Alzheimer’s disease: making sense of the stress
- Authors: Whiteley, Chris G
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67072 , vital:29029 , http://www.smgebooks.com/alzheimers-disease/chapters/ALZD-16-08.pdf
- Description: publisher version , To facilitate a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease fundamental knowledge is required about the action and function of enzymes in the brain that not only metabolise arginine (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) but are closely associated with oxidative (superoxide dismutase; catalase; glutathione peroxidase) and/or nitrosative stress. In particular the focus extends towards enzymes that contribute to amyloid peptide aggregation and senile plaquedeposits (fibrillogenesis). Of special importance are the glycine zipper regions within these amyloid peptides, especially Aβ25-29 and Aβ29-33 (that contains two isoleucine residues) and the pentapeptide Aβ17-21 (that contains two phenylalanines), each generated by enzymatic cleavage of the intramembrane amyloid precursor protein. Use of antisense-sense technology has identified regions in each enzyme that are capable of binding with the amyloid peptides. After an initial inhibition of each enzyme there is an oligomerisation into soluble fibrils which accumulate and eventually precipitate. The use of nanoparticles do not just prevent but reverse the formation of these fibrils either by disrupting the binary adduct – enzyme-Aβ-peptide- or by reaction with, and therefore deplete, Aβ-monomers in solution and so block potential aggregation sites on the enzyme itself. Future therapy towards Alzheimer’s disease should target the C-terminal region of the amyloid precursor protein and substitute hydrophobic residues for the glycine amino acids within the glycine zipper region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Whiteley, Chris G
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67072 , vital:29029 , http://www.smgebooks.com/alzheimers-disease/chapters/ALZD-16-08.pdf
- Description: publisher version , To facilitate a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease fundamental knowledge is required about the action and function of enzymes in the brain that not only metabolise arginine (neuronal nitric oxide synthase) but are closely associated with oxidative (superoxide dismutase; catalase; glutathione peroxidase) and/or nitrosative stress. In particular the focus extends towards enzymes that contribute to amyloid peptide aggregation and senile plaquedeposits (fibrillogenesis). Of special importance are the glycine zipper regions within these amyloid peptides, especially Aβ25-29 and Aβ29-33 (that contains two isoleucine residues) and the pentapeptide Aβ17-21 (that contains two phenylalanines), each generated by enzymatic cleavage of the intramembrane amyloid precursor protein. Use of antisense-sense technology has identified regions in each enzyme that are capable of binding with the amyloid peptides. After an initial inhibition of each enzyme there is an oligomerisation into soluble fibrils which accumulate and eventually precipitate. The use of nanoparticles do not just prevent but reverse the formation of these fibrils either by disrupting the binary adduct – enzyme-Aβ-peptide- or by reaction with, and therefore deplete, Aβ-monomers in solution and so block potential aggregation sites on the enzyme itself. Future therapy towards Alzheimer’s disease should target the C-terminal region of the amyloid precursor protein and substitute hydrophobic residues for the glycine amino acids within the glycine zipper region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Voter education manual
- Voter Education and Elections Training Unit, Legal Education Action Project
- Authors: Voter Education and Elections Training Unit , Legal Education Action Project
- Date: 1994?
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72979 , vital:30138
- Description: The majority of South Africans have not voted in national elections before. Most elections in South Africa have been for a white government, elected by whites only. Very few people ever voted in the elections for the tri-cameral parliament. Many people do not see the need to vote because they feel that elections won’t make much difference to their lives. Over 18 million voters need to be reached to ensure that they understand: WHY they should vote; HOW to vote; WHEN and WHERE they should vote; HOW to decide which party to vote for. This manual is aimed at activists and volunteers who will be involved in voter education in communities that have not voted before. , Your vote is your power - use it!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994?
- Authors: Voter Education and Elections Training Unit , Legal Education Action Project
- Date: 1994?
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/72979 , vital:30138
- Description: The majority of South Africans have not voted in national elections before. Most elections in South Africa have been for a white government, elected by whites only. Very few people ever voted in the elections for the tri-cameral parliament. Many people do not see the need to vote because they feel that elections won’t make much difference to their lives. Over 18 million voters need to be reached to ensure that they understand: WHY they should vote; HOW to vote; WHEN and WHERE they should vote; HOW to decide which party to vote for. This manual is aimed at activists and volunteers who will be involved in voter education in communities that have not voted before. , Your vote is your power - use it!
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994?
