Browsing by Title
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Groenewald, Gerald (Univ. of Johannesburg) (Published by History Department, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This article uses the career of Hendrik Oostwald Eksteen at the Cape between 1702 and 1741 to illustrate the mechanisms free burghers could use to create wealth in an economically restrictive environment. By making use of the concept of entrepreneurship and its attendant issues, the article describes Eksteenʼs rise to fortune and prestige through his exploitation of a combination of economic opportunities afforded by Cape Townʼs position as a port servicing passing ships. Crucial to Eksteenʼs later success was his successful use of the opportunities provided by the monopolistic alcohol retail market at the Cape. Eksteenʼs initial success in this arena provided him with a capital base to pursue other opportunities in agriculture, fishing and meat provision, making him the wealthiest man at the Cape by the 1730s. The article also illustrates how Eksteenʼs upward mobility was linked to his use of social capital and the cultivation of large social networks through kinship. It demonstrates, furthermore, that economic success was wound up with social power and prestige. In using the biography of Eksteen, the article argues for the importance of economic history in the study of the early modern Cape, but calls also for a study which links economic developments with social and cultural ones through a focus on individual entrepreneurs. Shown, too, is the fact that the existing conception of the rise of a Cape gentry in the eighteenth century needs to be revised to take into account the role of entrepreneurship, the urban foundations of wealth creation, as well as the role of the free black community in this process. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/99 Files in this item: 1
GroenewaldEntrepreneur2009.pdf (260.7Kb) -
Conradie, Ernst (Stellenbosch University, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This essay is an abbreviated version of an inaugural lecture, read on 24 October 2007 at the University of the Western Cape. It investigates the role of cosmological narratives that help people to understand where they come from, who they are, how they can cope with the demands of life and with evil, and where they are going to. It focuses on one such a narrative, namely the Christian story of God’s work of creation, evolution, the emergence of human beings and human culture, the distortions resulting from human sin, God’s providence, redemption, the formation of the church, its ministries and missions and the consummation of all things. These themes have traditionally been captured under the notion of ‘God’s economy’. This term is derived from the Greek word oikos which is understood in the Christian tradition as ‘the whole household of God’. In contemporary ecumenical theology this term provides a clue as to how the moral of this story may be understood to address ecological degradation, economic injustices and ecumenical fellowship. The argument of the essay is that a retrieval of the underlying narrative structure of the story of God’s work can help to avoid the ways in which one ‘chapter’ of the story tends to be subsumed under another. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/362 Files in this item: 1
ConradieGodsWork2008.pdf (194.6Kb) -
Zinn, Sandy; Langdown, Natasha (Library & Information Association of South Africa, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this study completed in 2010 was to investigate the use of e-books amongst academic librarians; in particular which e-books are available to academic librarians, why they choose this format, what impact e-books have on librarians’ professional practice and what the usage patterns of e-books are amongst academic librarians. A web-based questionnaire was distributed on the LIASA mailing list. The results reflect a more gradual trend towards e-book adoption. There is still a preference for print or a “bit of both” – print and electronic. This is because of the high costs of e-books using the subscription model as the predominant e-book acquisition model and the lack of sufficient e-books in all subject fields. E-books are used for “browsing for information” and are selected for functionalities such as having the ability to search the document, anytime access and automatic citation. Major problems identified with e-books are: the cost of the equipment to read e-book formats; the cost of the e-books, especially if the subscription purchasing model is used; the lack of reliability of the Internet; and the lack of training in the use of e-books. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/527 Files in this item: 1
ZinnEbooks2011.pdf (398.3Kb) -
