Minor "dings" - major effects? a study into the cognitive effects of mild head injuries in high school rugby
- Authors: Ackermann, Tessa Ruth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002429 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Description: The present study is part of a larger and ongoing research initiative investigating the cumulative cognitive effects of mild head injury in rugby union and focused specifically on high school rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to top team high school rugby players (n = 47), and a non-contact sport control group of top team high school hockey players (n = 34). Direct comparisons of group mean scores and standard deviations across each neuropsychological test were carried out for the Total Rugby group versus the Total Hockey group as well as for the subgroups Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. A correlational analysis was conducted to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the number of mild head injuries reported by the players and their cognitive test performance. Results of the group comparisons of means and variability on WMS Paired Associate Learning Hard Pairs - Delayed Recall provides tentative indications of the initial stages of diffuse damage associated with mild head injury in the rugby group and provides some evidence for impairment of verbal learning and memory in the Rugby Forwards group. The correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between number of reported mild head injuries and cognitive performance. The findings and possible latent effects of the multiple mild head injuries reported by the rugby players are discussed in terms of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ackermann, Tessa Ruth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2920 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002429 , Rugby football injuries , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Psychology , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Complications , Head -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation
- Description: The present study is part of a larger and ongoing research initiative investigating the cumulative cognitive effects of mild head injury in rugby union and focused specifically on high school rugby players. A comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to top team high school rugby players (n = 47), and a non-contact sport control group of top team high school hockey players (n = 34). Direct comparisons of group mean scores and standard deviations across each neuropsychological test were carried out for the Total Rugby group versus the Total Hockey group as well as for the subgroups Rugby Forwards versus Rugby Backs. A correlational analysis was conducted to ascertain whether a relationship exists between the number of mild head injuries reported by the players and their cognitive test performance. Results of the group comparisons of means and variability on WMS Paired Associate Learning Hard Pairs - Delayed Recall provides tentative indications of the initial stages of diffuse damage associated with mild head injury in the rugby group and provides some evidence for impairment of verbal learning and memory in the Rugby Forwards group. The correlational analysis revealed no significant relationship between number of reported mild head injuries and cognitive performance. The findings and possible latent effects of the multiple mild head injuries reported by the rugby players are discussed in terms of brain reserve capacity theory and suggestions for future research are provided.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
No more lament
- Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus), Biram Ndeck Ndiaye, Aly Hachem (arrangement), Lamine Faye (guitar), El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards), Moussa Traore (percussion), Jean Pierre Gomes (bass), Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus), Studio 2000
- Authors: Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus) , Biram Ndeck Ndiaye , Aly Hachem (arrangement) , Lamine Faye (guitar) , El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards) , Moussa Traore (percussion) , Jean Pierre Gomes (bass) , Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus) , Studio 2000
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Africa, West , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: English , French
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129405 , vital:36275 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDC27-08
- Description: Lyrical songs with solo and chorus accompanied by keyboard, percussion and guitars, in traditional Senegalese music style mixed with international influences
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus) , Biram Ndeck Ndiaye , Aly Hachem (arrangement) , Lamine Faye (guitar) , El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards) , Moussa Traore (percussion) , Jean Pierre Gomes (bass) , Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus) , Studio 2000
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Africa, West , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: English , French
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129405 , vital:36275 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDC27-08
- Description: Lyrical songs with solo and chorus accompanied by keyboard, percussion and guitars, in traditional Senegalese music style mixed with international influences
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
Lu Ko Jar
- Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus), Biram Ndeck Ndiaye, El Hadji Niang (arrangement), Lamine Faye (guitar), El Hadji Niang (bass), Bakane Seck (percussion), Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus), El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards), Kaounding Cissokho (kora), Barou Sall (Khalam), Studio 2000
- Authors: Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus) , Biram Ndeck Ndiaye , El Hadji Niang (arrangement) , Lamine Faye (guitar) , El Hadji Niang (bass) , Bakane Seck (percussion) , Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus) , El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards) , Kaounding Cissokho (kora) , Barou Sall (Khalam) , Studio 2000
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Africa, West , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: Wolof , French , English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129368 , vital:36268 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDC27-04
- Description: A homage to women in general and rural women in particular, for courageously and stoically facing their arduous socetal burden
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Ajah Sy ( lead vocals, author, composer, chorus) , Biram Ndeck Ndiaye , El Hadji Niang (arrangement) , Lamine Faye (guitar) , El Hadji Niang (bass) , Bakane Seck (percussion) , Marie Codou Pouye, Ajah Sy, Abdourahmane Diallo,Missala man, Aly Hachem, Mame Gor Mboup (chorus) , El Hadji Niang, Aly Hachem, Ousmane Wade (keyboards) , Kaounding Cissokho (kora) , Barou Sall (Khalam) , Studio 2000
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Africa, West , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: Wolof , French , English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/129368 , vital:36268 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDC27-04
- Description: A homage to women in general and rural women in particular, for courageously and stoically facing their arduous socetal burden
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
Peer group supervision as an adjunct to individual supervision: an investigation of models of learning
- Akhurst, Jacqueline Elizabeth
- Authors: Akhurst, Jacqueline Elizabeth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Peer-group tutoring of students Psychotherapy -- Study and teaching -- Supervision Psychology -- Supervision of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002431
- Description: Supervision of practice makes an important contribution to the development of psychotherapeutic skills in the training of psychologists (Bernard and Goodyear, 1998). Much research has, until recently, focussed on dyadic, hierarchical models of supervision, even though other forms of supervision have been developed. Peer group supervision has had little attention in the literature, although it is a common form of supervision utilised by psychologists in practice (Lewis, Greenburg and Hatch, 1988). A review of the literature considers the purposes of supervision; elements of dyadic supervision; various forms of group, peer and peer group supervision; and the leaming process in supervision. The development and implementation of a peer supervision group (pSG) of intern psychologists within the training setting of a University is described in this study. The PSG model was developed from the model proposed by Wilbur, Roberts-Wilbur, Morris, Betz and Hart (1991). Transcripts from nine audio-taped PSG sessions were analysed, and a comparison with four audio-taped dyadic supervision sessions was then undertaken. Grounded Theory methodology was employed in the design of the study and analysis of the data. The form and content of the two models of supervision were examined, with particular attention to the perspective of the trainees' learning experiences. The relative merits of both forms of supervision were assessed, and this analysis clearly demonstrates that peer group supervision has the potential to complement dyadic supervision by contributing differing learning experiences. A model of key influences upon, and effects of, participation in the two forms of supervision has been developed. Suggestions are made of ways in which dyadic supervision may be optimised, and recommendations for further development of the PSG emerge. The results were then considered from a neo-Vygotskian perspective. This enabled the findings to be linked to a comprehensive theory of learning, pointing to the key role of speech in thinking, and the contributions of the various forms of dialogue to deepened understandings. The discussion includes: consideration of techniques which enable trainees to obtain assistance from both more experienced practitioners as well as from their peers; an exploration of aspects of subjectivity and intersubjectivity; and contextual influences which have bearing on the study. This study identifies the need for further consideration of the supervision process in South Africa, and makes recommendations for the training of supervisors. The neo-Vygotskian model offers great promise both as a framework for understanding the leaming process in. supervision, and for developing guidelines for enhancing supervisory practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Akhurst, Jacqueline Elizabeth
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Peer-group tutoring of students Psychotherapy -- Study and teaching -- Supervision Psychology -- Supervision of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002431
