Exploring the suitability of the evaluation criteria used in the MPT projects, by looking at hard and soft components of development programmes
- Authors: Ncapai, Wandile
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3397 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018255
- Description: The study explores the suitability of the evaluation criteria used in Microprojects Programme Trust (MPT), by looking at hard and soft components of the development programme. In this sense hard components of development refer to those components of projects that are tangible and can be physically observed and can bring material changes to the life of the community. Soft components of development refer to those components of projects that bring qualitative transformation to the life of the community, i.e. increased levels of awareness, human well-being and the empowerment process that addresses the community's abstract needs, these are not tangible and often cannot be physically observed. Midway through its contract periods MPT evaluate all projects. The purpose of these mid term evaluations is to make recommendations to MPT on future approaches and methodology for community development and operations. The mid-term evaluation also influences the distribution and allocation of resources and funding. It was therefore vital that the criteria used are subject to tests and critical analysis so as to assess their validity. The assessment of the mid-term evaluation criteria used in MPT projects has been to further determine the appropriateness or suitability of the evaluation criteria as an instrument to measure and guide the MPT community development approach in the Eastern Cape. The method used was to conduct focus group discussions so as to get an insight into the local community situation as well as to assess non-tangible improvements and changes that have occurred in the life of the community as a result of the project. The information generated was used to compare what the community believe they achieved with what the official mid-term evaluation reports indicate was assessed and achieved and that was contrasted with what the literature recommends should have been assessed. The study found that the mid-term evaluations conducted on MPT projects have no social context in which the evaluations themselves were conducted. The terms of reference and criteria were based on the programme design which was formulated and compiled by the European Union without the participation of the local South African community. The findings also indicated that projects become unsuccessful or partly successful if the "soft" components which have a bearing on social and economic realities are neglected. The thesis ends with recommendations on how the mid-term evaluations as well as MPT programme can be developed to be more responsive to the needs as identified by the communities themselves. It is strongly believed that this study will provide a valuable contribution towards increasing the ability of MPT programme to bring about both material and qualitative transformation to the I ives of the disadvantaged community of the Eastern Cape whilst ensuring that the mid-term evaluations are developed and shaped to become an appropriate instrument to measure and guide MPT programme approach to community development.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Economic impact of international labour migration on Lesotho's development, 1986-1998: towards an international labour migration policy for the Southern African region
- Authors: Maro, Mkasafari Grace
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Migrant labor -- South Africa , Migrant labor -- Lesotho , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Miners -- South Africa , Miners -- Labor unions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007496 , Migrant labor -- South Africa , Migrant labor -- Lesotho , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Miners -- South Africa , Miners -- Labor unions -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of the thesis is to identify the pressures that contributed to the rise in international labour migration in Lesotho, and to investigate how these pressures are impacting upon the modernization process in the country, particularly at a time when employment opportunities are scarce in the southern African region. International labour migration has been used as a development tool throughout history, but especially in the 20th century by developing countries with dual labour markets. Newly independent developing countries with dual labour markets adapted the strategy of import substitution industrialization (lSI), with an emphasis on protecting infant industries and promoting pro-labour policies. In the post-colonial period the international demand for lowskilled workers rose, particularly in the North (developed countries), and in mineral rich countries including the oil exporters and South Africa, and the newly industrialising countries in East Asia. International labour migration to these countries was adapted as an integral development tool by the governments of the lSI countries. Most migrants were low-skilled and temporary workers in the destination countries. Although no multilateral institutional framework existed, usually both the sending and receiving countries adapted unilateral and bilateral migration policies to guarantee the gains from migration. Workers were thus "protected" to varying degrees under such agreements. From the 1970s, the North experienced a slowdown in the growth in demand for unskilled workers. In the 1980s, many lSI countries experienced devastating economic crises that forced them to abandon the lSI policy and adapt the export-led industrialisation (EOI) policy with an emphasis on trade liberalization. The switch from lSI to EOI in developing countries with dual labour markets led to the downsizing of public sector employment, the removal of marketing boards formally used by small-scale agricultural farmers, and the expansion of export processing zones (EPZs). These outcomes resulted in a rise in push internal migration, and international migration from these countries especially to other developing countries. At the same time, since the late 1980s, capital has acquired greatly enhanced mobility at the global level. The adaptation of EOI and the full mobility of capital at the global level altered the institutional structure within which labour migration was governed both nationally, and internationally. At the national level stricter unilateral policies were reinforced by receiving countries for low-skilled labour, while less strict policies applied for skilled labour. These remain in operation in conjunction with the earlier bilateral agreements. At the international level, there remains a lack of policy to regulate international labour migration. Under the current enhanced mobility of capital, international migrants are thus left vulnerable. Lesotho fits this pattern. Faced with a dual economy and an abundance of semi-skilled labour, Lesotho has been a principal supplier of labour to the South Africa's mining industry since its independence. Lesotho's industrial diversification thus mirrors South Africa's industrial diversification. In the lSI phase (1968 - 1987), international labour migration became the most important tool of economic welfare generation in Lesotho. Bilateral agreements were signed in the early 1970s between Lesotho and South Africa to guarantee the gains from migration. Since the late I980s, the mining industry in South Africa began to downsize production and employment. Fewer novice miners from Lesotho were recruited to work in South Africa. The adaptation of the EOI policy in Lesotho in 1987 introduced EPZ industrialization and trade liberalization. Nevertheless, the retrenchment of mine workers from South Africa is occurring at a time when Lesotho is experiencing an employment crisis. The political independence of South Africa in 1994 was accompanied by stricter international migration policies by the new democratic government of South Africa. Most migrant workers in South Africa are thus now faced with a two-door policy (of the earlier bilateral agreements and the amendments to the Aliens Control Act). This system has left migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation by both employers and the law (police) in South Africa. Nevertheless, international migration from Lesotho to South Africa continues to expand, particularly of the new type of migration - semiskilled female workers in the services sector. At the same time, South Africa is also experiencing an employment crisis. The most important policy implications are, firstly, that migration is subject to the same "casualisation" as other work, with the effects made worse by the "statelessness" of migrants, who are most vulnerable to exploitation. Secondly, multilateralism is needed (e.g., SADC) and holistic, multilateral policies are required. It is clear that under the new global division of labour ad hoc policy towards international labour migration is ineffective.
