Contribution towards the development of a management plan for the baitboat and sport fishery for tuna in South Africa
- Authors: Newcombe, Hylton Cecil
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tuna -- South Africa , Tuna fishing -- South Africa , Fishery management -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Catch effort -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005092 , Tuna -- South Africa , Tuna fishing -- South Africa , Fishery management -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Catch effort -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Tuna are of significant global economic importance and a prime food source. Increased levels of fishing have resulted in many stocks being under threat and a number of species are considered to be overfished. The South African tuna industry has had limited management attention from the South African fisheries management agency. A recent development has been an increase in the number of tuna caught by small vessels that target the fresh tuna market in South Africa and overseas. This has highlighted the importance of developing a holistic management plan for the sector and creating an awareness, among vessel owners, of the importance of compliance with initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The South African tuna fishery comprises three sectors: baitboat, sport and longline, all of which are currently in need of acquiring more biological and fisheries data. This project was initiated to collate existing information and to collect additional information where possible. This encompassed a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the size and shape of the tuna fishing industry, which included estimates of total catch, effort, catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE) and stock structure (obtained through comparative estimates of age and growth), as well as socio-economic and economic information. A technique involving an examination of specific vertebrae was used to obtain age-growth information for T. albacares. These data were used to estimate von Bertalanffy (VBGF) growth parameters: F 2 1. , k 0.1 , and t₀ -0. 1 year. No significant differences in growth parameters were found in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from different localities around the South African coast, i.e. from the south eastern Atlantic and the south western Indian Ocean. In addition, growth did not differ between South Africa and other regions (Draganic and Pelzcarski 1984, Fonteneau 1980, Gascuel et al. 1992, LeGuen and Sakagawa 1973, Lehodey and Leroy 1999, Lessa and Duarte-Neto 2004, Shuford et al. 2007, Stequert et al. 1996, Wild 1986, Yang et al. 1969). Further substantiation of the above-mentioned observations was found by recording differences in the sizes of fish caught in the inshore (baitboat and sport fishery vessels) and offshore (large pelagic longline vessels) sectors of South African tuna fisheries. A significant difference between the regions — in terms of the size of fish caught inshore — was noted, with mostly-juvenile fish being caught in KwaZulu-Natal (5.4 ± 3.5kg), sub-adult fish in the Eastern Cape (26.2 ± 13.4kg), and adult fish in the Western Cape (42.3 ± 14.4kg). Since mostly-adult fish were caught offshore by longliners, with no significant differences between regions, it is however possible th at adult fish predominantly inhabit the offshore region. Yellowfin tuna caught by the large pelagic longline fishery in the three managerial zones (A, B and C) were predominantly adult fish of similar size, namely Zone A: 38.9 ± 6.9kg; Zone B: 28.7 ± 4.6kg, and Zone C: 36.0 ± 5.1kg. The recreational ski boat sport fishery has remained stable, in terms of participation, consisting mostly of white middle aged males in the top 25% of household income distribution, having either permanent occupational status or being retired. Fishers within this sector are willing to incur great expense to partake in the fishery and they provide an important economic contribution to coastal towns, particularly in the Eastern Cape. The total catch (of 83t) of yellowfin tuna by the competitive sport fishery within the Western and Eastern Cape regions was considerably lower than that of commercial tuna baitboat catches, which amounted to 186t, and the large pelagic longline sector that caught t in 200. It is however likely that the competitive sport fishery's total yellowfin tuna catch (of 83t in 2009) of the Eastern and Western Cape competitive sport fishery was considerably less than the total yellowfin tuna catches of the whole South African deep-sea sport fishery. Longfin tuna are the primary target species of South Africa‘s baitboat fisheries, comprising an average of 86% of the total catch and generating ZAR49 million in employment income in 2002. South Africa was responsible for 20% of the total longfin tuna annual yield in 2004 in the southern Atlantic Ocean, behind Taiwan with 59%. However, yellowfin tuna only contributes a small percentage towards total catches (8.4 ± 8.2% between 1995 and 2009), generating ZAR1.3 million in employment income in 2002. Of the four vessel categories comprising the tuna baitboat fishery, ski boats had the highest yellowfin tuna CPUE in 2009 (117 ± 62 kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹) and the lowest effort. The ski boats sector is the most opportunistic fishery as they are only active when either longfin or yellowfin tuna are in high abundance. At such times catches are guaranteed, so can be expected to offset expenses. In 2009 the CPUE for yellowfin tuna for 15–19m vessels and freezer deckboats was 12 ± 20kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹ and 3 ± 6kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹, respectively. These vessels specifically target longfin tuna when they are in abundance. Since the start of the tuna baitboat fishery in 1995, there has been a substantial increase in the number of new entrants. In 2002 this sector had a fleet size of 82 vessels with a capital value of ZAR163 million and a total employment income of ZAR58 million, employing 2 173 fishers, of which 87% were black African. The commercial tuna baitboat fleet has subsequently grown to 200 vessels and 3600 crew, with 110 active vessels fishing for a combined fleet average of 46 days per year. There are a high number of owner-operated vessels. Since 2007 the fishery's profit to cost ratio has been low due to the low abundance of tuna stocks off the coast of South Africa, which has resulted in poor catch returns, placing economic pressure on the fishery. The baitboat industry is a low-profit-margin fishery with a total net catch value worth ZAR90 million in 2009 (Feike 2010). The abundance of yellowfin tuna influences profit margins, with very high profits being made when abundance and catches are high. The large pelagic longline fishery has a total allowable effort of 43 vessels of which only 30 vessels fished during 2009, when a reported 766t of yellowfin tuna were caught, representing a total tonnage far in excess of that obtained by the combined effort of the baitboat and sport fishery. It is, however, assumed that considerable underreporting of catches takes place within this fishery, which means that the estimated total net catch value of ZAR100 million could, in fact, be much higher. Such underreporting of catches is of great concern for this fishery, as is the high bycatch of Chondricthians spp. that significantly outweighs imposed regulatory limits (DEAT 2007). The present study demonstrates the current lack of comprehensive catch and effort data for the sport, baitboat and longline fisheries as well as the serious limitations and flaws associated with current databases. Results from the present study have drawn attention to a number of high-priority research needs, as outlined below. (1) A major lack of comprehensive catch and effort data for the sport fishery, which can be rectified by focussing on obtaining more competition data, as well as high-quality catch and effort and socio-economic information, as opposed to relying on information from non-club anglers (Gartside et al. 1999, Williams 2003, Cass-Calay 2008). Acquisition of such data is relatively inexpensive: the location of organized clubs and their frequent competition meetings provide widespread coverage along the Southern African coastline. Such data acquisition efforts have the potential to provide reliable information on spatial catch trends. (2) Validation of vessel catch return data is required for commercial fisheries and on some recent data that has emerged from studies of catch rates and trends for target species, particularly in the longline fishery. In this context it should be noted that the most recent peer-reviewed publications on this exploratory fishery were published more than a decade ago (Kroese 1999, Penny and Griffiths 1999). Additional studies need to be undertaken and journal articles published on the current stock status of South African catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna and swordfish.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Newcombe, Hylton Cecil
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Tuna -- South Africa , Tuna fishing -- South Africa , Fishery management -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Catch effort -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5249 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005092 , Tuna -- South Africa , Tuna fishing -- South Africa , Fishery management -- South Africa , Fishery management -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Catch effort -- South Africa , Tuna fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Tuna are of significant global economic importance and a prime food source. Increased levels of fishing have resulted in many stocks being under threat and a number of species are considered to be overfished. The South African tuna industry has had limited management attention from the South African fisheries management agency. A recent development has been an increase in the number of tuna caught by small vessels that target the fresh tuna market in South Africa and overseas. This has highlighted the importance of developing a holistic management plan for the sector and creating an awareness, among vessel owners, of the importance of compliance with initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The South African tuna fishery comprises three sectors: baitboat, sport and longline, all of which are currently in need of acquiring more biological and fisheries data. This project was initiated to collate existing information and to collect additional information where possible. This encompassed a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the size and shape of the tuna fishing industry, which included estimates of total catch, effort, catch-per-unit-of-effort (CPUE) and stock structure (obtained through comparative estimates of age and growth), as well as socio-economic and economic information. A technique involving an examination of specific vertebrae was used to obtain age-growth information for T. albacares. These data were used to estimate von Bertalanffy (VBGF) growth parameters: F 2 1. , k 0.1 , and t₀ -0. 