Wilder than Polyphemus
- Authors: Van Schoor, David J
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468501 , vital:77066 , ISBN 978-1-928502-32-6 , https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.47622/9781928502302_9
- Description: Though Graeco-Roman antiquity (‘classics’) has often been considered the handmaid of colonialism, its various forms have nonetheless endured through many of the continent’s decolonising transitions. Southern Africa is no exception. This book canvasses the variety of forms classics has taken in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and especially South Africa, and even the dynamics of transformation itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Van Schoor, David J
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468501 , vital:77066 , ISBN 978-1-928502-32-6 , https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.47622/9781928502302_9
- Description: Though Graeco-Roman antiquity (‘classics’) has often been considered the handmaid of colonialism, its various forms have nonetheless endured through many of the continent’s decolonising transitions. Southern Africa is no exception. This book canvasses the variety of forms classics has taken in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and especially South Africa, and even the dynamics of transformation itself.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Commission of Inquiry into Oukasie Violence
- UDF
- Authors: UDF
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: UDF
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250651 , vital:52035
- Description: In June 1990, the United Democratic Front [UDF] appointed Brian Cumin, National Director of Lawyers for Human Rights as Commissioner to investigate and report on the reasons for the violence in Oukasie Township, Brits, since February 1986. Brian Cumin was empowered to appoint additional Commissioners to assist him. David Bam and Mpho Molefe, both practising Attorneys in Pretoria were duly appointed as co-commissioners. As part of their report on the reasons for the violence in Oukasie, the Commissioners have taken the liberty of making recommendations to the United Democratic Front.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: UDF
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: UDF
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250651 , vital:52035
- Description: In June 1990, the United Democratic Front [UDF] appointed Brian Cumin, National Director of Lawyers for Human Rights as Commissioner to investigate and report on the reasons for the violence in Oukasie Township, Brits, since February 1986. Brian Cumin was empowered to appoint additional Commissioners to assist him. David Bam and Mpho Molefe, both practising Attorneys in Pretoria were duly appointed as co-commissioners. As part of their report on the reasons for the violence in Oukasie, the Commissioners have taken the liberty of making recommendations to the United Democratic Front.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
Transport and General Workers Union: Progress report on developments in TGWU during the period August 1987-July 1988
- Transport and General Workers' Union (South Africa)
- Authors: Transport and General Workers' Union (South Africa)
- Date: 1988-08-08
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: eng
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103255 , vital:32226
- Description: The past year has been a very dramatic one for TGWU. It has been a year of enormous growth in membership, and at the same time a year where we have had to deal with the traumas of numerous mergers (both into TGWU, and TGWU membership into other unions). We have had to endure the difficulties of being without a physical locality for our head office for three months (after the bomb attack on Cosatu House), and more recently the arson attack on our head office premises. In an attempt to cope with the growth of the union we have developed new structures, and have expanded our staff at all levels. The year has also of course been a very dramatic one for the trade union movement as a whole, and for Cosatu in particular. The two most serious features of this have been the restricting of Cosatu in terms of the State of Emergency (along with 17 other organisations), and the proposed Labour Relations Amendment Bill. TGWU has tried to address these issues with the seriousness and determined opposition that they deserve. As a result, the state has seen fit to clash with our members, as witnessed by the detention (and now trial) of our first vice president, Comrade Alfred Ndlovu, and at least 15 other TGWU memebers over the past year. Nine TGWU members are still suffering in the isolation and evilness of detention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988-08-08
- Authors: Transport and General Workers' Union (South Africa)
- Date: 1988-08-08
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: eng
- Type: text , pamphlet
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/103255 , vital:32226
- Description: The past year has been a very dramatic one for TGWU. It has been a year of enormous growth in membership, and at the same time a year where we have had to deal with the traumas of numerous mergers (both into TGWU, and TGWU membership into other unions). We have had to endure the difficulties of being without a physical locality for our head office for three months (after the bomb attack on Cosatu House), and more recently the arson attack on our head office premises. In an attempt to cope with the growth of the union we have developed new structures, and have expanded our staff at all levels. The year has also of course been a very dramatic one for the trade union movement as a whole, and for Cosatu in particular. The two most serious features of this have been the restricting of Cosatu in terms of the State of Emergency (along with 17 other organisations), and the proposed Labour Relations Amendment Bill. TGWU has tried to address these issues with the seriousness and determined opposition that they deserve. As a result, the state has seen fit to clash with our members, as witnessed by the detention (and now trial) of our first vice president, Comrade Alfred Ndlovu, and at least 15 other TGWU memebers over the past year. Nine TGWU members are still suffering in the isolation and evilness of detention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1988-08-08
The unit-based sustainability assessment tool and its use in the UNEP mainstreaming environment and sustainability in African universities partnership
- Togo, Muchaiteyi, Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437409 , vital:73376 , ISBN 978-1-4020-8194-1 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02375-5_15
