Effectiveness of integrated quality management systems for teachers in the department of education: Butterworth district
- Authors: Sihlali, Mzuzile
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015984
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of IQMS amongst teachers in the Butterworth district. Using a convenient sample of 79 senior secondary school teachers, a survey research design was used to collect both quantitative as well as qualitative data on the effectiveness of IQMS. The formulation of statements on the effectiveness of IQMS was informed by the levels of effectiveness of the Kirkpatrick’s model. A likert scale was used to rate the effectiveness of IQMS with respect to teachers’ views on the various statements that sought to measure the effectiveness of IQMS. The narratives of teachers on the SWOT analyses constituted qualitative data which was used to corroborate and contradict trends from the quantitative findings. Thus, SWOT analysis results were used to validate quantitative findings. In analysing quantitative data, descriptive statistics were employed to look at the distribution of the responses and overall trends. Significant differences in terms of gender, age, employment status, length of service, and the highest tertiary qualification were computed by the SPSS software. The SWOT analyses results from the open-ended questions were analysed through extraction of themes, categories and patterns. The quantitative findings suggested that IQMS is an effective evaluation instrument though the qualitative SWOT analyses results suggested otherwise. The study’s findings highlighted areas where IQMS is potentially effective, areas where there are challenges in the implementation of IQMS, and niches for intervention. The study has implications for IQMS policy and programme administrators in the district offices, school principals and teachers in the school sites, as well as implications for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sihlali, Mzuzile
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015984
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of IQMS amongst teachers in the Butterworth district. Using a convenient sample of 79 senior secondary school teachers, a survey research design was used to collect both quantitative as well as qualitative data on the effectiveness of IQMS. The formulation of statements on the effectiveness of IQMS was informed by the levels of effectiveness of the Kirkpatrick’s model. A likert scale was used to rate the effectiveness of IQMS with respect to teachers’ views on the various statements that sought to measure the effectiveness of IQMS. The narratives of teachers on the SWOT analyses constituted qualitative data which was used to corroborate and contradict trends from the quantitative findings. Thus, SWOT analysis results were used to validate quantitative findings. In analysing quantitative data, descriptive statistics were employed to look at the distribution of the responses and overall trends. Significant differences in terms of gender, age, employment status, length of service, and the highest tertiary qualification were computed by the SPSS software. The SWOT analyses results from the open-ended questions were analysed through extraction of themes, categories and patterns. The quantitative findings suggested that IQMS is an effective evaluation instrument though the qualitative SWOT analyses results suggested otherwise. The study’s findings highlighted areas where IQMS is potentially effective, areas where there are challenges in the implementation of IQMS, and niches for intervention. The study has implications for IQMS policy and programme administrators in the district offices, school principals and teachers in the school sites, as well as implications for further research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of Acacia karroo supplementation on the quality of meat from Xhosa lopeared goats
- Authors: Ngambu, Simthembile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Goat meat -- South Africa , Goats -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/450 , Goats -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Goat meat -- South Africa , Goats -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Effects of Acacia karroo supplementation on meat quality of Xhosa Lop-Eared goats The objective of the study was to determine the effects of A. karroo supplementation on the quality of meat from Xhosa lop-eared goats. Eighteen castrated 4-month-old Xhosa lop-eared male kids were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm until slaughter. At the beginning of the experiment the goats had a mean body weight of 13.5 ± 0.31 kg (mean ± S.E.) and a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3.3 ± 0.16 (mean ± S.E.). From birth until weaning the kids were kept on natural pastures with their mothers. After weaning the goats were housed in an open sided barn for a period of 60 days, and were fed 500 g/head/day of Medicago sativa hay covering their maintenance and growth needs. For the purpose of the experiment, the goats were randomly divided into two balanced treatment groups of nine goats each, supplemented group (AK) and non-supplemented group (NS). The supplemented group received an additional 200g per head per day of fresh A. karroo leaves collected each day for two months. Supplementary feed was given to the goats individually in feeding troughs. The kids were slaughtered at 60 days old and samples for meat quality assessment were taken from the Longistimus dorsi muscle. The effect of A. karroo supplementation on meat quality measurements such as ultimate pH, colour and cooking losses of meat from indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats were determined. The effect of A. karroo supplementation on the consumer sensory characteristic scores of the meat from the indigenous Xhosa lop-eared breed was also determined. There was a significant effect of the A. karroo supplementation on the meat quality measurements except for L* and a* colour coordinates. Meat from the A. karroo supplemented goats had lower pH and cooking loss scores than that of the non-supplemented goats. Acacia karroo supplementation improves meat tenderness and juiciness. There were no significant effects of A. karroo supplementation on the flavour and off- iv flavours of the meat from the supplemented goats. However, thermal preparation and consumer background had a significant effect on the meat sensory characteristics. The cooked meat had significantly higher sensory scores than the roasted meat. Female consumers reported higher sensory scores than male consumers. Consumers of different tribes and ages also reported significantly different sensory scores of meat from indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Therefore, this study indicated that A. karroo supplementation can be fed to the Xhosa lop-eared goats to improve their meat quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ngambu, Simthembile
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Goats -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Goat meat -- South Africa , Goats -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/450 , Goats -- Nutrition -- South Africa , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Goat meat -- South Africa , Goats -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa , Meat -- Quality -- South Africa , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Effects of Acacia karroo supplementation on meat quality of Xhosa Lop-Eared goats The objective of the study was to determine the effects of A. karroo supplementation on the quality of meat from Xhosa lop-eared goats. Eighteen castrated 4-month-old Xhosa lop-eared male kids were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm until slaughter. At the beginning of the experiment the goats had a mean body weight of 13.5 ± 0.31 kg (mean ± S.E.) and a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3.3 ± 0.16 (mean ± S.E.). From birth until weaning the kids were kept on natural pastures with their mothers. After weaning the goats were housed in an open sided barn for a period of 60 days, and were fed 500 g/head/day of Medicago sativa hay covering their maintenance and growth needs. For the purpose of the experiment, the goats were randomly divided into two balanced treatment groups of nine goats each, supplemented group (AK) and non-supplemented group (NS). The supplemented group received an additional 200g per head per day of fresh A. karroo leaves collected each day for two months. Supplementary feed was given to the goats individually in feeding troughs. The kids were slaughtered at 60 days old and samples for meat quality assessment were taken from the Longistimus dorsi muscle. The effect of A. karroo supplementation on meat quality measurements such as ultimate pH, colour and cooking losses of meat from indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats were determined. The effect of A. karroo supplementation on the consumer sensory characteristic scores of the meat from the indigenous Xhosa lop-eared breed was also determined. There was a significant effect of the A. karroo supplementation on the meat quality measurements except for L* and a* colour coordinates. Meat from the A. karroo supplemented goats had lower pH and cooking loss scores than that of the non-supplemented goats. Acacia karroo supplementation improves meat tenderness and juiciness. There were no significant effects of A. karroo supplementation on the flavour and off- iv flavours of the meat from the supplemented goats. However, thermal preparation and consumer background had a significant effect on the meat sensory characteristics. The cooked meat had significantly higher sensory scores than the roasted meat. Female consumers reported higher sensory scores than male consumers. Consumers of different tribes and ages also reported significantly different sensory scores of meat from indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Therefore, this study indicated that A. karroo supplementation can be fed to the Xhosa lop-eared goats to improve their meat quality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of colours, shapes and icons on performance and familiarity