- Description: Supervision of practice makes an important contribution to the development of psychotherapeutic skills in the training of psychologists (Bernard and Goodyear, 1998). Much research has, until recently, focussed on dyadic, hierarchical models of supervision, even though other forms of supervision have been developed. Peer group supervision has had little attention in the literature, although it is a common form of supervision utilised by psychologists in practice (Lewis, Greenburg and Hatch, 1988). A review of the literature considers the purposes of supervision; elements of dyadic supervision; various forms of group, peer and peer group supervision; and the leaming process in supervision. The development and implementation of a peer supervision group (pSG) of intern psychologists within the training setting of a University is described in this study. The PSG model was developed from the model proposed by Wilbur, Roberts-Wilbur, Morris, Betz and Hart (1991). Transcripts from nine audio-taped PSG sessions were analysed, and a comparison with four audio-taped dyadic supervision sessions was then undertaken. Grounded Theory methodology was employed in the design of the study and analysis of the data. The form and content of the two models of supervision were examined, with particular attention to the perspective of the trainees' learning experiences. The relative merits of both forms of supervision were assessed, and this analysis clearly demonstrates that peer group supervision has the potential to complement dyadic supervision by contributing differing learning experiences. A model of key influences upon, and effects of, participation in the two forms of supervision has been developed. Suggestions are made of ways in which dyadic supervision may be optimised, and recommendations for further development of the PSG emerge. The results were then considered from a neo-Vygotskian perspective. This enabled the findings to be linked to a comprehensive theory of learning, pointing to the key role of speech in thinking, and the contributions of the various forms of dialogue to deepened understandings. The discussion includes: consideration of techniques which enable trainees to obtain assistance from both more experienced practitioners as well as from their peers; an exploration of aspects of subjectivity and intersubjectivity; and contextual influences which have bearing on the study. This study identifies the need for further consideration of the supervision process in South Africa, and makes recommendations for the training of supervisors. The neo-Vygotskian model offers great promise both as a framework for understanding the leaming process in. supervision, and for developing guidelines for enhancing supervisory practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Melatonin alters the photodegradation of paracetamol
- Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra, Glass, Beverley D, Walker, Roderick B, Daya, Santylal
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra , Glass, Beverley D , Walker, Roderick B , Daya, Santylal
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184357 , vital:44211 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1211/146080800128735755"
- Description: The effects of melatonin, a known free-radical scavenger, on paracetamol in the presence of UV irradiation was studied by use of HPLC. The experiments were performed in air and nitrogen. The results show that the rate of photodegradation of melatonin is faster in air than in nitrogen whereas that of paracetamol is similar in air and nitrogen. When the two drugs were combined, melatonin retarded the degradation of paracetamol for up to 6h in the presence of nitrogen. However, in the presence of air melatonin rapidly enhances the photodegradation of paracetamol. This study shows that a combination of melatonin and paracetamol in the presence of air and UV irradiation can lead to rapid inactivation of both agents, thus raising important concerns about the possible use of melatonin as sunscreen
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra , Glass, Beverley D , Walker, Roderick B , Daya, Santylal
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184357 , vital:44211 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1211/146080800128735755"
- Description: The effects of melatonin, a known free-radical scavenger, on paracetamol in the presence of UV irradiation was studied by use of HPLC. The experiments were performed in air and nitrogen. The results show that the rate of photodegradation of melatonin is faster in air than in nitrogen whereas that of paracetamol is similar in air and nitrogen. When the two drugs were combined, melatonin retarded the degradation of paracetamol for up to 6h in the presence of nitrogen. However, in the presence of air melatonin rapidly enhances the photodegradation of paracetamol. This study shows that a combination of melatonin and paracetamol in the presence of air and UV irradiation can lead to rapid inactivation of both agents, thus raising important concerns about the possible use of melatonin as sunscreen
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Serotonin-melatonin interactions in acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide toxicity
- Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003957 , Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Description: Acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are compounds which are extremely toxic to the liver. Acetaminophen is a drug which is well known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, the abuse potential of this agent as a non-narcotic analgesic in alcoholics is well known. It is also the leading cause of overdose in England. DMF toxicity results mainly from occupational exposure. At present there are no known reports of an antidote for DMF poisoning, while N-acetylcysteine, the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, is known to produce adverse effects. The present study evaluates the potential of melatonin as an antidote for acetaminophen and DMF poisoning. This study also investigates the mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. Initial studies involved in vitro techniques in an attempt to remove the complexities of organ interactions. The photodegradation studies, using ultraviolet (UV) light, revealed that melatonin accelerates the rate of acetaminophen degradation in the presence of air, and reduces the rate of degradation in the presence of nitrogen. This study also revealed that melatonin is rapidly degraded in the presence of air, following UV irradiation. The effect of DMF on hydroxyl radical generation was also determined. DMF was shown to act as a free radical scavenger, rather that a generator of free radicals. The in vitro studies were followed by lipid peroxidation determination. DMF (0.4ml/kg and 0.8ml/kg) did not produce any significant increases in lipid peroxidation in the liver. Three different doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) were administered to rats for seven days. Acetaminophen (500mg/kg) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver. Melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was not able to significantly reduce the damage. The lower doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg and 100mg/kg) did not increase lipid peroxidation. Electron microscopy studies showed that DMF adversely affects the liver, and in particular, the endoplasmic reticulum. Co administration of melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was able to reduce the damage. Further experiments need to be performed before an accurate assessment can be made on the ability of melatonin as an antidote for DMF and acetaminophen poisoning. Several experiments were done in an attempt to uncover the biochemical mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. The first experiment targeted the liver enzyme tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). This enzyme is the major determinant of tryptophan levels in vivo. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly inhibit (p<0.05) the activity of TDO, indicating increased peripheral levels of tryptophan. This experiment was followed up with determination of brain serotonin and pineal melatonin. Brain serotonin was determined using the ELISA technique. Melatonin was estimated using this technique as well as with pineal organ culture. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) significantly increased (p<0.05) brain serotonin levels. Using organ culture where exogenous (3H) tryptophan is metabolised to (3H) melatonin, acetaminophen (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) pineal melatonin concentrations. However, the ELISA technique did not reveal any changes in endogenous pineal melatonin levels. The final experiment was the determination of urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5- HIAA), the major metabolite of serotonin, following acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours). Acetaminophen was shown to significantly reduce 5-HIAA levels (p<0.05) suggesting reduced catabolism of serotonin. The findings of this study indicate that acetaminophen mimics the actions of an antidepressant. This compelling finding has important clinical implications, and needs to be examined further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003957 , Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Description: Acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are compounds which are extremely toxic to the liver. Acetaminophen is a drug which is well known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, the abuse potential of this agent as a non-narcotic analgesic in alcoholics is well known. It is also the leading cause of overdose in England. DMF toxicity results mainly from occupational exposure. At present there are no known reports of an antidote for DMF poisoning, while N-acetylcysteine, the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, is known to produce adverse effects. The present study evaluates the potential of melatonin as an antidote for acetaminophen and DMF poisoning. This study also investigates the mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. Initial studies involved in vitro techniques in an attempt to remove the complexities of organ interactions. The photodegradation studies, using ultraviolet (UV) light, revealed that melatonin accelerates the rate of acetaminophen degradation in the presence of air, and reduces the rate of degradation in the presence of nitrogen. This study also revealed that melatonin is rapidly degraded in the presence of air, following UV irradiation. The effect of DMF on hydroxyl radical generation was also determined. DMF was shown to act as a free radical scavenger, rather that a generator of free radicals. The in vitro studies were followed by lipid peroxidation determination. DMF (0.4ml/kg and 0.8ml/kg) did not produce any significant increases in lipid peroxidation in the liver. Three different doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) were administered to rats for seven days. Acetaminophen (500mg/kg) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver. Melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was not able to significantly reduce the damage. The lower doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg and 100mg/kg) did not increase lipid peroxidation. Electron microscopy studies showed that DMF adversely affects the liver, and in particular, the endoplasmic reticulum. Co administration of melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was able to reduce the damage. Further experiments need to be performed before an accurate assessment can be made on the ability of melatonin as an antidote for DMF and acetaminophen poisoning. Several experiments were done in an attempt to uncover the biochemical mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. The first experiment targeted the liver enzyme tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). This enzyme is the major determinant of tryptophan levels in vivo. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly inhibit (p<0.05) the activity of TDO, indicating increased peripheral levels of tryptophan. This experiment was followed up with determination of brain serotonin and pineal melatonin. Brain serotonin was determined using the ELISA technique. Melatonin was estimated using this technique as well as with pineal organ culture. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) significantly increased (p<0.05) brain serotonin levels. Using organ culture where exogenous (3H) tryptophan is metabolised to (3H) melatonin, acetaminophen (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) pineal melatonin concentrations. However, the ELISA technique did not reveal any changes in endogenous pineal melatonin levels. The final experiment was the determination of urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5- HIAA), the major metabolite of serotonin, following acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours). Acetaminophen was shown to significantly reduce 5-HIAA levels (p<0.05) suggesting reduced catabolism of serotonin. The findings of this study indicate that acetaminophen mimics the actions of an antidepressant. This compelling finding has important clinical implications, and needs to be examined further.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Stability of prochlorperazine in solution and in the solid-state
- Authors: Antunes, Edith Martins
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Phenothiazine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4536 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016399
- Description: Prochlorperazine, a member of the piperazine subclass of phenothiazines, widely used as an anti-emetic, is susceptible to oxidation to sulfoxides. These are main metabolites and degradants of all phenothiazines which are found to be inactive at the dopamine receptors. Prochlorperazine causes photosensitivity effects in patients attributed to dechlorination at C2 with the release of HCI (Huang and Sands, 1967; Nejmeh and Pilpel, 1978; Moore and Tamat, 1980). The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal and photostability of prochlorperazine edisylate and mesylate salts in the solid state and in solution. Prochlorperazine is available as a fine chemical and in a variety of dosage forms, including injectables and tablets. According to ICH guidelines, any degradants greater than 0.1 % are required to be isolated and identified. In order to assess the photostability of the two salts, an HPLC method was developed and validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, selectivity, limit of detection, quantitation and ruggedness. Sulfoxides were synthesised for use as standards in the rate studies according to the well-known hydrogen peroxide method (Owens et al., 1989). The rate of prochlorperazine degradation in solution under various light sources (254 nm UV light, diffuse light and sunlight) was studied. The light sources used abovF were quantified using potassium ferrioxalate as a chemical actinometer). The photodegradation rate was found to be greater in ampoules sealed under nitrogen than air, but the thermal degradation was faster in ampoules sealed with air than those purged with nitrogen. Amber ampoules retarded the rate of degradation under all photolytic conditions. This is a vital consideration for the packaging and storage of prochlorperazine in injectables. Degradation was found to occur mainly by first-order kinetics and the degradation rate decreased in the following order: sunlight » UV light 254 nm > fluorescent I diffuse light. Solid state samples, however, were found to be relatively stable to the various light / heat conditions over a 6 month period when compared to prochlorperazine solutions, but still considerably unstable. Thus both storage and packaging is a vital consideration for prochlorperazine injectables. The thermal behaviour of mixtures of prochlorperazine with standard excipients, was assessed for potential interactions, using differential scanning calorimetry. For most of the excipients (magnesium stearate, stearic acid, Explotab®, AC-Di-Sol®, Encompress® and Ludipress®, lactose and Starch 1500®) disappearance or broadening of the melting endotherm of the drug indicated interactions. Lubritab®, however, was the only 'inert' excipient tested. Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the nature of the degradation products. The major degradation pathways included dechlorination and demethylation of the parent drug, as well as sulfoxidation and Noxidation. Prochlorperazine underwent dechlorination and sulfoxidation with subsequent photosubstitution to yield the 2-hydroxy derivative. The solid state photostudies showed the formation of dealkylated, oxidised and hydroxylated products, sulfoxides and dimers. Since N-demethylation, N-oxidation, sulfoxidation and aromatic hydroxylation are reported to occur in the in vitro metabolism of perazine derivatives, it does appear that there is some relationship between metabolites and photoproducts (Breyer, 1974). This study has been successful in providing understanding of the photolytic and thermal degradation pathways of prochlorperazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Antunes, Edith Martins
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Phenothiazine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4536 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016399
- Description: Prochlorperazine, a member of the piperazine subclass of phenothiazines, widely used as an anti-emetic, is susceptible to oxidation to sulfoxides. These are main metabolites and degradants of all phenothiazines which are found to be inactive at the dopamine receptors. Prochlorperazine causes photosensitivity effects in patients attributed to dechlorination at C2 with the release of HCI (Huang and Sands, 1967; Nejmeh and Pilpel, 1978; Moore and Tamat, 1980). The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal and photostability of prochlorperazine edisylate and mesylate salts in the solid state and in solution. Prochlorperazine is available as a fine chemical and in a variety of dosage forms, including injectables and tablets. According to ICH guidelines, any degradants greater than 0.1 % are required to be isolated and identified. In order to assess the photostability of the two salts, an HPLC method was developed and validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, selectivity, limit of detection, quantitation and ruggedness. Sulfoxides were synthesised for use as standards in the rate studies according to the well-known hydrogen peroxide method (Owens et al., 1989). The rate of prochlorperazine degradation in solution under various light sources (254 nm UV light, diffuse light and sunlight) was studied. The light sources used abovF were quantified using potassium ferrioxalate as a chemical actinometer). The photodegradation rate was found to be greater in ampoules sealed under nitrogen than air, but the thermal degradation was faster in ampoules sealed with air than those purged with nitrogen. Amber ampoules retarded the rate of degradation under all photolytic conditions. This is a vital consideration for the packaging and storage of prochlorperazine in injectables. Degradation was found to occur mainly by first-order kinetics and the degradation rate decreased in the following order: sunlight » UV light 254 nm > fluorescent I diffuse light. Solid state samples, however, were found to be relatively stable to the various light / heat conditions over a 6 month period when compared to prochlorperazine solutions, but still considerably unstable. Thus both storage and packaging is a vital consideration for prochlorperazine injectables. The thermal behaviour of mixtures of prochlorperazine with standard excipients, was assessed for potential interactions, using differential scanning calorimetry. For most of the excipients (magnesium stearate, stearic acid, Explotab®, AC-Di-Sol®, Encompress® and Ludipress®, lactose and Starch 1500®) disappearance or broadening of the melting endotherm of the drug indicated interactions. Lubritab®, however, was the only 'inert' excipient tested. Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the nature of the degradation products. The major degradation pathways included dechlorination and demethylation of the parent drug, as well as sulfoxidation and Noxidation. Prochlorperazine underwent dechlorination and sulfoxidation with subsequent photosubstitution to yield the 2-hydroxy derivative. The solid state photostudies showed the formation of dealkylated, oxidised and hydroxylated products, sulfoxides and dimers. Since N-demethylation, N-oxidation, sulfoxidation and aromatic hydroxylation are reported to occur in the in vitro metabolism of perazine derivatives, it does appear that there is some relationship between metabolites and photoproducts (Breyer, 1974). This study has been successful in providing understanding of the photolytic and thermal degradation pathways of prochlorperazine.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Music
- Badou Boy and Pape Armand (composers), Straun Douglas
- Authors: Badou Boy and Pape Armand (composers) , Straun Douglas
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Senegal--2001-2010 , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127277 , vital:35995 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO2-04
- Description: Singing accompanied by guitar and harmonica
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Badou Boy and Pape Armand (composers) , Straun Douglas
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Senegal--2001-2010 , Africa Senegal Dakar f-sg
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127277 , vital:35995 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO2-04
- Description: Singing accompanied by guitar and harmonica
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
Kebali
- Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger), Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus), Dominique Sablier (piano), Raphael Chossin (drums), Julio (bass guitar), Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni), Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora), Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars), Kerfala Kante (arranger), Eric Bono
- Authors: Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger) , Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus) , Dominique Sablier (piano) , Raphael Chossin (drums) , Julio (bass guitar) , Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni) , Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora) , Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars) , Kerfala Kante (arranger) , Eric Bono
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Mali--1991-2000 , Africa Mali Souther Region f-ml
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:36029 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO5-06
- Description: Malian modern band, solo female vocalist and chorus sing accompanied by N'goni, cora, guitar, piano and drums
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger) , Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus) , Dominique Sablier (piano) , Raphael Chossin (drums) , Julio (bass guitar) , Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni) , Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora) , Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars) , Kerfala Kante (arranger) , Eric Bono
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Mali--1991-2000 , Africa Mali Souther Region f-ml
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:36029 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO5-06
- Description: Malian modern band, solo female vocalist and chorus sing accompanied by N'goni, cora, guitar, piano and drums
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
Kounandi
- Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger), Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus), Dominique Sablier (piano), Raphael Chossin (drums), Julio (bass guitar), Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni), Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora), Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars), Kerfala Kante (arranger), Eric Bono
- Authors: Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger) , Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus) , Dominique Sablier (piano) , Raphael Chossin (drums) , Julio (bass guitar) , Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni) , Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora) , Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars) , Kerfala Kante (arranger) , Eric Bono
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Mali--1991-2000 , Africa Mali Souther Region f-ml
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127631 , vital:36028 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO5-05
- Description: Malian modern band, solo female vocalist and chorus sing accompanied by N'goni, cora, guitar, piano and drums
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Banani Kone (composer, performer, arranger) , Nalini, Mamani Keita, Bintou Camara (chorus) , Dominique Sablier (piano) , Raphael Chossin (drums) , Julio (bass guitar) , Mouriba Koita, Fousseni Kouyate (N'goni) , Moussa Kone, Djelikedjan, Yacou (cora) , Oumar Dagon, Moussa Kouyate, Partrick (guitars) , Kerfala Kante (arranger) , Eric Bono
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Popular music , Popular music--Mali--1991-2000 , Africa Mali Souther Region f-ml
- Language: English
- Type: sound recordings , field recordings , sound recording-musical
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/127631 , vital:36028 , International Library of African Music, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa , SDCO5-05
- Description: Malian modern band, solo female vocalist and chorus sing accompanied by N'goni, cora, guitar, piano and drums
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2000
The Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices Test: a pilot study for the establishment of normative data for Xhosa-speaking primary school pupils in the Grahamstown region
- Authors: Bass, Natalie Tanyia
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Raven's Progressive Matrices , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Intelligence levels -- South Africa , Students -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002439 , Raven's Progressive Matrices , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Intelligence levels -- South Africa , Students -- Psychology
- Description: The Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) test is used extensively across a wide variety of settings in South Africa, however more appropriate local normative data has yet to be established. The CPM is internationally recognised as a culture-fair test of nonverbal intelligence, designed for use with children between the ages of 5½ and 11½. This pilot study thus sought to establish normative data for this instrument for a population of Xhosa-speaking Primary School children in the peri-urban township area in the Grahamstown region. The booklet version of the test was used and it was administered in group format and according to an alternate method of test administration (using Xhosa instructions) developed by Vass in 1992. The final normative sample consisted of 197 male and 182 female Xhosa-speaking children in Grades Two to Seven (N=379). The results showed (1) a significant effect of age on test scores, where scores increased with age as expected; (2) a consistent tendency for males to outperform females was also noted, however small sample sizes precluded any categorical claims to this effect; (3) no significant effect of education on test scores was observed and finally; (4) and finally, it appeared that the norms generated for this study revealed a tendency to be lower than those obtained by Raven, Court and Raven (1990) during the standardisation of this instrument in the United Kingdom and America. The study concluded that (1) there is an urgent need for more appropriate South African normative data for this test; and (2) that when assessing African children from disadvantaged backgrounds, further research into the effects of cultural and socio-economic factors and gender on non-verbal intelligence (and on performance on this test in particular) is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Bass, Natalie Tanyia
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Raven's Progressive Matrices , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Intelligence levels -- South Africa , Students -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:2930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002439 , Raven's Progressive Matrices , Students -- South Africa -- Psychology , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa , Intelligence levels -- South Africa , Students -- Psychology
- Description: The Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) test is used extensively across a wide variety of settings in South Africa, however more appropriate local normative data has yet to be established. The CPM is internationally recognised as a culture-fair test of nonverbal intelligence, designed for use with children between the ages of 5½ and 11½. This pilot study thus sought to establish normative data for this instrument for a population of Xhosa-speaking Primary School children in the peri-urban township area in the Grahamstown region. The booklet version of the test was used and it was administered in group format and according to an alternate method of test administration (using Xhosa instructions) developed by Vass in 1992. The final normative sample consisted of 197 male and 182 female Xhosa-speaking children in Grades Two to Seven (N=379). The results showed (1) a significant effect of age on test scores, where scores increased with age as expected; (2) a consistent tendency for males to outperform females was also noted, however small sample sizes precluded any categorical claims to this effect; (3) no significant effect of education on test scores was observed and finally; (4) and finally, it appeared that the norms generated for this study revealed a tendency to be lower than those obtained by Raven, Court and Raven (1990) during the standardisation of this instrument in the United Kingdom and America. The study concluded that (1) there is an urgent need for more appropriate South African normative data for this test; and (2) that when assessing African children from disadvantaged backgrounds, further research into the effects of cultural and socio-economic factors and gender on non-verbal intelligence (and on performance on this test in particular) is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Identification of Management skills required by middle Managers to effectively manage a public hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Belemu, Roy Boombe
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management , Health services administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19 , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management , Health services administration -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify what management skills do middle managers require to manage the organisational units effectively. To achieve this objective a theoretical model of management skills required by middle managers to effectively manage a public hospital was developed, using relevant literature in which management skills are identified. The theoretical model consisted of the following categories of management skills whose correct application can promote managerial effectiveness in managing organisational units: General management skills; Technical skills; Human skills; Leadership skills; Financial management skills; Computer skills. Each category of the management skills was broken down into elements that were then analysed using literature identified during the literature study. The model was then used to develop a questionnaire to assess the degree to which managers responsible for running the clinical, nursing and paramedical departments of a public hospital in the Eastern Cape rate the elements in terms of importance. The empirical results obtained indicate that a wide variety of skills are regarded by middle managers as important to performance of their managerial roles. This resulted in the theoretical model being confirmed and the identified management skills being accepted as management skills required by middle managers to effectively manage a public hospital in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Belemu, Roy Boombe