- Description: This paper reports on the development and use of a Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT) for establishing the status of Education for Sustainable Development initiatives and sustainable development practices in universities. The tool was developed for use in the Swedish/Africa International Training Programme (ITP) on ‘Education for Sustainable De-velopment in Higher Education’ and complements the UNEP Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability into African Universities (MESA) ‘Education for Sustainable Development Innovations Programmes for Universities in Africa’ materials. The USAT facilitates a quick assessment of the level of inte-gration of sustainability issues in university functions and op-erations, both to benchmark sustainability initiatives and identi-fy new areas for action or improvement. It is based on a unit-based framework which allows for sustainability assessments to be done per division, unit, department, or faculty within uni-versities. Collectively, the unit-based assessments provide for development of an institution wide picture of university sus-tainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi , Lotz-Sisitka, Heila
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437409 , vital:73376 , ISBN 978-1-4020-8194-1 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02375-5_15
- Description: This paper reports on the development and use of a Unit-based Sustainability Assessment Tool (USAT) for establishing the status of Education for Sustainable Development initiatives and sustainable development practices in universities. The tool was developed for use in the Swedish/Africa International Training Programme (ITP) on ‘Education for Sustainable De-velopment in Higher Education’ and complements the UNEP Mainstreaming Environment and Sustainability into African Universities (MESA) ‘Education for Sustainable Development Innovations Programmes for Universities in Africa’ materials. The USAT facilitates a quick assessment of the level of inte-gration of sustainability issues in university functions and op-erations, both to benchmark sustainability initiatives and identi-fy new areas for action or improvement. It is based on a unit-based framework which allows for sustainability assessments to be done per division, unit, department, or faculty within uni-versities. Collectively, the unit-based assessments provide for development of an institution wide picture of university sus-tainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Impact of emerging mutations on the dynamic properties the SARS-CoV-2 main protease: an in silico investigation
- Sheik Amamuddy, Olivier, Verkhivker, Gennady M, Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Authors: Sheik Amamuddy, Olivier , Verkhivker, Gennady M , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163035 , vital:41006 , doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00634
- Description: The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global threat to world health and its economy. Its main protease (Mpro), which functions as a dimer, cleaves viral precursor proteins in the process of viral maturation. It is a good candidate for drug development owing to its conservation and the absence of a human homolog. An improved understanding of the protein behaviour can accelerate the discovery of effective therapies in order to reduce mortality. 100 ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of 50 homology modelled mutant Mpro dimers were performed at pH 7 from filtered sequences obtained from the GISAID database. Protease dynamics were analysed using RMSD, RMSF, Rg, the averaged betweenness centrality and geometry calculations. Domains from each Mpro protomer were found to generally have independent motions, while the dimer-stabilising N-finger region was found to be flexible in most mutants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sheik Amamuddy, Olivier , Verkhivker, Gennady M , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/163035 , vital:41006 , doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00634
- Description: The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a global threat to world health and its economy. Its main protease (Mpro), which functions as a dimer, cleaves viral precursor proteins in the process of viral maturation. It is a good candidate for drug development owing to its conservation and the absence of a human homolog. An improved understanding of the protein behaviour can accelerate the discovery of effective therapies in order to reduce mortality. 100 ns all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of 50 homology modelled mutant Mpro dimers were performed at pH 7 from filtered sequences obtained from the GISAID database. Protease dynamics were analysed using RMSD, RMSF, Rg, the averaged betweenness centrality and geometry calculations. Domains from each Mpro protomer were found to generally have independent motions, while the dimer-stabilising N-finger region was found to be flexible in most mutants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa
- Shackleton, Ross T, Novoa, Ana, Shackleton, Charlie M, Kull, Christian A
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, Ana , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176285 , vital:42681 , DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, Ana , Shackleton, Charlie M , Kull, Christian A
- Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Type: text , book
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/176285 , vital:42681 , DOI 10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa
- Shackleton, Ross T, Novoa, A, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434000 , vital:73020 , ISBN 978-3-030-32394-3 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them. The propositions we assess include:(1) intentional introductions were and continue to refiect the social ethos of the time;(2) people go to great lengths to ensure that newly introduced species establish themselves;(3) human-mediated modifications help invasive species to establish;(4) how people think about and study invasive species is strongly shaped by social-ecological contexts;(5) knowledge and awareness of invasive species is low amongst the general public;(6) personal values are the primary factor affecting perceptions of invasive alien species and their control;(7) specific social-ecological contexts mediate how invasive species affect people;(8) research on social effects of invasive species primarily focuses on negative impacts;(9) the negative social impacts of invasive species on local livelihoods are of more concern to people than impacts on biodiversity;(10) people are less willing to manage species regarded as ‘charismatic’;(11) social heterogeneity increases confiicts around the management of biological invasions; and (12) engagement with society is key to successful management. By advancing and questioning propositions, we were able to determine what is known, provide evidence for where gaps lie, and thus identify areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Shackleton, Ross T , Novoa, A , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434000 , vital:73020 , ISBN 978-3-030-32394-3 , https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32394-3