- Authors: Dambuza, Inga Yola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial safety -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial hygiene -- Standards -- South Africa , Human engineering -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005195 , Industrial hygiene -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial safety -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial hygiene -- Standards -- South Africa , Human engineering -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: Occupational injuries and illnesses remain to be a heavy burden on workers and employees in industrial developing and industrially developed societies, and health and safety in workplaces continues to be an important issue for ergonomists. Steps are being taken to stimulate health and safety agendas and to discover ways in which health and safety in industries can be improved. The main responsibility of employers is to provide employees with information, instructions and training that they required to carry out their work tasks in a healthy, practical and safe manner. The role of education as a countermeasure to occupational injury and illness is being re-examined by health and safety practitioners and safety training is being considered as a vital part of accident prevention strategies. Effective training programmes should guarantee that workers possess the skills they require to complete their tasks in a safe and healthy manner. Very little is known about the type and quality of training workers undergo and how that training affects the safety outcomes of companies. There has been an attempt over the past 20 years to increase the research on safety communications and a great deal of this research has been focused on safety warnings; with the greatest attention been placed on the components of safety signs, such as colours, size, shapes and icons. The effects of these components on comprehension with relation to age and education have not received the same amount of attention. The impact of familiarity on safety warnings with respect to age and education has also received very little attention; despite the knowledge that familiarity has been shown to increase the noticing of warnings and the comprehension of safety information. Despite the increase in the research on safety communication, the literature and research in South Africa is scarce. Studies present in South Africa do not encompass the comprehension of safety signs or the ability of individuals with different age and education levels to learn the information included in the signs. Due to the multi-linguistic nature of South Africa and the fact that South Africa is an Industrially Developing Country (IDC) with high levels of illiteracy, issues such as the comprehension of safety information must be addressed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of safety sign attributes on learning and familiarity, in subjects that differed in age and education levels. These effects were investigated through measuring the reaction and response times of the different subject groups, as well as the number of components in the safety signs that were recalled correctly. The combined results of these responses were used as a measure for familiarity. A set of signs was designed for the study by the researcher using three different colours, three different shapes, three different icons and text. Certain variables were omitted from some signs to create the test pool and the eight conditions that were tested in a laboratory setting. Each condition contained different components of the designed signs and 60 subjects were used to test these conditions. The subjects were placed in groups according to their age and level of education. Subjects were required to learn a set of 64 signs, either “With Occlusion” or “Without Occlusion”, and asked to recall the meanings of the components in the signs. Reaction time, response time and error rate were measured from the responses. The results showed that the conditions resulted in different reaction times, response times and error rates for all subjects. The signs containing a combination of shapes and text resulted in the best performance. Age and education were found to have a significant effect on various performance criteria as did the method in which the signs were displayed (Occlusion and No Occlusion). The increased repetitions and sessions elicited lower reaction times, response times and error rates. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that different attributes be considered carefully when subjects are expected to learn and recall information in safety signs. The results also highlighted the need to increase the exposure of individuals to safety signs in order to increase familiarity and ultimately improve the recall and comprehension of the attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Dambuza, Inga Yola
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial safety -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial hygiene -- Standards -- South Africa , Human engineering -- Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005195 , Industrial hygiene -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial safety -- Research -- South Africa , Industrial hygiene -- Standards -- South Africa , Human engineering -- Research -- South Africa
- Description: Occupational injuries and illnesses remain to be a heavy burden on workers and employees in industrial developing and industrially developed societies, and health and safety in workplaces continues to be an important issue for ergonomists. Steps are being taken to stimulate health and safety agendas and to discover ways in which health and safety in industries can be improved. The main responsibility of employers is to provide employees with information, instructions and training that they required to carry out their work tasks in a healthy, practical and safe manner. The role of education as a countermeasure to occupational injury and illness is being re-examined by health and safety practitioners and safety training is being considered as a vital part of accident prevention strategies. Effective training programmes should guarantee that workers possess the skills they require to complete their tasks in a safe and healthy manner. Very little is known about the type and quality of training workers undergo and how that training affects the safety outcomes of companies. There has been an attempt over the past 20 years to increase the research on safety communications and a great deal of this research has been focused on safety warnings; with the greatest attention been placed on the components of safety signs, such as colours, size, shapes and icons. The effects of these components on comprehension with relation to age and education have not received the same amount of attention. The impact of familiarity on safety warnings with respect to age and education has also received very little attention; despite the knowledge that familiarity has been shown to increase the noticing of warnings and the comprehension of safety information. Despite the increase in the research on safety communication, the literature and research in South Africa is scarce. Studies present in South Africa do not encompass the comprehension of safety signs or the ability of individuals with different age and education levels to learn the information included in the signs. Due to the multi-linguistic nature of South Africa and the fact that South Africa is an Industrially Developing Country (IDC) with high levels of illiteracy, issues such as the comprehension of safety information must be addressed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of safety sign attributes on learning and familiarity, in subjects that differed in age and education levels. These effects were investigated through measuring the reaction and response times of the different subject groups, as well as the number of components in the safety signs that were recalled correctly. The combined results of these responses were used as a measure for familiarity. A set of signs was designed for the study by the researcher using three different colours, three different shapes, three different icons and text. Certain variables were omitted from some signs to create the test pool and the eight conditions that were tested in a laboratory setting. Each condition contained different components of the designed signs and 60 subjects were used to test these conditions. The subjects were placed in groups according to their age and level of education. Subjects were required to learn a set of 64 signs, either “With Occlusion” or “Without Occlusion”, and asked to recall the meanings of the components in the signs. Reaction time, response time and error rate were measured from the responses. The results showed that the conditions resulted in different reaction times, response times and error rates for all subjects. The signs containing a combination of shapes and text resulted in the best performance. Age and education were found to have a significant effect on various performance criteria as did the method in which the signs were displayed (Occlusion and No Occlusion). The increased repetitions and sessions elicited lower reaction times, response times and error rates. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that different attributes be considered carefully when subjects are expected to learn and recall information in safety signs. The results also highlighted the need to increase the exposure of individuals to safety signs in order to increase familiarity and ultimately improve the recall and comprehension of the attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of genetically modified maize (MON810) and its residues on the functional diversity of microorganisms in two South African soils
- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Puta, Usanda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: vital:11250 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/419 , Genetically modified foods -- South Africa , Transgenic plants -- South Africa , Crops -- Genetic engineering -- South Africa , Soil microbiology -- South Africa , Microorganisms , Microbial ecology , Rhizosphere -- Microbiology , Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas , Corn -- South Africa