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management , Health services administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10829 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19 , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management , Health services administration -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify what management skills do middle managers require to manage the organisational units effectively. To achieve this objective a theoretical model of management skills required by middle managers to effectively manage a public hospital was developed, using relevant literature in which management skills are identified. The theoretical model consisted of the following categories of management skills whose correct application can promote managerial effectiveness in managing organisational units: General management skills; Technical skills; Human skills; Leadership skills; Financial management skills; Computer skills. Each category of the management skills was broken down into elements that were then analysed using literature identified during the literature study. The model was then used to develop a questionnaire to assess the degree to which managers responsible for running the clinical, nursing and paramedical departments of a public hospital in the Eastern Cape rate the elements in terms of importance. The empirical results obtained indicate that a wide variety of skills are regarded by middle managers as important to performance of their managerial roles. This resulted in the theoretical model being confirmed and the identified management skills being accepted as management skills required by middle managers to effectively manage a public hospital in the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An evaluation of IMF structural adjustment programmes : lessons for South Africa
- Authors: Berolsky, Nuno Goncalo
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002668 , International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The mixed results of International Monetary Fund structural adjustment programmes in less developed countries are a major motivation for this research. Explanations must be advanced as to what may inhibit the success of such programmes. South Africa has often found itself in a precarious position- with a deteriorating balance of payments, a position similar to other countries that have accepted IMF loans. Furthermore, South Africa undertook an IMF loan in 1993. Financial support from the IMF incorporates structural adjustment programmes. These may include measures such as tighter monetary policy, reduction in the budget deficit, exchange rate devaluation and ceilings on domestic credit with increased interest rates (Ferguson, 1988). These policies illustrate the principle of ‘conditionality,’ whereby access to further loans is conditional on certain criteria being met, such as reduced budget deficits and inflation rates. The principle of conditionality has met with a great deal of criticism. Bacha (1987) and Dell (1982) argue that these aggregate demand-reducing conditions more often than not stagnate domestic economies, worsening the balance of payment and result in programme breakdowns. Essentially, they refer to the IMF conditions as ‘unrealistic.’ The IMF denies this, arguing that shortfalls are mainly due to a lack of political commitment to carry out its conditions (Winters, 1994). This issue of conditionality will be examined in detail, using three specific case studies. The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics of Brazil, Mexico and Zambia to see whether or not the IMF programmes were successful. Guidelines will be established for South African policy from these case studies. South Africa is trying to adjust to the competitiveness of the international economy. At the same time, the need for reconstruction and development exerts increasing pressures on the balance of payments. Guidelines are established for a successful economic adjustment for South Africa. The research concludes that South Africa is certainly in line for a successful transformation. The rigidities are not as extensive as has been the case in Brazil and Zambia. Institutionally, South Africa is sound. However there are still challenges in this area, such as export diversification and economic stability to attract foreign investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Berolsky, Nuno Goncalo
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:935 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002668 , International Monetary Fund , International Monetary Fund -- Developing countries , Structural adjustment (Economic policy) -- Developing countries , South Africa -- Economic policy
- Description: The mixed results of International Monetary Fund structural adjustment programmes in less developed countries are a major motivation for this research. Explanations must be advanced as to what may inhibit the success of such programmes. South Africa has often found itself in a precarious position- with a deteriorating balance of payments, a position similar to other countries that have accepted IMF loans. Furthermore, South Africa undertook an IMF loan in 1993. Financial support from the IMF incorporates structural adjustment programmes. These may include measures such as tighter monetary policy, reduction in the budget deficit, exchange rate devaluation and ceilings on domestic credit with increased interest rates (Ferguson, 1988). These policies illustrate the principle of ‘conditionality,’ whereby access to further loans is conditional on certain criteria being met, such as reduced budget deficits and inflation rates. The principle of conditionality has met with a great deal of criticism. Bacha (1987) and Dell (1982) argue that these aggregate demand-reducing conditions more often than not stagnate domestic economies, worsening the balance of payment and result in programme breakdowns. Essentially, they refer to the IMF conditions as ‘unrealistic.’ The IMF denies this, arguing that shortfalls are mainly due to a lack of political commitment to carry out its conditions (Winters, 1994). This issue of conditionality will be examined in detail, using three specific case studies. The aim of this study is to examine the characteristics of Brazil, Mexico and Zambia to see whether or not the IMF programmes were successful. Guidelines will be established for South African policy from these case studies. South Africa is trying to adjust to the competitiveness of the international economy. At the same time, the need for reconstruction and development exerts increasing pressures on the balance of payments. Guidelines are established for a successful economic adjustment for South Africa. The research concludes that South Africa is certainly in line for a successful transformation. The rigidities are not as extensive as has been the case in Brazil and Zambia. Institutionally, South Africa is sound. However there are still challenges in this area, such as export diversification and economic stability to attract foreign investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Structural and synthetic investigations of South African marine natural products
- Authors: Beukes, Denzil Ronwynne
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Natural products -- South Africa Marine invertebrates -- South Africa Marine metabolites -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4350 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005015
- Description: A chemical investigation of six different marine invertebrates, collected along the South African coastline, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of fifteen previously undescribed secondary metabolites along with seven known compounds. The structures of the new metabolites were determined by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods. The endemic false limpet Siphonaria capensis was shown to contain two unusual polypropionate metabolites capensinone (162) and capensifuranone (163) as well as 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2-undecenoic acid (164) and the known polypropionates (E)- and (Z)siphonarienfuranone (149 and 161). Capensinone is the first example of a marine polypropionate containing a cyc1opentenone moiety. An investigation of the endemic South African soft coral Pieterfaurea unilobata yielded six new, highly oxygenated, pregnadiene sterols (180-185) and the known metabolite (169). Compounds 180-185 are the first pregnadienes obtained from the marine environment containing a C-7 substituent. An alternative procedure for the quick assignment of the absolute configuration at C-3 in this series of compounds was proposed. A companson of the pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids of three undescribed l'}trunculid sponges resulted in the isolation of 3-dih¥drodiscorhabdin C (243), 3-dihydrodiscorhabdin B (244), discorhabdin H (197) and the previously reported alkaloids discorhabdin A (189) and discorhabdin D (192). While all three sponges were found to be morphologically different they all contained discorhabdin A as the major metabolite and discorhabdin H as one of their minor metabolites. It was found that a feature common to most of the South African latrunculid sponges is the reduction of the C-3 carbonyl gr,o up in some of the minor metabolites. The indole alkaloids, dilemmaones A-C (261-263), containing an unusual cyc1opentanone-indole skeleton, were isolated in trace amounts by bioassay guided fractionation of an extract obtained from a mixed collection of sponges collected near Cape Town. In an attempt to acquire more of these novel compounds for further investigation of their biological activity, several synthetic strategies towards their total synthesis were explored. A key feature of these approaches was the exploitation of the regioselective Gassman's artha-alkylation procedure for the introduction of an aromatic methyl substituent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Beukes, Denzil Ronwynne
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Natural products -- South Africa Marine invertebrates -- South Africa Marine metabolites -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4350 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005015
