Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Rian van der Merwe'

Användbarhet och användarupplevelser spelar en stor roll för företag på digitala marknaden. Inte minst för mindre företag som anställer en webbyrå som utvecklar hemsidan åt kunden och sedan drivs enskilt av ägaren. Efterfrågan på ett gränssnitt med hög användbarhet har ökat, och att kunna analysera användbarheten på sin egna e-handel på ett effektivt sätt är viktigt för småföretag. Denna studie ska undersöka en kostnads- och tidseffektiv analysmetod för småskaliga e-handelssidor. För att svara på frågeställningen kommer arbetet utgå från två vedertagna analysmetoder som kommer testas på företaget Bernt i Lunds hemsida. Metoderna är Nielsens 10 Heuristiker och Bekker & Merwe’s analysmetod. Dessa kommer sedan utvärderas utifrån antal identifierade problem, typ av problem, generella/e-handelsspecifika problem samt strukturen av metoderna. Detta ligger sedan till grund för en egen framtagen metod som är anpassad till småskaliga e-handelssidor likt Bernt i Lund.  Resultatet börjar med att presentera resultaten från båda metoderna för sig. Bekker & Merwe’s metod gav hemsidan ett helhetsbetyg på 62,25 på en skala -160 till 160. Nielsen’s Heuristiska test lyckades identifiera 52 stycken unika problem på hemsidan. Sedan presenteras det slutgiltiga resultatet i form av en ny analysmetod som är baserad Nielsen’s Heuristiska metod som appliceras på ramverket från Bekker & Merwe’s metod. Den nya metoden testades och lyckades identifiera 109 stycken unika problem på sidan. Slutsatsen vi kan dra är att den nya analysmetoden är mer effektiv för Bernt i Lunds hemsida för att identifiera fler stora och små problem samt tiden det tar att finna problem.

The purpose of this mini-dissertation is to explore the labour law consequences when a director of a company is dismissed. The underlying questions that come forward are: What legislation protects the director in his various roles? What remedies are available? Is a director an employee and can his office as director be distinguished from his post as employee? A company as a separate entity is compelled to perform its corporate functions by means of its directors, officials and employees. The mere fact that a person is the director of a company does not mean that he is a representative or an employee. A director will be an employee once he enters into a contract of employment. A director that performs personal services and is responsible to the board 1s held to be an employee. The company statutes regulate the appointment and removal of a director, thus the shareholders are responsible for the decision. In terms of the common law the appointment of a company director is complete when a person with the competence to appoint a director makes the appointment and the appointee accepts the offer. The removal of a director must be substantively fair, the true and valid reasons for the removal must thus be given. The removal must also be procedurally fair, this entails that certain steps must be taken. Failure to comply with this makes the dismissal unfair. The dismissal of a senior employee is not an exception to the rule; that a fair hearing procedure must still be complied with. I shall briefly discuss several cases on the courts' view of a director as an employee of the company. In PG Group (Pty) Ltd v Mbambo NO & others 2005 1 BLLR 71 (LC) the labour court found that section 213 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 is formulated wide enough to encompass most directors. In Oak Industries (SA)(Pty) Ltd v John NO & Another 1987 8 ILJ 756 the court ruled that there is no absolute rule stating that a director cannot be an employee; notwithstanding any definition of the word employee in legislature. In Sage v Fourwinds Transporl CO (Pty) Ltd 1994 8 BLLR 114 (IC) the Industrial court ruled that an employee is an employee in spite of his status in the organisation. Lastly in Pearson v Sheerbonnet South Africa (Pty) Ltd 1999 7 BLLR 703 (LC) was the director held to be an employee on the grounds that he had an employment contract with the company. The entity towards which the director owes fiduciary duties is the company. There is no standard of competence, rights or duties attached to the office of director. These are determined by the companies' statutes. memorandum of association, the common law and the applicable contract. The common law requires the director to exercise his duties in good faith and to the advantage of the company and he also has a duty to take reasonable care. The director's common law and statutory duties exist as one. There is no prescript in the statute or clause in a contract that can free a director of responsibility towards the company that develops out of his negligence, failure or dereliction of duty. Section 248 of the Company Act 61 of 1973 frees a director where it appears that he acted honestly and reasonably. The mere fact that the court disagrees with the director is not a ground for responsibility. The director is responsible for the company damages when he does not use the necessary skill and care. Any legal competent person can be a company director. Section 218(l)(d)(iii) of the Company Act 61 of 1973 compels the court to refuse to grant permission to a person to act as a company director if the person was found guilty of theft, fraud, perjury or any crime that includes dishonesty in terms of the founding or management of a company and is sent to jail with or without the option of a fine or is fined more than R100.