1 year. No significant differences in growth parameters were found in yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from different localities around the South African coast, i.e. from the south eastern Atlantic and the south western Indian Ocean. In addition, growth did not differ between South Africa and other regions (Draganic and Pelzcarski 1984, Fonteneau 1980, Gascuel et al. 1992, LeGuen and Sakagawa 1973, Lehodey and Leroy 1999, Lessa and Duarte-Neto 2004, Shuford et al. 2007, Stequert et al. 1996, Wild 1986, Yang et al. 1969). Further substantiation of the above-mentioned observations was found by recording differences in the sizes of fish caught in the inshore (baitboat and sport fishery vessels) and offshore (large pelagic longline vessels) sectors of South African tuna fisheries. A significant difference between the regions — in terms of the size of fish caught inshore — was noted, with mostly-juvenile fish being caught in KwaZulu-Natal (5.4 ± 3.5kg), sub-adult fish in the Eastern Cape (26.2 ± 13.4kg), and adult fish in the Western Cape (42.3 ± 14.4kg). Since mostly-adult fish were caught offshore by longliners, with no significant differences between regions, it is however possible th at adult fish predominantly inhabit the offshore region. Yellowfin tuna caught by the large pelagic longline fishery in the three managerial zones (A, B and C) were predominantly adult fish of similar size, namely Zone A: 38.9 ± 6.9kg; Zone B: 28.7 ± 4.6kg, and Zone C: 36.0 ± 5.1kg. The recreational ski boat sport fishery has remained stable, in terms of participation, consisting mostly of white middle aged males in the top 25% of household income distribution, having either permanent occupational status or being retired. Fishers within this sector are willing to incur great expense to partake in the fishery and they provide an important economic contribution to coastal towns, particularly in the Eastern Cape. The total catch (of 83t) of yellowfin tuna by the competitive sport fishery within the Western and Eastern Cape regions was considerably lower than that of commercial tuna baitboat catches, which amounted to 186t, and the large pelagic longline sector that caught t in 200. It is however likely that the competitive sport fishery's total yellowfin tuna catch (of 83t in 2009) of the Eastern and Western Cape competitive sport fishery was considerably less than the total yellowfin tuna catches of the whole South African deep-sea sport fishery. Longfin tuna are the primary target species of South Africa‘s baitboat fisheries, comprising an average of 86% of the total catch and generating ZAR49 million in employment income in 2002. South Africa was responsible for 20% of the total longfin tuna annual yield in 2004 in the southern Atlantic Ocean, behind Taiwan with 59%. However, yellowfin tuna only contributes a small percentage towards total catches (8.4 ± 8.2% between 1995 and 2009), generating ZAR1.3 million in employment income in 2002. Of the four vessel categories comprising the tuna baitboat fishery, ski boats had the highest yellowfin tuna CPUE in 2009 (117 ± 62 kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹) and the lowest effort. The ski boats sector is the most opportunistic fishery as they are only active when either longfin or yellowfin tuna are in high abundance. At such times catches are guaranteed, so can be expected to offset expenses. In 2009 the CPUE for yellowfin tuna for 15–19m vessels and freezer deckboats was 12 ± 20kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹ and 3 ± 6kg.vessel⁻¹.day⁻¹, respectively. These vessels specifically target longfin tuna when they are in abundance. Since the start of the tuna baitboat fishery in 1995, there has been a substantial increase in the number of new entrants. In 2002 this sector had a fleet size of 82 vessels with a capital value of ZAR163 million and a total employment income of ZAR58 million, employing 2 173 fishers, of which 87% were black African. The commercial tuna baitboat fleet has subsequently grown to 200 vessels and 3600 crew, with 110 active vessels fishing for a combined fleet average of 46 days per year. There are a high number of owner-operated vessels. Since 2007 the fishery's profit to cost ratio has been low due to the low abundance of tuna stocks off the coast of South Africa, which has resulted in poor catch returns, placing economic pressure on the fishery. The baitboat industry is a low-profit-margin fishery with a total net catch value worth ZAR90 million in 2009 (Feike 2010). The abundance of yellowfin tuna influences profit margins, with very high profits being made when abundance and catches are high. The large pelagic longline fishery has a total allowable effort of 43 vessels of which only 30 vessels fished during 2009, when a reported 766t of yellowfin tuna were caught, representing a total tonnage far in excess of that obtained by the combined effort of the baitboat and sport fishery. It is, however, assumed that considerable underreporting of catches takes place within this fishery, which means that the estimated total net catch value of ZAR100 million could, in fact, be much higher. Such underreporting of catches is of great concern for this fishery, as is the high bycatch of Chondricthians spp. that significantly outweighs imposed regulatory limits (DEAT 2007). The present study demonstrates the current lack of comprehensive catch and effort data for the sport, baitboat and longline fisheries as well as the serious limitations and flaws associated with current databases. Results from the present study have drawn attention to a number of high-priority research needs, as outlined below. (1) A major lack of comprehensive catch and effort data for the sport fishery, which can be rectified by focussing on obtaining more competition data, as well as high-quality catch and effort and socio-economic information, as opposed to relying on information from non-club anglers (Gartside et al. 1999, Williams 2003, Cass-Calay 2008). Acquisition of such data is relatively inexpensive: the location of organized clubs and their frequent competition meetings provide widespread coverage along the Southern African coastline. Such data acquisition efforts have the potential to provide reliable information on spatial catch trends. (2) Validation of vessel catch return data is required for commercial fisheries and on some recent data that has emerged from studies of catch rates and trends for target species, particularly in the longline fishery. In this context it should be noted that the most recent peer-reviewed publications on this exploratory fishery were published more than a decade ago (Kroese 1999, Penny and Griffiths 1999). Additional studies need to be undertaken and journal articles published on the current stock status of South African catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna and swordfish.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Conveniencing the family in agri-based processing enterprise : a grounded theory study of strategic leaders' cultural assumptions and strategising activities
- Authors: Kanyangale, Macdonald Isaac
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management Agriculture -- Malawi -- Business management Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Malawi Grounded theory -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002798
- Description: As leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strategic leaders are responsible for strategising, the approach to which is influenced by their cultural paradigm. The effects of this strategising are manifested in the day-to-day activities of these leaders. This study aims to build an understanding of the shared cultural assumptions of strategic leaders in agri-based processing SMEs and how these assumptions affect the strategising activities that are adopted when addressing critical incidents related to the internal integration and external adaptation of the SME. Using Strauss and Corbin‟s (1990) grounded theory method, this study develops a theory titled Conveniencing the Family in Business, which is induced from critical incidents. A sample of critical incidents was gathered from 44 qualitative interviews conducted with strategic leaders of various agri-based processing SMEs operating in Malawi. This study found that strategic leaders display persistent and stable pragmatic business survival mind sets, but dynamic cultural assumptions about relationships with organisation members. The cultural influence of these assumptions is manifested in two distinctive and alternative processes making up the theory of conveniencing the family in business. These are the humanising and commodifying of relationships with organisation members, and they are evident in hostile and friendly business environments, respectively. Humanising of relationships with all members of the organisation builds and capitalises on inclusive, organisation-wide social capital that secures the future of the business. On the other hand, commodifying of relationships with non-family organisation members weakens collective support, which becomes mainly dependent on family and friendship ties. Thus, commodifying of relationships serves to perpetuate the close integration of business activity and family requirements to ultimately convenience the family in business, and represents the desired modus operandi of strategic leaders. As strategic leaders of SMEs have not yet conceptualised this, providing them with the conceptual theory developed here may be helpful towards a consistent re-orientation of the internal organisational support in a way that does not exclude but rather harnesses the wider solidarity of organisation members. The process explained by this theory is iterative, dynamic and distinguishes patterns of relationships amongst organisation members, which either enhances or compromises their collective support for the leaders and the enterprise. This by implication affects the performance of the enterprise. The results of this study are discussed from the perspective of social exchange and social capital theory, thereby contributing to the understanding of the strategising activities of strategic leaders, as well as the processes of building or destroying social capital in this type of enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kanyangale, Macdonald Isaac
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- Malawi -- Management Agriculture -- Malawi -- Business management Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Malawi Grounded theory -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002798
- Description: As leaders of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strategic leaders are responsible for strategising, the approach to which is influenced by their cultural paradigm. The effects of this strategising are manifested in the day-to-day activities of these leaders. This study aims to build an understanding of the shared cultural assumptions of strategic leaders in agri-based processing SMEs and how these assumptions affect the strategising activities that are adopted when addressing critical incidents related to the internal integration and external adaptation of the SME. Using Strauss and Corbin‟s (1990) grounded theory method, this study develops a theory titled Conveniencing the Family in Business, which is induced from critical incidents. A sample of critical incidents was gathered from 44 qualitative interviews conducted with strategic leaders of various agri-based processing SMEs operating in Malawi. This study found that strategic leaders display persistent and stable pragmatic business survival mind sets, but dynamic cultural assumptions about relationships with organisation members. The cultural influence of these assumptions is manifested in two distinctive and alternative processes making up the theory of conveniencing the family in business. These are the humanising and commodifying of relationships with organisation members, and they are evident in hostile and friendly business environments, respectively. Humanising of relationships with all members of the organisation builds and capitalises on inclusive, organisation-wide social capital that secures the future of the business. On the other hand, commodifying of relationships with non-family organisation members weakens collective support, which becomes mainly dependent on family and friendship ties. Thus, commodifying of relationships serves to perpetuate the close integration of business activity and family requirements to ultimately convenience the family in business, and represents the desired modus operandi of strategic leaders. As strategic leaders of SMEs have not yet conceptualised this, providing them with the conceptual theory developed here may be helpful towards a consistent re-orientation of the internal organisational support in a way that does not exclude but rather harnesses the wider solidarity of organisation members. The process explained by this theory is iterative, dynamic and distinguishes patterns of relationships amongst organisation members, which either enhances or compromises their collective support for the leaders and the enterprise. This by implication affects the performance of the enterprise. The results of this study are discussed from the perspective of social exchange and social capital theory, thereby contributing to the understanding of the strategising activities of strategic leaders, as well as the processes of building or destroying social capital in this type of enterprise.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cooperative wasp-killing by mixed-species colonies of honeybees, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera
- Tan, K, Yang, M-Y, Li, H, Zhang, Z-L, Radloff, Sarah E, Hepburn, H Randall
- Authors: Tan, K , Yang, M-Y , Li, H , Zhang, Z-L , Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010979 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13592-011-0098-5
- Description: The cooperative defensive behaviour of mixed-species colonies of honeybees, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, were tested against a predatory wasp, Vespa velutina. When vespine wasps hawk honeybees at their nest entrances, the difference in the numbers of bees involved in heat-balling among pure species and mixed-species colonies was not significantly different. However, in the mixed colonies, the numbers of A. cerana and A. mellifera workers involved in heat-balling were significantly different. The duration of heat-balling among these three groups was significantly different. During heat-balling, guard bees of both species in mixed colonies raised their thoracic temperatures and the core temperatures of the heat-balls were about 45°C, which is not significantly different from that of the pure species. These results suggest that the two species of honeybees can cooperate in joint heat-balling against the wasps, but A. cerana was more assertive in such defence.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tan, K , Yang, M-Y , Li, H , Zhang, Z-L , Radloff, Sarah E , Hepburn, H Randall
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6838 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010979 , http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13592-011-0098-5
- Description: The cooperative defensive behaviour of mixed-species colonies of honeybees, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, were tested against a predatory wasp, Vespa velutina. When vespine wasps hawk honeybees at their nest entrances, the difference in the numbers of bees involved in heat-balling among pure species and mixed-species colonies was not significantly different. However, in the mixed colonies, the numbers of A. cerana and A. mellifera workers involved in heat-balling were significantly different. The duration of heat-balling among these three groups was significantly different. During heat-balling, guard bees of both species in mixed colonies raised their thoracic temperatures and the core temperatures of the heat-balls were about 45°C, which is not significantly different from that of the pure species. These results suggest that the two species of honeybees can cooperate in joint heat-balling against the wasps, but A. cerana was more assertive in such defence.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2012
Copyright law in the digital environment: DRM systems, anti-circumvention, legislation and user rights
- Authors: Latter, Gareth Paul
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Digital rights management , Copyright and electronic data processing , Internet -- Law and legislation , Public domain (Copyright law) , Fair use (Copyright) , Intellectual property , Copyright
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003196 , Digital rights management , Copyright and electronic data processing , Internet -- Law and legislation , Public domain (Copyright law) , Fair use (Copyright) , Intellectual property , Copyright
- Description: This thesis deals with the way in which copyright law is changing in the digital environment and the mechanisms which are facilitating this change. It deals with these issues by analysing the mechanisms of this change, specifically Digital Rights Management (DRM)Systems and anti-circumvention legislation, and the impact which this change is having on the rights of copyright users. The purpose of copyright is to provide an incentive to authors to continue creating while simultaneously providing a public good in allowing the public to use those creations in certain ways. Copyright achieves this purpose by granting both the author and user certain rights. The author is given a limited monopoly over their work in exchange for allowing this work to enter the public sphere and ensuring that users of that work can utilise that work in certain limited ways. The success of copyright thus rests on maintaining the balance between the rights of these parties. The rise of digital technology has created a situation in which copyright content can be easily copied by any party with a Personal Computer and disseminated around the globe instantly via the Internet. In response to these dangers, copyright owners are making use of DRM systems to protect content. DRM systems include various measures of control within its scope. Theses systems allow for copyright owners to control both access and use of content by copyright users. DRM Systems are not foolproof measures of protection however. Technologically sophisticated users are able to circumvent these protection measures. Thus, in order to protect DRM Systems from circumvention, anti-circumvention legislation has been proposed through international treaties and adopted in many countries. The combined effect of these protection measures are open to abuse by copyright owners and serve to curtail the limited rights of copyright users. The end result of this is that the balance which copyright law was created to maintain is disrupted and copyright law no longer fulfils its purpose. This thesis undertakes an analysis of these issues with reference to how these issues affect copyright users in developing countries. This is done with particular reference to possible approaches to this issue in South Africa as South Africa is a signatory to these anti-circumvention treaties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Latter, Gareth Paul
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Digital rights management , Copyright and electronic data processing , Internet -- Law and legislation , Public domain (Copyright law) , Fair use (Copyright) , Intellectual property , Copyright
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:3681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003196 , Digital rights management , Copyright and electronic data processing , Internet -- Law and legislation , Public domain (Copyright law) , Fair use (Copyright) , Intellectual property , Copyright
- Description: This thesis deals with the way in which copyright law is changing in the digital environment and the mechanisms which are facilitating this change. It deals with these issues by analysing the mechanisms of this change, specifically Digital Rights Management (DRM)Systems and anti-circumvention legislation, and the impact which this change is having on the rights of copyright users. The purpose of copyright is to provide an incentive to authors to continue creating while simultaneously providing a public good in allowing the public to use those creations in certain ways. Copyright achieves this purpose by granting both the author and user certain rights. The author is given a limited monopoly over their work in exchange for allowing this work to enter the public sphere and ensuring that users of that work can utilise that work in certain limited ways. The success of copyright thus rests on maintaining the balance between the rights of these parties. The rise of digital technology has created a situation in which copyright content can be easily copied by any party with a Personal Computer and disseminated around the globe instantly via the Internet. In response to these dangers, copyright owners are making use of DRM systems to protect content. DRM systems include various measures of control within its scope. Theses systems allow for copyright owners to control both access and use of content by copyright users. DRM Systems are not foolproof measures of protection however. Technologically sophisticated users are able to circumvent these protection measures. Thus, in order to protect DRM Systems from circumvention, anti-circumvention legislation has been proposed through international treaties and adopted in many countries. The combined effect of these protection measures are open to abuse by copyright owners and serve to curtail the limited rights of copyright users. The end result of this is that the balance which copyright law was created to maintain is disrupted and copyright law no longer fulfils its purpose. This thesis undertakes an analysis of these issues with reference to how these issues affect copyright users in developing countries. This is done with particular reference to possible approaches to this issue in South Africa as South Africa is a signatory to these anti-circumvention treaties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Corporate identity and identification: the case of the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development
- Authors: Rantjie, Khuselwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8638 , vital:26416
- Description: One of the key recommendations of the Communication Task Team Report which analysed the communication programme of government post 1994 was that of the introduction of a single corporate identity programme for government. It is against this background that various South African government departments (national and provincial) including the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development introduced their corporate identity programmes. Based on the Rotterdam Organisation Identification Test (ROIT) (van Riel et al., 1994), the paper analyses the levels to which employees identify with the corporate identity of the Department of Social Development. The ROIT scale identifies four variables that impact on employee identification which are; employee communication, job satisfaction, corporate culture and perceived organisational prestige.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Corporate identity and identification: the case of the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development
- Authors: Rantjie, Khuselwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Communication
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8638 , vital:26416
- Description: One of the key recommendations of the Communication Task Team Report which analysed the communication programme of government post 1994 was that of the introduction of a single corporate identity programme for government. It is against this background that various South African government departments (national and provincial) including the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development introduced their corporate identity programmes. Based on the Rotterdam Organisation Identification Test (ROIT) (van Riel et al., 1994), the paper analyses the levels to which employees identify with the corporate identity of the Department of Social Development. The ROIT scale identifies four variables that impact on employee identification which are; employee communication, job satisfaction, corporate culture and perceived organisational prestige.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Corporate social responsibility: a competitive strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cost-effective realisation of the Internet of Things
- Andersen, Michael, Irwin, Barry V W
- Authors: Andersen, Michael , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427930 , vital:72474 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Irwin/publication/326225063_Cost-effec-tive_realisation_of_the_Internet_of_Things/links/5b3f2262a6fdcc8506ffe75e/Cost-effective-realisation-of-the-Internet-of-Things.pdf