- Description: A chemical investigation of six different marine invertebrates, collected along the South African coastline, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of fifteen previously undescribed secondary metabolites along with seven known compounds. The structures of the new metabolites were determined by a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods. The endemic false limpet Siphonaria capensis was shown to contain two unusual polypropionate metabolites capensinone (162) and capensifuranone (163) as well as 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2-undecenoic acid (164) and the known polypropionates (E)- and (Z)siphonarienfuranone (149 and 161). Capensinone is the first example of a marine polypropionate containing a cyc1opentenone moiety. An investigation of the endemic South African soft coral Pieterfaurea unilobata yielded six new, highly oxygenated, pregnadiene sterols (180-185) and the known metabolite (169). Compounds 180-185 are the first pregnadienes obtained from the marine environment containing a C-7 substituent. An alternative procedure for the quick assignment of the absolute configuration at C-3 in this series of compounds was proposed. A companson of the pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids of three undescribed l'}trunculid sponges resulted in the isolation of 3-dih¥drodiscorhabdin C (243), 3-dihydrodiscorhabdin B (244), discorhabdin H (197) and the previously reported alkaloids discorhabdin A (189) and discorhabdin D (192). While all three sponges were found to be morphologically different they all contained discorhabdin A as the major metabolite and discorhabdin H as one of their minor metabolites. It was found that a feature common to most of the South African latrunculid sponges is the reduction of the C-3 carbonyl gr,o up in some of the minor metabolites. The indole alkaloids, dilemmaones A-C (261-263), containing an unusual cyc1opentanone-indole skeleton, were isolated in trace amounts by bioassay guided fractionation of an extract obtained from a mixed collection of sponges collected near Cape Town. In an attempt to acquire more of these novel compounds for further investigation of their biological activity, several synthetic strategies towards their total synthesis were explored. A key feature of these approaches was the exploitation of the regioselective Gassman's artha-alkylation procedure for the introduction of an aromatic methyl substituent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Studies of the population structure and generic diversity of domesticated and "wild" ostriches (Struthio camelus)
- Bezuidenhout, Cornelius Carlos
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Cornelius Carlos
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Ostriches Ostriches -- Genetics Ostriches -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003966
- Description: DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified mitochondrial DNA fragments, and random amplified polymorphic DNA sequence (RAPD) analysis were techniques evaluated in this study for applicability in the investigation various aspects of genetic diversity within the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The genetic aspects that were investigated were (i) relationships between ostrich subspecies, (ii) genetic variability between and within domesticated populations of southern African ostriches (Struthio camelus australis), (iii) linking egg production in domesticated ostriches to RAPD profiles, and (iv) determining the zygosity of twin ostriches. In the first part of this study DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were evaluated for resolving genetic differences in the small mtDNA fragments ofthe ostrich. DNA sequencing ofPCR amplified 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragments of representatives from the southern African population ostrich (S.c. australis) did not reveal any differences between the populatiohs from different geographical areas, representing ostrich lineages with different breeding histories. The PCRRFLP analysis ofmtDNA fragments (450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment and 550 bp D-loop region) also did not reveal any genetic variability between the domesticated s.,c. australis populations included in this study. PCR-RFLP analysis of a 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment, however, showed differences between the subspecies s.c. australis and s.c. molybdophanes. The proportion of shared fragments (F) between these two subspecies was 0.286 and nucleotide sequence divergence estimated at 8.9 %. Divergence time between these two subspecies was estimated at 4.5 million years ago. The data presented from this study are comparable to the data from a previous study in which the entire mitochondrial genome and a larger number of restriction enzymes were used. The PCR-RFLP method thus demonstrated its usefulness for genetic studies of ostriches at thesubspecies level. The sequences used in this study could not reveal any markers that were useful for genetic studies of ostriches at the population level. In the second part of the study the RAPD method was evaluated for application in the genetic studies of ostriches. RAPD profiles, based on three RAPD primers, revealed differences between three subspecies of ostriches and indicated relationships between these subspecies that are consistent with observations from other studies. The numerical analysis of pooled and individual primer data demonstrated that the subspecies s.c. australis is more closely related to s.c. massaicus than to s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD marker differences between s.c. molybdophanes on the one hand, and s.c. massaicus and s.c. australis on the other is also consistent with observations from studies that proposed separate specie~ status for s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD analysis by five primers revealed geographic variation between s.c. australis populations. The clustering patterns observed in the dendrograms and Neighbour Joining Trees generated by computer programs showed trends of separating ostric1;t populations into geographical groups, possibly reflecting their different breeding histories. In the RAPD profiles of the inbred population, band-sharing was generally greater than in the outbreeding group. RAPD analysis thus showed that it may be a useful method in the population studies of domesticated S. c. australis. RAPDs also generated data that grouped ostriches according to trends in egg production capabilities. Analysis ofRAPD profiles by computer software showed a Neighbour Joining Tree and a dendrogram that predominantly grouped ostriches into clusters associated with either good or poor egg production. Evidence supporting the suitability of RAPDs as a tool in breeding programmes of ostriches was thus provided by this study. RAPDs also provided data, demonstrating that two sets of ostrich twins were non-identical twins. It was demonstrated by this study that RAPDs analysis may be a useful technique for applying to (1) systematic (2) population (3) breeding and (4) twin studies of ostriches (Struthio camelus).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Bezuidenhout, Cornelius Carlos
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Ostriches Ostriches -- Genetics Ostriches -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003966
- Description: DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified mitochondrial DNA fragments, and random amplified polymorphic DNA sequence (RAPD) analysis were techniques evaluated in this study for applicability in the investigation various aspects of genetic diversity within the ostrich (Struthio camelus). The genetic aspects that were investigated were (i) relationships between ostrich subspecies, (ii) genetic variability between and within domesticated populations of southern African ostriches (Struthio camelus australis), (iii) linking egg production in domesticated ostriches to RAPD profiles, and (iv) determining the zygosity of twin ostriches. In the first part of this study DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction - restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were evaluated for resolving genetic differences in the small mtDNA fragments ofthe ostrich. DNA sequencing ofPCR amplified 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragments of representatives from the southern African population ostrich (S.c. australis) did not reveal any differences between the populatiohs from different geographical areas, representing ostrich lineages with different breeding histories. The PCRRFLP analysis ofmtDNA fragments (450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment and 550 bp D-loop region) also did not reveal any genetic variability between the domesticated s.,c. australis populations included in this study. PCR-RFLP analysis of a 450 bp 12S rRNA gene fragment, however, showed differences between the subspecies s.c. australis and s.c. molybdophanes. The proportion of shared fragments (F) between these two subspecies was 0.286 and nucleotide sequence divergence estimated at 8.9 %. Divergence time between these two subspecies was estimated at 4.5 million years ago. The data presented from this study are comparable to the data from a previous study in which the entire mitochondrial genome and a larger number of restriction enzymes were used. The PCR-RFLP method thus demonstrated its usefulness for genetic studies of ostriches at thesubspecies level. The sequences used in this study could not reveal any markers that were useful for genetic studies of ostriches at the population level. In the second part of the study the RAPD method was evaluated for application in the genetic studies of ostriches. RAPD profiles, based on three RAPD primers, revealed differences between three subspecies of ostriches and indicated relationships between these subspecies that are consistent with observations from other studies. The numerical analysis of pooled and individual primer data demonstrated that the subspecies s.c. australis is more closely related to s.c. massaicus than to s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD marker differences between s.c. molybdophanes on the one hand, and s.c. massaicus and s.c. australis on the other is also consistent with observations from studies that proposed separate specie~ status for s.c. molybdophanes. RAPD analysis by five primers revealed geographic variation between s.c. australis populations. The clustering patterns observed in the dendrograms and Neighbour Joining Trees generated by computer programs showed trends of separating ostric1;t populations into geographical groups, possibly reflecting their different breeding histories. In the RAPD profiles of the inbred population, band-sharing was generally greater than in the outbreeding group. RAPD analysis thus showed that it may be a useful method in the population studies of domesticated S. c. australis. RAPDs also generated data that grouped ostriches according to trends in egg production capabilities. Analysis ofRAPD profiles by computer software showed a Neighbour Joining Tree and a dendrogram that predominantly grouped ostriches into clusters associated with either good or poor egg production. Evidence supporting the suitability of RAPDs as a tool in breeding programmes of ostriches was thus provided by this study. RAPDs also provided data, demonstrating that two sets of ostrich twins were non-identical twins. It was demonstrated by this study that RAPDs analysis may be a useful technique for applying to (1) systematic (2) population (3) breeding and (4) twin studies of ostriches (Struthio camelus).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Assessment of the potential contribution of the Coega industrial development initiative to the Eastern Cape Economy
- Authors: Bibby, Ray Russ