- Description: This chapter examines current knowledge relating to the human and social dimensions of biological invasions in South Africa. We do so by advancing 12 propositions and examining the evidence for or against each using South African literature. The propositions cover four broad issues: how people cause invasions; how they conceptualise them; effects of invasive species on people; and peoples’ responses to them. The propositions we assess include:(1) intentional introductions were and continue to refiect the social ethos of the time;(2) people go to great lengths to ensure that newly introduced species establish themselves;(3) human-mediated modifications help invasive species to establish;(4) how people think about and study invasive species is strongly shaped by social-ecological contexts;(5) knowledge and awareness of invasive species is low amongst the general public;(6) personal values are the primary factor affecting perceptions of invasive alien species and their control;(7) specific social-ecological contexts mediate how invasive species affect people;(8) research on social effects of invasive species primarily focuses on negative impacts;(9) the negative social impacts of invasive species on local livelihoods are of more concern to people than impacts on biodiversity;(10) people are less willing to manage species regarded as ‘charismatic’;(11) social heterogeneity increases confiicts around the management of biological invasions; and (12) engagement with society is key to successful management. By advancing and questioning propositions, we were able to determine what is known, provide evidence for where gaps lie, and thus identify areas for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The importance of dry woodlands and forests in rural livelihoods and poverty alleviation in South Africa
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Shackleton, Sheona E, Buiten, Erik, Bird, Neil
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E , Buiten, Erik , Bird, Neil
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007066
- Description: Indigenous forests and savannas, along with plantation forests, offer numerous benefits to rural communities and society at large. Yet, the role of forests and forestry in contributing to sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation are widely debated. However, much of the debate pertains to lessons from the humid tropics, with little consideration of the widespread dry forests and savannas. This paper considers the role of dry forest types, including savannas, using South Africa as a case example. It concludes that a large proportion of the population makes use of forests and the resources from them. These are vital components of local livelihoods, which probably prevent people from slipping into deeper poverty. Moreover, for a measurable proportion, engagement in informal forest activities, as well as the formal forestry sector, has resulted in them being able to move out of poverty. Additionally, the generally dry nature of forests in South Africa, coupled with the high unemployment rate, limit the extent of alternative locally based livelihood options, thereby magnifying the contributions from forests and forest products. The depressing effects of widespread HIV/AIDS on labour availability, economic activities and livelihoods has exacerbated peoples' dependence on forest products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Shackleton, Sheona E , Buiten, Erik , Bird, Neil
- Date: 2007
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007066
- Description: Indigenous forests and savannas, along with plantation forests, offer numerous benefits to rural communities and society at large. Yet, the role of forests and forestry in contributing to sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation are widely debated. However, much of the debate pertains to lessons from the humid tropics, with little consideration of the widespread dry forests and savannas. This paper considers the role of dry forest types, including savannas, using South Africa as a case example. It concludes that a large proportion of the population makes use of forests and the resources from them. These are vital components of local livelihoods, which probably prevent people from slipping into deeper poverty. Moreover, for a measurable proportion, engagement in informal forest activities, as well as the formal forestry sector, has resulted in them being able to move out of poverty. Additionally, the generally dry nature of forests in South Africa, coupled with the high unemployment rate, limit the extent of alternative locally based livelihood options, thereby magnifying the contributions from forests and forest products. The depressing effects of widespread HIV/AIDS on labour availability, economic activities and livelihoods has exacerbated peoples' dependence on forest products.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Rhodes University Library Services Annual Report 2014 : "Our Scholarly Heartbeat"
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020651
- Description: Library Director's Message: 2014 was indeed a momentous year for South Africans who embraced the opportunity to assess, evaluate and celebrate what has come to pass during these two decades of democracy. The library and information services (LIS) sector adopted the theme “Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy” which enabled several conversations to be held around three simple questions posed by Michael K Buckland: 1.What kind of work we do? 2.How can we do our work? 3.Why do we do our work? Buckland further asserts that modern society exists on a foundation of documents of all genres and forms, which are not just objectified knowledge but that they affect us aesthetically and emotionally. The use of documents is a cultural activity, be it through discussion or the exchange of documents. Vesa Souminen, in his book, Filling Empty Spaces, identifies that the crux of a good librarian’s role is to create arrangements of documents that are meaningful for users. In the face of technological advances, the relevance of libraries and librarians is raised and the need to create an awareness of what we do has never been as important as it is today. There are four accepted practices that define how we do our work: •Organization of information – selecting, collecting, organizing, categorizing, indexing, filtering and retrieval •Information in society and information policy – complementing and balancing the effects of the influence of the distribution and use of information in society •Technology for information which enables existing services to be performed differently as well as to develop different and better services •Management of information services – the art of achieving results through well-‐skilled competent people and how to survive and thrive in a political and economic environment. So why do we do what we do? Because it matters what people know! What people know is important to the individual, to an institution and to society. We do not only support technical knowledge but also cultural understanding, aesthetic insight and human behavior. Our role is to facilitate understanding of our shared identity that are collected and preserved in the records, documents, texts, etc that are our specialty. So when we say our purpose is to serve a community, we must be able to relate to the priorities and values of our role in that community. Given the above, the Rhodes University Library (RUL) embraced the 2nd year of its strategic plan (2013-‐2015) wholeheartedly with the express aim of consolidating practice, technology, providing universal access and ensuring an enabling environment and services for the broader Rhodes community. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present the 2014 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL) which details how collectively the staff ensured that the defined practices were translated into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Satgoor, Ujala