Thesis (LL.M. (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

In this study, the metathesis reaction of alkynes was investigated with the classic Mo(CO)6/PhOH-catalyst system by utilizing both laboratory experimentation and molecular modelling. The reaction was optimized by using the alkyne used in the initial study, namely ptolylphenylacetylene. The progress of the reactions was monitored by gas chromatography. As p-tolylphenylacetylene is not available commercially, a synthesis had to be developed. An uncatalysed, organic method and a palladium catalysed method were investigated. The catalysed method proved to be the fastest and gave a higher, better quality, yield. The products were characterized by IR, NMR, MS and SEM techniques. During the optimisation of the reaction, various factors that could have an influence on the activity of the system, were investigated. These included reaction temperature, cocatalyst, solvent, activation period, Mo(CO)6 content, PhOH content as well as the alkyne that was used as substrate. No reaction was observed below 100 °C and an increase in activity was displayed as the temperature increased until an optimum was reached at 160 °C. Elevation of the temperature above this resulted in diminished activity. The influence of three cocatalysts namely phenol, resorcinol and α-naphtol, was tested and their characteristics were compared to those determined for optimum reactivity in the metathesis polymerisation reaction using the same catalyst system. As the difference between the cocatalysts that were tested was very small, PhOH was used as the cocatalyst in the remaining optimisation reactions. The optimum PhOH content for the reaction was determined to be 25:1 molar ratio with regard to Mo(CO)6. The optimum Mo(CO)6 content of the reaction was determined by using the alkyne content. A molar ratio of 25:1 alkyne substrate:Mo(CO)6 was found to be the most active. Higher concentrations of the alkyne led to deactivation of the catalyst system. The alkyne substrate was also investigated for maximum activity – alkynes with different substituents were used and the results compared. The results showed that internal alkynes were most suitable for metathesis, but that terminal alkynes could undergo the reaction if suitable steric substituents were present. OPSOMMING/SUMMARY 194 While phenylacetylene underwent only polimerisation, t-butylacetylene underwent both polimerisation and metathesis. 1-Phenyl-substituted alkynes were also investigated and it was found that a main chain length of four carbon atoms resulted in optimum conversion with regard to the alkynes that were tested. A mechanistic postulate, by which the hydrogen of the hydroxyl group on the phenol coordinates with the alkyne triple bond to render it more olefinic in nature, was subjected to testing by the investigation of a possible activation period. This was conducted by heating the reaction mixture without the catalyst at 70 °C for a specified time. After this period had elapsed, the catalyst was added and the reaction allowed to proceed normally. Small differences in conversion were noted between the samples that were activated and those that had had no activation period. Solvents of low polarity showed the best results for metathesis. The solvent, however, still had to be able to stabilise any polar species that formed during the reaction. Solvents that yielded metathesis products were tetralin, decalin, indane, chlorobenzene and to a lesser extent, cyclohexanol. Molecular modelling studies, during which the formation of the proposed metallacyclobutadiene complex was investigated, was compared with results of studies in the literature and it was found that the DMol3 DFT-code results (Accelrys Materials Studio (2002)) correlated very well with these studies. Molecular modelling was also used to determine and confirm the influence of electron withdrawing ligands on the metal centre. Dissociation of the metallacyclobutadiene complex to form metathesis products was shown to be the rate-determining step by the calculation of the minimum required activation energies. A postulate for the metathesis of 1-phenyl-1-propyne in the presence of the Mo(CO)6/PhOH catalyst system was proposed. A puckered metallacyclobutadiene was found to be the most stable conformation and alternative intermediates, in the form of metallatetrahedranes and cyclopropenyl complexes, were identified. Further study is necessary to elucidate the mechanistic pathway of this reaction.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Chemie))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

According to the literature the status of Physical Education as school subject has declined considerably worldwide in many schools over the past twenty years. The concern about this decline in the presence and presentation of Physical Education in school curriculums across the world, initiated the “International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education‟s” (ICSSPE) investigation into the status of Physical Education in 167 countries and states. Hardman (2005) confirms that numerous governments legally committed themselves to offer Physical Education to children and young people, but due to several factors, this promise has not materialised. The most important outcome of this worldwide investigation is the World Summit on Physical Education in Berlin in 1999, organised by ICSSPE. More than 250 representatives of governments, inter-government organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academic institutions of 80 countries from across the world, including South Africa, attended this summit. This summit was presented under the international supervision and protection of the “United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization” (UNESCO) as well as the “International Olympic Committee” (IOC), with the co-sponsorship of the “World Health Organization” (WHO). Three weeks later, the Berlin Agenda or “Call for Action”, compiled at the World Summit, was presented for acceptance and support to “Ministers and Senior Officials reponsible for Physical Education and Sport” (MINEPS III) in Uruguay. With the acceptance of this “Call for Action” MINEPS III committed themselves to present and support quality Physical Education as a basic right of all children and young people in their different countries. Research Aim 1 of this study is: The evaluation of the re-implementation of Physical Education as subject in South African schools, and Research Aim 2 is: The analysis of the further implementation of Physical Education as subject in South African schools according to the Berlin Agenda. In 1994 Physical Education disappeared as a separate school subject in South Africa. With the implementation of Curriculum 2005 the subject was included as one of the outcomes of the Learning Area Life Orientation, and was systematically implemented from the Foundation Phase through to the FET Phase. Since the beginning of 2008 Physical Education has been a compulsory outcome of Life Orientation from Grade R up to Grade 12, with minimum ONE specified Physical Education period per week, per grade on every school timetable in South Africa. However, since the DoE-initiated countrywide training of 277 Life Orientation subject advisors in Physical Education in 2008, co-ordinated by the NWU (Potchefstroom Campus), there seem to be major problems with the implementation of Physical Education as outcome of Life Orientation. A quantitative research design, which included six phases and was supported by a limited qualitative set of data, was used in this research. Physical Education does not experience a very high status in South Africa. Insufficient teacher training (almost 50% of Physical Education staff have had no training), apparatus, facilities and support for the implementation of the subject increase the problem. If the government and National Department of Education wishes to honour the Berlin Declaration or “Call for Action”, it will have to speedily and seriously consider the recommendations in this research concerning training, apparatus, facilities, support as well as changes to the curriculum. Internationally the subject is under pressure, but countries such as Australia, England and the USA are serious about the subject. South Africa should speedily follow the same route as these countries and become serious about the re-implementation of Physical Education. As a democratic country, quality Physical Education for children and young people is the obligation and responsibility of the government, National as well as Provincial Departments of Education, school governing bodies, school management teams, teachers and parents. A lack of quality Physical Education can result in an unfit, overweight and uncompetitive sport population of children and young people in South Africa. Such an undesirable situation can cause negative a health-status, economic development as well as poor national and international sport results for an upcoming, developing country such as South Africa.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Movement Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