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- Date Issued: 2002
The independent high rate algal pond as a unit operation in tertiary wastewater treatment
- Authors: Clark, Stewart James
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Algae -- Biotechnology , Sewage -- Purification -- Biological treatment
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4092 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007805
- Description: The development of the High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP) as an independent tertiary treatment unit operation for phosphate and nitrate removal is reported. A novel Integrated Algal Ponding System (lAPS) design is proposed for nutrient removal from the effluents of both a conventional domestic sewage treatment plant and from an Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding System (AIWPS). The viability of an independently operated HRAP has been identified and termed the Independent High Rate Algal Pond (l-HRAP). A 500 m² pilot 1- HRAP was operated in such a way as to facilitate the precipitation of calcium phosphate, known to be controlled by pH (greater than 9.4) and resulting in final phosphate levels of less than 1 mg.L⁻¹ as P0₄-P. The incorporation of the I-HRAP into a denitrification process was also investigated. Continuously fed column reactors, utilising algal biomass as a carbon source, showed that the heterotrophic bacterial community dominant in the anaerobic algal sludge were denitrifying the nitrate in the feed. It was demonstrated that as the cultures were stressed (using increased nitrate concentrations, anaerobiosis and light starvation) total polysaccharide (TPS) concentrations increased, with a notable increase 111 the exopolysaccharide (EPS) fraction. These experiments corroborated the hypothesis that harvested microalgal biomass can be manipulated to produce, and release, exopolymeric substances under stress conditions, and which may serve as carbon source for denitrification. In both batch flask studies and in laboratory-scale reactor systems, harvested microalgal biomass from an HRAP was shown to produce exopolymeric substances under stress conditions. Initial high loading-rates of greater than 20 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N resulted in double the amount of exopolysaccharide production than in flasks with initial low loading-rates (less than 5 mg.L⁻¹ NO₃-N). Making use of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket-type degrading-bed reactor, and an anaerobic, flooded trickle filter (ANTRIC) receiving HRAP effluent, the relationship between denitrification and the changes in polysaccharide content was investigated. This phenomenon has considerable beneficial implications in biological wastewater treatment systems where high nitrate concentration in the final effluent is a potential mitigating factor. Identification of the heterotrophic bacteria active in the denitrification process was attempted. This study presents a first report on the development and operation of the I-HRAP and has been followed by a technical-scale pilot plant evaluation of the process in the tertiary treatment of domestic wastewaters.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Alkane oxidation using metallophthalocyanine as homogeneous catalysts
- Authors: Grootboom, Natasha Denise
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Oxidation , Alkanes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007794
- Description: Iron polychlorophthalocyanine (FePc(Cl)₁₆) and tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([M¹¹TSPc]⁴) complexes of iron, cobalt and manganese are employed as catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexane using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), chloroperoxybenzoic acid (CPBA) and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants. Catalysis using the FePc(Cl)₁₆ was performed in a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane (3 :7) solvent mixture. For the [Fe¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻, [Co¹¹TSPc]⁻ and [Mn¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻catalysts, a water:methanol (1:9) mixture was employed. The products of the catalysis are cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanediol. The relative percentage yields, percentage selectivity and overall percentage conversion of the products depended on types of oxidant, or catalyst, concentrations of substrate or catalysts and temperature. TBHP was found to be the best oxidant since minimal destruction of the catalyst and higher selectivity in the products were observed when this oxidant was employed. Of the four catalysts investigated [Fe¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻ yielded the highest overall percentage conversion of 20%.The mechanism of the oxidation of cyclohexane in the presence of the FePc(Cl)₁₆ and [M¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻ involves the oxidation of these catalysts, forming an Fe(IlI) phthalocyanine species as an intermediate. Electrocatalysis using [Co¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻ as catalyst, employed an aqueous pH 7 buffer medium for electro-oxidation of 4-pentenoic acid. An enone is suggested as the only oxidation product of 4-pentenoic acid. No degradation of [Co¹¹TSPc]⁴⁻ was observed during the electrocatalytic process. In this process water was used as a source of oxygen therefore eliminating the production of by products from oxidant as in the case of TBHP and CPBA. This system was studied In an attempt to set up conditions for alkane electrocatalytic oxidation.