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:7947 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020651
- Description: Library Director's Message: 2014 was indeed a momentous year for South Africans who embraced the opportunity to assess, evaluate and celebrate what has come to pass during these two decades of democracy. The library and information services (LIS) sector adopted the theme “Celebrating libraries in 20 years of democracy” which enabled several conversations to be held around three simple questions posed by Michael K Buckland: 1.What kind of work we do? 2.How can we do our work? 3.Why do we do our work? Buckland further asserts that modern society exists on a foundation of documents of all genres and forms, which are not just objectified knowledge but that they affect us aesthetically and emotionally. The use of documents is a cultural activity, be it through discussion or the exchange of documents. Vesa Souminen, in his book, Filling Empty Spaces, identifies that the crux of a good librarian’s role is to create arrangements of documents that are meaningful for users. In the face of technological advances, the relevance of libraries and librarians is raised and the need to create an awareness of what we do has never been as important as it is today. There are four accepted practices that define how we do our work: •Organization of information – selecting, collecting, organizing, categorizing, indexing, filtering and retrieval •Information in society and information policy – complementing and balancing the effects of the influence of the distribution and use of information in society •Technology for information which enables existing services to be performed differently as well as to develop different and better services •Management of information services – the art of achieving results through well-‐skilled competent people and how to survive and thrive in a political and economic environment. So why do we do what we do? Because it matters what people know! What people know is important to the individual, to an institution and to society. We do not only support technical knowledge but also cultural understanding, aesthetic insight and human behavior. Our role is to facilitate understanding of our shared identity that are collected and preserved in the records, documents, texts, etc that are our specialty. So when we say our purpose is to serve a community, we must be able to relate to the priorities and values of our role in that community. Given the above, the Rhodes University Library (RUL) embraced the 2nd year of its strategic plan (2013-‐2015) wholeheartedly with the express aim of consolidating practice, technology, providing universal access and ensuring an enabling environment and services for the broader Rhodes community. It therefore gives me great pleasure to present the 2014 annual report of the Rhodes University Library (RUL) which details how collectively the staff ensured that the defined practices were translated into reality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
FinTech developments and their heterogeneous effect on digital finance for SMEs and entrepreneurship: evidence from 47 African countries
- Sanga, Bahati, Aziakpono, Meshach J
- Authors: Sanga, Bahati , Aziakpono, Meshach J
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/469868 , vital:77302 , https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jeee-09-2023-0379/full/html
- Description: Lack of access to finance is a major constraint to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in developing countries. The recent proliferation of mobile phone services, access to the internet and emerging technologies has led to a surge in the use of FinTech in Africa and is transforming the financial sector. This paper aims to examine whether FinTech developments heterogeneously contribute to the growth of digital finance for SMEs and entrepreneurship in 47 African countries from 2013 to 2020. The paper uses a novel method of moments quantile regression, which deals with heterogeneity and endogeneity in diverse conditions for asymmetric and nonlinear models.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
- Authors: Sanga, Bahati , Aziakpono, Meshach J
- Date: 2024
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/469868 , vital:77302 , https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/jeee-09-2023-0379/full/html
- Description: Lack of access to finance is a major constraint to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in developing countries. The recent proliferation of mobile phone services, access to the internet and emerging technologies has led to a surge in the use of FinTech in Africa and is transforming the financial sector. This paper aims to examine whether FinTech developments heterogeneously contribute to the growth of digital finance for SMEs and entrepreneurship in 47 African countries from 2013 to 2020. The paper uses a novel method of moments quantile regression, which deals with heterogeneity and endogeneity in diverse conditions for asymmetric and nonlinear models.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024
Organisation Building Workshop Report
- SADTU
- Authors: SADTU
- Date: Nov 1995
- Subjects: SADTU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137734 , vital:37554