It is clear that tourism, especially ecotourism, in South Africa is growing at a rapid pace. Each year more and more tourists travel to South Africa with their main aim to visit places that are based on the natural environment. Tourists want to interact with nature and learn about the environment that they are visiting. The main goal of the thesis was to determine aspects that will contribute to the sustainable ecotourism development of game farms. The method of research consisted firstly of a literature study which included theses, articles and sources on wildlife, hunting, ecotourism-related literature and sustainable development-related literature. Secondly, an empirical research of which the survey sample, consisting of all the active members of the South African Game Farmers Organisation. This adds up to a total of 1244 members of whom 50% (N = 622) were randomly sampled for the research. A questionnaire was sent to each of the selected respondents via e-mail, fax or by postage. Some of the selected members were also visited in person during various workshops that were held by the South African Game Farmers Organisation. The main conclusion of the research was that the majority of game farms in South Africa that formed part of the survey are developed as sustainable ecotourism attractions when looking at the natural/conservational/environmental side as well implementing cultural aspects such as learning local languages. This included aspects such as: respect for and acknowledgement of the dignity of people in the development, marketing and promotion of tourism; to promote a sound and proud service ethic among all participants; to avoid damaging the environmental quality; to minimise environmental impact and to reduce energy requirements for lighting and to educate tourists to learn about and respect the local culture. When considering the community/stakeholders relationship one tends to find that these aspects of sustainable development are not completely met. These are aspects such as working closely with the local community to develop new products; developing partnerships and joint ventures in which the community has a significant stake; fostering the development of community-based tourism products by providing marketing and mentoring support and considering using local entrepreneurs in developing community initiatives. The contribution of this research into game farm tourism is firstly that a criterion for sustainable ecotourism development was compiled that will assist game farm owners in developing their game farms sustainably from an ecotourism point of view. Secondly, this research was one of the first in South Africa that to study sustainable ecotourism development of game farms; therefore, through these results a theoretical model has been developed to indicate the role of game farms as part of ecotourism. Thirdly, the statistical analysis of the results of the study has also indicated and weighed the most important aspects of sustainable ecotourism development. Fourthly, aspects that still need attention and are neglected by game farm owners were also identified.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Ozonation, or advanced oxidation processes (utilising ozone decomposition products as oxidants) are widely used in industrial waste water and drinking water treatment plants. In these applications the use of ozone is based on ozone and its decomposition by-products being strong oxidants. A case study revealed that several waterworks in South Africa successfully utilise ozone as a pre-oxidant for the treatment of raw waters. South Africa holds more than three quarters of the world’s viable chromium ore (chromite) reserves. Subsequently the Cr-related industry-within is considerable in size and a major producer of large volumes of waste materials. Chromium also occurs commonly in other industrial waste materials (e.g. fly ash and clinkers originating from coal combustion) and is a natural occurring element in natural sediments, since chromium is the 21st most abundant element in the earth’s crust with an average concentration of approximately 100 ppm. Considering the abundance of natural and anthropogenic Cr-containing materials in South Africa the possibility exists that some of these materials might be suspended in raw water entering water treatment facilities. In this dissertation, the possible oxidation of non-Cr(VI) Cr-containing materials suspended in water during ozonation, is presented within the context of water treatment applications (Chapter 4). The results indicate that in situ formation of hazardous Cr(VI) is possible during aqueous ozonation. pH had a significant influence, since the decomposition products of aqueous O3, i.e. hydroxyl radicals that form at higher pH levels, were found to be predominantly responsible for Cr(VI) formation. Increased ozonation contact time, water temperature and solid loading also resulted in elevated Cr(VI) concentrations being formed. Occasionally these values exceeded the drinking water standard 50 ppb Cr(VI). The results therefore indicate the importance of removing suspended particulates from water prior to ozonation. Additionally, pH-control could be used to mitigate the possible formation of Cr(VI) during ozonation. In Chapter 5, exploratory work is presented on the possibility of utilising Cr(VI) formation via ozonation as a means of recovering chromium from Cr-containing waste materials. Such a study is of particular interest within the local context, considering the large volumes of waste produced by the Cr-related industry in South Africa. This exploratory work is based on the fact that unlike Cr(0) and Cr(III), most Cr(VI) compounds are relatively soluble in water. Cr(VI) is a carcinogen if inhaled, however the probability of negative health effects are substantially reduced if it occurs in solution. Thus a hydrometallurgical route of recovering Cr-units via Cr(VI) generation represents the safest route with regard to Cr(VI) exposure. Such a hydrometallurgical route could also addresses the limitations of the physical separation methods currently applied, which fails to recover fine Cr-containing solids. The degree of Cr2O3-liberation achieved in this exploratory work was relatively low. However, the Cr2O3-liberation achieved for the ferrochromium slag (15%) indicated some promise, considering the limitations of this exploratory work. Several steps can be considered in future studies, which would in all likelihood improve the Cr2O3-liberation further.
Thesis (MSc (Chemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

This research investigates the education of entrepreneurship to learners with learning difficulties. It is important to keep in mind the rights and possibilities of a learner with learning difficulties. Two entrepreneurship programmes were presented to two different groups of learners at Oom Paul School. Learners with learning disabilities can be categorised as poor performers, learners with behavioural and emotional problems, development problems (for example a language deficit), as well as learners with permanent disabilities- physically, intellectual and sensorial. An important part of this research will focus on the discussion on the causes of learning difficulties and problems of learners. One of the most important aims in education, especially in teaching learners with learning difficulties, is to guide learners to become a part of adulthood and the business world as a responsible and active member of society. Unfortunately, there are many learners who- after a successful school career seems to get "lost" along the way, because of society's discrimination. Several entrepreneurial programmes have been developed and have been implemented with great success at various schools, with reference in particular to the programmes "Business Ventures" and "Entrepreneurskap: jou eie besigheid". Above mentioned programmes are developed for main stream education and are not necessarily suitable for learners with learning difficulties. According to literary studies on education on entrepreneurship, this study field is relatively new in RSA and that no research regarding entrepreneurship education for learners with learning difficulties has been done. This research has pointed out that the teaching and education of entrepreneurship to learners with learning difficulties can be successful with a few adjustments. The new outcomes-based curriculum for general education and training for further education is Curriculum 2005. This curriculum is learner centred and is beneficiary for the learner with disabilities and difficulties. The principles of outcomes-based curriculum (Curriculum 2005) contribute to the accommodation of all learners in their diversity and needs. The society is looking forward to the implementation of this new curriculum, due to the fact that discrimination against learners with learning disabilities/difficulties will no longer be part of our education. Awareness of entrepreneurship and teaching of entrepreneurship is part of the eight learning areas and also one of the critical outcomes of Curriculum 2005. Entrepreneurial awareness can offer a meaningful contribution to solve an essential problem in the RSA.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2000

Steel producers in South Africa are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve long term goals due to the level of competition in the industry domestically, as well as being under threat from overseas producers. The objective of the study was to research customer service in order to formulate a model for the successful implementation of a customer service programme. The present level of expectation and perception of customer service was established by making use of the Servqual questionnaire. The outcome of the questionnaire showed a value of -0,73, which is below the zero point, where customer perceptions meet their expectations. A model for the successful implementation of a customer service programme was recommended. This model consists of five points i.e. establishing of organisational values and goals, determination of the present state of customer satisfaction, the identification of causes relating to the poor levels of service, the implementation of actions to rectify the poor levels of service and measuring and monitoring of these actions. It was recommended that with the total commitment from top management, a program can be successfully launched that will lead to a change in the approach to customer service and an improvement in the level of service to customers.