- Description: A hardware and software platform, created to facilitate power usage and power quality measurements along with direct power line actuation is under development. Additional general purpose control and sensing interfaces have been integrated. Measurements are persistently stored on each node to allow asynchronous retrieval of data without the need for a central server. The device communicates using an IEEE 802.15. 4 radio transceiver to create a self-configuring mesh network. Users can interface with the mesh network by connecting to any node via USB and utilising the developed high level API and interactive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Andersen, Michael , Irwin, Barry V W
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/427930 , vital:72474 , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Barry-Irwin/publication/326225063_Cost-effec-tive_realisation_of_the_Internet_of_Things/links/5b3f2262a6fdcc8506ffe75e/Cost-effective-realisation-of-the-Internet-of-Things.pdf
- Description: A hardware and software platform, created to facilitate power usage and power quality measurements along with direct power line actuation is under development. Additional general purpose control and sensing interfaces have been integrated. Measurements are persistently stored on each node to allow asynchronous retrieval of data without the need for a central server. The device communicates using an IEEE 802.15. 4 radio transceiver to create a self-configuring mesh network. Users can interface with the mesh network by connecting to any node via USB and utilising the developed high level API and interactive environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Creating a space for integrative education within the sciences
- Authors: Van der Post, Leda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer science -- Vocational guidance , Education, Cooperative , Curriculum evaluation , Experiential learning -- Science
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012677 , Computer science -- Vocational guidance , Education, Cooperative , Curriculum evaluation , Experiential learning -- Science
- Description: This thesis documents an action research project that was carried out within the Department of Computing Sciences at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), South Africa, from January 2010 to December 2011. The overall aim of the research was to foster an environment in which academics could explore ways to teach using an integrative approach to education. Previous research within the department had raised the concern that students were graduating without the type of high-level cognitive skills that were required in the workplace. While the students’ technical skills were perceived as being excellent, employers indicated that students would benefit from opportunities to develop or improve skills such as communication, teamwork, innovative thinking and time management. These skills include high-level cognitive skills, and are often referred to as “soft skills”. The academics participating in the research project came to believe that it was essential to develop teaching methods that would provide opportunities for students to develop these soft skills, in conjunction with the content and technical knowledge currently addressed in their courses. The research project followed the living theory approach to action research. A living theory action research project allows the researcher to investigate her own teaching, and develop a theory of practice. The theory of practice can be applied to the issues under investigation, to improve the situation or solve problems. At the same time, the theory of practice can contribute to the body of knowledge within the academic domain of the research. Action research is an iterative, cyclical process. There were four research cycles, each one semester in length, during the two years of the project. The project will continue, with a fifth research cycle, starting in January 2012. By the end of the fourth research cycle—Semester Two, 2011—there were eleven academics actively participating in the research group. The project had extended its influence to include academics from the Department of Mathematics at NMMU. The academics ranged from senior, long-serving professors to junior lecturing staff. The results of the research, or the researcher-practitioner’s living theory, explain the process by which an effective and enthusiastic community of practice, dedicated to improving the academics’ teaching and learning practice, was developed. The living theory is applicable to academics within a scientific discipline, desiring to explore and improve their education practice. My living theory explains the characteristics of the TLC (The Learning Community) space, and the action strategies for creating such a space. The explanation of the process of this project includes an analysis of the development process of the research group, typical characteristics of the environment or “space” of the group, and action strategies that other academics could use to create a similar community of practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Post, Leda
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Computer science -- Vocational guidance , Education, Cooperative , Curriculum evaluation , Experiential learning -- Science
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012677 , Computer science -- Vocational guidance , Education, Cooperative , Curriculum evaluation , Experiential learning -- Science
- Description: This thesis documents an action research project that was carried out within the Department of Computing Sciences at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), South Africa, from January 2010 to December 2011. The overall aim of the research was to foster an environment in which academics could explore ways to teach using an integrative approach to education. Previous research within the department had raised the concern that students were graduating without the type of high-level cognitive skills that were required in the workplace. While the students’ technical skills were perceived as being excellent, employers indicated that students would benefit from opportunities to develop or improve skills such as communication, teamwork, innovative thinking and time management. These skills include high-level cognitive skills, and are often referred to as “soft skills”. The academics participating in the research project came to believe that it was essential to develop teaching methods that would provide opportunities for students to develop these soft skills, in conjunction with the content and technical knowledge currently addressed in their courses. The research project followed the living theory approach to action research. A living theory action research project allows the researcher to investigate her own teaching, and develop a theory of practice. The theory of practice can be applied to the issues under investigation, to improve the situation or solve problems. At the same time, the theory of practice can contribute to the body of knowledge within the academic domain of the research. Action research is an iterative, cyclical process. There were four research cycles, each one semester in length, during the two years of the project. The project will continue, with a fifth research cycle, starting in January 2012. By the end of the fourth research cycle—Semester Two, 2011—there were eleven academics actively participating in the research group. The project had extended its influence to include academics from the Department of Mathematics at NMMU. The academics ranged from senior, long-serving professors to junior lecturing staff. The results of the research, or the researcher-practitioner’s living theory, explain the process by which an effective and enthusiastic community of practice, dedicated to improving the academics’ teaching and learning practice, was developed. The living theory is applicable to academics within a scientific discipline, desiring to explore and improve their education practice. My living theory explains the characteristics of the TLC (The Learning Community) space, and the action strategies for creating such a space. The explanation of the process of this project includes an analysis of the development process of the research group, typical characteristics of the environment or “space” of the group, and action strategies that other academics could use to create a similar community of practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Creation of clay flameless burner for vaporizing an insect repellent containing pmd as an active ingredient
- Authors: Akwi, Faith Mary
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Insect baits and repellents , Montmorillonite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008406 , Insect baits and repellents , Montmorillonite
- Description: Insecticide treated mosquito bed nets, insecticide aerosol sprays, repellent lotions and creams, repellent candles, vaporizable repellent essential oils, mosquito mats and coils are some of the many malaria personal protection tools that are in use. The latter of these measures are the most accessible and affordable options for the rural population in sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore important to determine how effective these personal protection measures are by determining their ability to efficiently disperse an active ingredient when the protection measure is in use. In this study, a copper II oxide montmorillonite clay burner (CuOMontmorillonite clay burner) was created to vaporize repellent formulations containing various concentrations of p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) as the active ingredient with the aim of determining the percentage of the active ingredient that is released into the air and the rate of release. The performance of the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner was also compared to that of the Lampe Berger fragrance burner (LBFB). In addition to this, the percentage of PMD released from 6 percentage wt PMD candles of diameters 40mm, 69mm and 83mm was determined and compared to that released when the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner and Lampe Berger Fragrance burner where used to vaporize PMD repellent formulations. It was found that the rate of vaporization of the various PMD repellent formulations vaporized using the Lampe Berger fragrance burner is affected by the mass of PMD present in the repellent formulations. The 6 percentage wt PMD repellent candles released the least percentage of PMD as compared to that released when the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner and the Lampe Berger fragrance burner were used to vaporize the PMD repellent formulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Akwi, Faith Mary
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Insect baits and repellents , Montmorillonite
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008406 , Insect baits and repellents , Montmorillonite
