Narratives Countering the Democratising Ideal of Discourse in an Online Forum of a Higher Education Institution

This paper describes power inequalities among participants in an online forum at a higher education institution in South Africa. Critical poststructuralist theory informs the study as it investigates how hegemony influences the strategic interaction of participants. An interpretive analysis uncovered elements of a cyclic process of intensified exclusion, inequality and oppression. This took place within a virtual space which is theoretically idealized as an equalizer and promoter of freedom of speech. The process involved in the eliciting of voices is described and the interpretation of subjective accounts tells of the disillusioned experiences of a potential liberating form of technology. Instead of alleviating conflict, the potential of the online forum is subverted and intensifies the alienation of and animosity between participants. Proposals for moderation are made to change the forum to a democratic, inclusive space

Regulation of synaptic connectivity: levels of fasciclin II influence synaptic growth in the Drosophila CNS

Much of our understanding of synaptogenesis comes from studies that deal with the development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although well studied, it is not clear how far the NMJ represents an adequate model for the formation of synapses within the CNS. Here we investigate the role of Fasciclin II (Fas II) in the development of synapses between identified motor neurons and cholinergic interneurons in the CNS of Drosophila. Fas II is a neural cell adhesion molecule homolog that is involved in both target selection and synaptic plasticity at the NMJ in Drosophila. In this study, we show that levels of Fas II are critical determinants of synapse formation and growth in the CNS. The initial establishment of synaptic contacts between these identified neurons is seemingly independent of Fas II. The subsequent proliferation of these synaptic connections that occurs postembryonically is, in contrast, significantly retarded by the absence of Fas II. Although the initial formation of synaptic connectivity between these neurons is seemingly independent of Fas II, we show that their formation is, nevertheless, significantly affected by manipulations that alter the relative balance of Fas II in the presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. Increasing expression of Fas II in either the presynaptic or postsynaptic neurons, during embryogenesis, is sufficient to disrupt the normal level of synaptic connectivity that occurs between these neurons. This effect of Fas II is isoform specific and, moreover, phenocopies the disruption to synaptic connectivity observed previously after tetanus toxin light chain-dependent blockade of evoked synaptic vesicle release in these neurons

A Study Of How The Utilisation Of Optimal Cost Management Techniques Influence Medical Scheme Administrators

Within today’s competitive and cost-driven business environment, Medical Scheme Administrators are under tremendous pressure to ensure their operations are at the pinnacle of financial performance, through stable but profitable business structures, whilst achieving maximum return for member’s contributions. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the optimal cost management practices is to ensure that organisations have a true understanding of costs, so that it can continuously make the right decisions with regards to product mix, price and market. This research uses a qualitative methodology to uncover how the South African Medical Scheme Administrators currently use costing principles. This is achieved through semi-structured interviews with individuals, who are directly responsible for this function within their respective organisation. The study concluded that a conceptual cost management framework, which is made up of a number of key models to assist an organisation, is more frequently used in more mature organisations.&nbsp

Branched chain amino acids, an ''essential'' link between diet, clock and sleep?

The branched-chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine occupy a special place among the essential amino acids because of their importance not only in the structure of proteins but also in general and cerebral metabolism. Among the first amino acids absorbed after food intake, they play a major role in the regulation of protein synthesis and insulin secretion. They are involved in the modulation of brain uptake of monoamine precursors with which they may compete for occupancy of a common transporter. In the brain, branched-chain amino acids are involved not only in protein synthesis but also in the metabolic cycles of GABA and Glutamate, and in energy metabolism. In particular, they can affect GABAergic neurons and the excitation/inhibition balance. Branched-chain amino acids are known for the 24-hour rhythmicity of their plasma concentrations, which is remarkably conserved in rodent models. This rhythmicity is partly circadian, independent of sleep and food. Moreover, their concentration increases when sleep is disturbed and in obesity and diabetes. The mechanisms regulating these rhythms and their physiological impact remain poorly understood. In this context, the Drosophila model has not yet been widely used, but it is highly relevant and the first results indicate that it can generate new concepts. The elucidation of the metabolism and fluxes of branched-chain amino acids is beginning to shed light on the mysterious connections between clock, sleep, and metabolism, opening the possibility of new therapies

Investigate an index to measure the integrity of investment companies investing responsibly

Abstract: Stakeholders realise the value and impact of Responsible Investment upon making informed decisions about investments. Due to this more organisations are pressured to report on RI performances and positive and/or negative strategies to address ESG issues and to implement ESG policies into the primary strategy of their operations. There are many governments and organisations globally which support sustainable investment and as one such administration, South Africa has legislated to manage RI issues (www.gov.za). Recognition is given to the both CRISA and PRI as well as taking the integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the investment decision making process into consideration when assisting in identifying, managing and mitigating potential ESG risks to achieve sustainable long-term investment outcomes..