- Description: Genetically modified (GM) crops are commercially cultivated worldwide but there are concerns on their possible negative impacts on soil biodiversity. A glasshouse study was conducted to determine effects of Bt maize residues on soil microbial diversity. Residues of Bt maize (PAN 6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN 6Q-121) were incorporated into the soil and corresponding maize seeds planted. The treatments were replicated three times. Fertilizer and water application were similar for both treatments. Rhizosphere and bulk soil was destructively sampled from each treatment and analyzed for microbial community level physiological profiles using Biolog plates with 31 different carbon substrates. Absorbance in the Biolog plates was recorded after 72 h of incubation at 20oC. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore counts were also determined. Field studies were conducted at the University of Free State and University of Fort Hare Research Farms to determine the effects of growing Bt maize on soil microbial diversity. One Bt maize cultivar (PAN6Q-308B) and non-Bt maize (PAN6Q-121) were grown in a paired experiment at University of Free State farm, while two Bt maize (DKC61-25B and PAN6Q-321B) and their near-isogenic non-Bt maize lines (DKC61-24 and PAN6777) were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Fertilization, weed control and water application, were similar for both Bt maize cultivars and their non-Bt maize counterparts. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected by uprooting whole plants and collecting the soil attached to the roots. The samples were analysed for microbial diversity and for arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal spore counts. Principal component analysis showed that soil microbial diversity was affected more by sampling time whereas genetic modification had minimal effects. Presence of residues also increased the diversity of microorganisms. Mycorrhizal fungal spores were not affected by the presence of Bt maize residues. Growing Bt maize had no effect on the soil microbial diversity in the rhizosphere.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of habitat patch size and isolation on the population structure of two siphonarian limpets
- Authors: Johnson, Linda Gail
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Siphonaria , Limpets , Population biology , Marine ecology , Habitat selection , Animals -- Dispersal , Ecological heterogeneity , Animal populations , Biodiversity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5679 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005364 , Siphonaria , Limpets , Population biology , Marine ecology , Habitat selection , Animals -- Dispersal , Ecological heterogeneity , Animal populations , Biodiversity
- Description: Habitat fragmentation is a fundamental process that determines trends and patterns of distribution and density of organisms. These patterns and trends have been the focus of numerous terrestrial and marine studies and have led to the development of several explanatory hypotheses. Systems and organisms are dynamic and no single hypothesis has adequately accounted for these observed trends. It is therefore important to understand the interaction of these processes and patterns to explain the mechanisms controlling population dynamics. The main aim of this thesis was to test the effect of patch size and isolation on organisms with different modes of dispersal. Mode of dispersal has previously been examined as a factor influencing the effects that habitat fragmentation has on organisms. Very few studies have, however, examined the mode of dispersal of marine organisms because it has long been assumed that marine animals are not directly influenced by habitat fragmentation because of large-scale dispersal. I used two co-occurring species of siphonariid limpets with different modes of dispersal to highlight that not only are marine organisms affected by habitat fragmentation but that they are affected in different ways. The two species of limpet, Siphonaria serrata and Siphonaria concinna, are found within the same habitat and have the same geographic range along the South African coastline, however, they have different modes of dispersal and development. The effect of patch size on organism density has been examined to a great extent with varied results. This study investigated whether habitat patch size played a key role in determining population density and limpet body sizes. The two species are found on the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa were examined across this entire biogeographic range. Patch size was found to have a significant effect on population density of the pelagic developer, S. concinna, but not the direct developing S. serrata. Patch size did play a role in determining limpet body size for both species. S. concinna body size was proposed to be effected directly by patch size whilst S. serrata body size was proposed to be affected indirectly by the effects of the S. concinna densities. The same patterns and trends were observed at five of the seven examined regions across the biogeographic range. The trends observed for S. concinna with respect to patch size conform to the source-sink hypothesis with large habitat patches acting as the source populations whilst the small habitat patches acted as the sink populations. Many previous studies have focused on the effects of habitat patch size at one point in time or over one season. I tested the influence of habitat patch size on the two species of limpets over a period of twelve months to determine whether the trends observed were consistent over time or whether populations varied with time. S. concinna showed a consistently significant difference between small and large patches; whilst S. serrata did not follow a consistent pattern. The mode of dispersal for the two limpets was used to explain the different trends shown by the two species. This examination allowed for the determining of source and sink populations for S. concinna through the examination of fluctuations in limpet body sizes and population densities at small and large habitat patches over twelve months. The direct developing S. serrata trends could not be explained using source-sink theory, as populations were independent from one another. S. serrata demonstrated body size differences at small and large patches which, may be explained by interspecific and intraspecific competition. Habitat isolation is known to play an important role in determining the structure of assemblages and the densities of populations. In this study the population density of the pelagic developing S. concinna showed a weak influence of degree of isolation whilst that of the direct developing S. serrata did not, which may be because of habitat patches along the South African coastline not having great enough degrees of isolation. The population size-structure was influenced directly influenced by isolation for S. concinna, whilst the different population size structure for S. serrata may be explained by assemblage co-dependence. The mode of dispersal showed effects on the relationship of population density and population size-structure with habitat size and isolation. This study indicates the importance of investigating patterns and processes across a range of spatial and temporal scales to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors effecting intertidal organisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Johnson, Linda Gail
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Siphonaria , Limpets , Population biology , Marine ecology , Habitat selection , Animals -- Dispersal , Ecological heterogeneity , Animal populations , Biodiversity
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5679 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005364 , Siphonaria , Limpets , Population biology , Marine ecology , Habitat selection , Animals -- Dispersal , Ecological heterogeneity , Animal populations , Biodiversity
- Description: Habitat fragmentation is a fundamental process that determines trends and patterns of distribution and density of organisms. These patterns and trends have been the focus of numerous terrestrial and marine studies and have led to the development of several explanatory hypotheses. Systems and organisms are dynamic and no single hypothesis has adequately accounted for these observed trends. It is therefore important to understand the interaction of these processes and patterns to explain the mechanisms controlling population dynamics. The main aim of this thesis was to test the effect of patch size and isolation on organisms with different modes of dispersal. Mode of dispersal has previously been examined as a factor influencing the effects that habitat fragmentation has on organisms. Very few studies have, however, examined the mode of dispersal of marine organisms because it has long been assumed that marine animals are not directly influenced by habitat fragmentation because of large-scale dispersal. I used two co-occurring species of siphonariid limpets with different modes of dispersal to highlight that not only are marine organisms affected by habitat fragmentation but that they are affected in different ways. The two species of limpet, Siphonaria serrata and Siphonaria concinna, are found within the same habitat and have the same geographic range along the South African coastline, however, they have different modes of dispersal and development. The effect of patch size on organism density has been examined to a great extent with varied results. This study investigated whether habitat patch size played a key role in determining population density and limpet body sizes. The two species are found on the eastern and southern coasts of South Africa were examined across this entire biogeographic range. Patch size was found to have a significant effect on population density of the pelagic developer, S. concinna, but not the direct developing S. serrata. Patch size did play a role in determining limpet body size for both species. S. concinna body size was proposed to be effected directly by patch size whilst S. serrata body size was proposed to be affected indirectly by the effects of the S. concinna densities. The same patterns and trends were observed at five of the seven examined regions across the biogeographic range. The trends observed for S. concinna with respect to patch size conform to the source-sink hypothesis with large habitat patches acting as the source populations whilst the small habitat patches acted as the sink populations. Many previous studies have focused on the effects of habitat patch size at one point in time or over one season. I tested the influence of habitat patch size on the two species of limpets over a period of twelve months to determine whether the trends observed were consistent over time or whether populations varied with time. S. concinna showed a consistently significant difference between small and large patches; whilst S. serrata did not follow a consistent pattern. The mode of dispersal for the two limpets was used to explain the different trends shown by the two species. This examination allowed for the determining of source and sink populations for S. concinna through the examination of fluctuations in limpet body sizes and population densities at small and large habitat patches over twelve months. The direct developing S. serrata trends could not be explained using source-sink theory, as populations were independent from one another. S. serrata demonstrated body size differences at small and large patches which, may be explained by interspecific and intraspecific competition. Habitat isolation is known to play an important role in determining the structure of assemblages and the densities of populations. In this study the population density of the pelagic developing S. concinna showed a weak influence of degree of isolation whilst that of the direct developing S. serrata did not, which may be because of habitat patches along the South African coastline not having great enough degrees of isolation. The population size-structure was influenced directly influenced by isolation for S. concinna, whilst the different population size structure for S. serrata may be explained by assemblage co-dependence. The mode of dispersal showed effects on the relationship of population density and population size-structure with habitat size and isolation. This study indicates the importance of investigating patterns and processes across a range of spatial and temporal scales to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors effecting intertidal organisms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of polarization in a distributed raman fibre amplifier