- Description: Insecticide treated mosquito bed nets, insecticide aerosol sprays, repellent lotions and creams, repellent candles, vaporizable repellent essential oils, mosquito mats and coils are some of the many malaria personal protection tools that are in use. The latter of these measures are the most accessible and affordable options for the rural population in sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore important to determine how effective these personal protection measures are by determining their ability to efficiently disperse an active ingredient when the protection measure is in use. In this study, a copper II oxide montmorillonite clay burner (CuOMontmorillonite clay burner) was created to vaporize repellent formulations containing various concentrations of p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) as the active ingredient with the aim of determining the percentage of the active ingredient that is released into the air and the rate of release. The performance of the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner was also compared to that of the Lampe Berger fragrance burner (LBFB). In addition to this, the percentage of PMD released from 6 percentage wt PMD candles of diameters 40mm, 69mm and 83mm was determined and compared to that released when the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner and Lampe Berger Fragrance burner where used to vaporize PMD repellent formulations. It was found that the rate of vaporization of the various PMD repellent formulations vaporized using the Lampe Berger fragrance burner is affected by the mass of PMD present in the repellent formulations. The 6 percentage wt PMD repellent candles released the least percentage of PMD as compared to that released when the CuO-Montmorillonite clay burner and the Lampe Berger fragrance burner were used to vaporize the PMD repellent formulations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Criminal liability for wilful HIV/AIDS infection: a comparative study
- Authors: Singh, Rajeshree
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Transmission -- Law and legislation , Crimes against humanity -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Prevention Sexually transmitted diseases -- Law and legislation , Exposure (Criminal law) -- Virus diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012686 , HIV infections -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Transmission -- Law and legislation , Crimes against humanity -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Prevention Sexually transmitted diseases -- Law and legislation , Exposure (Criminal law) -- Virus diseases
- Description: South Africa‘s high prevalence of HIV/AIDS coupled with a high crime rate and incidence of sexual violence necessitated the enquiry and study into the role of criminal law to address the wilful transmission of HIV.1 This study shows that criminal law can be used to punish offenders for wrongdoing and therefore finds application in the wilful transmission of HIV.2 The study distinguishes the dividing line between the justifiable use of criminal law and where use of the criminal law becomes discriminatory in nature and counterproductive to public health measures. The United Nations (hereinafter referred to as the UN) laid down guiding principles for countries to adopt when using the criminal law and stated that countries should use existing criminal law offences to prosecute intentional HIV infections.3 The South African Law Commission (hereinafter referred to as the SALC) endorses this approach. South Africa‘s use of the criminal law, in response to harmful HIV behaviour is in line with the UN recommendations as it uses the existing common law offences to prosecute the wilful transmission of HIV, namely murder, attempted murder and assault. Drawing from the writer‘s comparative study in Chapter Six below, South Africa, members of the Zimbabwean parliament, Canada, as well as the American Bar Association have all concluded that the use of specific HIV-related legislation creates some a form of stigmatization towards people living with HIV and is therefore not warranted. This study shows that criminal law has a role to play in the wilful transmission of HIV; however the creation of HIV specific legislation is not recommended and existing criminal law offences should be used to address harmful HIV related behaviour. Such an approach is in line with the guiding principles laid down by the UN and SALC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Singh, Rajeshree
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Transmission -- Law and legislation , Crimes against humanity -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Prevention Sexually transmitted diseases -- Law and legislation , Exposure (Criminal law) -- Virus diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012686 , HIV infections -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Transmission -- Law and legislation , Crimes against humanity -- Law and legislation , Communicable diseases -- Prevention Sexually transmitted diseases -- Law and legislation , Exposure (Criminal law) -- Virus diseases
- Description: South Africa‘s high prevalence of HIV/AIDS coupled with a high crime rate and incidence of sexual violence necessitated the enquiry and study into the role of criminal law to address the wilful transmission of HIV.1 This study shows that criminal law can be used to punish offenders for wrongdoing and therefore finds application in the wilful transmission of HIV.2 The study distinguishes the dividing line between the justifiable use of criminal law and where use of the criminal law becomes discriminatory in nature and counterproductive to public health measures. The United Nations (hereinafter referred to as the UN) laid down guiding principles for countries to adopt when using the criminal law and stated that countries should use existing criminal law offences to prosecute intentional HIV infections.3 The South African Law Commission (hereinafter referred to as the SALC) endorses this approach. South Africa‘s use of the criminal law, in response to harmful HIV behaviour is in line with the UN recommendations as it uses the existing common law offences to prosecute the wilful transmission of HIV, namely murder, attempted murder and assault. Drawing from the writer‘s comparative study in Chapter Six below, South Africa, members of the Zimbabwean parliament, Canada, as well as the American Bar Association have all concluded that the use of specific HIV-related legislation creates some a form of stigmatization towards people living with HIV and is therefore not warranted. This study shows that criminal law has a role to play in the wilful transmission of HIV; however the creation of HIV specific legislation is not recommended and existing criminal law offences should be used to address harmful HIV related behaviour. Such an approach is in line with the guiding principles laid down by the UN and SALC.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Critical design within the practice of graphic design
- Authors: Kuhn, Simon
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Product design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007843 , Graphic arts , Product design
- Description: Critical Design is a specific type of design activity that has emerged from within the field of product design. Based on the supposition that design is an ideological activity, it can either be critical or affirmative of the status quo and categorised as Critical Design or Affirmative Design. The intention of this study is to create Critical Design within the practice of graphic design. Critical Design was defined by identifying its key characteristics and then visualised into a diagram that maps the pathways, processes and consequences which distinguish Critical Design from Affirmative Design. The characteristics were used to generate criteria of Critical Design, which were then used to analyse case studies. The findings from this analysis suggested that both case study projects could be defined as Critical Design and served as a way of testing the appropriateness of the criteria. The practical component of this study used the characteristics of Critical Design to create a range of graphic design artefacts and then analysed them in relation to the criteria of Critical Design. The findings from this analysis determined the practical component as Critical [Graphic] Design and suggested that graphic design can be an appropriate medium for critique of its own role within society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kuhn, Simon
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Product design
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:8494 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1007843 , Graphic arts , Product design
- Description: Critical Design is a specific type of design activity that has emerged from within the field of product design. Based on the supposition that design is an ideological activity, it can either be critical or affirmative of the status quo and categorised as Critical Design or Affirmative Design. The intention of this study is to create Critical Design within the practice of graphic design. Critical Design was defined by identifying its key characteristics and then visualised into a diagram that maps the pathways, processes and consequences which distinguish Critical Design from Affirmative Design. The characteristics were used to generate criteria of Critical Design, which were then used to analyse case studies. The findings from this analysis suggested that both case study projects could be defined as Critical Design and served as a way of testing the appropriateness of the criteria. The practical component of this study used the characteristics of Critical Design to create a range of graphic design artefacts and then analysed them in relation to the criteria of Critical Design. The findings from this analysis determined the practical component as Critical [Graphic] Design and suggested that graphic design can be an appropriate medium for critique of its own role within society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Critical factors for enabling knowledge sharing between government agencies within South Africa
- Authors: Mannie, Avain
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Administrative agencies , Knowledge management , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019699
- Description: Globally, organisations have recognised the strategic importance of knowledge management (KM) and are increasingly focusing their efforts on practices to foster the creation, sharing and integration of knowledge. Whilst most research in Knowledge Management (KM) has focused on the private sector, there is a breadth of potential applications of KM theory and practice for government agencies to adopt in search of resolving pertinent problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management towards collaborative problem solving in government. What is missing is research-based evidence of the factors that influence the main factors for knowledge sharing across government agencies. Given this gap, the researcher addresses the research question: In government agencies mandated to resolve issues of crime, what are the key factors required which support and influence the collaborative sharing culture? Upon analysing the data, the researcher found the following key factors as being determinants on knowledge management: organisational culture, learning organisation, collaboration, subject matter experts and trust. The two factors – organisational culture and learning organisation were identified as the most significant factors which lay as the root or core for the ‘knowledge tree’. Once these roots are in place, the other factors will gain their significance on knowledge management. These findings serve to extend the findings of the existing literature within the government sector. This study is important because the findings provide government agencies with critically important information to guide their actions towards ensuring a knowledge sharing culture is embedded in government. Whilst the empirical findings do not focus on databases or information technology specifically, it is important to acknowledge the use of both technology and people. The main concern is with managing an organisation’s knowledge assets: creating, storing, protecting, disseminating and using mission-critical knowledge. When people need knowledge, is it the right knowledge and is it timely and easy to locate and access? Is this precious commodity updated as learning occurs and better ways of doing things are discovered? The awareness of the value of knowledge to a business, coupled with its leadership, acts as an integrator that improves cross- functional communication and cooperation. Shared knowledge not only makes for a more effective, efficient and agile organisation, but creates a common perspective and culture that produces a natural consistency of successful decisions and actions. The collaborative knowledge tree model proposed in this study uses the analogy of a tree when viewing South African government agencies as the branches of a collective tree (government). This ‘tree’ requires leaders and policy making to ‘dig deep’ into understanding the roots of the tree in order to ensure that the appropriate ‘seeds’ are planted such that the tree grows and is able to provide the necessary fruit required. Ultimately, as suggested by former President Thabo Mbeki (2012) in his address, the role of knowledge would thus be seen as a collaborative means towards the betterment of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mannie, Avain