Effect of value-added services on transactional behaviour

Abstract: Traditional banking methods evolved and include services as a method of differentiation, reducing operating costs, and providing additional benefits to the customer. Banks re-invented themselves and provide innovative solutions to remain competitive. This research explores whether using value added services contributed to changes in transactional banking behaviour and was done in one of the largest banks in South Africa over a period of four months. Two banking products in the youth customer segment were selected. The control group received one treatment at the beginning of the four-month period, and the experimental group received a further three treatments at different times of each month. Two data sets (1) VAS usage and (2) bank transactions were analysed. The results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on transactional banking behaviour. Additional causative factors were identified that increased the usage of value-added services and increased transactional banking behaviour

Globalisation, internationalisation and export opportunities for South Africa

Abstract: The economic resources of capital, technology, and data as well as the exchange of goods and funds and the agriculture supply sector all become part of the ‘border-less world’. The Government and private organisations are arduously demanding factors to stimulate growth in the South African economy through various strategies and comprehend export development as a priority. The Department of Trade and Industry grow the export base and increase exports from South Africa as well as develop an approach to export expansion supported by strategic export promotion in line with global best practice resulting in the Integrated National Export Strategy (INES) or ‘Export 2030’. Within the demand for wood, South Africa has the opportunity to increase its wood supply into world markets in the future to various countries and indications are of countries and regions which might be future potential markets with this research main aim towards entering the European Union market. South Africa may enter the EU markets without any tariff barriers because it falls under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). However, South African produce still have to meet certain requirements to enter the EU market, for example, they have to provide evidence of origin to EU customs in the form of a Certificate of Origin and the wood or articles therefore must be transported directly to the EU from the country of origin. There are a number of non-tariff measures (NTMs) for wood products, being more complex than tariffs and more difficult to gauge their impact with an even greater trade-restricting effect than tariffs. One of these measure is the use of import quotas for forest products is declining, resulting in difficulties. However, the use of export restrictions, particularly on logs, has been increasing, and had a major impact on trade in forest products

A study of how the utilisation of optimal cost management techniques influence medical scheme administrators

Abstract: Within today’s competitive and cost-driven business environment, Medical Scheme Administrators are under tremendous pressure to ensure their operations are at the pinnacle of financial performance, through stable but profitable business structures, whilst achieving maximum return for member’s contributions. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the optimal cost management practices is to ensure that organisations have a true understanding of costs, so that it can continuously make the right decisions with regards to product mix, price and market. This research uses a qualitative methodology to uncover how the South African Medical Scheme Administrators currently use costing principles. This is achieved through semi-structured interviews with individuals, who are directly responsible for this function within their respective organisation. The study concluded that a conceptual cost management framework, which is made up of a number of key models to assist an organisation, is more frequently used in more mature organisations

Student funding model used by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at universities in South Africa

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this research is focused on evaluating NSFAS as student funding at South African Universities. Problem Investigated Public universities in South Africa witnessed student protests on campuses during 2015 and 2016. These were orchestrated by students demanding additional funding assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), zero-fee increases and the scrapping of student debt by universities. In 2012 a report for feefree university education for poor people was handed to the Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET, 2012). It suggested that fee-free higher education would be possible if more funds were injected into the NSFAS (DHET, 2012:49). It is not currently known how much funding is required to fund both the poor students and the missing middle students who earn beyond the NSFAS eligibility threshold. Methodology A quantitative research method was used. Information on student funding at a specific period, was collected using different universities to corroborate the data received in order to solve the research problem. The approach assisted in identifying how student funding is allocated per university in a specific academic year. Value of the research The higher education sector is constantly evolving. The past struggle of universities was to ensure that they attracted the best academics and students. The focus has now changed to the student struggle on matters of academic exclusion, financial exclusion and the decolonising of universities. The study of student funding in South..

Framework for the development and evaluation of educational DVDs and webbased multi-media clips for Grade 8 and 9 History

The White Paper on e-Education1 promotes the use of various information communication technologies (ICTs) to achieve the expected learning outcomes in the different learning areas of the school curriculum. Because most teachers and learners are not yet computer skilled, resource-based learning, supported by digital versatile disc (DVD) technology, is one of the most cost-effective and self-contained educational media that involve minimal infrastructural investment. Educational DVDs provide the opportunity to deliver a constructive multi-media learning experience to learners in rural areas who do not have access to libraries and the Internet. This is especially valuable for history education because DVDs allow learners to “go time travelling” through history, guided by different learning media and artefacts such as historical photographs, illustrations, film material, music, speeches, newspaper reports, political cartoons, maps, etc. Multi-media learning tools stimulate different learning styles and broaden the range of the learning experience in general. This paper provides a research framework for the development and evaluation of educational DVDs and Web-based multi-media clips for grades 8 and 9 history in the social sciences learning area. These clips are currently being developed at the Faculty Education Sciences of the North-West University. These educational media, with accompanying teacher manual and learner word-cards, are intended as inexpensive support of quality education and sustainable social development in South Africa