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20 , Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to analyse and report on the development of the Coega Industrial Development Zone as an infrastructure for renewed entrepreneurial activity and profitable management of existing firms in the Eastern Cape. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to assess the potential benefits achieved at similar industrial development zones around the world and what could be learnt from these developments which will make the Coega Industrial Development Zone workable. The Empirical results obtained, indicate that most local companies are confident that the Coega industrial Development Zone will be beneficial to the region. In conclusion, various recommendations have been made with regard to the findings ascertained in the Empirical Study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Bibby, Ray Russ
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20 , Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to analyse and report on the development of the Coega Industrial Development Zone as an infrastructure for renewed entrepreneurial activity and profitable management of existing firms in the Eastern Cape. To achieve this objective, a literature study was undertaken to assess the potential benefits achieved at similar industrial development zones around the world and what could be learnt from these developments which will make the Coega Industrial Development Zone workable. The Empirical results obtained, indicate that most local companies are confident that the Coega industrial Development Zone will be beneficial to the region. In conclusion, various recommendations have been made with regard to the findings ascertained in the Empirical Study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An evaluation of recirculating artificial stream designs for acute toxicity testing using two South African Ephemeroptera species exposed to sodium sulphate
- Authors: Binder, Markus
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Water -- Pollution -- Toxicology , Toxicology -- Research , Aquatic organisms -- Effect of water pollution on , Sodium sulfate , Mayflies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005376 , Water -- Pollution -- Toxicology , Toxicology -- Research , Aquatic organisms -- Effect of water pollution on , Sodium sulfate , Mayflies
- Description: Three artificial stream designs, termed Large Artificial Stream Units (LASUs), Raceways, and Channels, at two major scales (1700 L, 12.5 L and 20 L recirculated volume) were developed at the Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, in order to explore the possibilities of using indigenous rheophilic macroinvertebrates in routine toxicity tests. This study compared these systems, using 96h-EC50 values from sodium sulphate toxicity tests as the experimental response. Two local Ephemeroptera (Leptophlebiidae: Adenophlebia auriculata Eaton, and Baetidae: Afroptilum sudafricanum Lestage) were evaluated for their suitability in routine toxicity tests; and the possible effects of elevated salinity levels in South African rivers on the test species were assessed. Two sets of experiments with each mayfly species were conducted, following an unreplicated regression design. Dechlorinated tap water was used as the water source. Experiments in the Channels were repeated to determine experimental variability. Results were compared statistically by testing for overlap of 95% confidence limits (95%Cls) of EC50 values. The differences between A. auriculata EC50 values in the different systems were statistically significant (no overlap of 95%CLs), but they were not more variable than has been considered normal for biological systems (Coefficient of variation 20.1 %; ratio of greatest EC50 / smallest EC50 1.63). The differences were not related to the scale or the average current velocity characteristic of each stream design (average current velocity LASUs - Raceways - Channels 0.090 - 0.083 - 0.038 m/s). The Channels proved to be most efficient with regard to practical performance as they are portable and easily transportable, user-friendly, reliable, splash-free, cost effective to construct, and can easily be adapted to specific requirements. These systems are therefore recommended for regular use. The suitability of the two mayfly species for routine toxicity testing was evaluated. A. auriculata EC50 values showed a significant negative correlation with the corresponding average body-size (range 1476 - 1610 μm, mean 1555 μm). The different average body-sizes probably reflected the abundance of a certain size range present in the Palmiet River at the time of collection. Both species reacted similarly to Na₂S0₄ (similar slopes of the toxicity curves), identifying this salt as a slow acting toxicant. A. sudafricanum populations were more sensitive to Na₂S0₄ (EC50 3.404 g/L) than A. auriculata (EC50 8.090 g/L), probably because of its smaller body-size (mean 709 μm) and a lack of extremely tolerant individuals. In comparison to other freshwater macro invertebrates, including the standard toxicity test organism Daphnia spp., both mayfly species seemed to be moderately tolerant of Na₂S0₄; therefore there was no particular advantage to using these indigenous taxa rather than Daphnia spp. An assessment of the effects of elevated salinity/TDS levels on the test taxa yielded preliminary insights. A NaCI-EC50 for A. sudafricanum could be extrapolated and suggested a higher sensitivity to Na₂S0₄ than to NaCl. When Na₂S0₄ EC50 values of both species were compared to selected TDS levels of South African rivers, 4. auriculata would mostly not be affected, but A. sudafricanum might occasionally suffer from sub-lethal effects, depending on the sulphate proportion of the TDS. The South African guideline for TDS seemed to protect both species sufficiently.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Binder, Markus
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Water -- Pollution -- Toxicology , Toxicology -- Research , Aquatic organisms -- Effect of water pollution on , Sodium sulfate , Mayflies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5690 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005376 , Water -- Pollution -- Toxicology , Toxicology -- Research , Aquatic organisms -- Effect of water pollution on , Sodium sulfate , Mayflies
- Description: Three artificial stream designs, termed Large Artificial Stream Units (LASUs), Raceways, and Channels, at two major scales (1700 L, 12.5 L and 20 L recirculated volume) were developed at the Institute for Water Research, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, in order to explore the possibilities of using indigenous rheophilic macroinvertebrates in routine toxicity tests. This study compared these systems, using 96h-EC50 values from sodium sulphate toxicity tests as the experimental response. Two local Ephemeroptera (Leptophlebiidae: Adenophlebia auriculata Eaton, and Baetidae: Afroptilum sudafricanum Lestage) were evaluated for their suitability in routine toxicity tests; and the possible effects of elevated salinity levels in South African rivers on the test species were assessed. Two sets of experiments with each mayfly species were conducted, following an unreplicated regression design. Dechlorinated tap water was used as the water source. Experiments in the Channels were repeated to determine experimental variability. Results were compared statistically by testing for overlap of 95% confidence limits (95%Cls) of EC50 values. The differences between A. auriculata EC50 values in the different systems were statistically significant (no overlap of 95%CLs), but they were not more variable than has been considered normal for biological systems (Coefficient of variation 20.1 %; ratio of greatest EC50 / smallest EC50 1.63). The differences were not related to the scale or the average current velocity characteristic of each stream design (average current velocity LASUs - Raceways - Channels 0.090 - 0.083 - 0.038 m/s). The Channels proved to be most efficient with regard to practical performance as they are portable and easily transportable, user-friendly, reliable, splash-free, cost effective to construct, and can easily be adapted to specific requirements. These systems are therefore recommended for regular use. The suitability of the two mayfly species for routine toxicity testing was evaluated. A. auriculata EC50 values showed a significant negative correlation with the corresponding average body-size (range 1476 - 1610 μm, mean 1555 μm). The different average body-sizes probably reflected the abundance of a certain size range present in the Palmiet River at the time of collection. Both species reacted similarly to Na₂S0₄ (similar slopes of the toxicity curves), identifying this salt as a slow acting toxicant. A. sudafricanum populations were more sensitive to Na₂S0₄ (EC50 3.404 g/L) than A. auriculata (EC50 8.090 g/L), probably because of its smaller body-size (mean 709 μm) and a lack of extremely tolerant individuals. In comparison to other freshwater macro invertebrates, including the standard toxicity test organism Daphnia spp., both mayfly species seemed to be moderately tolerant of Na₂S0₄; therefore there was no particular advantage to using these indigenous taxa rather than Daphnia spp. An assessment of the effects of elevated salinity/TDS levels on the test taxa yielded preliminary insights. A NaCI-EC50 for A. sudafricanum could be extrapolated and suggested a higher sensitivity to Na₂S0₄ than to NaCl. When Na₂S0₄ EC50 values of both species were compared to selected TDS levels of South African rivers, 4. auriculata would mostly not be affected, but A. sudafricanum might occasionally suffer from sub-lethal effects, depending on the sulphate proportion of the TDS. The South African guideline for TDS seemed to protect both species sufficiently.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
An evaluation of policies for attaining excellence in service delivery in the Port Elizabeth municipality
- Binza, Mzikayise Shakespeare
- Authors: Binza, Mzikayise Shakespeare
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Customer services -- Quality control , Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006186 , Customer services -- Quality control , Customer services -- Management
- Description: This dissertation is based on the assumption that the Port Elizabeth Municipality should deliver essential services effectively, efficiently and economically so as to attain excellence in service delivery. The essential services dealt with in this study are electricity; refuse collection; sewerage; and water services. Attaining excellence in service delivery will lead the Port Elizabeth Municipality to improve and sustain the quality of life of the local inhabitants. The primary objectives of this dissertation include, inter alia: An historical analysis of delivery systems of the former government prior to 1994, which provides the primary reasons and purposes of delivery systems, and the effects on the Port Elizabeth Municipality. Reformation and transformation of South African local government since 1994, with particular reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality. A normative model for service delivery, which is designed to accelerate service delivery in the local spheres of government, with special reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality as the locus of this study. The nature, extent and evaluation of the existing service delivery by the Port Elizabeth Municipality from 1994 to 1999. An empirical survey is conducted in the form of questionnaires to the directors, heads of departments, senior managers, as well as councillors. Approaches and strategies for attaining excellence in service delivery, which include, inter alia: a government-business paradigm and an equilibrium approach. Lastly, a number of recommendations are made and conclusions are drawn based on the findings of the empirical survey in order to deliver essential services equitably, efficiently, effectively and economically to attain excellence in service delivery in the Port Elizabeth Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Binza, Mzikayise Shakespeare