- Authors: Muguro, Kennedy Mwaura
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Fiber optics , Polarization (Light) , Optical communications , Optical amplifiers , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014621
- Description: The need to exploit the large fibre bandwidth and increase the reach has seen the application of the Raman fibre amplifier (RFA) become indispensable in modern light wave systems. The success and resilience of RFAs in optical communication is deeply rooted in their unique optical properties and new technologies which have allowed the amplifier to come of age. However, the full potential of RFAs in optical communication and other applications are yet to be realized. More so are its polarization properties which still remain largely unexploited and have not been fully understood. In this work, fundamental issues regarding distributed RFA have been investigated with the aim of acquiring a better understanding of the amplifier polarization characteristics which have potential applications. In particular the effects of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) have been demonstrated both by simulation and experiment. The possibility of Raman polarization pulling in single mode fibres (SMFs) has also been addressed. Polarization sensitivity of RFA has been known for a long time but the clear manifestation of it has become evident in the advent of modern low PMD fibre. Unlike EDFAs which make use of special doped fibre, RFAs require no special fibre for operation. Besides, RFA uses a very long length of fibre and as such the fibre polarization characteristics come into play during amplification. In the demonstrations presented in this thesis a fibre of PMD coefficient < 0.05 pskm-1/2 was regarded as low PMD fibre while one having coefficient ≥ 0.05 pskm-1/2 was categorized to have high PMD unless otherwise stated. Several experiments were performed to evaluate the RFA gain characteristics with respect to fibre PMD and the system performance in the presence of noise emanating from amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Analysis of Raman gain statistics was done for fibres of low and high PMD coefficients. The statistics of PDG and on-off gain were eventually used to demonstrate the extraction of PMD coefficients of fibres between 0.01- 0.1 pskm-1/2 using a forward pumping configuration. It was found that, at increasing pump power a linear relationship exists between forward and backward signal gain on a dB scale. The interaction of PDL and Raman PDG in the presence of PMD were observed at very fundamental level. It was found the presence of PDL serves to reduce the available on-off gain. It was also established that the presence of PMD mediates the interaction between PDG/PDL. When PMD is high it reduces PDG but the presence of PDL introduces a wavelength dependent gain tilting for WDM channels. Further analysis revealed that signal polarization is influenced by the pump SOP due to the pulling effect which is present even at moderate pump power.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Muguro, Kennedy Mwaura
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Fiber optics , Polarization (Light) , Optical communications , Optical amplifiers , Raman effect
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10544 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014621
- Description: The need to exploit the large fibre bandwidth and increase the reach has seen the application of the Raman fibre amplifier (RFA) become indispensable in modern light wave systems. The success and resilience of RFAs in optical communication is deeply rooted in their unique optical properties and new technologies which have allowed the amplifier to come of age. However, the full potential of RFAs in optical communication and other applications are yet to be realized. More so are its polarization properties which still remain largely unexploited and have not been fully understood. In this work, fundamental issues regarding distributed RFA have been investigated with the aim of acquiring a better understanding of the amplifier polarization characteristics which have potential applications. In particular the effects of polarization mode dispersion (PMD) and polarization dependent loss (PDL) have been demonstrated both by simulation and experiment. The possibility of Raman polarization pulling in single mode fibres (SMFs) has also been addressed. Polarization sensitivity of RFA has been known for a long time but the clear manifestation of it has become evident in the advent of modern low PMD fibre. Unlike EDFAs which make use of special doped fibre, RFAs require no special fibre for operation. Besides, RFA uses a very long length of fibre and as such the fibre polarization characteristics come into play during amplification. In the demonstrations presented in this thesis a fibre of PMD coefficient < 0.05 pskm-1/2 was regarded as low PMD fibre while one having coefficient ≥ 0.05 pskm-1/2 was categorized to have high PMD unless otherwise stated. Several experiments were performed to evaluate the RFA gain characteristics with respect to fibre PMD and the system performance in the presence of noise emanating from amplified spontaneous emission (ASE). Analysis of Raman gain statistics was done for fibres of low and high PMD coefficients. The statistics of PDG and on-off gain were eventually used to demonstrate the extraction of PMD coefficients of fibres between 0.01- 0.1 pskm-1/2 using a forward pumping configuration. It was found that, at increasing pump power a linear relationship exists between forward and backward signal gain on a dB scale. The interaction of PDL and Raman PDG in the presence of PMD were observed at very fundamental level. It was found the presence of PDL serves to reduce the available on-off gain. It was also established that the presence of PMD mediates the interaction between PDG/PDL. When PMD is high it reduces PDG but the presence of PDL introduces a wavelength dependent gain tilting for WDM channels. Further analysis revealed that signal polarization is influenced by the pump SOP due to the pulling effect which is present even at moderate pump power.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abbatoir
- Authors: Gajana, Christian Sabelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/434 , Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Description: Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abattoir By Christian Sabelo Gajana A total of 158 pork samples from Landrace and Large White pigs were collected from Nxuba Municipal abattoir to determine the effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality. Technological quality attributes of pork such as pHu, L*, a*, b*, WBSF values, TL%, CL% EL% were determined. Breed differences were observed in ultimate pH (pHu) and redness (a*) with meat from the Large White having higher pHu and lower a* values than meat from the Landrace. Meat from pigs slaughtered in spring season had the highest (P<0.05) shear force values (27.6±1.58) while the lowest shear force values (18.5±1.58) were found in meat from pigs that were slaughtered in the autumn season. The lowest pHu and highest a* values were found in meat from 9 month-old pigs (5.3±0.07). The 6, 9 and 10 months had highest (P<0.05) than 7 and 8 months old pigs. Cooking loss and evaporation loss increased with age groups. Only distance and transportation time had a positive relationship to TL% of pork whilst no significant relationship was reported between all the other pre-slaughter variables and technological quality attributes of pork. Highest risks of PSE occurrences were observed with more space allowance of 0.4 m2 per 100 kg during transportation. Reduced risks of PSE occurrences were observed with space allowance of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg. The pHu were positively correlated to WBSF values (P < 0.001). The L* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated to a* while CL and EL were positively correlated to L*. In the current study, a* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated to EL (P < 0.01). There were iv positive correlations between CL and EL, Both CL and EL were positively correlated to WBSF values. The first four principal components (PCs) explained about 95% of the total variability for technological quality attributes of pork. It can be concluded that pig breeds vary in pHu and considerations should be made on different seasons of slaughter when assessing pork quality. Precautions should also be made on age categories of animal when improving the quality of pork. Transportation time, distance, stocking density, temperature and lairage time did not show significant relationship with technological quality attributes measured; except for transportation time and distance travelled which had a positive relationship with TL%. The risk of PSE increased with more space availability more than 0.4 m2 per 100 kg pig, but stocking density of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg was an ideal reduce the risk of PSE pork.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Gajana, Christian Sabelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11174 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/434 , Meat cuts -- Standards , Pork -- Quality