MBA, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Educations, 2000

In this dissertation the connection that is assumed between homosexuality and death in Western culture is investigated. The way in which this connection manifests in terms of a heteronormative aids discourse in literary works with homosexuality and aids as themes, is examined in view of queer theory. Three novels are identified as queer readings of a heteronormative aids discourse, namely Ek stamel en sterwe (1996) by Eben Venter, In the city of shy hunters (2001) by Tom Spanbauer and Het derde huwelijk (2006) by Tom Lanoye. The extensive terrain of queer theory is investigated with specific focus on the underlying poststructuralist and deconstructive principles which are specifically concerned with the nature and function of language and sign systems. Consequently, queer theory is circumscribed in order to serve as theoretical instrument with which to determine the undermining operation of literary works. With regard to poststructuralist ideas in queer theory, the aids epidemic, together with social and cultural reaction to it, is read and analysed as discourse. Using principles of queer theory, the heteronormative aids discourse is analysed with regard to preconceived notions pertaining to homosexuality, aids and death. With the discussion of queer theory and a heteronormative aids discourse as basis, the three novels are discussed and analysed. The novels? representations of homosexuality and aids are discussed, together with the way in which the novels make use of queer strategies to undermine a heteronormative aids discourse. It is shown that the novels supply queer representations of aids and aids patients, which resist heteronormative assumptions about biological sex and sexual identity. The novels accentuate the role of language and the performative function and nature of language, and bring to light the process of heteronormative signification. The novels also expose the inherent instability, incoherency and artificiality of a heteronormative discourse by applying queer strategies like creative appropriation and resignification, teatralisation, revelation and demystification to the components of the discourse.
Thesis (MA (Linguistics and Literary Theory))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

A developer of thermofluid simulation software requires algorithms which are used to design and implement PI controllers at some operating points of nonlinear industrial processes. In general, the algorithm should be applicable to multivariable plant models which may be nonlinear. In some areas there is a hesitancy to use controllers for nonlinear processes which use neural networks or fuzzy logic or a combination thereof. PI controllers are also standard in various SCADA systems. Since control normally takes place around an operating point, a linearised model is obtained. A controller designed for a particular operating point, may not be suitable for other operating points. Since a multitude of variables are to be controlled in the plant, the problem becomes more acute. In this research, a methodology is derived for the design of multivariable control using PI controllers. The parameters of the controllers depend on the operating point, and are therefore nonlinear. The behaviour is deterministic in a classical control sense around a range of operating points. This should remove concerns of non-deterministic behaviour as attached to neural networks due to the lack of stability tests for them which are industry accepted. A state-space approach leads to the development of a design methodology, which is then used to implement these algorithms. The P- and PI-controllers will be designed using traditional methods, as well as by an optimal procedure which makes use of a genetic algorithm. The GA tuning algorithm yields superior performance when compared to other methods
Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Perhaps the most useful area of electronic engineering involves the gathering and manipulation of data from an industrial process or a scientific experiment. The industrial process can be electrical, mechanical, thermo dynamical, or combinations thereof. Once data are collected from the process, modelling, parameter estimation, condition monitoring and fault detection can be done on the system. Data acquisition devices are used to capture the needed data. These devices are usually purchased off-the-shelf but custom-made systems are designed when commercially available systems fall short. The purpose of this project is to develop a custom-made measuring system. This system must generate and acquire waveforms at multiple points synchronously. Intended applications include input-output mapping and determining the transfer function of a process. This system should be a less costly alternative to commercially available systems, flexible and user-friendly. In addition, the system should be able to take high speed high resolution measurements and should have superior galvanic isolation. A complete measuring system capable of signal injection and data acquisition was developed. Hardware, firmware and software were developed by following a simple systems engineering approach. The system was tested to close the engineering design loop. Although a 16-bit data acquisition system requires high precision instruments for testing, simpler tests were designed to test certain aspects of the system. These tests proved to be sufficient to illustrate the concept of a synchronous, multi-node, galvanic isolated measurement system, This project was done, based on a requirement in the industry. The requirement was to have a low-cost high accuracy, high speed, galvanic isolated, synchronous measurement system to inject signals into a system and to measure signals in a system. Many off-the-shelf systems exist, but are either too complex for the intended purpose or costly. The solution to this problem was to develop a low cost measuring system that could accomplish tasks such as input-output mapping at multiple points.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Design and management decisions require an accurate prediction of the performance of the network. Network performance estimation techniques require accurate network traffic models. In this thesis we are concerned with the modelling of network traffic for the wireless mesh network (WMN) environment. Queueing theory has been used in the past to model the WMN environment and we found in this study that queueing theory was used in two main methods to model WMNs. The first method is to consider each node in the network in terms of the number of hops it is away from the gateway. Each node is then considered as a queueing station and the parameters for the station is derived from the number of hops each node is away from the gateway. These topologies can be very limiting in terms of the number of physical topologies they can model due to the fact that their parameters are only dependent on the number of hop-counts each node is away from the gateway. The second method is to consider a fixed topology with no gateways. This method simplifies analysis but once again is very limiting. In this dissertation we propose a queueing based network traffic model that uses a connection matrix to define the topology of the network. We then derive the parameters for our model from the connection matrix. The connection matrix allows us to model a wider variety of topologies without modifying our model. We verify our model by comparing results from our model to results from a discrete event simulator and we validate our model by comparing results from our model to results from models previously proposed by other authors. By comparing results from our model to results of other models we show that our model is indeed capable of modelling a wider variety of topologies.
