Apartheid en kapitalisme : Simbiose of disfunksionele verhouding?

The author refers to the fact that Marxist analyses have a way of promoting cynicism, and states that if one chooses to go through life armoured in illusion, this type of analysis should be avoided at all costs. He refers to a method of analysis which undertakes a thorough re-evaluation of South African history of the past century which uses, broadly speaking, insights based on Marxism. A discussion of this method forms the theme of this paper. This discussion centres on the Marxist typification of the South African social structure as a capitalist one with specific characteristics, and on the view of this approach which indicates the close relationship between capitalist development and political policies in the country. In the final analysis attention is directed to the need for taking serious note of this approach in terms of the fact that a Marxist approach can provide a valid perspective on South African history. There is also a need to take cognizance of this approach in view of the fact that this approach reflects the experience of a large part of the population. The author points out that the question as to whether apartheid and capitalism can be said to stand in a disfunctional relationship is seriously questioned, and he concludes by maintaining that a precondition for dialogue with all Blacks in South Africa is to be found in the necessity of gaining clarity about the validity of our own preconceptions

Implications of the quantitative literacies test results of the National Benchmark Test Project (NBTP) for teachers

Learners intending to enter some higher education (HE) institutions in South Africa write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) that are expected to provide a measure of their readiness for HE. A large gap exists between the quantitative literacy competencies of many of these learners and expectations at HE level. In this article I explore the following research question: Which quantitative literacy competencies required in HE, as identified through the National Benchmark Test Project (NBTP), are not well developed in the test takers, and what does this imply for teachers? Twelve test-item results in which candidates performed the poorest were analysed (N = 2348). The focus areas identified for teachers included quantity, number and operations, data representation, and change. The research indicates that, to enhance learners’ competence in these areas, teachers should provide them with more challenging tasks than, for example, reading a single value from a graph, chart or table. Instead, learners should be required to integrate information from more than one graph/chart. Keywords: errors; mathematics teachers; NBT; quantitative literacy; test taker

Professional learning by mathematics teachers through video-stimulated recall

This article reports on mathematics teachers’ professional learning prospects through video-stimulated recall (VSR), a tool for in-house professional development. Providing timeous feedback to teachers on aspects of their teaching that they should improve are greatly beneficial. Two Mathematics teachers at a rural high school in a province of South Africa, implemented VSR. The research question was: What is the effect of incorporating VSR on the professional learning of these two mathematics teachers? This qualitative study used the conscious competence learning model as its conceptual lens. VSR-related interviews served as data collection instrument. The findings revealed that the teachers reflected differently and on different aspects of their lessons. Their professional learning varied were they adapted their teaching on some of the aspects noticed and one some not/ to a limited extend. VSR put them in the driving seat of their own learning, allowing them to develop professional as noticed through reflection

Comparative behaviour and ecology of two sympatric mongoose species (Cynictis penicillata and Galerella pulverulenta)

The activity, movements, home range size, habitat selection, social structure, density, pattern of faeces deposition, anti-predator behaviour, diet, and availability and distribution of the main food sources of two mongoose species [the yellow mongoose Cynictis penicillata and the Cape grey mongoose Gaierelia pulverulenta (= Herpestes pulverulentos) in a coastal area of South Africa are compared, Both species were diurnal. Galerella did not use dens, whereas Cynictis never rested outside a den. Total distance moved, home range size and density did not differ between the two species. Galerella frequented bush, whereas Cynictisfrequented open fields. The yellow mongoose was more social than the grey mongoose, but the basic social structure was similar. Faeces of Cynictis were found in large clumps close to the dens, while those of Galerella were more scattered. This parallels the greater constancy of use of the sleeping sites by Cynictis.Rodents (> 90% of Cape grey mongoose diet) were much more abundant in the bush, while availability of insects (main food source for the yellow mongoose) was higher in the open fields. Habitat selection, Ihrough its effects on anti-predator and feeding strategies, might have been the leading factor in the evolution of sociality in herpestids

The Positive Experiences of Becoming a Psychologist: A Master’s Student’s Journey

Since most research on the topic of experiences related to becoming a psychologist is conducted from a pathogenic paradigm, the study reported in this paper aimed to describe the journey of a clinical master’s student from the perspective of positive psychology. A strengths-based paradigm allowed the researcher and the participant to understand the journey through the lens of personal growth, professional development, coping strategies, and attempts to make sense of the related difficulties. In this study, a qualitative research approach was used and a single case study design was employed. Data analysis followed the procedure of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Themes that were conceptualized and operationalized within the structure of psychological well-being (Ryff, 1989) comprised six well-being domains, namely (a) personal growth; (b) purpose in life; (c) autonomy; (d) self-acceptance; (e) positive relationships with others; and (f) environmental mastery. The most prominent finding was that, while the experience of becoming a psychologist is known to be a long and difficult journey, it can also be rewarding and positive, and holds the potential to enhance psychological well-being

A comparison between Daphnia pulex and Hydra vulgaris as possible test organisms for agricultural run-off and acid mine drainage toxicity assessments