- Description: Effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality from a smallholder abattoir By Christian Sabelo Gajana A total of 158 pork samples from Landrace and Large White pigs were collected from Nxuba Municipal abattoir to determine the effects of pre-slaughter handling on pork quality. Technological quality attributes of pork such as pHu, L*, a*, b*, WBSF values, TL%, CL% EL% were determined. Breed differences were observed in ultimate pH (pHu) and redness (a*) with meat from the Large White having higher pHu and lower a* values than meat from the Landrace. Meat from pigs slaughtered in spring season had the highest (P<0.05) shear force values (27.6±1.58) while the lowest shear force values (18.5±1.58) were found in meat from pigs that were slaughtered in the autumn season. The lowest pHu and highest a* values were found in meat from 9 month-old pigs (5.3±0.07). The 6, 9 and 10 months had highest (P<0.05) than 7 and 8 months old pigs. Cooking loss and evaporation loss increased with age groups. Only distance and transportation time had a positive relationship to TL% of pork whilst no significant relationship was reported between all the other pre-slaughter variables and technological quality attributes of pork. Highest risks of PSE occurrences were observed with more space allowance of 0.4 m2 per 100 kg during transportation. Reduced risks of PSE occurrences were observed with space allowance of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg. The pHu were positively correlated to WBSF values (P < 0.001). The L* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001), and negatively correlated to a* while CL and EL were positively correlated to L*. In the current study, a* values were positively correlated to b* (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated to EL (P < 0.01). There were iv positive correlations between CL and EL, Both CL and EL were positively correlated to WBSF values. The first four principal components (PCs) explained about 95% of the total variability for technological quality attributes of pork. It can be concluded that pig breeds vary in pHu and considerations should be made on different seasons of slaughter when assessing pork quality. Precautions should also be made on age categories of animal when improving the quality of pork. Transportation time, distance, stocking density, temperature and lairage time did not show significant relationship with technological quality attributes measured; except for transportation time and distance travelled which had a positive relationship with TL%. The risk of PSE increased with more space availability more than 0.4 m2 per 100 kg pig, but stocking density of 0.35 m2 per 100 kg was an ideal reduce the risk of PSE pork.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Effects of selected modes of digital distribution on music consumerism, with reference to the album format
- Authors: Du Preez, Liska
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1427 , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Description: In this digital age many listeners of music now purchase albums from online digital music stores instead of buying a physical album from the record store. This has created a concern with many regarding the future of the album as a physical medium. This study investigates the impact of the possible death of the album on certain listening habits, the activity of record collecting, the creation of large-scale musical works, music consumerism, and its implications for the creative process on music as art and sound-recording quality. Three realisations have led to the problem statement. Firstly, the album might not have a future in the digital age. Secondly, downloadable songs might not be able to recreate an album experience. The third realisation is that the possible death of the album could create new, exciting challenges to artists as they strive to create art. This study is exploratory in nature - and no hypothesis was generated. The research necessitates qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approaches. Furthermore, the investigation has led to the collection of mostly new data, constituting a “primary data design” through the implementation of qualitative listening experiments and a focus group, using full-time NMMU students between 18 and 25 years of age. It is herein argued that digital distribution might possibly have an effect on the perception of the album format and might possibly still be a relevant listening experience, valued by young people. Singles and albums are collectable; and good albums are considered artistic and comparable to the large-scale musical works of the past. If the concept of an album does not die out, then high fidelity formats should be able to re-invent the album experience. Listening experiences other than the album experience do exist, and they could generate new ways for artists to create musical art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Du Preez, Liska
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MMus
- Identifier: vital:8504 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1427 , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Music -- Technological innovations , Music and the Internet
- Description: In this digital age many listeners of music now purchase albums from online digital music stores instead of buying a physical album from the record store. This has created a concern with many regarding the future of the album as a physical medium. This study investigates the impact of the possible death of the album on certain listening habits, the activity of record collecting, the creation of large-scale musical works, music consumerism, and its implications for the creative process on music as art and sound-recording quality. Three realisations have led to the problem statement. Firstly, the album might not have a future in the digital age. Secondly, downloadable songs might not be able to recreate an album experience. The third realisation is that the possible death of the album could create new, exciting challenges to artists as they strive to create art. This study is exploratory in nature - and no hypothesis was generated. The research necessitates qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approaches. Furthermore, the investigation has led to the collection of mostly new data, constituting a “primary data design” through the implementation of qualitative listening experiments and a focus group, using full-time NMMU students between 18 and 25 years of age. It is herein argued that digital distribution might possibly have an effect on the perception of the album format and might possibly still be a relevant listening experience, valued by young people. Singles and albums are collectable; and good albums are considered artistic and comparable to the large-scale musical works of the past. If the concept of an album does not die out, then high fidelity formats should be able to re-invent the album experience. Listening experiences other than the album experience do exist, and they could generate new ways for artists to create musical art.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Electrochemical behavior of phthalocyanines containing high oxidation state central metals
- Chauke, Vongani, Arslanoglu, Yasin, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247111 , vital:51547 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2011.05.028"
- Description: The syntheses of 2,(3)-(peripheral) and 1,(4)-(non-peripheral) (2-mercaptopyridine)phthalocyanine complexes of titanium(IV) oxide (5a and 6a, respectively), vanadium(IV) oxide (7a and 8a, respectively) and tantalum(V) hydroxide (9a, peripheral only) and their electrochemical characterization are presented in this report. Their electrochemistry is compared to that of thiophenyl and thiobenzyl substituted derivatives. The non-peripherally substituted complexes are more difficult to reduce than peripherally substituted derivatives. In addition, the mercaptopyridine substituted derivatives are more difficult to reduce compared to benzylmercapto and phenylmercapto derivatives, and aryl easier reduce than alkyl substitution. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Chauke, Vongani , Arslanoglu, Yasin , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247111 , vital:51547 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2011.05.028"
- Description: The syntheses of 2,(3)-(peripheral) and 1,(4)-(non-peripheral) (2-mercaptopyridine)phthalocyanine complexes of titanium(IV) oxide (5a and 6a, respectively), vanadium(IV) oxide (7a and 8a, respectively) and tantalum(V) hydroxide (9a, peripheral only) and their electrochemical characterization are presented in this report. Their electrochemistry is compared to that of thiophenyl and thiobenzyl substituted derivatives. The non-peripherally substituted complexes are more difficult to reduce than peripherally substituted derivatives. In addition, the mercaptopyridine substituted derivatives are more difficult to reduce compared to benzylmercapto and phenylmercapto derivatives, and aryl easier reduce than alkyl substitution. Spectroelectrochemistry of the complexes confirmed metal and ring redox processes for TaPc and TiPc derivatives and ring based processes only for VPc complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Electrochemical, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of benzene diamine functionalized single walled carbon nanotube-cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine conjugates
- Mugadza, Tawanda, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247859 , vital:51624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.057"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of 1,4-benzene diamine (BDA) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes linked to cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine. The characterization of the conjugate was through UV–vis, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical methods. The conjugate is used for the electrochemical characterization of diuron. The catalytic rate constant for diuron was 4.4 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron transfer rate constant was 18.5 × 10−6 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of ∼0.42 A mol−1L cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.18 μM using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247859 , vital:51624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.057"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of 1,4-benzene diamine (BDA) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes linked to cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine. The characterization of the conjugate was through UV–vis, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical methods. The conjugate is used for the electrochemical characterization of diuron. The catalytic rate constant for diuron was 4.4 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron transfer rate constant was 18.5 × 10−6 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of ∼0.42 A mol−1L cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.18 μM using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Electrooxidation of Chlorophenols Catalyzed by Nickel Octadecylphthalocyanine Adsorbed on Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
- Khene, Samson, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Khene, Samson , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247198 , vital:51555 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201100155"