Thesis (MIng (Computer and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

South Africa is experiencing a process of formidable and fundamental change. Public administrators as well as politicians are under tremendous pressure as heavy demands are being placed on them. These demands include coping with interventions such as Affirmative Action, Employment Equity, and the importance of managing diversity in the workplace. Despite improvements in race relations in the past twenty years, dysfunctional and ineffective behaviour still occur. This may be a reflection of the discomfort and anxiety experienced by employees in the work setting. In order to comply with legislation, organisations created opportunities for Black, Asian and Coloured males and females, White females and disabled people. This, in return, leads to perceptions of preferential hiring. The view that Affirmative Action involves preferential hiring and treatment based on group membership creates resistance to its implementation and original purpose. The reason for this resistance might be linked to the fact that people still perceive discrimination and injustice in the workplace. These perceptions seem true in public organisations even though public organisations have taken a positive stance with regard to implementing Equal Employment and Affirmative Action plans. A qualitative design with an availability sample (N = 20) of employees working in a public organisation was used. The qualitative research makes it possible to determine the subjective experience of employees in a public organisation. Semi-structured interviews based on the phenomenological method were conducted with employees working in different sections and different positions in a public organisation. Non-directive questions were asked during the interview. The tape-recording of the interview was transcribed verbatim in order to analyse the information. Content analysis was used to analyse and interpret the research data in a systematic, objective and quantitative way. A literature-control has been done to investigate relevant research in order to determine the comparativeness and uniqueness of the current research. Results indicated that Affirmative Action has been used as a tool in achieving its goal by focusing on preferential hiring. From the responses it was clear that the majority of the participants are of opinion that preferential hiring led to the appointment of incompetent candidates. It appears from the interviews that appointments are made without basing it on merit. This is against the basic principle of the public organisation of hiring and promoting employees by set standards. Due to the fact that previous disadvantaged groups are being placed in positions of which they have no experience or are not trained in, job related knowledge seems to present a problem. From the interviews it appeared that employees felt that poor customer service increased across the organisation due to the appointment of incompetent candidates. This also seems to have an effect on the workload being handled. It seems that predominantly white employees tend to be ambivalent towards Affirmative Action. Part of the reason for this ambivalence is the fear of change, especially when that change involves a radical re-thinking of past strategies. White employees, employed by the old apartheid system, feel alienated and/or marginalised in the new Affirmative Action process. White employees are also leaving organisations because they seem not to be part of the Affirmative Action process. This leads to loss of expertise occurring in organisations. Though organisations show a considerable amount of improvement on relationships between black and white, discrimination still seems to present itself through the implementation of Affirmative Action. Managing diversity is crucial for the effective management and development of people. It is important not to focus only on cultural differences but also concentrate on individual needs and perceptions. Unfortunately, it appears that South Africa is in the process of making the same mistakes as other countries in focusing on a power game and corruption. Black employees in particular, seem to be actively recruited, placed in senior positions and given the related finishing. In other words top management are using their 'power' to enforce Affirmative Action. There are also those who want to abuse the system or maybe understand the system incorrectly. Corruption coming from top management tends to make employees negative. In order to address these issues, a succession and career planning process needs to exist which is closely tied to the organisations' strategic plan. Employment Equity, as a strategic objective, is managed by the organisation, but needs the Human Resources function in a support and consultancy role. As such, it requires translation into practical objectives for departments, managers and employees. Recommendations were made for future research.
Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Professionalism in sport and the standard of world-class performance is on the rise. The development of a country's sporting potential therefore is crucial (Martindale et al., 2007:187). In South African schools, sport is widely regarded as the basis of elite sport (Rajput & Van Deventer, 2010:159). Teacher-coaches are in most cases responsible for the development potential of this sport. These coaches are often not properly trained, while the most knowledgeable coaches are used at elite level (SASKOK 2011b:12). The aim of this study was to determine the current state of teacher-coaches’ sport-specific training and playing- and coaching experience regarding sport coaching. Fifty four (54) schools om the Kenneth Kaunda district in the North-West Province of South Africa were available for this study. Questionnaires by Vosloo (2007) and Camire (2012) were adapted for use in this study. One hundred and forty-four (144) questionnaires were used in the compilation of the results. The Epi-info program was used to capture the data. For analysing the data, frequency tables and cross-tabulations were used to obtain statistical (p≤0.05) and practical (Cramer’s V-value) significance. Only six (6) of the twelve (12) priority sports codes have a significant amount of sport-specific trained teacher-coaches. Most sport-specific training was completed more than five (5) years ago. In most sports codes the majority of teacher-coaches have less than 10 years’ combined coaching- and participation experience. The transfer of quality coaching knowledge between coaches is questionable. It is mostly teacher-coaches with less than 10 years’ experience that do not attempt to improve their coaching skills. Teacher-coaches in general also use few methods to improve their coaching skills. Sport-specific training is needed in all types of schools (especially township- and farm schools) and in all priority sports codes. These teacher-coaches also require quality coaching mentors as well as exceptional and current sport-specific information.
TheThesis (MSc (Sport Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Section 26 of the Labour Relations Act 95 of 1996 makes provision for the introduction of closed shop agreements at the workplace between majority unions and employers. All employees covered by such agreements are required to be members of such unions or otherwise face the possibility of dismissal. "Conscientious objector" employees are an exception to this rule. The purpose of this submission is to investigate the constitutional validity of s26 in the light of the fundamental right to freedom of association in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1 996 whilst investigating the position of "conscientious objectors" in certain foreign jurisdictions.
Thesis (LL.M. (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Uitbranding as verskynsel was oorspronklik waargeneem by individue wat in hulpverlenings beroepe gestaan het, soos byvoorbeeld verpleegsters. Vandag word dit erken dat individue in enige beroep uitbranding kan ontwikkel. Dit is om hierdie rede dat navorsing oor die verband tussen uitbranding, begeestering, coping en lokus van kontrole van nagraadse studente toepaslik en noodsaaklik is, aangesien hulle die toekomstige werknemers van Suid Afrika is. Die doe1 van die navorsing is om die verband tussen uitbranding, begeestering, coping en lokus van kontrole van werkende nagraadse studente en nie-werkende nagraadse studente te bepaal. 'n Opname-ontwerp is gebruik vir die navorsing. Die ondersoekgroep het bestaan uit (n=40) nagraadse studente in die Ingenieursfakulteit asook @=SO) nagraadse studente in die MBA klas van die Besigheidskool. Vier vraelyste is in hierdie empiriese navorsing gebruik, naamlik die Maslach Uitbrandingsvraelys - Algemene Opname (MBI-GS), die Utrech Work Engagement-Skaal (UWES), die COPE-Vraelys (COPE) en die Lokus van Kontrole- Inventark (LOC). Beskrywende statistiek is gebruik om die data te analiseer. Die resultate van die ondersoek dui daarop dat nagraadse studente 'n risiko loop vir uitbranding. Die resultate wys verder daarop dat die meeste nagraadse studente intern gemotiveer word en gebruik maak van aktiewe coping- strategieë om stres van die akademiese lewe te kan hanteer. Die resultate dui verder ook daarop dat 'n eksterne lokus van kontrole verband hou met hoe uitbrandingsimptome en passiewe coping- strategieë. Verdere aanduidings is dat hoe uitputting met 'n eksterne lokus van kontrole en hoe vlakke van sinisme korreleer. Toewyding en lewenskrag korreleer positief met interne lokus van kontrole en outonomie, en voorspel ook lae vlakke van uitputting en sinisme. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing is aan die hand gedoen.
Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Literature shows that HIV/AIDS greatly affects the self-esteem of HIV/AIDS directly affected learners (these affected learners are either directly infected, or one or both parents are or had been infected). Studies also show that appropriate motor activities can have a positive influence on a child's self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an appropriate motor development programme on the large muscle skills and the self-esteem of 4 to 6 year old HIV/AIDS directly-affected learners. Eight gross motor and perceptual motor skills, as well as self-esteem was evaluated among 28 directly-affected HIV/AIDS (HIV/AIDS-infected as well as - affected) learners in a pre-primary school for terminally sick children in Promosa, a township of Potchefstroom, South Africa. Evaluation took place before and after the implementation of a 12-week long appropriate large muscle development programme. A co-variance analysis (ANCOVA) was done on post-test scores to correct possible differences between pre-test scores in order to achieve a statistical more significant comparison between the experimental and control groups. The motor scores as well as the self-esteem scores of the experimental group showed statistically significant (p≤0.05) improvements after the programme, in contrast with the scores of the control group which showed no significant improvements after completion of the large muscle development programme. These improvements entailed certain fundamental locomotor and balance skills, and self-perceived competence with reference to certain movement skills, as well as peer acceptance. The results imply that by improving the gross motor and perceptual motor skills of HIV/AIDS directly-affected learners by means of an appropriate motor development programme, the self-esteem and related aspects of these learners may be enhanced.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The observation is made that the spiritual well being of the church youth - i.e., the covenantal youth -is not healthy. The aim of this thesis is to study this observation. It seems that when children come to the point that they confess their faith they do not grasp the full implications of this undertaking as they do not bear the fruits of faith in their daily lives. There exists empiric evidence that the church youth are well equipped in the knowledge of faith, but when it comes to subjective acts of faith, there is a great lack. The assumption is made that the catechist is not always sufficiently equipped to apply the balance between knowledge of faith and subjective acts of faith in catechises. The focus point of the study is: Catechises as a means through which salvation is secured and appropriated within the context of the covenant and the Kingdom of God. The fundamental question at stake is: How does the believer share in the salvation that Christ has earned on the cross, and in which way can the catechises serves as a vehicle to achieve this goal. Essentially catechises is the official service of the church through which children of the covenant are assured of their salvation. They must also come to the point where they claim this redemption. The church obtains this objective by proclaiming the truths and instructing the doctrines of the Word of God to these children in such a way that each individual should come to confess his/her faith publicly and personally. Catechists must shepherd and guide these children not only to obtain certainty of faith (certitudo fidei) and to be obedient as believers, but also to be convinced of their salvation (certitudo salutis) and to make this redemption their own. The unity between God and man is not a polar one, but an apolar covenantal relation. Within this polar relation the covenant is like a solid foundation in which this oneness is rooted. The monopleuric (one-sided, unilateral) and dipleuric (two-sided, bilateral) character of the covenant proves that God treats man as a responsible associate in this treaty. God's sovereignty or objective salvation, on the one hand, and human responsibility or subjective faith, on the other hand, coexists without any strain or uneasiness whatsoever within this apolar covenantal connection between God and man. There is no contradiction between God's redemptive word and man's responsibility. It is therefore compulsory for man to believe; that man has faith is not something that rakes place without his decision. However, it is through the power of the gospel that faith is created in man - the gospel that Christ was crucified. The grace of God does not cause the believer to be a passive being; it has the effect that he is in active service of the Lord. The requirement to believe and to repent is not set aside; in fact, it remains a condition of the covenant. This means that, in the relation between God and His people, the promises and the demands of the covenant must be operative and active in the personal lives of the people of the covenant. The purpose of this exercise is that the believers will be able to experience the grace of the promises of the covenant as a reality. There is also a call at the address of these people to appropriate the salvation promised in the covenant. The children of the covenant must share in the promises of the pact on a personal basis. The reality of these promises, as well as the urgency of the demands - according to the gospel of God - must be proclaimed to the catechumens. There is a close relationship between certainty of faith and the objective truths of religion. This certainty is built on the truths that form the content of the Word of God. Certainty of salvation links up with the subjective acts of faith. A believer takes part on a personal level in the redemptive work of Christ. The fact that he is saved, through this redemption, forms the foundation of the Christian's life.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Catechetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Physical activity is probably the single largest risk factor in the development of chronic lifestyle disorders. Research indicated that regular participation in physical activity has positive effects on general health and quality of life. The physical activity profile, lifestyle patterns and health status of western communities have been well documented. The same could however not be said of the Indian population and this study therefore aimed to research that part of the South African population. The aim of this research is therefore to determine the relationship of physical activity on lifestyle, health status, coronary risk factors of Indian men and women, as well as the relation of physical activity on the level of stress, burnout and happiness among the Indian population. Residents of Mohadin in Potchefstroom, a semi-urbanized Indian community were approach to participate in this study. A total of 101 men (n=47) and women (n=54) between the age of 19 and 78 year (X=41.4 ± 15.4) were randomly selected to participate in the survey. Participation in physical activity was assessed by using the physical activity index (PAI) as suggested by Sharkey (1997). The lifestyle index (Belloc & Breslow, 1972) and health status (Wyler et al., 1968) were determined by using the respective questionnaires, while the coronary risk index was assessed as suggested by Bjurstrom & Alexiou (1978). A 25-item stress questionnaire (Dickmann, 1 988) was used for determining the incidence of stress symptoms, while happiness and quality of life was assessed by using the affectometer from Kamman & Flett (1983) questionnaire. Pines Burnout-scale (1981) was used for measuring the level of burnout of participants. Statistical analysis of the data was done by using a one way analysis of variance to determine the relationship between variables. The data of this study indicated that the respondents followed a significant sedentary lifestyle. In this respect 62.8% and 64.7% men and women respectively reported none or very little physical activity during their leisure time. The coronary risk as well as the health status indexes of the men indicated poorer results comparing to those of the women. When comparing their psycho-emotional indexes like incidence of stress symptoms, burnout and happiness and quality of life it seems that the women obtained poorer results in this respect than the men. It is also clear that the physical active respondents (men and women) indicated a lower risk for coronary heart disease as well as superior health status compared to their inactive counterparts. These differences however are not statistical significant (pS0.05). As far as the psycho-emotional parameters are concerned participation in physical activity also showed no statistical difference between the physical active respondents comparing to the non-active counterparts. The small sizes of the participants in the various activity groupings may affect the statistical analyses. Some tendencies however existed regarding psycho-emotional parameters that physically active women do not react the same as the physical active men do. The reasons for this is not clear and more research should be done to clear up questions which arises from this study.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

This study focuses on the way in which the conceptual artists Berni Searle and Jan van der Merwe portray their respective memories of the influence of hegemony on their identity formation. Two conceptual installations of each artist, namely Looking back (1999) and Not quite white (2000) of Searle and Wag (2000) and Ontwortel (2009) of Van der Merwe, are interpreted comparatively according to the portrayal of hegemony, identity (including the artists‟ different sexual and race identities) and their memories of the historic and cultural effects of domination. The reading and interpretation of the installations are guided by the key concepts hegemony, identity and memory and are grounded theoretically from a critical post colonial perspective. Searle and Van der Merwe‟s memories of the influence of power relations and ideology on their conception of art and identity formation are addressed by contextualizing the artists within the South African context. Van der Merwe, as a white Afrikaans speaking man, initially formed collectively part of the Western patriarchate identity norm because of his historic background. His identity is in contrast with Searle‟s brown and female identity which is traditionally viewed and portrayed as different and inferior. Van der Merwe‟s memorial art is therefore mainly that of the unjustified benefiting of the white and male agents of power in contrast with Searle‟s memorial art of colonial and patriarchate domination.