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Administrative agencies , Knowledge management , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019699
- Description: Globally, organisations have recognised the strategic importance of knowledge management (KM) and are increasingly focusing their efforts on practices to foster the creation, sharing and integration of knowledge. Whilst most research in Knowledge Management (KM) has focused on the private sector, there is a breadth of potential applications of KM theory and practice for government agencies to adopt in search of resolving pertinent problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management towards collaborative problem solving in government. What is missing is research-based evidence of the factors that influence the main factors for knowledge sharing across government agencies. Given this gap, the researcher addresses the research question: In government agencies mandated to resolve issues of crime, what are the key factors required which support and influence the collaborative sharing culture? Upon analysing the data, the researcher found the following key factors as being determinants on knowledge management: organisational culture, learning organisation, collaboration, subject matter experts and trust. The two factors – organisational culture and learning organisation were identified as the most significant factors which lay as the root or core for the ‘knowledge tree’. Once these roots are in place, the other factors will gain their significance on knowledge management. These findings serve to extend the findings of the existing literature within the government sector. This study is important because the findings provide government agencies with critically important information to guide their actions towards ensuring a knowledge sharing culture is embedded in government. Whilst the empirical findings do not focus on databases or information technology specifically, it is important to acknowledge the use of both technology and people. The main concern is with managing an organisation’s knowledge assets: creating, storing, protecting, disseminating and using mission-critical knowledge. When people need knowledge, is it the right knowledge and is it timely and easy to locate and access? Is this precious commodity updated as learning occurs and better ways of doing things are discovered? The awareness of the value of knowledge to a business, coupled with its leadership, acts as an integrator that improves cross- functional communication and cooperation. Shared knowledge not only makes for a more effective, efficient and agile organisation, but creates a common perspective and culture that produces a natural consistency of successful decisions and actions. The collaborative knowledge tree model proposed in this study uses the analogy of a tree when viewing South African government agencies as the branches of a collective tree (government). This ‘tree’ requires leaders and policy making to ‘dig deep’ into understanding the roots of the tree in order to ensure that the appropriate ‘seeds’ are planted such that the tree grows and is able to provide the necessary fruit required. Ultimately, as suggested by former President Thabo Mbeki (2012) in his address, the role of knowledge would thus be seen as a collaborative means towards the betterment of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Critical factors for the successful implementation of the proposed national health insurance system in South Africa
- Authors: Cortje, Gareth Frederick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , National health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013090
- Description: South Africa has a complex healthcare system. The provision and financing of health care in South Africa occur within two fundamentally different systems: the public healthcare sector and non-governmental not-for-profit organisations, on the one hand, and the private healthcare system, on the other hand. The socioeconomic status of an individual in South Africa is the primary determinant of the system through which he or she will receive access to healthcare. The healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors are perceived to be unequal. The introduction of healthcare reforms by the South African government through the National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to address these disparities. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the successful implementation of the proposed South African NHI by identifying critical success factors that would impact such implementation. A sample of managerial representatives of the following healthcare institutions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was drawn: Large private hospitals groups; Eastern Cape Department of Health; Independent medical practitioners groups; South African Dental Association; Pharmacy Association of South Africa; Optometrist Association of South Africa. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed among these institutions and approximately 233 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate 93.2 percent). A literature review was conducted to identify the various viewpoints (critical success factors, as well as positive and negative perceptions) on NHIs in other countries, as well as the proposed one in South Africa. About 43 of such viewpoints were identified. The 233 respondents were surveyed on these 43 viewpoints. The empirical results revealed the following three critical success factors for the successful implementation of the South African NHI: The projected benefits for stakeholders, with specific reference to medical aid schemes; the projected benefits to the private healthcare sector in servicing the public sector; and strategic leadership. The empirical results also showed that the healthcare managers, who serve the poor versus the affluent geographical areas of the NMBM, differ with regard to their projected success of the NHI. Finally, the study highlighted these health managers’ general perceptions about the envisaged benefits and shortcomings of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Cortje, Gareth Frederick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , National health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013090
- Description: South Africa has a complex healthcare system. The provision and financing of health care in South Africa occur within two fundamentally different systems: the public healthcare sector and non-governmental not-for-profit organisations, on the one hand, and the private healthcare system, on the other hand. The socioeconomic status of an individual in South Africa is the primary determinant of the system through which he or she will receive access to healthcare. The healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors are perceived to be unequal. The introduction of healthcare reforms by the South African government through the National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to address these disparities. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the successful implementation of the proposed South African NHI by identifying critical success factors that would impact such implementation. A sample of managerial representatives of the following healthcare institutions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was drawn: Large private hospitals groups; Eastern Cape Department of Health; Independent medical practitioners groups; South African Dental Association; Pharmacy Association of South Africa; Optometrist Association of South Africa. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed among these institutions and approximately 233 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate 93.2 percent). A literature review was conducted to identify the various viewpoints (critical success factors, as well as positive and negative perceptions) on NHIs in other countries, as well as the proposed one in South Africa. About 43 of such viewpoints were identified. The 233 respondents were surveyed on these 43 viewpoints. The empirical results revealed the following three critical success factors for the successful implementation of the South African NHI: The projected benefits for stakeholders, with specific reference to medical aid schemes; the projected benefits to the private healthcare sector in servicing the public sector; and strategic leadership. The empirical results also showed that the healthcare managers, who serve the poor versus the affluent geographical areas of the NMBM, differ with regard to their projected success of the NHI. Finally, the study highlighted these health managers’ general perceptions about the envisaged benefits and shortcomings of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cryptic variation in an ecological indicator organism: mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data confirm distinct lineages of Baetis harrisoni Barnard (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in southern Africa
- Pereira-da-Conceicoa, L L, Price, Benjamin W, Barber-James, Helen M
- Authors: Pereira-da-Conceicoa, L L , Price, Benjamin W , Barber-James, Helen M
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011855
- Description: Baetis harrisoni Barnard is a mayfly frequently encountered in river studies across Africa, but the external morphological features used for identifying nymphs have been observed to vary subtly between different geographic locations. It has been associated with a wide range of ecological conditions, including pH extremes of pH 2.9–10.0 in polluted waters. We present a molecular study of the genetic variation within B. harrisoni across 21 rivers in its distribution range in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pereira-da-Conceicoa, L L , Price, Benjamin W , Barber-James, Helen M
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7151 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011855
- Description: Baetis harrisoni Barnard is a mayfly frequently encountered in river studies across Africa, but the external morphological features used for identifying nymphs have been observed to vary subtly between different geographic locations. It has been associated with a wide range of ecological conditions, including pH extremes of pH 2.9–10.0 in polluted waters. We present a molecular study of the genetic variation within B. harrisoni across 21 rivers in its distribution range in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cryptic variation in an ecological indicator organism: mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data confirm distinct lineages of Baetis harrisoni Barnard (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in Southern Africa
- Pereira-da-Conceicoa, Lyndall L, Price, Benjamin W, Barber-James, Helen M, Barker, Nigel P, de Moor, Ferdy C, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Pereira-da-Conceicoa, Lyndall L , Price, Benjamin W , Barber-James, Helen M , Barker, Nigel P , de Moor, Ferdy C , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005976 , https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-12-26