- Description: We described the synthesis of nickel octadecylphthalocyanine (NiPc(C10H21)8), followed by its adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to form SWCNT-NiPc(C10H21)8 conjugates. SWCNT-NiPc(C10H21)8 was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and for the electrooxidation of 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The SWCNT and NiPc(C10H21)8 have a synergistic effect on each other in terms of improving electrocatalysis for the detection of chlorophenols. The stability of the electrode improved in the presence of NiPc(C10H21)8 or NiPc compared to the bare GCE. The presence of SWCNT improves the electrocatalytic behaviour of NiPc(C10H21)8 but not of unsubstituted NiPc. All modified electrodes showed improved stability towards the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol. The best stability for 4-CP detection was observed in the presence of SWCNT for NiPc(C10H21)8.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Khene, Samson , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247198 , vital:51555 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201100155"
- Description: We described the synthesis of nickel octadecylphthalocyanine (NiPc(C10H21)8), followed by its adsorption on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) to form SWCNT-NiPc(C10H21)8 conjugates. SWCNT-NiPc(C10H21)8 was used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and for the electrooxidation of 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The SWCNT and NiPc(C10H21)8 have a synergistic effect on each other in terms of improving electrocatalysis for the detection of chlorophenols. The stability of the electrode improved in the presence of NiPc(C10H21)8 or NiPc compared to the bare GCE. The presence of SWCNT improves the electrocatalytic behaviour of NiPc(C10H21)8 but not of unsubstituted NiPc. All modified electrodes showed improved stability towards the detection of 2,4-dichlorophenol. The best stability for 4-CP detection was observed in the presence of SWCNT for NiPc(C10H21)8.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Elephants, compassion, and the largesse of literature
- Authors: Wylie, Dan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018924
- Description: [From the text] Why is it that we do not raise a monument, a mausoleum, nor even a humble gravestone, to mark the death of every elephant? We habitually, even compulsively, do this for other humans, occasionally for treasured pets. Yet we do not do it for the most charismatic, gigantic, culturally resonant land animal we will ever encounter. Why not? Some possible answers. One: too much work. Another: we regard other animals as less conscious than ourselves; we are the only creatures who deserve to have our deaths so commemorated. A third: wild animals are part of wild ecosystems; it is ‘natural’ for them to die and to be reabsorbed namelessly back into those ecosystems. We humans, on the other hand, consider ourselves somehow separate from those ecosystems: we shield ourselves from ‘Nature’ with bricks and literatures while we live, with marble and epitaphs after we die.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wylie, Dan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Text
- Identifier: vital:582 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018924
- Description: [From the text] Why is it that we do not raise a monument, a mausoleum, nor even a humble gravestone, to mark the death of every elephant? We habitually, even compulsively, do this for other humans, occasionally for treasured pets. Yet we do not do it for the most charismatic, gigantic, culturally resonant land animal we will ever encounter. Why not? Some possible answers. One: too much work. Another: we regard other animals as less conscious than ourselves; we are the only creatures who deserve to have our deaths so commemorated. A third: wild animals are part of wild ecosystems; it is ‘natural’ for them to die and to be reabsorbed namelessly back into those ecosystems. We humans, on the other hand, consider ourselves somehow separate from those ecosystems: we shield ourselves from ‘Nature’ with bricks and literatures while we live, with marble and epitaphs after we die.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Elizabeth Costello and the Biography of the Moral Philosopher
- Authors: Jones, Ward E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/275635 , vital:55065 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6245.2011.01462.x"
- Description: Imagine someone who informs you that her conversion to vegetarianism began when she read Charlotte's Web or viewed the film Babe. Both stories invite the reader to celebrate the events surrounding a pig being saved from the butcher. What kind of role would her spectatorship of this book or film have played in her conversion? It is perhaps improbable to suspect that she would have undergone this kind of extreme moral conversion solely on the basis of her engagement with one of these fictions; perhaps more likely is the scenario in which her engagement was only one part of a lengthy process of her moral change of mind. In any event, it is certainly possible that our imagined vegetarian would see her encounter with Charlotte's Web or Babe as playing a justificatory role in her conversion. In looking back at her conversion, she might say something like this: “I know that I was young and impressionable, but the way in which the book (or film) made me feel about its characters moved me to further reflect upon animals and the animal industry, and I now realize that it was right to do so.” On her own view, at least, her spectatorship motivated and warranted her taking the further steps that ultimately led to her conversion. If she is right, then fictional narratives can possess—to at least some degree—what Raimond Gaita refers to as an ethical “authority.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jones, Ward E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/275635 , vital:55065 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6245.2011.01462.x"
- Description: Imagine someone who informs you that her conversion to vegetarianism began when she read Charlotte's Web or viewed the film Babe. Both stories invite the reader to celebrate the events surrounding a pig being saved from the butcher. What kind of role would her spectatorship of this book or film have played in her conversion? It is perhaps improbable to suspect that she would have undergone this kind of extreme moral conversion solely on the basis of her engagement with one of these fictions; perhaps more likely is the scenario in which her engagement was only one part of a lengthy process of her moral change of mind. In any event, it is certainly possible that our imagined vegetarian would see her encounter with Charlotte's Web or Babe as playing a justificatory role in her conversion. In looking back at her conversion, she might say something like this: “I know that I was young and impressionable, but the way in which the book (or film) made me feel about its characters moved me to further reflect upon animals and the animal industry, and I now realize that it was right to do so.” On her own view, at least, her spectatorship motivated and warranted her taking the further steps that ultimately led to her conversion. If she is right, then fictional narratives can possess—to at least some degree—what Raimond Gaita refers to as an ethical “authority.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Elucidation of the complex Baylis-Hillman reaction of 3-methoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl vinyl ketone
- Idahosa, Kenudi C, Molefe, Duduzile M, Pakade, Vusumzi E, Brown, Michael E
- Authors: Idahosa, Kenudi C , Molefe, Duduzile M , Pakade, Vusumzi E , Brown, Michael E
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004137
- Description: DABCO-catalyzed reaction of 3-methoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) affords a mixture of products, comprising the ‘normal’ Baylis-Hillman adduct, theMVKdimer and a pair of diastereomeric bis-(MVK)Baylis-Hillman adducts. 1HNMRspectroscopy-based kinetic studies have provided clear insights into the competing pathways and product distribution in this complex reaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Idahosa, Kenudi C , Molefe, Duduzile M , Pakade, Vusumzi E , Brown, Michael E
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004137
- Description: DABCO-catalyzed reaction of 3-methoxy-2-nitrobenzaldehyde with methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) affords a mixture of products, comprising the ‘normal’ Baylis-Hillman adduct, theMVKdimer and a pair of diastereomeric bis-(MVK)Baylis-Hillman adducts. 1HNMRspectroscopy-based kinetic studies have provided clear insights into the competing pathways and product distribution in this complex reaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Emerging pests and Vector-borne diseases in Europe, Volume 1, W. Takken and B.G.J. Knols (Eds.): book review
- Authors: Knox, Caroline M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452322 , vital:75120 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC32875
- Description: Emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens have increased dramatically throughout the world in recent years. Among the factors that have undoubtedly contributed to this scenario are environmental change, increased international trade and travel, human-induced changes in land use, technical innovations in food processing, microbial adaptation and insecticide resistance. Such diseases pose a serious threat to both human and animal health, and measures for their surveillance and control urgently need to be implemented. In view of the fact that infectious diseases are currently appearing in countries where they did not previously exist or are reappearing after a period of decline, this book is both timely and crucial to our understanding and awareness of this serious problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Knox, Caroline M
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/452322 , vital:75120 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC32875
- Description: Emerging and re-emerging vector-borne diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other pathogens have increased dramatically throughout the world in recent years. Among the factors that have undoubtedly contributed to this scenario are environmental change, increased international trade and travel, human-induced changes in land use, technical innovations in food processing, microbial adaptation and insecticide resistance. Such diseases pose a serious threat to both human and animal health, and measures for their surveillance and control urgently need to be implemented. In view of the fact that infectious diseases are currently appearing in countries where they did not previously exist or are reappearing after a period of decline, this book is both timely and crucial to our understanding and awareness of this serious problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Emplacement of the 2.44 Ga ultramafic layered Kemi intrusion, Finland PGE, geochemical and Sm-Nd isotopic implications