Thesis (MA (History of Art))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

'The sustainability of water resources in South Africa is of great importance for the development and sustainability of a community with social and economical equity. In the mining sector, with the potential negative impacts on the groundwater and surface water sources caused by various activities, sustainable development is very important. Continuous pressure on the development of groundwater resources for water supply schemes, rising water tariffs and increase in the waste discharge charge system urges the mine to evaluate and optimize its current process and wastewater management. IS0 14001 is internationally known as a system suitable to identify environmental impacts and possible mitigation options. In this study, a possibility for the development of a water management system based on IS0 14001, is evaluated. The development of such a system will commence with the implementation of an environmental policy, which stipulates the impacts of each aspect on the water quality and quantity that should be quantified. Environmental Management Systems are developed and implemented for such impacts and monitored accordingly. Other aspects regarding document control and training of personnel is also addressed. The term "continuous improvement" should be the goal of the system. The necessary legal requirements like the National Water Act (36 of 1998) serves as a base for such a system. In this study a water management system, based on IS0 14001 will be developed for Hartebeestfontein mine 2-shaft and gold plant as case study to evaluate the feasibility of such an approach. The results of the research show that it is possible to develop a system and recommendations are given for the effective implementation of the water management system on the mine."
Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Emotional intelligence is a relatively new and growing area of behavioural research, which stimulated the imagination of the general public, the commercial world and the scientific community. Only a few studies have been done on the relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of emotional intelligence, optimism, life satisfaction and self-efficacy, as well as the validity and reliability of these measures on a sample of university students. Further objectives included conceptualising emotional intelligence, optimism, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, wellbeing and academic performance and determining the validity and reliability of the 33-item measurement of emotional intelligence (SEIS) for a sample of potential future employees in economical sciences professions. The results obtained from this study will help organisations determine the level of emotional intelligence and well-being of their future workforce, in order to implement certain interventions to improve it. A cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. A sample of 341 students was used for this study, but only 324 of the responses could be utilised. The participants (N = 324) were students within the field of economics. 1 17 Students were from the Vanderbijlpark Campus and 207 students were from the Potchefstroom Campus. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale, Life Orientation Test Revised, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the General Perceived Self- Efficacy Scale were administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the statistical data. The results obtained from the SEIS proved this measuring instrument to be valid and reliable. By using the multiple linear regression analysis approach, a six dimensional factor structure for emotional intelligence among students emerged, which supported earlier conceptions in this regard. The results showed that Interpersonal factors consisted of Positive Affect, Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control. Intrapersonal factors consisted of Self-Efficacy, Life Satisfaction and Optimism. Self-efficacy, Life satisfaction, Optimism, Pessimism, Positive Affect, Emotion-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotion-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control, predict 16% of the variance in Academic Performance. Significant predictors of Academic Performance are Life Satisfaction, Optimism, Pessimism and Emotions-Others. A second order factor analysis was done on the factors of the SEIS, LOT-R, GPSES, and the SWLS. Two factors were extracted explaining 50,95% of the variance. These factors were called Interpersonal Factors and Intrapersonal Factors. On the Intrapersonal Factor, the following factors loaded: Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own and Non-Verbal Emotions. Self-Efficacy, Life Satisfaction and Optimism, Positive Affect and Emotional Control loaded on the Interpersonal Factor. It is evident from the above that psychological well-being consisted out of two dimensions namely Interpersonal and Intrapersonal aspects. Positive Affect is significantly positively related (large effect) to Optimism and Self-Efficacy and significantly positive related (medium effect) to Emotions-Others, Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions and Emotional Control. Emotions-Others is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Happy Emotions, Emotions-Own and Self-Efficacy. Happy Emotions is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Emotions-Own, Non-Verbal Emotions, Emotional Control, Optimism and Self-Efficacy. Emotions-Own is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Non-verbal Emotions, Emotional Control, Optimism and Self-Efficacy. Non-verbal Emotions significantly positively related (medium effect) to Emotional Control and Self-Efficacy. Emotional Control significantly positively related (large effect) to Self-Efficacy and significantly positively related (medium effect) to Optimism and Life Satisfaction. Optimism significantly positively related (medium effect) to Life Satisfaction and Self-Efficacy. Pessimism is significantly negatively related (medium effect) to Life Satisfaction and Self- Efficacy. Life satisfaction is significantly positively related (medium effect) to Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance. Recommendations for future research were made.
Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Nurses' working environment, together with their patient relationships, can elicit emotions which they will need to manage in order to perform successfully in their daily work activities. It is for this reason that it is crucial that sound emotional intelligence measures should be developed which hospitals can utilise to identify emotionally intelligent individuals for emotionally laden jobs or even to identify their developmental needs within the area of emotional intelligence. The objective of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) developed by Schutte and colleagues in 1998 within a nursing environment. A convenience random sample of 5 11 nurses was taken from hospitals located in the areas of Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Krugersdorp, Johannesburg and Pretoria. The EIS was used as a measuring instrument. Cronbach alpha coefficients, Pearson-product correlation coefficients and MANOVAS were used to analyse the data. The results showed a 5-factor solution for the EIS, which explained 50,04% of the total variance. All of the five dimensions had adequate internal consistencies, except for the Negative Emotions dimension. Lastly, group differences were identified between personnel area and emotional intelligence, as well as between race and emotional intelligence levels. Recommendations were made for future research.