Bioassays, consisting of a diverse selection of organisms, aid in assessing the ecotoxicological status of aquatic ecosystems. Daphnia pulex and Hydra vulgaris are commonly used test organisms belonging to different trophic levels. The current study focused on comparing the sensitivity of H. vulgaris to D. pulex when exposed to geometric dilutions of two different water sources, the first (Site 1) from a source containing agricultural run-off and the second (Site 2), acid mine drainage. These sources were selected based on the contribution that the agricultural and mining sectors make to water pollution in South Africa. The bioassay method followed in this study was a modified version of the method described by the USEPA and additional peer-reviewed methods. The mortalities as well as morphological changes (H. vulgaris) were analysed using Microsoft Excel. The LC50-values were statistically determined using the EPA Probit Analysis Model and the Spearman-Karber analysis methods. Prior to being used, analysis of the physico-chemical properties, nutrients and metals of both water samples was performed. These results showed a relationship to the results obtained from the D. pulex and H. vulgaris bioassays, as Site 1 (lower concentration of contaminants) was less hazardous to both test organisms than Site 2 (higher concentration of contaminants). Both organisms can be used for ecotoxicity testing, with D. pulex being a more sensitive indicator of toxicity with regards to water sampled from the acid mine drainage site. Due to the sensitivities of sub-lethal endpoints observed over time, H. vulgaris may be used for chronic toxicity testing and D. pulex for acute toxicity testing.Keywords: Hydra, Daphnia, toxicity, ecotoxicity, definitive toxicity tes

Pressed to change: systematically reconsidering journalistic boundaries in the newsroom, boardroom and classroom

This thesis aims to present and reflect on a collection of research that has informed and shaped pedagogical and andrological praxis across the two decades since pioneers launched the first online news sites onto the World Wide Web, thereby setting off what is frequently described as a revolution in journalism. It makes a case for revisiting core principles of systems thinking to develop a holistic approach to reflecting on changing journalistic realities. A critical systems heuristic is then operationalised to consider how the diverse work in this portfolio reconsiders journalistic parameters in newsroom, boardroom and classroom situations that are both distinct and interrelated. In doing so it illustrates how a commitment to social and cultural fluidity can enable researchers to constructively engage with role players inside and outside of academic interpretative communities. Furthermore, in its suggestions for further research this study adds its voice to other calls for journalism scholars to extend the boundaries of their concern beyond the academy and to generate insights that empower individuals and impact on industry - to the ultimate benefit of society

The foraging ecology of greyheaded mollymawks at Marion Island: in relation to known longline fishing activity

Incidental mortality due to longline fishing has been implicated as the main cause for the global population decline in grey-headed mollymawks (Thalassarche chrysostoma). Two of these fisheries, within the potential foraging range of grey-headed mollymawks breeding on Marion Island, have increased drastically over the past 5–10 years. In order to understand the impacts of these fisheries on the grey-headed mollymawk population breeding on Marion Island, we studied their foraging ecology by tracking their foraging trips and sampling their diets. During the incubation stage, birds made long foraging trips, mostly towards the subtropical convergence and sub-Antarctic zones, bringing them into contact with areas of intense southern blue-fin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) longline fishing. Females spent a higher proportion of their time within these areas than males, thus exposing themselves to a higher risk of incidental mortality from this fishery. During the early chick-rearing stage, foraging trips were shorter and to the southwest of the island in the Polar frontal and Antarctic zones, thus avoiding any contact with the southern blue-fin tuna industry. However, short foraging trips (<2 days) were made within the boundary of known Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) longline sets around Marion Island. Males made a higher proportion of short foraging trips and spent more time within the boundaries of the toothfish fishery than females. These differences may account for the male-biased mortality of grey-headed mollymawks observed in the toothfish fishery around Marion Island. Although a decrease in the annual breeding population has not been detected on Marion Island as yet, we warn that the methods used to detect these changes are inaccurate in measuring short term population changes (<10 years) and that the impacts of these fisheries may already have altered the demographic structure of this population

Non-invasive identification of polymers in cultural heritage collections: evaluation, optimisation and application of portable FTIR (ATR and external reflectance) spectroscopy to three-dimensional polymer-based objects

© 2019, The Author(s). The conservation of polymer-based cultural heritage is a major concern for collecting institutions internationally. Collections include a range of different polymers, each with its own degradation processes and preservation needs, however, they are frequently unidentified in collection catalogues. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a useful analytical tool for identifying polymers, which is vital for determining storage, exhibition, loan and treatment conditions. Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR), and External Reflection (ER) are proven effective FTIR sampling techniques for polymer identification and are beginning to appear in conservation labs. This paper evaluates and optimises the application of these two FTIR techniques to three-dimensional plastic objects in the museum context. Elements of the FTIR measurement process are investigated for 15 common polymers found in museum collections using both authentic reference sheets, and case study objects to model for surface characteristics. Including: use of the ATR and ER modules, the difference between clamping and manually holding objects in contact with the ATR crystal, use of the Kramers–Kronig Transformation, signal-to-noise ratios for increasing number of co-added scans, resultant time taken to collect each measurement, associated professional, health and safety considerations, and the use and availability of reference materials for polymer identify verification. Utilising this information, a flowchart for applying FTIR spectroscopy to three-dimensional historic plastic objects during museum collection surveys is proposed to guide the conservation profession

Monotheistic understanding of the divine in African religion, Christianity and Islam

The article traces the varied expressions of the conception of the Divine in traditional African religion, Islam and Christianity. The focus in particular is on explaining the idea of monotheism in each of these religious traditions. An argument is advanced here that African religion, however different from Christianity and Islam, ultimately also manifests as a form of monotheism. The theological debate on the particular expressions of monotheism in Christianity and Islam also receive attention. Finally, a suggestion is put forward as to the possibility to exploit the commonality of the absolute position of the Divine in the religious traditions as a shared basis for religious tolerance and dialogue