- Authors: Linkermann, Sean Aaron
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chromite -- Finland -- Kemi , Mining geology -- Finland -- Kemi , Geochemistry -- Finland -- Kemi , Petrology -- Finland -- Kemi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005552 , Chromite -- Finland -- Kemi , Mining geology -- Finland -- Kemi , Geochemistry -- Finland -- Kemi , Petrology -- Finland -- Kemi
- Description: Europe’s largest chrome deposit is hosted by the 2.44 Ga Kemi ultramafic layered intrusion. The lower half of the intrusion consists of peridotites, pyroxenites and chromitite layers while the upper half consists of websterites, gabbronorites and leucogabbros. The mafic minerals of the lower and upper parts of the intrusion are altered to serpentine, chlorite, talc, amphiboles and carbonates. However, the original mineralogy is still preserved in the middle part of the intrusion. Earlier work on the Kemi intrusion concentrated mainly on the economically important chromitite layers and suggested that these layers were formed through contamination of a single pulse of primitive magma by underlying Archaean basement crustal material. The broad variations of the major element concentrations reflect variations in the mode of the Kemi rocks. The petrology, which shows olivine- and orthopyroxene-dominated rocks in the lower portion of the intrusion to plagioclase- and clinopyroxene-dominated rocks in the upper portion, shows a gross consistency with a fractional crystallization process.The incompatible elements are relatively enriched in the lower portion of the intrusion which is not consistent with a broad fractional crystallization process. These variations suggest that the ultramafic portion of the KemiIntrusion is relatively enriched in trapped liquid compared to the mafic portion.ε2.44 Nd values ranges from +4 (consistent with depleted mantle source) to -10 (indicating a contribution from Archaean crust). The lower peridotites, pyroxenites and websterites have ε2.44 Nd values ranging between depleted mantle signatures and -2, whereas the gabbroic cumulates have ε2.44 Nd values which cover a range from around -5 to -10. Nd isotopic variation in the lower part of the profile is punctuated by distinct spikes to lower ε2.44 Nd corresponding to the chromitite horizons. Both the lower and upper portions of the Kemi Intrusion show enrichment of LREEC1 relative to HREEC1. The LREEC1 enriched values start to increase markedly from about the 1000 meter mark and continue to increase in value towards the roof of the intrusion.The main enrichment of PGE (ΣPPGE = 55 to 148 ppb) occurs approximately 90 to 160 m above the basal contact, beginning within andcontinuing above the main chromitite ore horizon. The mantle-normalized PGE abundances of the main chromitite horizon and the peridotites and pyroxenites below it show enrichment of IPGEPM (Os + Ir + Ru) relative to PPGEPM (Rh + Pd + Pt). In contrast, the overlying rocks are characterised by enrichment of PPGEPM relative to IPGEPM. These PGE-patterns suggest the influence of two distinct controlling processes above and below the main chromitite reef.The isotopic data are consistent with the initial introduction of multiple pulses of depleted mantle-derived magma crystallising olivine and pyroxene. Before the parent magma was fed into the Kemi magma chamber, it underwent crustal contamination and assimilation in a staging chamber within the lower crust. Some of these pulses were “critically crustally contaminated”, inducing chromite saturation and precipitation. The modelling also predicts minor in-situ contamination of the parent magma in the Kemi chamber with its wall and roof rocks. Above the main chromitite layer (about 160 m above the basal contact), the chromite content decreases and the PPGEPM/IPGEPM values increase which is consistent with scavenging of the IPGE into the lowermost layers and/or evolving magma compositions. Above 1000 m, the isotopic and REE data indicate a new magma pulse which has also been extensively contaminated in the staging magma chamber before emplacement into the Kemi magma chamber. The contamination in the staging magma chamber increased which is reflected in a progressively larger crustal component towards the top of the Kemi Intrusion
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Linkermann, Sean Aaron
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chromite -- Finland -- Kemi , Mining geology -- Finland -- Kemi , Geochemistry -- Finland -- Kemi , Petrology -- Finland -- Kemi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4940 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005552 , Chromite -- Finland -- Kemi , Mining geology -- Finland -- Kemi , Geochemistry -- Finland -- Kemi , Petrology -- Finland -- Kemi
- Description: Europe’s largest chrome deposit is hosted by the 2.44 Ga Kemi ultramafic layered intrusion. The lower half of the intrusion consists of peridotites, pyroxenites and chromitite layers while the upper half consists of websterites, gabbronorites and leucogabbros. The mafic minerals of the lower and upper parts of the intrusion are altered to serpentine, chlorite, talc, amphiboles and carbonates. However, the original mineralogy is still preserved in the middle part of the intrusion. Earlier work on the Kemi intrusion concentrated mainly on the economically important chromitite layers and suggested that these layers were formed through contamination of a single pulse of primitive magma by underlying Archaean basement crustal material. The broad variations of the major element concentrations reflect variations in the mode of the Kemi rocks. The petrology, which shows olivine- and orthopyroxene-dominated rocks in the lower portion of the intrusion to plagioclase- and clinopyroxene-dominated rocks in the upper portion, shows a gross consistency with a fractional crystallization process.The incompatible elements are relatively enriched in the lower portion of the intrusion which is not consistent with a broad fractional crystallization process. These variations suggest that the ultramafic portion of the KemiIntrusion is relatively enriched in trapped liquid compared to the mafic portion.ε2.44 Nd values ranges from +4 (consistent with depleted mantle source) to -10 (indicating a contribution from Archaean crust). The lower peridotites, pyroxenites and websterites have ε2.44 Nd values ranging between depleted mantle signatures and -2, whereas the gabbroic cumulates have ε2.44 Nd values which cover a range from around -5 to -10. Nd isotopic variation in the lower part of the profile is punctuated by distinct spikes to lower ε2.44 Nd corresponding to the chromitite horizons. Both the lower and upper portions of the Kemi Intrusion show enrichment of LREEC1 relative to HREEC1. The LREEC1 enriched values start to increase markedly from about the 1000 meter mark and continue to increase in value towards the roof of the intrusion.The main enrichment of PGE (ΣPPGE = 55 to 148 ppb) occurs approximately 90 to 160 m above the basal contact, beginning within andcontinuing above the main chromitite ore horizon. The mantle-normalized PGE abundances of the main chromitite horizon and the peridotites and pyroxenites below it show enrichment of IPGEPM (Os + Ir + Ru) relative to PPGEPM (Rh + Pd + Pt). In contrast, the overlying rocks are characterised by enrichment of PPGEPM relative to IPGEPM. These PGE-patterns suggest the influence of two distinct controlling processes above and below the main chromitite reef.The isotopic data are consistent with the initial introduction of multiple pulses of depleted mantle-derived magma crystallising olivine and pyroxene. Before the parent magma was fed into the Kemi magma chamber, it underwent crustal contamination and assimilation in a staging chamber within the lower crust. Some of these pulses were “critically crustally contaminated”, inducing chromite saturation and precipitation. The modelling also predicts minor in-situ contamination of the parent magma in the Kemi chamber with its wall and roof rocks. Above the main chromitite layer (about 160 m above the basal contact), the chromite content decreases and the PPGEPM/IPGEPM values increase which is consistent with scavenging of the IPGE into the lowermost layers and/or evolving magma compositions. Above 1000 m, the isotopic and REE data indicate a new magma pulse which has also been extensively contaminated in the staging magma chamber before emplacement into the Kemi magma chamber. The contamination in the staging magma chamber increased which is reflected in a progressively larger crustal component towards the top of the Kemi Intrusion
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Empowering teachers to render learner support to learners who experience reading barriers
- Authors: Wienand, Merna Adeliade
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inclusive eduction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9497 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1353 , Inclusive eduction
- Description: In this qualitative study the researcher provided proposed guidelines to empower teachers to render learner support to learners who experience reading barriers. A literature study was undertaken to investigate the importance and consequences of inclusive education, the need for a systematic approach, reading problems and its causes and remediation thereof. The empirical study includes interviews with important stakeholders and observations. The results of the empirical study culminated into proposed guidelines to empower teachers to render learner support to these learners. Recommendations were made based on the literature study and the results of the empirical research
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Wienand, Merna Adeliade
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Inclusive eduction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9497 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1353 , Inclusive eduction
- Description: In this qualitative study the researcher provided proposed guidelines to empower teachers to render learner support to learners who experience reading barriers. A literature study was undertaken to investigate the importance and consequences of inclusive education, the need for a systematic approach, reading problems and its causes and remediation thereof. The empirical study includes interviews with important stakeholders and observations. The results of the empirical study culminated into proposed guidelines to empower teachers to render learner support to these learners. Recommendations were made based on the literature study and the results of the empirical research