- Description: Baetis harrisoni Barnard is a mayfly frequently encountered in river studies across Africa, but the external morphological features used for identifying nymphs have been observed to vary subtly between different geographic locations. It has been associated with a wide range of ecological conditions, including pH extremes of pH 2.9–10.0 in polluted waters. We present a molecular study of the genetic variation within B. harrisoni across 21 rivers in its distribution range in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Pereira-da-Conceicoa, Lyndall L , Price, Benjamin W , Barber-James, Helen M , Barker, Nigel P , de Moor, Ferdy C , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6535 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005976 , https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-12-26
- Description: Baetis harrisoni Barnard is a mayfly frequently encountered in river studies across Africa, but the external morphological features used for identifying nymphs have been observed to vary subtly between different geographic locations. It has been associated with a wide range of ecological conditions, including pH extremes of pH 2.9–10.0 in polluted waters. We present a molecular study of the genetic variation within B. harrisoni across 21 rivers in its distribution range in southern Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cultural interpretations of traumatic events and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of IsiXhosa-speaking adults
- Authors: De Villiers, Derika
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008379 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Description: South Africa as a country is known for its high crime rate which produces an ongoing traumatising environment for its multicultural nation. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the general South African population is thought to be more prevalent than most international norms which make this topic both relevant and important. Cultural diversity is seen to play a role in the experience of PTSD which means that it has become important to gain an understanding of the potential effect of the individual’s cultural background on the processing of a traumatic experience and the symptoms related to the experience. The proposed research focused on appraisals of the traumatic event and symptoms (in schematic and cultural terms). An interpretive (with current cognitive conceptions of the disorder as guiding theory) phenomenological approach was used. The sample consisted of eight isiXhosa-speaking adults that qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD with no prior psychiatric diagnosis. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview and analysed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated that participants understood their PTSD symptoms in a functional manner but struggled to make sense of their traumatic event. Not understanding their traumatic event was the variable that maintained their PTSD diagnosis. Most of the interpretations made by these participants were fairly universal and there were very few links to content that can directly be attributed to a traditional African worldview. Practitioners may not need to completely reinvent the wheel as far as treatment strategies for PTSD for isiXhosa-speaking individuals in an urban setting go.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: De Villiers, Derika
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008379 , Post-traumatic stress disorder , Emotions and cognition , Psychic trauma
- Description: South Africa as a country is known for its high crime rate which produces an ongoing traumatising environment for its multicultural nation. Posttraumatic stress disorder in the general South African population is thought to be more prevalent than most international norms which make this topic both relevant and important. Cultural diversity is seen to play a role in the experience of PTSD which means that it has become important to gain an understanding of the potential effect of the individual’s cultural background on the processing of a traumatic experience and the symptoms related to the experience. The proposed research focused on appraisals of the traumatic event and symptoms (in schematic and cultural terms). An interpretive (with current cognitive conceptions of the disorder as guiding theory) phenomenological approach was used. The sample consisted of eight isiXhosa-speaking adults that qualified for a diagnosis of PTSD with no prior psychiatric diagnosis. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview and analysed using the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated that participants understood their PTSD symptoms in a functional manner but struggled to make sense of their traumatic event. Not understanding their traumatic event was the variable that maintained their PTSD diagnosis. Most of the interpretations made by these participants were fairly universal and there were very few links to content that can directly be attributed to a traditional African worldview. Practitioners may not need to completely reinvent the wheel as far as treatment strategies for PTSD for isiXhosa-speaking individuals in an urban setting go.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Culturally-relevant augmented user interfaces for illiterate and semi-literate users
- Authors: Gavaza, Takayedzwa
- Date: 2012 , 2012-06-14
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Computer software -- Research , Graphical user interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Human-computer interaction , Computers and literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006679 , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Computer software -- Research , Graphical user interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Human-computer interaction , Computers and literacy
- Description: This thesis discusses guidelines for developers of Augmented User Interfaces that can be used by illiterate and semi-literate users. To discover how illiterate and semi-literate users intuitively understand interaction with a computer, a series of Wizard of Oz experiments were conducted. In the first Wizard of Oz study, users were presented with a standard desktop computer, fitted with a number of input devices to determine how they assume interaction should occur. This study found that the users preferred the use of speech and gestures which mirrored findings from other researchers. The study also found that users struggled to understand the tab metaphor which is used frequently in applications. From these findings, a localised culturally-relevant tab interface was developed to determine the feasibility of localised Graphical User Interface components. A second study was undertaken to compare the localised tab interface with the traditional tabbed interface. This study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from the participants. It found that users could interact with a localised tabbed interface faster and more accurately than with the traditional counterparts. More importantly, users stated that they intuitively understood the localised interface component, whereas they did not understand the traditional tab metaphor. These user studies have shown that the use of self-explanatory animations, video feedback, localised tabbed interface metaphors and voice output have a positive impact on enabling illiterate and semi-literate users to access information. , TeX , Adobe Acrobat 9.51 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Gavaza, Takayedzwa
- Date: 2012 , 2012-06-14
- Subjects: User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Computer software -- Research , Graphical user interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Human-computer interaction , Computers and literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4665 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006679 , User interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Computer software -- Research , Graphical user interfaces (Computer systems) -- Research , Human-computer interaction , Computers and literacy
- Description: This thesis discusses guidelines for developers of Augmented User Interfaces that can be used by illiterate and semi-literate users. To discover how illiterate and semi-literate users intuitively understand interaction with a computer, a series of Wizard of Oz experiments were conducted. In the first Wizard of Oz study, users were presented with a standard desktop computer, fitted with a number of input devices to determine how they assume interaction should occur. This study found that the users preferred the use of speech and gestures which mirrored findings from other researchers. The study also found that users struggled to understand the tab metaphor which is used frequently in applications. From these findings, a localised culturally-relevant tab interface was developed to determine the feasibility of localised Graphical User Interface components. A second study was undertaken to compare the localised tab interface with the traditional tabbed interface. This study collected both quantitative and qualitative data from the participants. It found that users could interact with a localised tabbed interface faster and more accurately than with the traditional counterparts. More importantly, users stated that they intuitively understood the localised interface component, whereas they did not understand the traditional tab metaphor. These user studies have shown that the use of self-explanatory animations, video feedback, localised tabbed interface metaphors and voice output have a positive impact on enabling illiterate and semi-literate users to access information. , TeX , Adobe Acrobat 9.51 Paper Capture Plug-in
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Curcumin analogues as ligands for Re (I) and (V)
- Authors: Schmitt, Bonell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rhenium , Ligands , Chemistry, Inorganic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020975
- Description: Coordination properties of 4-bromo-N-(diethylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (Hbeb) and 4-bromo-N-(diphenylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (Hbpb) with oxorhenium(V) and rhenium(I) are reported and discussed. Transition metal complexes of these ligands were studied due to the wide range of applications of thiourea derivatives in biological fields. N-[Di(alkyl/aryl)carbamothioyl]benzamide derivatives readily coordinate to metal ions as O,S-donors and the catalytic property of the complexes can be altered by these ligands, due to steric and electronic properties provided by various substituents. The coordination possibilities of curcumin with rhenium(V) are discussed, as well as the difficulties encountered. Analogues of curcumin have been made, which also contains a seven-spacer unit between the phenyl rings, which would be more reactive and more effective in bonding to rhenium and which have greater or a similar biological activity to curcumin. This was done by assessing the coordination properties of 1,5-bis(salicylidene)thiocarbohydrazide (H4salt) and 2,4-bis(vanilidene)thiocarbohydrazide (H4vant) with oxorhenium(V) and rhenium(I) starting materials. Two rhenium(V) complex salts of the core [ReX(PPh3)2]4+ (X = Br, I), containing a coordinated imido nitrogen, are reported. One is a ‘2+1’ complex, coordinating bi- and monodentately, with the other a similar ‘3+0’ complex containing a tridentate imido-coordinated Schiff base. Selected compounds were tested against oesophageal cancer cell lines in order to evaluate and compare their effectiveness in eliminating or reducing the cancer cells in the test medium during biological testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Schmitt, Bonell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Rhenium , Ligands , Chemistry, Inorganic
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10443 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020975