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Customer services -- Quality control , Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006186 , Customer services -- Quality control , Customer services -- Management
- Description: This dissertation is based on the assumption that the Port Elizabeth Municipality should deliver essential services effectively, efficiently and economically so as to attain excellence in service delivery. The essential services dealt with in this study are electricity; refuse collection; sewerage; and water services. Attaining excellence in service delivery will lead the Port Elizabeth Municipality to improve and sustain the quality of life of the local inhabitants. The primary objectives of this dissertation include, inter alia: An historical analysis of delivery systems of the former government prior to 1994, which provides the primary reasons and purposes of delivery systems, and the effects on the Port Elizabeth Municipality. Reformation and transformation of South African local government since 1994, with particular reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality. A normative model for service delivery, which is designed to accelerate service delivery in the local spheres of government, with special reference to the Port Elizabeth Municipality as the locus of this study. The nature, extent and evaluation of the existing service delivery by the Port Elizabeth Municipality from 1994 to 1999. An empirical survey is conducted in the form of questionnaires to the directors, heads of departments, senior managers, as well as councillors. Approaches and strategies for attaining excellence in service delivery, which include, inter alia: a government-business paradigm and an equilibrium approach. Lastly, a number of recommendations are made and conclusions are drawn based on the findings of the empirical survey in order to deliver essential services equitably, efficiently, effectively and economically to attain excellence in service delivery in the Port Elizabeth Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Principals' perceptions of the management of staff appraisal in schools.
- Authors: Blaauw, Lindiwe Ellen
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Educational evaluation , Teachers -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016080
- Description: Teacher appraisal has long been a contentious and contested area in educational management. The recent implementation of a new system of appraisal in Eastern Cape Schools has led to renewed interest in the role and management of appraisal. The objective of this study was to investigate principals' perception of the management of staff appraisal. An interpretive paradigm was adopted and the research is a case study of four secondary schools in Port Elizabeth. Two methods were used in collecting data, namely, questionnaires and interviews. The content comparative method was used to analyse the data. The findings of this study showed areas of continuities and discontinuities with the literature and the new document on appraisal. There is a clear understanding among the principals interviewed that staff appraisal should be used to assess individual teacher performance and that it should also be developmental. There is clear support from the principals on the involvement of other stakeholders. They see the process as transformative and participatory. They find it acceptable and are willing to be involved. However, the findings also indicate a lack of readiness on the part of the principals to fully embrace a fully participative and developmental approach to appraisal. On the strength of these findings I conclude the thesis by making recommendations for policy, principals, teachers and for future researchers in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Blaauw, Lindiwe Ellen
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Educational evaluation , Teachers -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2011 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016080
- Description: Teacher appraisal has long been a contentious and contested area in educational management. The recent implementation of a new system of appraisal in Eastern Cape Schools has led to renewed interest in the role and management of appraisal. The objective of this study was to investigate principals' perception of the management of staff appraisal. An interpretive paradigm was adopted and the research is a case study of four secondary schools in Port Elizabeth. Two methods were used in collecting data, namely, questionnaires and interviews. The content comparative method was used to analyse the data. The findings of this study showed areas of continuities and discontinuities with the literature and the new document on appraisal. There is a clear understanding among the principals interviewed that staff appraisal should be used to assess individual teacher performance and that it should also be developmental. There is clear support from the principals on the involvement of other stakeholders. They see the process as transformative and participatory. They find it acceptable and are willing to be involved. However, the findings also indicate a lack of readiness on the part of the principals to fully embrace a fully participative and developmental approach to appraisal. On the strength of these findings I conclude the thesis by making recommendations for policy, principals, teachers and for future researchers in the field.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
The interpretation of ABET placement tests in the recognition of prior learning
- Authors: Blunt, Sandra Viki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: English language -- Ability testing , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003464
- Description: This thesis analyses the way in which placement testing is being interpreted in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET). The thesis examines whether the placement tests used in the case study were valid in terms of whether their contents were relevant and authentic with regard to what English second language speakers could reasonably be expected to know. Adult learners have differing English second language knowledge depending on the different contexts in which they have learned their second language. This thesis investigates the implications of the different contexts and different language needs of adult learners for the testing of English as a second language for placement purposes in ABET programmes. The thesis examined two placement tests to determine how the recognition of prior second language learning was being interpreted and how the interpretation affected the validity of the tests. Learners= perceptions of the assessment process and test content were elicited in order to determine whether a policy of transparency had been followed in the implementation of the assessment. It was also established what the goals of the organisation were in implementing an ABET programme. This research suggests that placement testing should be viewed holistically; in other words, the goals of the organisation and the level of transparency affect the validity of the placement test. The conclusions were that the placement tests were inauthentic since their contents excluded certain vital aspects of real life performance, namely, that related to the work context. The research revealed that if the placement testing process and the ABET programme are integrated into the culture of the organisation and if employees are remunerated when they have passed the different levels in the programme, the programme is likely to achieve a fair measure of success. Recommendations are that literacy should be viewed as based on a variety of contexts and uses and that therefore tests should be tailored to suit each particular organisation and should contain workrelated content. Furthermore, multiple methods of assessment should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: Blunt, Sandra Viki
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: English language -- Ability testing , English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:1582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003464
- Description: This thesis analyses the way in which placement testing is being interpreted in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET). The thesis examines whether the placement tests used in the case study were valid in terms of whether their contents were relevant and authentic with regard to what English second language speakers could reasonably be expected to know. Adult learners have differing English second language knowledge depending on the different contexts in which they have learned their second language. This thesis investigates the implications of the different contexts and different language needs of adult learners for the testing of English as a second language for placement purposes in ABET programmes. The thesis examined two placement tests to determine how the recognition of prior second language learning was being interpreted and how the interpretation affected the validity of the tests. Learners= perceptions of the assessment process and test content were elicited in order to determine whether a policy of transparency had been followed in the implementation of the assessment. It was also established what the goals of the organisation were in implementing an ABET programme. This research suggests that placement testing should be viewed holistically; in other words, the goals of the organisation and the level of transparency affect the validity of the placement test. The conclusions were that the placement tests were inauthentic since their contents excluded certain vital aspects of real life performance, namely, that related to the work context. The research revealed that if the placement testing process and the ABET programme are integrated into the culture of the organisation and if employees are remunerated when they have passed the different levels in the programme, the programme is likely to achieve a fair measure of success. Recommendations are that literacy should be viewed as based on a variety of contexts and uses and that therefore tests should be tailored to suit each particular organisation and should contain workrelated content. Furthermore, multiple methods of assessment should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000