- Description: Summary Report on SADTU Organisation Building Workshop held on Friday 17 November - Bellville College of Education: There were approximately 40 participants representing the leadership of most SADTU branches in the Region. As per the programme, the purpose of the workshop was " to develop an organising and recruitment strategy with the aim of building capacity and to resuscitate union structures..." As with most strategy and organisational building attempts it is often difficult to ascertain what the organisational problems are which are within members/workshop participants own capabilities of solving. From the outset it is important to ensure the distinction between real organisational problems and perceived ones. Failure to ensure this would cause that the participants and the regional leadership could be found wanting, "barking up the wrong tree". It is for this reason that the opening exercise of the workshop was extremely usefull in ensuring an organisational assessment and isolating key problems. Participants were divided into five groups, A - E. Their task was to identify which animal most aptly represented SADTU, nationally and especially regionally. The groups were required to debate and reach concensus on the choice of animal and motivate fully. Participants tackled the task with enthusiasm, were very creative and seemed to enjoy the exercise. Groups were then to report back to a plenary session in the form of a drawing of their animals and a list of points motivating their choice. The idea was that the plenary session would debate the choices and try to reach concensus on the most representative animal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Nov 1995
- Authors: SADTU
- Date: Nov 1995
- Subjects: SADTU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137734 , vital:37554
- Description: Summary Report on SADTU Organisation Building Workshop held on Friday 17 November - Bellville College of Education: There were approximately 40 participants representing the leadership of most SADTU branches in the Region. As per the programme, the purpose of the workshop was " to develop an organising and recruitment strategy with the aim of building capacity and to resuscitate union structures..." As with most strategy and organisational building attempts it is often difficult to ascertain what the organisational problems are which are within members/workshop participants own capabilities of solving. From the outset it is important to ensure the distinction between real organisational problems and perceived ones. Failure to ensure this would cause that the participants and the regional leadership could be found wanting, "barking up the wrong tree". It is for this reason that the opening exercise of the workshop was extremely usefull in ensuring an organisational assessment and isolating key problems. Participants were divided into five groups, A - E. Their task was to identify which animal most aptly represented SADTU, nationally and especially regionally. The groups were required to debate and reach concensus on the choice of animal and motivate fully. Participants tackled the task with enthusiasm, were very creative and seemed to enjoy the exercise. Groups were then to report back to a plenary session in the form of a drawing of their animals and a list of points motivating their choice. The idea was that the plenary session would debate the choices and try to reach concensus on the most representative animal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Nov 1995
Workers are parents too
- SACCAWU
- Authors: SACCAWU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: SACCAWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137642 , vital:37545
- Description: This booklet is a follow-up to the Parental Rights' Manual for negotiators produced by SACCAWU in 1 999. These publications have been the product of painful soul- searching. They are attempts to highlight the plight of women in the workplace and represent the uncompromising resolve of the union to challenge the inequalities and discrimination that workers, especially women, suffer as parents. This booklet is intended to assist negotiators, shop stewards and ordinary workers in knowing and exercising their parental rights. In order to win the struggle for parental rights, the understanding of worker rights must reach all the way to the shop floor. This booklet will help to make that understanding a reality. We wish to thank the commitment and dedication by all workers and union officials who have worked tirelessly for the realisation of the noble goal of parental rights and have forced the bosses to reason beyond dogmatic greed to maximise profits. Achievements won thus far have not been easy victories, nor can they be attributed to kindness or a change of heart by the employers. This booklet builds on our manual and further inspires us to translate our dreams into reality. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the writing of this booklet, especially the SACCAWU Reference Group of Fihliwe Lusu, Brenita Cloete, Bella Maneli, Judy Piti, Abduragmann Jacobs, the SACCAWU National Gender Co-ordinator, Patricia Appolis, and those involved directly in production: John Pape of ILRIG, Meg Jordi, William Matlala, Rosie Campbell, Jon Berndt and Logo Print.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
- Authors: SACCAWU
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: SACCAWU
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/137642 , vital:37545
- Description: This booklet is a follow-up to the Parental Rights' Manual for negotiators produced by SACCAWU in 1 999. These publications have been the product of painful soul- searching. They are attempts to highlight the plight of women in the workplace and represent the uncompromising resolve of the union to challenge the inequalities and discrimination that workers, especially women, suffer as parents. This booklet is intended to assist negotiators, shop stewards and ordinary workers in knowing and exercising their parental rights. In order to win the struggle for parental rights, the understanding of worker rights must reach all the way to the shop floor. This booklet will help to make that understanding a reality. We wish to thank the commitment and dedication by all workers and union officials who have worked tirelessly for the realisation of the noble goal of parental rights and have forced the bosses to reason beyond dogmatic greed to maximise profits. Achievements won thus far have not been easy victories, nor can they be attributed to kindness or a change of heart by the employers. This booklet builds on our manual and further inspires us to translate our dreams into reality. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the writing of this booklet, especially the SACCAWU Reference Group of Fihliwe Lusu, Brenita Cloete, Bella Maneli, Judy Piti, Abduragmann Jacobs, the SACCAWU National Gender Co-ordinator, Patricia Appolis, and those involved directly in production: John Pape of ILRIG, Meg Jordi, William Matlala, Rosie Campbell, Jon Berndt and Logo Print.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2000
Rhodes University Graduation Ceremony 1999
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006778
- Description: Rhodes University 1999 Graduation Ceremonies [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 9 April 1999 at 18:00 p.m. [and] 10 April 1999 at 10:30 a.m. , The Installation of Gert Johannes Gerwel as Chancellor of Rhodes University to be followed by a Graduation Ceremony 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 9 April 1999 at 10:30 a.m. , Rhodes University 1999 Graduation Ceremony City Hall, East London Friday, 7 May 1999 at 18:00 p.m.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Rhodes University