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- Date Issued: 2002
"The wife of Lucifer" : women and evil in Charles Dickens
- Authors: Ebelthite, Candice Axell
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 -- Characters -- Women Evil in literature Women in literature
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2189 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002231
- Description: This thesis examines Dickens's presentation of evil women. In the course of my reading I discovered that most of the evil women in his novels are mothers, or mother-figures, a finding which altered the nature of my interpretation and led to closer examination of these characters, rather than the prostitutes and criminals who may have been viewed negatively by Nineteenth century society and thereby condemned as evil. Among the many unsympathetically portrayed mothers and mother-figures in Dickens's works, the three that are most interesting are Lady Dedlock, Miss Havisham, and Mrs Skewton. Madame Defarge initiates the discussion, however, as a seminal figure among the many evil women in the novels. Psychoanalytical and socio-historic readings grounded in Nineteenth century conceptions of womanhood provide background material for this thesis. Though useful and informative, however, these areas of study are not sufficient in themselves. The theory that shapes the arguments of this thesis is defined by Steven Cohan, who argues strongly that the demand for psychological coherence as a requisite of character obscures the imaginative power of character as textual construct, and who both refutes and develops character theory as it is argued by Baruch Hochman. Cohan's theory is also finally closer to that outlined by Thomas Docherty, who provides a complex reading of character as ultimately "unknowable".
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- Date Issued: 2002
The growth and reproduction of the freshwater limpet Burnupia stenochorias (Pulmonata, Ancylidae), and an evaluation of its use as an ecotoxicology indicator in whole effluent testing
- Authors: Davies-Coleman, H D (Heather D)
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Ancylidae Effluent quality Toxicity testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5703 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005389
- Description: For the protection of the ecological Reserve in South Africa, the proposed introduction of compulsory toxicity testing in the licensing of effluent discharges necessitates the development of whole effluent toxicity testing. The elucidation of the effects of effluent on the local indigenous populations of organisms is essential before hazard and risk assessment can be undertaken. The limpet Burnupia stenochorias, prevalent in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, was chosen to represent the freshwater molluscs as a potential toxicity indicator. Using potassium dichromate (as a reference toxicant) and a textile whole effluent, the suitability of B. stenochorias was assessed under both acute and chronic toxicity conditions in the laboratory. In support of the toxicity studies, aspects of the biology of B. stenochorias were investigated under both natural and laboratory conditions. Using Principal Component and Discriminant Function Analyses, the relative shell morphometrics of three feral populations of B. stenochorias were found to vary. Length was shown to adequately represent growth of the shell, although the inclusion of width measurements is more statistically preferable. Two of the feral populations, one in impacted water, were studied weekly for 52 weeks to assess natural population dynamics. Based on the Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation, estimates of growth and longevity were made for this species, with growth highly seasonal. Age is not easily discerned from shell size. Egg laying occurred all year round, with early summer (peak egg lay), mid summer (a second, smaller peak in egg lay), and winter (limited presence of eggs) phases. In toxicity testing, consideration is given to the choice of the test organism based on age and sexual development. Consequently, the sexual development of B. stenochorias relative to shell length was determined with the aid of histological examinations of transverse sections of limpets, of all sizes, collected over one year. Limpets less than 3mm shell length were found to be immature in the development of the oocytes and spermatozoa, and were later chosen for acute toxicity tests. A laboratory diet was developed, for both culturing and maintaining of the limpets during toxicity tests; however, the diet requires optimisation. Under laboratory conditions, growth was linear, and individual fecundity highly variable. Successful methods for the collection of limpets from naturally occurring populations, and their acclimation to the laboratory were developed. Three B. stenochorias populations, representing different hydrological and water quality conditions, were compared to a laboratory population (maintained for three years) in their responses to the textile whole effluent and potassium dichromate. Under acute conditions, variability of mortality between limpet populations and between seasons was consistent with acceptable international standards. However, seasonal differences between feral limpets were apparent, with early summer limpets significantly more susceptible to both potassium dichromate and textile effluent than winter limpets. Although mortality occurred within the effluent at all concentrations, no 96 hour LC₅₀ values were obtained. The chronic toxicity effects of the textile whole effluent were assessed over the entire life cycle of B. stenochorias, based on survival, growth and reproductive effects. Lower concentrations of effluent (# 10%) gave greater variability of responses and toxicity than higher concentrations, with a 43 day LC₅₀ of 3.9% effluent. The No Observed Effect Concentrations for survival (over 43 days) were calculated in consecutive years as 0.1% and 1% effluent. Survival is considered a useful tool for determining toxicity endpoints using B. stenochorias. Limpet growth remained linear in effluent, with an apparent stimulation of growth at the 3-10% effluent concentration, confusing the toxicity and variability assessments. The possible addition of nutrients from the effluent points to either a potential inadequacy of the food quality provided in the chronic assessment, or the presence in the effluent of growth stimulants. Growth was also found to be too variable to allow adequate statistical conclusions about the toxicity of the effluent, although it is suggested that growth may be useful in the assessment of single compounds. Despite large individual variability in fecundity, statistical differences were discernible between effluent concentrations. The application of fecundity of B. stenochorias in hazard assessment therefore warrants further investigation. It was concluded that an assessment of textile whole effluent toxicity to B. stenochorias over an entire life cycle, and an F1 generation, is unnecessary. The development of the bucket/plastic bag method for both acute and chronic toxicity assessment of B. stenochorias was useful. In the final assessment of the usefulness of B. stenochorias as a toxicity indicator, toxicity endpoints were compared with those of the standard laboratory organism Daphnia pulex. Both in acute and chronic toxicity, B. stenochorias was found to be more sensitive. B. stenochorias is therefore considered valuable as a South African freshwater molluscan ecotoxicological indicator, with a place in hazard assessment, although further development and research is necessary before the limpet can be effectively used.