Lowther, Mickey; McMillan, Wendy; Venter, Francisca (Actuarial Society of South Africa (ASSA), 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is located in the field of actuarial professional education. It draws on current literature and empirical evidence to argue the need for developing generic ‘normative’ capabilities and values in the actuarial profession. The paper examines three themes of normative education for actuaries—the intended purpose of an education programme, the range of capabilities and values to be developed and educational ‘best practice’. A literature review of normative education in various professions provided a theoretical framework for data analysis, and for making recommendations. Data were collected from three sources: interviews with stakeholders; documentary evidence regarding current education of actuaries and accountants; and advertisements for employment of nearly or newly qualified actuaries. The paper draws on the literature and the empirical evidence to argue that the purpose of an actuarial education programme is to ensure the delivery of a service of quality. For this delivery to be achieved, attention must be given to technical, normative and organisational learning. The paper then reviews normative capabilities and values for actuaries. Thereafter, educational considerations for the development of normative capabilities and values are discussed. The paper concludes by drawing on the study to outline principles to guide curriculum planning for the normative component of the new South African actuarial qualification. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/91 Files in this item: 1
McMillan_actuarial-quality(2009).pdf (177.8Kb) -
Hart, Genevieve (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The article details a study which examined the capacity of public libraries to offer information literacy education in South Africa. It investigates the perceptions of public library staff on their role in information literacy education. It provides a background on public libraries and literacy programs in the country. Findings of the research are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/438 Files in this item: 1
HartInformationLiteracy2006.pdf (120.5Kb) -
Majeed, Abdul; Grobler, Sias; Moola, Mohamad H.; Rossouw, Roelof; Van Wyk Kotze, Theuns (South African Dental Association, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of various Opalescence tooth-whitening products on enamel. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Enamel blocks were exposed to Opalescence PF 10% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10), Opalescence PF 20% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10), Opalescence Trèswhite Supreme 10% Hydrogen Peroxide (n = 10) and Opalescence Quick PF 45% Carbamide Peroxide (n = 10) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The control group was enamel blocks (n = 10) kept in artificial saliva. The values were obtained before exposure and after the 14-days treatment period. Enamel blocks were kept in saliva between treatments. Indent marks on enamel blocks were examined using the scanning electron microscope for treatment effects. RESULTS: All four different Opalescence products damaged enamel. The most damage was done when treated for a long period (112 hours). SEM images also showed damage to enamel by all 4 products. Opalescence with 10% and with 20% Carbamide Peroxide showed the highest damage, which also differed significantly (p < 0.05) from the saliva control group (p < 0.05; Tukey-Kramer Multiple comparison test). CONCLUSION: All 4 Opalescence products damaged enamel. Higher damage was done by the 10% carbamide peroxide and 20% carbamide peroxide products because of the much longer exposure period (112 hours in comparison to 7 hours). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/581 Files in this item: 1
MajeeddifferentOpalescence2008.pdf (1.805Mb) -
Majeed, Abdul; Grobler, Sias; Moola, Mohamed; Oberholzer, Theuns (South African Dental Association, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of four over-the-counter tooth-whitening products on enamel microhardness. METHODS: Fifty enamel blocks were prepared from extracted human molar teeth. The enamel surfaces were polished up to 1200 grit fineness and the specimens randomly divided into five groups. Enamel blocks were exposed to: Rapid White (n=10); Absolute White (n=10); Speed White (n=10) and White Glo (n=10) whitening products, according to the manufacturers' instructions. As control, ten enamel blocks were kept in artificial saliva at 37 degrees C without any treatment. Microhardness values were obtained before exposure (baseline) and after 1, 7 and 14-day treatment periods using a digital hardness tester with a Vickers diamond indenter. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Sum Test, one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Both Rapid White and Absolute White reduced enamel microhardness. Speed White increased the microhardness of enamel, while White Glo and artificial saliva had no effect on hardness. CONCLUSIONS: Over-the-counter tooth-whitening products might decrease enamel microhardness depending on the type of product. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/616 Files in this item: 1
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Grobler, Sias; Majeed, Abdul; Moola, Mohamad H. (South African Dental Association, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Objectives: The purpose was to evaluate the effect of various tooth-whitening products on the South African market, containing carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP), on enamel microhardness. Methods: Enamel blocks were exposed to: Nite White® ACP 10% CP (group 2, n=10); Yotuel® Patient 10% CP (group 3, n=10); Opalescence® PF 10% CP (group 4, n=10); Opalescence® PF 20% CP (group 5, n=10); Opalescence® Treswhite Supreme 10% HP (group 6, n=10); Yotuel® 10 Minutes 30% CP (group 7, n=10); Opalescence® Quick 45% CP (group 8, n=10), Yotuel® Special 35% HP (group 9, n=10), Opalescence® Boost 38% HP (group 10, n=10) according to the instructions of the manufacturers. The control group (1) was enamel blocks (n=10) kept in artificial saliva at 37˚C without any treatment. The microhardness values were obtained before exposure and after a 14-day treatment period. Specimens were kept in artificial saliva at 37˚C between treatments. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Comparison Test. Indent marks on the enamel blocks were also examined under the scanning electron microscope. Results: All whitening products decreased enamel microhardness except group 10. Only Groups 2,3,4,5 and 7 showed significant decrease in enamel microhardness as compared to the control group (p<0.05). Groups 2, 3 and 7 differed significantly from all the other groups (p<0.05). The highest damage was recorded for group 2 (Nite White® ACP 10% CP), which differed significantly from groups 3 and 7. SEM images also showed damage to enamel. Conclusions: All products damaged enamel except Opalescence® Boost 38% HP. In general, the products containing carbamide peroxide were more damaging while longer treatment periods influenced the microhardness values negatively. Nite White® ACP without fluoride showed relatively more damage than all the other products containing fluoride. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/590 Files in this item: 1
GroblerEnamelMicrohardness2009.pdf (1.648Mb) -
Pillay, Tanushree; Frantz, Jose M. (Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Introduction: The increase in physical inactivity is thought to be one of the main risk factors for the development of diseases of lifestyle. This has highlighted the need for prevention and intervention programmes that are thought to assist in influencing the modifiable risk factors. Physical activity programmes have been proven to positively influence risk factors such us blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Interventions by health professionals can assist in combating the problem. This study aimed to determine the effects of a short term physical activity programme on the BMI, body fat and blood pressure of high school learners in a local community in the Western Cape. Methods: The total number of learners who volunteered to participate in the study was 106. The study used a pre-test post-test design. The intervention programme was a 6 week programme run for 3 days per week for a period of 40 – 60 minutes per session. The intervention consisted of moderate to vigorous activities. Data was analysed by comparing learners who participated in the intervention and those who did not. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in this study. Results: Prior to the intervention it was found that 18% were found to be obese and at least 10% were hypertensive. Following the intervention it was reported that blood pressure as well as BMI and percentage body fat was influenced in positive way. Conclusion: One can conclude that, a short term physical activity intervention programme conducted three times a week with moderate activities can affect the BMI and blood pressure levels of adolescents. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/119 Files in this item: 1
PillayEffects2009.pdf (71.62Kb) -
Valisi, Andiswa; Maiyalagan, Thandavarayan; Khotseng, Lindiwe; Linkov, Vladimir; Pasupathi, Sivakumar (Springer, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This work studies the effect of heat treatment of carbon-dispersed platinum and platinum alloys on its methanol tolerance and catalytic activity as gas diffusion electrodes for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid medium. The catalyst powders were subjected to heat treatments at three different temperatures for a fixed period at controlled atmospheres. Differences in catalyst morphology were characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and transmission electron microscope techniques. The electrochemical characteristics and activity of the electro-catalysts were evaluated for ORR and methanol tolerance using cyclic voltammetry, in the form of gas diffusion electrodes. The optimum heat-treatment temperature is found to be strongly dependent on the individual catalyst. The maximum ORR activity and better methanol tolerance for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was observed in Pt-Fe/C and Pt-Cu/C catalysts subjected to heat treatment at 350 °C.A trend of catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was obtained: Pt-Cu/C (350°C)>Pt-Fe/C (350°C) > Pt-Ni/C (350°C) > Pt-Co/C (250°C) > Pt/C (350°C), showing that Pt-Cu/C-type catalysts had a higher catalytic activity with reasonable methanol tolerance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/343 Files in this item: 1
ValisiHeatTreatment2012.pdf (10.92Mb) -
Mugabo, Pierre; Khan, Fatima; Burger, Andries (Open Access Science Research Publisher, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The use the aqueous decoction of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) (Ll) R. Br. (Lamiaceae) in the treatment of hypertension (HPT) in traditional medicine is well documented. The effect of the aqueous extract of LI on the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) has been investigated in normotensive rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ll aqueous extract on the in isolated perfused rat heart (IPRH). Hearts were excised from male Wistar albino rats weighing 250-350g, aged less than 6 months. They were perfused at constant flow using the modified Langendorff perfused model of the heart. Effects of adrenaline on the left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), heart rate (HR), cardiac work (CW) and coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) were compared to that of Ll. Adrenaline (1µM) significantly (p<0.05) increased the LVSP by 40.6%, the LVDP by 43.9%, the HR by 22.5% and the CW by 89.4%. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml respectively and significantly (p<0.01) increased the LVSP by 25.36 and 14.91, the LVDP by 29.40 and 14.88. Ll (1.0 mg/ml and 2.0 mg/ml) significantly produced a negative chronotropic effect. Both adrenaline and Ll aqueous extract did not have any significant effect on the LVEDP. Adrenaline resulted in positive inotropic and chronotropic effects. At low concentrations Ll produced a positive inotropic and a negative chronotropic effect. At the concentration of 2.0mg/ml Ll decreased all parameters to zero. At higher concentrations higher than 2.0mg/ml, Ll seemed to have toxic effects on the heart. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/400 Files in this item: 1
MugaboLeonotisLeonurus2012.pdf (362.4Kb) -
Wilkinson, Dianne E.; Jaenicke, Thomas; Cowan, Donald A. (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: An efficient and simple method for constructing an environmental library using mechanically sheared DNA obtained directly from geothermal sediments is presented. The method is based on blunt-end modification of DNA fragments followed by 3' -adenylation using Vent DNA polymerase and Taq DNA polymerase, respectively. The prepared DNA fragments are then ligated into a TA cloning vector and used in the transformation of Escherichia coli. This method has been successfully applied to the cloning of ORFs derived from uncultivated prokaryotes present in geothermal sediment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/161 Files in this item: 1
WilkinsonEfficientMolecular2002.pdf (754.4Kb) -
Odendaal, Willem (PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: This brief examines some emerging trends and dynamics in changing power relations in rural Namibian communities due to emerging new elites and the threats to subsistence farmers’ access to communal land and natural resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/601 Files in this item: 1
PB 33.pdf (263.8Kb) -
Igbinosa, Isoken H.; Igumbor, Ehimario U.; Aghdasi, Farhad; Tom, Mvuyo; Okoh, Anthony I (Hindawi Publishers Corporation, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Aeromonas species are ubiquitous bacteria in terrestrial and aquatic milieus. They are becoming renowned as enteric pathogens of serious public health concern as they acquire a number of virulence determinants that are linked with human diseases, such as gastroenteritis, soft-tissue, muscle infections, septicemia, and skin diseases. Proper sanitary procedures are essential in the prevention of the spread of Aeromonas infections. Oral fluid electrolyte substitution is employed in the prevention of dehydration, and broad-spectrum antibiotics are used in severe Aeromonas outbreaks. This review presents an overview of emerging Aeromonas infections and proposes the need for actions necessary for establishing adequate prevention measures against the infections. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/434 Files in this item: 1
IgbinosaAeromonas2012.pdf (571.7Kb) -
Cowan, Donald A.; Ah Tow, Lemese (Annual Reviews, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: The Antarctic continent harbors a range of specialized and sometimes highly localized microbial biotopes. These include biotopes associated with desiccated mineral soils, rich ornithogenic soils, glacial and sea ice, ice-covered lakes, translucent rocks, and geothermally heated soils. All are characterized by the imposition of one or more environmental extremes (including low temperature, wide temperature fluctuations, desiccation, hypersalinity, high periodic radiation fluxes, and low nutrient status). As our understanding of the true microbial diversity in these biotopes expands from the application of molecular phylogenetic methods, we come closer to the point where we can make an accurate assessment of the impacts of environmental change, human intervention, and other natural and unnatural impositions. At present, it is possible to make reasonable predictions about the physical effects of local climate change, but only general predictions on possible changes in microbial community structure. The consequences of some direct human impacts, such as physical disruption of microbial soil communities, are obvious if not yet quantitated. Others, such as the dissemination of nonindigenous microorganisms into indigenous microbial communities, are not yet understood. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/145 Files in this item: 1
Endangered Antarctic Environments.docx (12.30Kb) -
Chenwi, Lilian; Tissington, Kate (Community Law Centre, University of the Western Cape, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: To make sure that service delivery is effective and has a positive impact on people’s quality of life, it is important to have meaningful engagement between communities and the government. South Africa’s Constitution makes provision for individuals and communities to take part in service delivery processes and decisions. This right is important in the fight against poverty, inequality and marginalisation. Some people do not know that their right to participate is protected in the Constitution, in South African legislation and in international law. They also do not know the key principles about meaningful engagement set out by the courts, especially the Constitutional Court. This booklet focuses mainly on the right to housing when it explains the objectives, subject and process of meaningful engagement. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/228 Files in this item: 1