- Description: Coordination properties of 4-bromo-N-(diethylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (Hbeb) and 4-bromo-N-(diphenylcarbamothioyl)benzamide (Hbpb) with oxorhenium(V) and rhenium(I) are reported and discussed. Transition metal complexes of these ligands were studied due to the wide range of applications of thiourea derivatives in biological fields. N-[Di(alkyl/aryl)carbamothioyl]benzamide derivatives readily coordinate to metal ions as O,S-donors and the catalytic property of the complexes can be altered by these ligands, due to steric and electronic properties provided by various substituents. The coordination possibilities of curcumin with rhenium(V) are discussed, as well as the difficulties encountered. Analogues of curcumin have been made, which also contains a seven-spacer unit between the phenyl rings, which would be more reactive and more effective in bonding to rhenium and which have greater or a similar biological activity to curcumin. This was done by assessing the coordination properties of 1,5-bis(salicylidene)thiocarbohydrazide (H4salt) and 2,4-bis(vanilidene)thiocarbohydrazide (H4vant) with oxorhenium(V) and rhenium(I) starting materials. Two rhenium(V) complex salts of the core [ReX(PPh3)2]4+ (X = Br, I), containing a coordinated imido nitrogen, are reported. One is a ‘2+1’ complex, coordinating bi- and monodentately, with the other a similar ‘3+0’ complex containing a tridentate imido-coordinated Schiff base. Selected compounds were tested against oesophageal cancer cell lines in order to evaluate and compare their effectiveness in eliminating or reducing the cancer cells in the test medium during biological testing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Curriculum reform in Lesotho: exploring the interface between environmental education and geography in selected schools
- Authors: Raselimo, Mohaeka Gabriel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- Lesotho Curriculum change -- Lesotho Educational evaluation -- Lesotho Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Lesotho Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Lesotho Agenda 21 (Program)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003369
- Description: This study sought to explore the interface between environmental education (EE) and school geography with a view to understanding a process of curriculum reform in the context of Lesotho. The research was based on the curriculum reform process that was initiated by a Danish donor-funded project, known as the Lesotho Environmental Education Support Project (LEESP), which operated from 2001 to 2004. Driven by a sustainable development imperative, the project was intended to assist Lesotho in the implementation of local action for Agenda 21 by introducing environmental education into the formal education system. Deviating slightly from much published research on geographical and environmental education, which focuses on how geography contributes to environmental education, this study explored how the latter has shaped the former in terms of content and pedagogy. Using the lens of critical curriculum theory, I sought to understand the political nature of the curriculum and of curriculum change, focusing on the LEESP curriculum policy development, dissemination and implementation at classroom level. The study employed Bernstein's concepts of classification and framing to illuminate issues of power and control between discourses, and between teachers and learners. Operating within an interpretive qualitative research orientation, the study used a case study method focusing on five secondary/high schools in Lesotho. The data was generated through document analysis, interviews and classroom observations. The study examined the assumptions, values and ideologies underpinning environmental education curriculum intentions as reflected in LEESP documents. It also investigated the social process of conceptualising and disseminating environmental education to understand the challenges faced as education practitioners made sense of environmental education innovations in the specific contexts of Lesotho, and how these could possibly influence what happens at the classroom level. The analysis of the LEESP documents revealed that while there are many areas of synergy between the LEESP environmental education policy guidelines and the national education ideals in Lesotho, achievement of the transformational visions of action competence, which was the overarching concept in the reform process, would require major structural changes. The study also highlights issues of participation, contestations, tensions and contradictions associated with the conceptualisation and dissemination of environmental education. At implementation level, there is a disjuncture between environmental education policy intentions and practice. Geography teachers in the research schools generally understood the existence of environmental education in their schools in terms of environmental management. The findings also revealed that while there is generally a strong environmental dimension in geography content, as reflected in both curriculum materials and classroom practice, the subject still retains its disciplinary boundaries and makes little use of knowledge from other subjects or the everyday knowledge of the learners. Finally, it emerged that while the geography teachers in their rhetoric espoused learner-centred methods, in practice they generally employed traditional teacher-centred and book-centred methods. The study concludes that a lack of change in school geography in Lesotho, of the sort envisaged in LEESP, may be attributed to contextual and structural factors such as an overemphasis on examinations, and certain perceptions on the part of teachers and learners embedded in the history and culture of their society. A model of teacher professional development capable of supporting curriculum change is therefore proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Raselimo, Mohaeka Gabriel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Curriculum planning -- Lesotho Curriculum change -- Lesotho Educational evaluation -- Lesotho Environmental education -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Lesotho Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Lesotho Agenda 21 (Program)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1488 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003369
- Description: This study sought to explore the interface between environmental education (EE) and school geography with a view to understanding a process of curriculum reform in the context of Lesotho. The research was based on the curriculum reform process that was initiated by a Danish donor-funded project, known as the Lesotho Environmental Education Support Project (LEESP), which operated from 2001 to 2004. Driven by a sustainable development imperative, the project was intended to assist Lesotho in the implementation of local action for Agenda 21 by introducing environmental education into the formal education system. Deviating slightly from much published research on geographical and environmental education, which focuses on how geography contributes to environmental education, this study explored how the latter has shaped the former in terms of content and pedagogy. Using the lens of critical curriculum theory, I sought to understand the political nature of the curriculum and of curriculum change, focusing on the LEESP curriculum policy development, dissemination and implementation at classroom level. The study employed Bernstein's concepts of classification and framing to illuminate issues of power and control between discourses, and between teachers and learners. Operating within an interpretive qualitative research orientation, the study used a case study method focusing on five secondary/high schools in Lesotho. The data was generated through document analysis, interviews and classroom observations. The study examined the assumptions, values and ideologies underpinning environmental education curriculum intentions as reflected in LEESP documents. It also investigated the social process of conceptualising and disseminating environmental education to understand the challenges faced as education practitioners made sense of environmental education innovations in the specific contexts of Lesotho, and how these could possibly influence what happens at the classroom level. The analysis of the LEESP documents revealed that while there are many areas of synergy between the LEESP environmental education policy guidelines and the national education ideals in Lesotho, achievement of the transformational visions of action competence, which was the overarching concept in the reform process, would require major structural changes. The study also highlights issues of participation, contestations, tensions and contradictions associated with the conceptualisation and dissemination of environmental education. At implementation level, there is a disjuncture between environmental education policy intentions and practice. Geography teachers in the research schools generally understood the existence of environmental education in their schools in terms of environmental management. The findings also revealed that while there is generally a strong environmental dimension in geography content, as reflected in both curriculum materials and classroom practice, the subject still retains its disciplinary boundaries and makes little use of knowledge from other subjects or the everyday knowledge of the learners. Finally, it emerged that while the geography teachers in their rhetoric espoused learner-centred methods, in practice they generally employed traditional teacher-centred and book-centred methods. The study concludes that a lack of change in school geography in Lesotho, of the sort envisaged in LEESP, may be attributed to contextual and structural factors such as an overemphasis on examinations, and certain perceptions on the part of teachers and learners embedded in the history and culture of their society. A model of teacher professional development capable of supporting curriculum change is therefore proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Cutaneous myiasis: is Lucilia cuprina safe and acceptable for maggot debridement therapy?
- Kingu, Howard J, Kuria, Simon K, Villet, Martin H, Mkhize, Jane N, Dhaffala, Adupa, Iisa, John M
- Authors: Kingu, Howard J , Kuria, Simon K , Villet, Martin H , Mkhize, Jane N , Dhaffala, Adupa , Iisa, John M
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442649 , vital:74018 , DOI:10.4236/jcdsa.2012.22018
- Description: Preservation of viable tissue is important in wound management. It is achieved by small, incremental removal of devitalised, necrotic and infected tissues. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is used in septic necrotic wounds that fail to respond to conventional modalities. MDT has relied on Lucilia cuprina, which consumes only necrotic tissues, as opposed to Lucilia cuprina, which devours both flesh and necrotic tissues. Recent findings have shown that L. cuprina consumes mainly necrotic and very small amounts of viable tissues and may be used in MDT where L. sericata is very rare or absent. Here we describe wound healing in a patient from rural South Africa with cutaneous myiasis. Our findings agree with workers who indicated that L. cuprina could be used in MDT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kingu, Howard J , Kuria, Simon K , Villet, Martin H , Mkhize, Jane N , Dhaffala, Adupa , Iisa, John M
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442649 , vital:74018 , DOI:10.4236/jcdsa.2012.22018
- Description: Preservation of viable tissue is important in wound management. It is achieved by small, incremental removal of devitalised, necrotic and infected tissues. Maggot debridement therapy (MDT) is used in septic necrotic wounds that fail to respond to conventional modalities. MDT has relied on Lucilia cuprina, which consumes only necrotic tissues, as opposed to Lucilia cuprina, which devours both flesh and necrotic tissues. Recent findings have shown that L. cuprina consumes mainly necrotic and very small amounts of viable tissues and may be used in MDT where L. sericata is very rare or absent. Here we describe wound healing in a patient from rural South Africa with cutaneous myiasis. Our findings agree with workers who indicated that L. cuprina could be used in MDT.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012