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- Date Issued: 2002
A multivariate model of the offence behaviours of South African serial killers
- Authors: Hodgskiss, Brin Allan
- Date: 2013-05-14
- Subjects: Serial murderers -- South Africa -- Psychology Criminal behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007793
- Description: It was hypothesised that there would be behavioural consistencies in the offences of South African serial killers. The themes underlying these observable differences can help us understand the nature of these offences. Crime scene data was ohtained from police records, and structured, in-depth offender interviews. 73 offences, committed by 13 offenders, were analysed. The analysis used Smallest Space Analysis (SSA), a Multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedure. This analysis revealed systematic patterns of behaviour in the offences. It was found that the focus of these offences is an impersonal, hostile, and act-focused murder were the victim is treated as a depersonalised object. Empirical support for an underlying thematic structure to these offences was also provided. The offence themes identified relate to the nature of the actions committed during the offence, and the function these actions had for the offender. These fmdings thus support the hypothesis that these offences will display meaningful behavioural variation. These findings have direct utility in the investigation and study of serial killing in South Aflica. They also provide the basis for comparison with previously suggested typologies of serial killing, and indicate directions for future research into this phenomenon in the South African setting. , KMBT_363 , Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in
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Policy and practice : an activity systems' analysis of a further diploma in education (technology)
- Authors: Thomen, Eva Christine Salzmann
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Action theory Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004525
- Description: This research examines, within the interpretive paradigm, how emerging educational policy in an in-service educator education programme, namely, a Further Diploma in Education (Technology), is implemented and practiced by educators in the classroom. Technology is a new learning area in the South African curriculum that aims to develop learners' technological skills and promote the practical application of Science and Mathematics. Technology is seen as a way of developing a productive workforce that can design, realise and evaluate technological problems in a global economy. Engestrom's version of Activity Theory was used as the conceptual framework. Activity Theory focuses on 'activity' as a unit of analysis that captures the individual in context. This research focuses on the lecturers' and the students' actions in the programme, and the educators' and the learners' actions in the classroom. The research design was an eclectic case study consisting of two embedded cases within a single larger case namely, in-service educator education. Multiple single cases were selected within the two embedded cases. Trustworthiness and authenticity were addressed through the triangulation of data using mUltiple sources and methods of data collection. Data were analysed and interpreted in a hermeneutic-like process that emerged through gradual induction over time. The findings of the research suggest that the in-service educator education programme did not promote the effective implementation of educational policy. Major challenges to the effective implementation of educational policy include: the formulation and implementation of an INSET programme during rapid educational policy change, the under-preparedness and language difficulties of the participating educators that constrained policy implementation in the INSET programme and the classroom, the role of organisational rules in shaping the activities in the INSET programme and the classroom, and the broader community'S contribution to resource constraints in the classroom. This research suggests that the participating educators are not likely to be major change agents in the transformation of education in South Africa. This concurs with other research findings that suggest that educator education is a weak intervention incapable of overcoming the shortcomings of the educators' own personal schooling or the impact of work experience.
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- Date Issued: 2002
The adaptation of the Clark (1997) treatment for social phobia into a group therapy format, and a preliminary evaluation
- Authors: Kannan, Swetha
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Social phobia -- Treatment , Group psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3109 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004547 , Social phobia -- Treatment , Group psychotherapy
- Description: Clark and Wells (1995) constructed a comprehensive cognitive model of social phobic behaviour, in terms of which social phobic behaviour is activated and maintained by a system consisting of negative thoughts and beliefs, anxiety s)mptoms, avoidance and safety behaviours, and processing of self as a social object. The interaction of these elements creates a series of vicious circles which escalate and which keep the phobic individual in a state of chronic -disability, either because they chronically avoid significant social situations or because they find themselves incapacitated by anxiety when they enter them. The Clark and Wells (1995) treatment programme is designed to alleviate the social phobia by targeting the components that form the vicious maintenance cycle and replacing these by new patterns of cognition and behaviour. This treatment programme was designed for individual treatment, and the present study adapted it to a group format. Seven social phobic university students participated in the adapted group treatment format over the course of 13, 2-hour group sessions. Regular assessment of participants' response to the programme was carried out weekly and at two follow-up assessments, with the use of a series of questionnaires. In addition, sessions were audio taped and videotaped, facilitators took notes during sessions and keep records made by participants of their homework exercises. Individual case studies were written for all participants (including two non-completers) in which case narratives were juxtaposed against their responses to each of the self-report questionnaires. These we used as a basis for evaluating the validity of the Clark and Wells theoretical model and in examining the effectiveness of the treatment programme in bringing to awareness and interrupting the cycles that maintained the phobic behaviour. It is concluded that the group programme showed evidence of being very effective and, a group treatment manual was constructed so that it can be employed clinically and in future research.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Design, evaluation and comparison of evolution and reinforcement learning models