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: vital:8133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006778
- Description: Rhodes University 1999 Graduation Ceremonies [at] 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 9 April 1999 at 18:00 p.m. [and] 10 April 1999 at 10:30 a.m. , The Installation of Gert Johannes Gerwel as Chancellor of Rhodes University to be followed by a Graduation Ceremony 1820 Settlers National Monument Friday, 9 April 1999 at 10:30 a.m. , Rhodes University 1999 Graduation Ceremony City Hall, East London Friday, 7 May 1999 at 18:00 p.m.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
Annotated records of blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) distribution in southern Africa
- Palmer, R W, de Moor, Ferdy C
- Authors: Palmer, R W , de Moor, Ferdy C
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452114 , vital:75104 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10213589_229
- Description: Regional and catchment distributions of blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in southern Africa are presented and discussed relative to the biology and environmental preferences of the aquatic stages. Distribution data are based on all known records, both published and unpublished. Thirty nine blackfly species are recorded: 13 are widespread with no particular geographical affinities, 18 are restricted in distribution and eight are rare. Distributions are closely related to downstream changes in rivers, although eight species are endemic to parts of the southern and southwestern Cape, while eight are absent from the southern and southwestern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Palmer, R W , de Moor, Ferdy C
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452114 , vital:75104 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/AJA10213589_229
- Description: Regional and catchment distributions of blackflies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in southern Africa are presented and discussed relative to the biology and environmental preferences of the aquatic stages. Distribution data are based on all known records, both published and unpublished. Thirty nine blackfly species are recorded: 13 are widespread with no particular geographical affinities, 18 are restricted in distribution and eight are rare. Distributions are closely related to downstream changes in rivers, although eight species are endemic to parts of the southern and southwestern Cape, while eight are absent from the southern and southwestern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
Treating the psychological sequelae of proactive drug-facilitated sexual assault : knowledge building through systematic case based research : extended version of the article that was published as a brief report
- Padmanabhanunni, Anita, Edwards, David J A
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6236 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007786
- Description: From Introduction: Drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) -- on victims who are too intoxicated to be aware of their surroundings or exercise any control of the situation -- has emerged as a distinct category of sexual victimisation. DFSA has been identified as a significant public health concern, particularly among college students, with the majority of victims being women (McCauley, Ruggiero, Resnick, & Kilpatrick, 2010; Zinzow, Resnick, McCauley, Amstadter, Ruggiero, & Kilpatrick, 2010). Exact rates remain uncertain due to significant under-reporting (Du Mont, Macdonald, Rotbard, Asslanni, & Bainbridge, 2010; Lawyer, Resnick, Bakanic, Burkett, & Kilpatrick, 2010). Opportunistic DFSA, also called incapacitated rape (Lawyer et al., 2010; Zinzow at al., 2010), is the most common form and refers to assaults on women who have voluntarily consumed an excessive amount of alcohol (Lovett & Horvath, 2009). In proactive DFSA (called drug facilitated rape by Lawyer et al., 2010 and drug-alcohol facilitated rape by Zinzow et al., 2010), perpetrators deliberately incapacitate victims by plying them with alcohol or covertly administering an incapacitating drug such as Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) or Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) to victims with the intention of sexually assaulting them (Hall & Moore, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Padmanabhanunni, Anita , Edwards, David J A
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6236 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007786
- Description: From Introduction: Drug facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) -- on victims who are too intoxicated to be aware of their surroundings or exercise any control of the situation -- has emerged as a distinct category of sexual victimisation. DFSA has been identified as a significant public health concern, particularly among college students, with the majority of victims being women (McCauley, Ruggiero, Resnick, & Kilpatrick, 2010; Zinzow, Resnick, McCauley, Amstadter, Ruggiero, & Kilpatrick, 2010). Exact rates remain uncertain due to significant under-reporting (Du Mont, Macdonald, Rotbard, Asslanni, & Bainbridge, 2010; Lawyer, Resnick, Bakanic, Burkett, & Kilpatrick, 2010). Opportunistic DFSA, also called incapacitated rape (Lawyer et al., 2010; Zinzow at al., 2010), is the most common form and refers to assaults on women who have voluntarily consumed an excessive amount of alcohol (Lovett & Horvath, 2009). In proactive DFSA (called drug facilitated rape by Lawyer et al., 2010 and drug-alcohol facilitated rape by Zinzow et al., 2010), perpetrators deliberately incapacitate victims by plying them with alcohol or covertly administering an incapacitating drug such as Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) or Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) to victims with the intention of sexually assaulting them (Hall & Moore, 2008).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Applications of social media and web 2.0 for research support in selected African academic institutions
- Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M, Gontshi, Vuyokazi, Mutibwa, Lois, Ukwoma, Scholarstica
- Authors: Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M , Gontshi, Vuyokazi , Mutibwa, Lois , Ukwoma, Scholarstica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Social networks , Web 2.0. , Research -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018520
