be instrumental in the degenerative processes associated with advanced age. Considering how devastating diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, are to a patient and the patient’s families, the discovery of protective agents are a matter of urgency. Further investigations using the pesticide model will help to determine the involvement of environmental exposure in the pathogenesis of human diseases as well as to test therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such diseases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation into the promotional activities employed by the motorcycle businesses in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Authors: Gouws, Aldo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/250 , Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
- Description: The motorcycle industry is well established in South Africa, but has not nearly reached its full potential. This study investigates how this situation can be improved by enhancing the promotions of motorcycles in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) area under investigation. Motorcycle businesses in this area currently compete with a disadvantage in the transportation market. Motor vehicles are assembled in this area whereas motorcycles are not, and this creates various work opportunities and brand loyalty for the motor industry. The Government also offers import rebates to motor vehicle exports. The cost, prejudicial attitudes and road safety of motorcycles contribute toward the difficulties faced by the motorcycle industry, which prevent the growth of this market. This market usually requires potential customers to have a passion for motorcycles to turn them into actual customers. To overcome these difficulties an investigation was conducted to determine which promotional activities the motorcycle businesses in the NMMM area employ. This study identifies the motorcycle businesses’ promotional shortcomings and makes suggestions for improvement. Promotional activities are vital since motorcycles are at a disadvantage when compared to motor vehicles in the NMMM area. One of the best ways the motorcycle businesses can successfully compete in the transportation market is to make use of promotions to make potential customers aware and enhance their support of the motorcycle businesses. For this reason the promotional variables (advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, sales promotions and public relations) should be exploited to its fullest to enhance potential customers’ support of motorcycles. This process can also create brand loyalty and equity, which will retain customers over the long term. Communication with a market is essential to achieve this and to inform and remind potential customers about the products available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Gouws, Aldo
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/250 , Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
- Description: The motorcycle industry is well established in South Africa, but has not nearly reached its full potential. This study investigates how this situation can be improved by enhancing the promotions of motorcycles in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) area under investigation. Motorcycle businesses in this area currently compete with a disadvantage in the transportation market. Motor vehicles are assembled in this area whereas motorcycles are not, and this creates various work opportunities and brand loyalty for the motor industry. The Government also offers import rebates to motor vehicle exports. The cost, prejudicial attitudes and road safety of motorcycles contribute toward the difficulties faced by the motorcycle industry, which prevent the growth of this market. This market usually requires potential customers to have a passion for motorcycles to turn them into actual customers. To overcome these difficulties an investigation was conducted to determine which promotional activities the motorcycle businesses in the NMMM area employ. This study identifies the motorcycle businesses’ promotional shortcomings and makes suggestions for improvement. Promotional activities are vital since motorcycles are at a disadvantage when compared to motor vehicles in the NMMM area. One of the best ways the motorcycle businesses can successfully compete in the transportation market is to make use of promotions to make potential customers aware and enhance their support of the motorcycle businesses. For this reason the promotional variables (advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, sales promotions and public relations) should be exploited to its fullest to enhance potential customers’ support of motorcycles. This process can also create brand loyalty and equity, which will retain customers over the long term. Communication with a market is essential to achieve this and to inform and remind potential customers about the products available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
An investigation to establish whether the implementation of a structured total quality management system would add value to the South African Brewery, East London depot
- Authors: Herman, Dane
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/254 , Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
- Description: No matter how receptive or unreceptive an individual or a company is to the arrival of the age of technology, this phenomenon of change cannot be overlooked in the competitive global village. Companies must respond and change if they wish to survive into the next century. The results and testing of the hypotheses in chapters four and five clearly indicate that there is a need for a structured Total Quality Management (TQM) system in the East London Depot, of South African Breweries (SAB). The vision of the company states that they aim to be the “benchmark of South African industry and the brewing world”. The mission of the company states that they wish to provide their consumers with the finest quality malt beverages, brewed and marketed by world - class people in a socially responsible and innovative manner. Two of the core values of the company are: • Customer service and consumer focus • Innovation and quality (http://Beernet) Taking the afore mentioned as a guide line, it is evident that although there is a need for a structured TQM system at the East London Depot, there are key focus areas to concentrate on for the program to be successful. The main focus area will be to change the perception of the staff with regards to doing things right the first time. Customer service is very important and should be understood by all. A competent person should be tasked with the implementation of the system. This person should then manage the system and ensure that the staff training and maintenance of documented procedures are adhered to. A TQM committee must also be established in order to perform the necessary audits. As mentioned in chapter one, the aim of the depot management is to improve on it’s current national ranking. A structured TQM program will make a huge contribution towards achieving the desired result. This will result in better results and achievement of goals. With this in mind this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing a T Q M system at the East London Depot of SAB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Herman, Dane
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/254 , Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
- Description: No matter how receptive or unreceptive an individual or a company is to the arrival of the age of technology, this phenomenon of change cannot be overlooked in the competitive global village. Companies must respond and change if they wish to survive into the next century. The results and testing of the hypotheses in chapters four and five clearly indicate that there is a need for a structured Total Quality Management (TQM) system in the East London Depot, of South African Breweries (SAB). The vision of the company states that they aim to be the “benchmark of South African industry and the brewing world”. The mission of the company states that they wish to provide their consumers with the finest quality malt beverages, brewed and marketed by world - class people in a socially responsible and innovative manner. Two of the core values of the company are: • Customer service and consumer focus • Innovation and quality (http://Beernet) Taking the afore mentioned as a guide line, it is evident that although there is a need for a structured TQM system at the East London Depot, there are key focus areas to concentrate on for the program to be successful. The main focus area will be to change the perception of the staff with regards to doing things right the first time. Customer service is very important and should be understood by all. A competent person should be tasked with the implementation of the system. This person should then manage the system and ensure that the staff training and maintenance of documented procedures are adhered to. A TQM committee must also be established in order to perform the necessary audits. As mentioned in chapter one, the aim of the depot management is to improve on it’s current national ranking. A structured TQM program will make a huge contribution towards achieving the desired result. This will result in better results and achievement of goals. With this in mind this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing a T Q M system at the East London Depot of SAB.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004