- Authors: Mclean, Clinton Brett
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Evolutionary computation Neural networks (Computer science) Reinforcement learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEcon
- Identifier: vital:4625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006493
- Description: This work presents the design, evaluation and comparison of evolution and reinforcement learning models, in isolation and combined in Darwinian and Lamarckian frameworks, with a particular emphasis being placed on their adaptive nature in response to environments that become increasingly unstable. Our ultimate objective is to determine whether hybrid models of evolution and learning can demonstrate adaptive qualities beyond those of such models when applied in isolation. This work demonstrates the limitations of evolution, reinforcement learning and Lamarckian models in dealing with increasingly unstable environments, while noting the effective adaptive nature of a Darwinian model to assimilate increasing levels of instability. This is shown to be a result of the Darwinian evolution model's ability to separate learning at two levels, the population's experience of the environment over the course of many generations and the individual's experience of the environment over the course of its lifetime. Thus, knowledge relating to the general characteristics of the environment over many generations can be maintained in the population's genotypes with phenotype (reinforcement) learning being utilized to adapt a particular agent to the particular characteristics of its environment. Lamarckian evolution, though, is shown to demonstrate adaptive characteristics that are highly effective in response to the stable environments. Selection and reproduction combined with reinforcement learning creates a model that has the ability to utilize useful knowledge produced by reinforcements, as opposed to random mutations, to accelerate the search process. As a result the influence of individual learning on the populations evolution is shown to be more successful when applied in the more direct Lamarckian form. Based on our results demonstrating the success of Lamarckian strategies in stable environments and Darwinian strategies in unstable environments, hybrid Darwinian/Lamarckian models are created with a view towards combining the advantages of both forms of evolution to produce a superior adaptive capability. Our investigation demonstrates that such hybrid models can effectively combine the adaptive advantageous of both Darwinian and Lamarckian evolution to provide a more effective capability of adapting to a range of conditions, from stable to unstable, appropriately adjusting the required degree of inheritance in response to the requirements of the environment.
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- Date Issued: 2002
The evolution of online news: a comparative case study of the process of implementation at two South African news organisations
- Authors: Knight, Margaret Anne
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Electronic newspapers -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- United States , Electronic news gathering -- South Africa , Electronic news gathering -- United States
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3447 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002901 , Electronic newspapers -- South Africa , Electronic newspapers -- United States , Electronic news gathering -- South Africa , Electronic news gathering -- United States
- Description: This study examines the evolution of online news strategy in South African and American newspaper companies, and compares the approaches used in the two countries. The Internet has had a major effect on news worldwide, and has contributed to sweeping changes in the news industry in all media. This study looks at the changes and the evolving strategy wrought by online news in the newspaper industry in two countries. In order to do this comparison, a model of the US experience has been constructed, using material published in the US academic and professional journalism press. Since there is no equivalent published material available dealing with the South African experience, interviews were conducted with staff at two newspaper companies (Johnnic and Naspers), and a broad historical overview was created for each company. These “narrative histories” were then compared with the US model, and areas of commonality and difference were highlighted and discussed. Several structural and national differences be tween the two countries were also raised and analysed. Finally, a conclusion as to how applicable the US model is to the South African experience is drawn, and suggestions are made for further study.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Investigation of the bioconversion of constituents of olive effluents for the production of valuable chemical compounds
- Authors: Notshe, Thandiwe Loretta
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Phenols , Sewage -- Purification , Effluent quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4078 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007446 , Phenols , Sewage -- Purification , Effluent quality
- Description: Olive mill wastewater is produced in large quantities during the production of olive oil and olive production effluents are produced during the processing of olives. This project was planned to find a use for constituents found in olive production wastewater. The task was carried out by first characterizing the olive effluents, then screening microorganisms for growth in the effluents and reduction of the pollutant properties of the effluents. An investigation into the biotransformation of aromatic compounds present in the effluents into useful chemicals, was carried out. The olive production effluents were collected from different stages in the process for treating olive wastewater, viz, a fermentation tank (FB), the surface of a digester (LV) and an evaporation pond (SO). The three effluents were characterized by investigating their phenolic composition. Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, coumaric acid and ferulic acid were identified in an olive effluent, FB, using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and High perfomance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hydroxyphenyl acetic acid constitutes almost 60% of the organics in olive effluent FB. Five bacteria, namely RU-LV1; RU-FBI and RU-FB2; RU-SOI and RU-S02, were isolated from the olive effluents LV, FB and SO respectively. These isolates were found to be halotolerant and were able to grow over a broad temperature and pH range, with the maximum temperature and pH for growth being 28°C and pH 7 respectively. A range of microorganisms were evaluated for their ability to grow and reduce the total phenolic content of the olive effluents. Among these Neurospora crassa showed the highest potential for the biological reduction of total phenolics in olive effluents. Approximately 70% of the total phenolic content was removed by N. crassa. Trametes verscilor, Pseudomonas putida strains, RU-KMI and RU-KM3s, and the bacteria isolated from olive effluents could also degrade the total phenolic content of olive effluents, but to a lesser extent. The ability of the five bacterial isolates to grow and degrade aromatic compounds was assessed by growing them in medium with standard aromatic compounds. RU-L V1 degraded 96%, 100%, 73% and 100% of caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid respectively. The other isolates degraded caffeic acid and protocatechuic acid, but their ability to degraded p-coumaric acid and vanillic acid was found to be lesser than the ability of RU-LV1 to degrade the same aromatic compounds. Whole cells of RU-LV1 degraded vanillic acid but no metabolic products were observed on HPLC analysis. Resting cells, French pressed extract, cell free extracts and cell debris from RU-LV1 cells induced with vanillic acid degraded vanillic acid, ferulic acid and vanillin at rates higher than those obtained from non-induced cultures. No products were observed during the degradation of vanillic acid. Ferulic acid was converted into vanillic acid by French pressed extract, cell free extract and cell debris of RU-LV1. The maximum yield of vanillic acid as a product (0 .23 mM, 50 %yield) was obtained when cell free extracts of RU-LVI, grown in glucose and induced by vanillic acid, were used for the degradation of 0.4 mM ferulic acid. Vanillin was rapidly converted into vanillic acid by resting cells, cell free extracts and French pressed extract of RU-LVI. Using molecular techniques, the similarity ranking of the RU-LVI 16S rRNA gene and its clone showed a high similarity to Corynebacterium glutamicum and Corynebacterium acedopltilum. The rapid degradation of vanillin to vanillic acid suggests that extracts from RU-LV1 degrade ferulic acid into vanillin which is immediately oxidized to vanillic acid. Vanillic acid is also considered as a high value chemical. This project has a potential of producing useful chemicals from cheap substrates that can be found in olive effluents. , KMBT_363
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- Date Issued: 2002
Representations of women in women's magazines
- Authors: Ndzamela, Viwe
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Women in mass media , Women's periodicals, South African
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002930 , Women in mass media , Women's periodicals, South African
- Description: Women’s magazines as a popular form of entertainment are among the media products that have been criticised for misrepresenting women. These popular magazines are often condemned for their failure to represent women in a positive light although they claim to target women as their market. The objective of this research is to assess and analyse representations of women in selected women’s magazines. Because women’s magazines are part of popular culture, which is not only concerned with the production process but also takes into consideration the needs of the readers, the research seeks to find out whether these magazines meet the expectations of its readers. The study is a combination of qualitative analysis, which looks at the frequency and the manner in which women are represented, with a qualitative interpretation of women’s roles within those representations. The issue of representations of women in women’s magazines is a very complex one as magazines, like other cultural texts are open to multiple interpretations. Consequently, multiple conclusions have been reached and the outcome of the study is therefore a series of three conclusions based on feature articles, advertisements and at a theoretical level.
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- Date Issued: 2002
The relationship between three anxiety related clusters in projective drawings and anxiety and ego-strength scales of the Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory-2
- Authors: Brink, André
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Projective techniques , Personality assessment , Personality tests , Anxiety , Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002451 , Projective techniques , Personality assessment , Personality tests , Anxiety , Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
- Description: Based on the shortcomings of past research, the need for understanding and investigation of the general relationship between self-report measures and human figure drawings required understanding and investigation (Riethmiller & Handler, 1997b; Waehler, 1997) while utilising a quantitative, configural scoring approach. Riethmiller and Handler (1997a; 1997b) hypothesised that subjects have one of two typical approach styles to anxiety/stress that influences their execution of the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) Test: “Avoidance” or “Coping” as measured by composite scoring index clusters. They argue that these two approach styles had to be taken into account when investigating anxiety on the HFD Test. According to Handler and Reyher (1965) those who experience more intense anxiety typically rely on an “Avoidant” approach, while those with lower anxiety typically rely on a “Coping” approach. The “Coping” response is hypothesised to suggest good ego-strength, and the “Avoidant” response poor ego-strength. Handler and Reyher (1964; 1965; 1966) also argued that there are two sources of anxiety on projective drawings: internal and external sources of anxiety. They hypothesised that the “External” anxiety cluster (measured by utilising the car drawing) and self-report measures both assess ‘external’ anxiety. Using Handler’s (1967) HFD index scoring manual, this research therefore inve stigated the level of correlation of the two MMPI-2 anxiety scale scores with (a) the hypothesised Stress Approach HFD cluster scores, as well as with (b) the “External” anxiety cluster score, while the hypothesised Stress Approach HFD cluster scores were compared with the (c) MMPI-2 ego strength scale score. The results of the investigated relationships yielded non-significant correlations overall. The differences in nature of the two measurement instruments, and the potential weaknesses of this study, as two likely explanations for these correlations, are discussed. In the consideration of the differences of the two measurement instruments, the weaknesses of SR measures and criterion-related validity are discussed while self- attributed and implicit motives are contrasted with each other. Potential extraneous variables and possible truncated range are discussed as potential weaknesses of this study.