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Energy versus angular momentum in black hole binaries
- Damour, T, Nagar, A, Pollney, D, Reisswig, C
- Authors: Damour, T , Nagar, A , Pollney, D , Reisswig, C
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006946
- Description: Using accurate numerical-relativity simulations of (nonspinning) black-hole binaries with mass ratios 1∶1, 2∶1, and 3∶1, we compute the gauge-invariant relation between the (reduced) binding energy E and the (reduced) angular momentum j of the system. We show that the relation E(j) is an accurate diagnostic of the dynamics of a black-hole binary in a highly relativistic regime. By comparing the numerical-relativity ENR(j) curve with the predictions of several analytic approximation schemes, we find that, while the canonically defined, nonresummed post-Newtonian–expanded EPN(j) relation exhibits large and growing deviations from ENR(j), the prediction of the effective one body formalism, based purely on known analytical results (without any calibration to numerical relativity), agrees strikingly well with the numerical-relativity results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Damour, T , Nagar, A , Pollney, D , Reisswig, C
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006946
- Description: Using accurate numerical-relativity simulations of (nonspinning) black-hole binaries with mass ratios 1∶1, 2∶1, and 3∶1, we compute the gauge-invariant relation between the (reduced) binding energy E and the (reduced) angular momentum j of the system. We show that the relation E(j) is an accurate diagnostic of the dynamics of a black-hole binary in a highly relativistic regime. By comparing the numerical-relativity ENR(j) curve with the predictions of several analytic approximation schemes, we find that, while the canonically defined, nonresummed post-Newtonian–expanded EPN(j) relation exhibits large and growing deviations from ENR(j), the prediction of the effective one body formalism, based purely on known analytical results (without any calibration to numerical relativity), agrees strikingly well with the numerical-relativity results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Enhancing the Configuration and Design of Sound Systems through Simulation
- Otten, Frederick, Foss, Richard
- Authors: Otten, Frederick , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427125 , vital:72416 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=15848
- Description: Audio Engineers are required to design and deploy large multi-channel sound systems which meet a set of requirements and use networking technologies such as Firewire and Ethernet. Bandwidth utilsation and latency need to be considered. Network Simulation can be used to accurately model a network and return such information. This paper discusses a software system which has been developed to create a simulation of a network using the AES-X170 protocol for command and control. This system shows information about bandwidth and latency and is able to detect problems with parameter relationships. It also provides the ability to perform offline editing. These features significantly enhance audio engineers' ability to effectively design, configure and evaluate sound systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Otten, Frederick , Foss, Richard
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427125 , vital:72416 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=15848
- Description: Audio Engineers are required to design and deploy large multi-channel sound systems which meet a set of requirements and use networking technologies such as Firewire and Ethernet. Bandwidth utilsation and latency need to be considered. Network Simulation can be used to accurately model a network and return such information. This paper discusses a software system which has been developed to create a simulation of a network using the AES-X170 protocol for command and control. This system shows information about bandwidth and latency and is able to detect problems with parameter relationships. It also provides the ability to perform offline editing. These features significantly enhance audio engineers' ability to effectively design, configure and evaluate sound systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Enhancing the role of the Kaizen suggestion tool in South African lean automotive companies of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Adedeji, Adeyemi Charles
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Manufacturing processes , Production management -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:8644 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008157 , Lean manufacturing , Manufacturing processes , Production management -- Mathematical models
- Description: The Toyota manufacturing system, aptly referred to as Lean manufacturing, has received a reasonable appreciation and awareness over the past decade in South African industry. This production phenomenon constitutes an organizational culture that encourages world-class production success through the liberation of factory resources, while employees are empowered and encouraged to contribute ideas for the improvement of processes and products. However, despite lean awareness and the crucial role of employee participation in the suggestion of ideas in world-class organizations, the performance level of lean manufacturing in South African industry is largely devoid of the Kaizen suggestion tool, particularly in the automotive companies of the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research was to proffer appropriate recommendations, improved awareness, understanding and practice for the improvement of the Kaizen suggestion principle in the automotive companies of the Eastern Cape. The research primarily focused on the ‘management/employees’ paradigm within the organisational context. The methodology employed in the study included a thorough review of the relevant literature and a questionnaire, which was developed and administered to both the management and employees of the thirty automotive components suppliers in Eastern Cape. The target companies constituted the units of analyses and therefore provided the opportunity for a detailed investigation of the links between management and employees as well as a submission of ideas for operational and organisational processes as established in the literature review. Epistemologically, the research is objectivist and paradigmically, positivist. However, some qualitative aspects of the data were relevant to the study and, therefore, were used in a complementary manner. The case approach utilized mixed methods by applying a range of data collection techniques and evidence from multiple sources while the sampling technique was sequential, involving both purposive and stratified random sampling. The study reveals the apparent lack of a systematic mechanism for the practice and administration of the Kaizen suggestion tools in most Eastern Cape automotive companies. This demerit is found to have negatively affected maximum employee participation and involvement in organizational decision making within the Province. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among employees / employers relations that the Kaizen suggestion scheme is a vital tool for delivering strategic objectives in the management of decision making and organizational growth. The study strongly advocates the inclusion of employee suggestion systems as part of the organizational process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Adedeji, Adeyemi Charles
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Manufacturing processes , Production management -- Mathematical models
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:8644 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008157 , Lean manufacturing , Manufacturing processes , Production management -- Mathematical models
- Description: The Toyota manufacturing system, aptly referred to as Lean manufacturing, has received a reasonable appreciation and awareness over the past decade in South African industry. This production phenomenon constitutes an organizational culture that encourages world-class production success through the liberation of factory resources, while employees are empowered and encouraged to contribute ideas for the improvement of processes and products. However, despite lean awareness and the crucial role of employee participation in the suggestion of ideas in world-class organizations, the performance level of lean manufacturing in South African industry is largely devoid of the Kaizen suggestion tool, particularly in the automotive companies of the Eastern Cape. The aim of this research was to proffer appropriate recommendations, improved awareness, understanding and practice for the improvement of the Kaizen suggestion principle in the automotive companies of the Eastern Cape. The research primarily focused on the ‘management/employees’ paradigm within the organisational context. The methodology employed in the study included a thorough review of the relevant literature and a questionnaire, which was developed and administered to both the management and employees of the thirty automotive components suppliers in Eastern Cape. The target companies constituted the units of analyses and therefore provided the opportunity for a detailed investigation of the links between management and employees as well as a submission of ideas for operational and organisational processes as established in the literature review. Epistemologically, the research is objectivist and paradigmically, positivist. However, some qualitative aspects of the data were relevant to the study and, therefore, were used in a complementary manner. The case approach utilized mixed methods by applying a range of data collection techniques and evidence from multiple sources while the sampling technique was sequential, involving both purposive and stratified random sampling. The study reveals the apparent lack of a systematic mechanism for the practice and administration of the Kaizen suggestion tools in most Eastern Cape automotive companies. This demerit is found to have negatively affected maximum employee participation and involvement in organizational decision making within the Province. The study has established a basic level of awareness and understanding among employees / employers relations that the Kaizen suggestion scheme is a vital tool for delivering strategic objectives in the management of decision making and organizational growth. The study strongly advocates the inclusion of employee suggestion systems as part of the organizational process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011