ChenwiCommunityParticipation.pdf (190.6Kb) -
Clifford, Marian; Kerfoot, Caroline (Oxford University Press, 1992)[more][less]
Abstract: In this chapter, the ESL approaches adopted by seven different literacy organisations in South Africa are described and analysed. The approaches are identified in relation to developments in the field of applied linguistics and language teaching. The methods include formalist, functional/communicative approach, competency-based approach, natural growth approach, task-based process approach, popular education and ESL approach. The chapter concludes with principles for adult, popular second language learning curriculum and training. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/217 Files in this item: 1
KerfootLanguageOfHope.pdf (1.060Mb) -
Adesina, Ademola O.; Agbele, Kehinde K.; Februarie, Ronald; Abidoye, Ademola P.; Nyongesa, Henry O. (Academy of Science of South Africa, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The sensitivity of health-care information and its accessibility via the Internet and mobile technology systems is a cause for concern in these modern times. The privacy, integrity and confidentiality of a patient’s data are key factors to be considered in the transmission of medical information for use by authorised health-care personnel. Mobile communication has enabled medical consultancy, treatment, drug administration and the provision of laboratory results to take place outside the hospital. With the implementation of electronic patient records and the Internet and Intranets, medical information sharing amongst relevant health-care providers was made possible. But the vital issue in this method of information sharing is security: the patient’s privacy, as well as the confidentiality and integrity of the health-care information system, should not be compromised. We examine various ways of ensuring the security and privacy of a patient’s electronic medical information in order to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the information. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/279 Files in this item: 1
AdesinaSecurity2011.pdf (453.4Kb) -
Erfregtelike onwaardigheid: Enige lesse te leer vir die Suid-Afrikaanse reg uit die Nederlandse reg?du Toit, Francois (Juta, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: The regulation of unworthiness to inherit in Book 4 of the (new) Dutch Civil Code (2003) occasioned numerous interpretation and application challenges to Dutch courts, notaries and inheritance scholars. These challenges correspond greatly with many of the contentious issues regarding unworthiness to inherit in modern South African law. This article investigates certain aspects of the Dutch legal position with a view to commenting on, and suggesting solutions to, corresponding challenges in the South African context. Issues such as the effect of unworthiness to inherit on matrimonial property claims as well as maintenance claims against a deceased estate, the suitability and appropriateness for South African law of a “forgiveness provision” that eliminates unworthiness similar to the one included in the Book 4 of the Dutch Civil Code and the regulation of unworthiness to inherit in the context of euthanasia are analysed from a legal-comparative standpoint. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/423 Files in this item: 1
DuToitDutchCivilCode2012.pdf (383.2Kb) -
Leith, Rian; Pretorius, Joelien (Routledge, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: In international relations states labelled as ‘middle powers’ are often responsible for crafting a middle way to bridge conflicting international interests. They typically favour multilateralism and cooperative international behaviour. Middle power diplomacy has played a crucial role in the establishment and maintenance of the nuclear non-proliferation regime. South Africa has played the role of a middle power in nuclear diplomacy since 1994, drawing on its moral position after giving up its nuclear weapons. This role has especially involved joining the efforts of middle powers in the North, such as Norway and Canada, to indefinitely extend the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). However, South Africa’s foreign policy has shown a gradual shift away from a middle power orientation not least due to an increasing non-aligned position that calls for deep reforms to the perceived unfair world order tilted in the favour of the developed North. This shift is also visible in South African nuclear diplomacy and is eroding the middle ground that has so far sustained the nonproliferation regime. The paper argues that South Africa’s middle power diplomacy has allowed it to punch above its weight in the nuclear realm, but its pursuit of international reforms has resulted in the drawing of a fault line between developed and developing countries. It is in the interest of nuclear non-proliferation to regain the middle ground by forming broad coalitions amongst all actors interested in nuclear disarmament. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10566/481 Files in this item: 1
PretoriusNuclearPolicy2009.pdf (124.0Kb)