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- Date Issued: 2002
An investigation into the viability of deploying thin client technology to support effective learning in a disadvantaged, rural high school setting
- Authors: Ndwe, Tembalethu Jama
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Network computers , Education -- Data processing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4627 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006500 , Network computers , Education -- Data processing
- Description: Computer Based Training offers many attractive learning opportunities for high school pupils. Its deployment in economically depressed and educationally marginalized rural schools is extremely uncommon due to the high technology skills and costs involved in its deployment and ongoing maintenance. This thesis puts forward thin client technology as a potential solution to the needs of education environments of this kind. A functional business case is developed and evaluated in this thesis, based upon a requirements analysis of media delivery in learning, and upon formal cost/performance models and a deployment field trial. Because of the economic constraints of the envisaged deployment area in rural education, an industrial field trial is used, and the aspects of this trial that can be carried over to the rural school situation have been used to assess performance and cost indicators. Our study finds that thin client technology could be deployed and maintained more cost effectively than conventional fat client solutions in rural schools, that it is capable of supporting the learning elements needed in this deployment area, and that it is able to deliver the predominantly text based applications currently being used in schools. However, we find that technological improvements are needed before future multimediaintensive applications can be adequately supported.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Extension theorems on L-topological spaces and L-fuzzy vector spaces
- Authors: Pinchuck, Andrew
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Topology , Vector spaces , Generalized spaces
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5405 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005219 , Topology , Vector spaces , Generalized spaces
- Description: A non-trivial example of an L-topological space, the fuzzy real line is examined. Various L-topological properties and their relationships are developed. Extension theorems on the L-fuzzy real line as well as extension theorems on more general L-topological spaces follow. Finally, a theory of L-fuzzy vector spaces leads up to a fuzzy version of the Hahn-Banach theorem.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Aspects pertinent to the provision of sustainable water supply projects in the Eastern Cape Province: a case study of Nomzamo Water Supply Project
- Authors: Mpendu, Daluhlanga Ayford
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nomzamo Water Supply Project Water-supply -- South Africa -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:5952 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007450
- Description: This study explores views behind the failure of water supply projects to achieve sustainability, primarily from the 'users' perspective, and at a secondary level from the perspective of the government/funders. One completed water supply project was selected as a case study for the research project. The overriding principle behind the water infrastructure delivery programme is that the service must be provided in a sustainable manner, and that the community must actively participate and be involved in all the phases of the project. The provision of water is not simply as it might look. In reality it is a complex process, which involves a number of organisations with different, yet important roles and responsibilities. Ongoing collaboration is important among these organisations if the service is to be provided efficiently and in a sustainable manner. In particular, local government has a Constitutional obligation to provide services to all consumers in an efficient, affordable, economical and sustainable manner. The National and Provincial governments, however, have a number of responsibilities in the field of water services. Semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from respondents. Two sets of interview schedules were developed, one for the community/water project committee members, and the other for the government officials. The data collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. This analysis enabled the researcher to draw findings, make conclusions and propose recommendations. The findings and conclusions of the study point to lack of clarity on roles and responsibilities; gender and cultural constraints; and, poor training and capacity and building of the community as being some of the reasons for the failure of the project. The recommendations proposed entail, inter alia, massive community mobilisation and awareness creation programmes; improvement in levels of the service; adoption of a gender-sensitive approach to project development; and, implementation of a training and capacity building process in the community in order to 'revitalise' the project. The study has merely focussed on one water project and sets the scene for further exploration of the subject. It certainly highlights some critical issues around sustainability of water projects, and hopefully will contribute towards the ongoing debate in this area.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Non-governmental organizations, the state and the politics of rural development in Kenya with particular reference to Western Province
- Authors: Matanga, Frank Khachina
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- Kenya , Rural development -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2803 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003013 , Non-governmental organizations -- Kenya , Rural development -- Kenya
- Description: In recent decades, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have increasingly taken on development and political roles in Africa. This has partly been attributed to the New Policy Agenda (NPA) mounted by the international donors. The NPA is predicated on neo-liberal thinking advocating for an enlarged development role for the private sector and a minimalist state. This relatively new shift in development thought has been motivated by the declining capacity of the African state to deliver development and guarantee a liberal political system. This study, therefore, set out to empirically examine whether NGOs are capable of effectively playing their new-found development and political roles. The study was based on Kenya with the Western Province constituting the core research area. The fact that the Kenyan state has been gradually disengaging from the development process has created a vacuum of which the NGOs have attempted to fill. Equally important has been the observation that, for the greater part of the post-colonial period, the state has been largely authoritarian and therefore prompting a segment of civil society to take on political roles in an effort to force it to liberalize and democratize. Urban NGOs in particular, have been the most confrontational to the state with some remarkable success. Unlike their urban counterparts, rural-based NGOs have tended to be more developmental and play a politics of collaboration with the state. Many of the latter NGOs, although playing a significant role in rural development, have been co-opted into patron-client networks. Factors that influence NGOs= posture towards the state include the nature of their leadership, the extent of their nternational connections, and the level of resources at their disposal. The study=s principal conclusion, is that, in as much as NGOs and overall civil society have provided a basis for development and opposition to the state, there is an urgent and growing need for them to shift from a position of dependency, whether domestic or international, to relative autonomy. Only then, will their contributions be sustainable in society.