- Description: This study examined the use of Social Media/Web 2.0 for research support and it is guided by three objectives namely: a) to ascertain the uses of social media in academic institutions; b) to identify the challenges associated with social media use for research purposes and c) to provide experiences of social media application in selected African academic institutions. The study makes use of literature analysis in combination with personal and professional work experiences on the use of social media from librarians in four different countries. Institutional experiences of the four librarians showed that it is only Rhodes University Library that uses social media in its library, which is as a result of a formal social media strategy. For the other three universities, University of Education, Winneba Library in Ghana, Makerere University Library in Uganda and the University of Nigeria Library, the use of social media is not encouraging. They use it mostly for communication and interaction with colleagues. It was also discovered that there is no social media strategy available in these university libraries. Based on these findings, the study recommended the implementation of a social media strategy, appointment of social media librarians in these libraries, and continuing professional development of librarians to keep abreast with current trends. Web 2.0/Social Media is a new technology offering new options for African academic librarians in their research support role
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Owusu-Ansah, Christopher M , Gontshi, Vuyokazi , Mutibwa, Lois , Ukwoma, Scholarstica
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Social networks , Web 2.0. , Research -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6996 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018520
- Description: This study examined the use of Social Media/Web 2.0 for research support and it is guided by three objectives namely: a) to ascertain the uses of social media in academic institutions; b) to identify the challenges associated with social media use for research purposes and c) to provide experiences of social media application in selected African academic institutions. The study makes use of literature analysis in combination with personal and professional work experiences on the use of social media from librarians in four different countries. Institutional experiences of the four librarians showed that it is only Rhodes University Library that uses social media in its library, which is as a result of a formal social media strategy. For the other three universities, University of Education, Winneba Library in Ghana, Makerere University Library in Uganda and the University of Nigeria Library, the use of social media is not encouraging. They use it mostly for communication and interaction with colleagues. It was also discovered that there is no social media strategy available in these university libraries. Based on these findings, the study recommended the implementation of a social media strategy, appointment of social media librarians in these libraries, and continuing professional development of librarians to keep abreast with current trends. Web 2.0/Social Media is a new technology offering new options for African academic librarians in their research support role
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The gumboot dance: an historical, socio-economic and cultural perspective a preliminary investigation of gumboot dancing in its context in South Africa
- Authors: Osborne, Jane
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468628 , vital:77105 , https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.1990.9688012
- Description: This preliminary investigation focuses on the African urban art form known as gumboot dancing in its historical, socio-economic and cultural context in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: Osborne, Jane
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/468628 , vital:77105 , https://doi.org/10.1080/10137548.1990.9688012
- Description: This preliminary investigation focuses on the African urban art form known as gumboot dancing in its historical, socio-economic and cultural context in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
Legislative provisions, origins, and transformative possibilities
- NALEDI
- Authors: NALEDI
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: NALEDI
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/151359 , vital:39058
- Description: This research report was commissioned by NALEDI as part of its long term research project on Co-determination and Tripartism in South Africa. The transition to democracy in South Africa has been accompanied by a range of institutions and processes through which ordinary workers and their organisations may gain varying degrees of control over economic decisions that directly affect their lives. Scholars and practitioners have focussed attention on parts of these changes - such as NEDLAC or the workplace forum provisions of the Labour Relations Act - while missing its more systematic features: its wide scope from the factory floor to the societal level, and the extent to which labour has obtained strong decisionmaking and consultation rights founded in both statute and agreement. Taken together these features have the potential to deepen dramatically the political democracy won in 1994. Yet these developments are generally untheorised and remain seriously underresearched. In mid-1996 NALEDI embarked on this long term research project to investigate the dramatic changes that are occurring regarding worker representation at the workplace, industry, and societal levels. The full list of reports produced by this project is set out below. While the contributions are academically informed, they are aimed at examining key issues in a critical fashion to inform trade unionists and contribute to labour movement policy debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: NALEDI
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: NALEDI
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/151359 , vital:39058
- Description: This research report was commissioned by NALEDI as part of its long term research project on Co-determination and Tripartism in South Africa. The transition to democracy in South Africa has been accompanied by a range of institutions and processes through which ordinary workers and their organisations may gain varying degrees of control over economic decisions that directly affect their lives. Scholars and practitioners have focussed attention on parts of these changes - such as NEDLAC or the workplace forum provisions of the Labour Relations Act - while missing its more systematic features: its wide scope from the factory floor to the societal level, and the extent to which labour has obtained strong decisionmaking and consultation rights founded in both statute and agreement. Taken together these features have the potential to deepen dramatically the political democracy won in 1994. Yet these developments are generally untheorised and remain seriously underresearched. In mid-1996 NALEDI embarked on this long term research project to investigate the dramatic changes that are occurring regarding worker representation at the workplace, industry, and societal levels. The full list of reports produced by this project is set out below. While the contributions are academically informed, they are aimed at examining key issues in a critical fashion to inform trade unionists and contribute to labour movement policy debates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998