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- Date Issued: 2002
The life history of selected coastal foredune species of South Africa
- Authors: Knevel, Irma Cornelia
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Sand dune plants -- South Africa Sand dune ecology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4207 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003776
- Description: South African dune fields are severely threatened by human expansion and in the long run the stabilisation of many dunes will be necessary. The alien grass Ammophila arenaria is the most important drift sand stabiliser at present in South Africa. Although not invasive, the current impact of A. arenaria on the dune systems of South Africa is considerable, and thus the stabilising benefit of the grass seemed to may be outweighed by its negative consequences. It is therefore preferable to use indigenous sand stabilising species. In order to define guidelines for the application of indigenous plants for stabilisation, their autecology should be studied first to enhance the chance of successful stabilisation results. The main aim of the present thesis was to gather information on the life history processes of selected indigenous, sand stabilising foredune species. To investigate the growth of foredune pioneer species, the common pioneer Scaevola plumieri was followed over a three-year period to determine the growth season and leaf phenology. Soil-borne pathogens are known to influence the growth and vegetation dynamics of foredune species. To examine this effect on the South African foredunes the rhizosphere soil and the roots of several species were studied. To test the effect of the nematode fauna on succeeding plant species a transplantation experiment was carried out. The seed stage is the only life-cycle stage that can survive unfavourable conditions. Therefore, the seed ecology of several foredune species was studied extensively to determine the reproductive season, the seed production, the fate of seeds after shedding (germination, seawater dispersal), germination requirements and seed bank strategy. Seeds of the species Arctotheca populifolia, Ipomoea pes-caprae, Myrica cordifolia, and Scaevola plumieri were subjected to germination trials, field observations on seedling survival, and scarification and stratification experiments. This was done to obtain information about the germination requirements and to determine the reproductive season and growth season. The seed bank strategy of the foredune species, as well as the seed bank density, was determined by extensive sampling along the Cape coast. The species S. plumieri thrived under sand accretion situations, which makes it a good candidate for stabilisation purposes. The growth of S. plumieri was seasonal, with the highest leaf production during spring and summer. The stem position on the foredune had a strong effect on the overall performance of S. plumieri , with the stems situated on the landward face of the foredune showing higher leaf and seed production. Theiii nematode survey of soil and roots of several foredune species showed that all plant species featured a specific nematode fauna in the rhizosphere soil and the roots. The specific nematode fauna affected the growth of foreign plant species in the transplantation experiment, resulting in a lower root and/or shoot biomass production. Most of the foredune species produce seeds from spring to late summer. For S. plumieri the position of the stem on the dunes, as well as the predation of unripe seeds affected the number of seeds produced. The highest production was found for the landward faced stems. The S. plumieri seeds were able to float on seawater for at least three months without losing viability, as was observed for seeds of I. pes-caprae. The seeds of M. cordifolia, however, sank after a few days, but their viability was not affected. The rhizome fragments of A. arenaria and S. virginicus floated for 120 days, whereas the fragments of E. villosa sunk after one day. The viability of S. virginicus fragments was affected by the duration in seawater by an increase in sprouting time. The seeds of all species tested germinated readily under controlled conditions, except S. plumieri seeds which required a long lag-phase before germination. In the field the seeds of A. populifolia, I. pes-caprae and S. plumieri germinated, producing many seedlings. Only the seedlings of A. populifolia and S. plumieri survived. Of the species found in the foredunes 57% was represented in the soil seed bank. For most species, the seeds that were found in the seed bank showed viability of at least 40%. Many of the seeds found were older than one year, suggesting a short-term persistent seed bank. The present study is a start in filling the gap in information on dune pioneer and foredune species. The conclusion was that in general all species in the present study were easy to grow under controlled conditions, and thus could be used for stabilisation purposes. When the more rapidly growing pioneer species are planted in combination with succeeding foredune species, a functional and aesthetic ecosystem could be created.
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- Date Issued: 2002
Modelling the distribution and abundance of several demersal fish species on the Agulhas Bank, South Africa
- Authors: Sampson, Mark Robert
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Fishes -- South Africa -- Geographical distribution , Fishes -- South Africa -- Geographical distribution -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5343 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006207 , Fishes -- South Africa -- Geographical distribution , Fishes -- South Africa -- Geographical distribution -- Mathematical models
- Description: The Agulhas Bank supports a speciose fish community, many of which are commercially important. Despite substantial research being conducted on aspects of their biology spatial aspects of their distribution and abundance in relation to environment parameters has been ignored. This study, therefore, addressed aspects related to the distribution and abundance of representative species on the Agulhas Bank within a Geographic Information System (GIS). Four candidate species were chosen due to their importance either in numbers or unit mass to the South African demersal trawl fishery. The species also shared morphological and taxonomic similarities. The candidate species chosen were the two Cape hake species, shallow-water hake Meluccius capensis, and deep-water hake Merluccius paradoxus, and the two pleuronectiform species being Agulhas sole Austroglossus pectoralis and redspotted tonguesole Cynoglossus zanzibarensis. The use of a GIS was appropriate and allowed for hidden spatial patterns be exposed and illustrated visually, while also facilitating the quantification of the relationships between distribution/abundance and certain environmental predictors using statistical methods The Department of Marine and Coastal Management, Cape Town, supplied biological data in the form of length frequency and biomass information from spring (AprillMay) and autumn (September/October) cruises conducted between 1986 and 1993 on the R. V. Africana. The Council for National Geoscience, Cape Town, supplied sediment data for the entire southern African coastline. Initial exploratory data analysis highlighted potential relationships between environmental variables and abundance for each specie's life-history stanzas. Variations in spatial distribution were found to be significantly different between each life-history stanzas within species. Fish density as a function of the additive effects of the various environmental parameters, including temperature, depth and sediment type, was assessed using a Poisson Generalized Additive Model (GAM), while distribution was analysed with a logistic GAM. A predictive logistic model was then created, taking into consideration the importance of the predictor variables for each species, allowing for predictive estimates to be made for each species by inputting environmental information within the study area. The importance of certain environmental variables influencing distribution and abundance were noted. General patterns indicated that sediment was the most important to both the distribution and abundance of the two pleuronectiform species and juvenile life-history stanzas, while the adult gadoids' distribution and abundance appeared to be depth dependent.
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- Date Issued: 2002