Thesis (M.Com. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

At PBMR, long-lived fission product release from spherical fuel spheres is calculated using the German legacy software product GETTER. GETTER is a good tool when performing calculations for fuel spheres under controlled operating conditions, including irradiation tests and post irradiation heat-up experiments. It has proved itself as a versatile reactor analysis tool, but is rather cumbersome when used for accident and sensitivity analysis. Developments in depressurized loss of forced cooling (DLOFC) accident analysis using GETTER led to the creation of FIPREX (Fission Product RElease under accident (X) conditions), and later FIPREX-GETTER. FIPREX-GETTER is designed as a wrapper around GETTER so that calculations can be carried out for large numbers of fuel spheres with design and operating parameters that can be stochastically varied. This allows full Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses to be performed for representative cores containing many fuel spheres. The development process and application of FIPREX-GETTER in reactor analysis at PBMR is explained and the requirements for future development of the code are discussed. Results are presented for a sample PBMR core design under normal operating conditions as well as a suite of design-base accident events, illustrating the functionality of FIPREX-GETTER. Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis principles are explained and presented for each calculation type. The plan and current status of verification and validation (V&V) is described. The effects high temperature events have on fission product transport are investigated and discussed.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Nuclear Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The main focus of this study concerns the contribution of focalisation to the creation of fictional worlds through the combination of the “building blocks” of a fictional world, namely the central focalising and focalised character(s), focalised social contexts, events and spaces, in Hermann Hesse’s Demian (1919), Narziß und Goldmund (1930), E.L. Doctorow’s Welcome to Hard Times (1960) and Homer & Langley (2009). The relationship between the focalisers and their social contexts influence their human, subjective perspectives and represented perceptions of their textual actual worlds. Focalisation is constructive in the synergistic relationship between the “building blocks” that leads to the creation of fictional worlds. Chapter 2 discusses the theoretical basis of the thesis which is formed by the concepts of M. Ryan, L. Doležel, R. Ronen and T.G. Pavel with regard to possible worlds and fictional worlds. G. Genette’s and M. Bal’s theories provide the foundation of this study with regard to this concept as regards focalisation. Chapter 3 contextualises focalisation and fictional worlds as possible worlds in Hesse’s and Doctorow’s fiction and as such constitutes part of a twofold basis for the following analyses and comparisons. Four textual analyses of the individual novels by Hesse and Doctorow then follow. In the textual analysis of Demian the notions of M. Bal, M. Ryan and A. Nünning provide a theoretical basis that is specifically relevant for the argument that through his consciousness the individual, Emil Sinclair, creates the fictional world, i.e. by “transforming” textual actual world components into individualised fictional world ones. The views of Viktor Frankl, feminist activists against prostitution such as M. Farley, M.A. Baldwin and C.A. MacKinnon as well as the views of Talcott Parsons (in conjunction with those of G.M. Platt and N.J. Smelser) offer a theoretical underpinning for the analysis of the social context as the product of the mindset in the community in Doctorow’s Welcome to Hard Times and the mindset of the focaliser, Blue, that concurs with the mindset of the community. Focalised events are considered as psychologically credible and as contributing to the fictional world in Hesse’s Narziß und Goldmund. In this textual analysis the theoretical points of departure were based on theories proposed by D. Cohn, M. Ryan and S. Chatman. Concepts advanced by J. Lothe, J. Lotman, H. Lefebvre, L. Doležel, N. Wolterstorff and D. Coste comprise the theoretical basis of the analysis of social spaces in Doctorow’s Homer & Langley. Chapter 8 consists of comparative analyses of the said focalised “building blocks” of Hesse’s and Doctorow’s novels. The analyses and comparisons argue that focalising characters “filter” their actual worlds and “transform” them through their individualistic and subjective representations, as actual people do. Even if characters are “non-actual individuals” their mindsets or physical, social and mental properties (Margolin, 1989:4) are like those of actual people, i.e. “psychologically credible”. Ryan (1991:45) identifies “psychological credibility” or “a plausible portrayal of human psychology” as an “accessibility relation”, i.e. one that allows the mental properties of a fictional character to be accessible from and possible for the actual world. The interaction between a focalising character and his social context that affects his consciousness and focalisation is comparable to the interaction between a hypothetical actual person and his social world, that would also influence his mindset and how he communicates about the actual world. Perspectives of characters such as Sinclair, Blue, Goldmund and Homer Collyer are recognisable to hypothetical actual world readers as psychologically credible. In the light of Bal’s (1990:9) argument that the whole text content is related to the (focalising) character(s), one could say that the elements of a textual actual world become, as it were, focalised “building blocks” of the fictional world. The central finding is that focalisation contributes to the creation of fictional worlds. The relationship between a fictional world and the actual one becomes apparent in literary texts through focalisation that transforms the textual actual world and its elements, i.e. the central (self-focalising) character, the social context, events and space(s), through a focaliser’s consciousness. The focaliser’s consciousness in Hesse’s and Doctorow’s fiction is marked by psychological credibility. A fictional world is comparable to the actual world with regard to other accessibility relations that Ryan (cf. 1991:31-47) identifies, but focalisation specifically allows a fictional world to become possible in actual world terms by creating credibility of this kind. A fictional world is plausible not in mimetic terms, as a factual text presents itself to be, but in possible terms, i.e. through the comparability of human psychology in fictional worlds and the actual world. Focalisation significantly contributes to the creation of a fictional world through the interaction between psychologically credible subjectivity and the imaginary level of the text on which the textual actual world obtains human value through focalisation. A fictional world is, in this sense, a possible world and, in fact, comes about through being a possible world.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Applied Language and Literary Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of this research was to explore the alternative stories of a group of black adults who survived the apartheid years in South Africa. In common parlance it is held that there are two sides to a story and surely, there must have been alternative stories of how people in the black community survived the apartheid years, other than only the dominant stories of suffering that came to the fore during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings. It was surmised that the lives of many of the black adults, who experienced the atrocities of the apartheid years, might have been shaped by the dominant stories of hardship and that alternative stories of survival may not have played the important role in the shaping of their lives, that they should have played. The motivation for this research is that the data that were elicited may lead to further research and the possible planning of programmes to help people that experienced the atrocities during the apartheid era to incorporate their alternative stories of survival with their dominant stories of suffering. Fifteen black participants, aged thirty-seven and older participated in the research project. A qualitative research design, more specifically narrative analysis, was used in the form of the categorical-content approach. Two methods were used to obtain data, namely a question in the biographical questionnaire, as well as an unstructured individual interview with the participants. Analysis of the data yielded eight prevalent themes, namely support, religion, role models, education, the struggle, culture, positive experiences facilitated hope, and acceptance. Results indicated that the eight themes are closely linked Suggestions for future research projects were made.
Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Emotion research is an important research topic, thus making the measurement of emotion in the workplace crucial. In attempting to study, understand and measure the role of emotions in the human condition, various researchers have identified different theoretical models to manage the information they have gathered and the observations they have made. In order to study or scientifically investigate any human behaviour, it is essential that such behaviour can be measured, if not quantitatively, then at least qualitatively. However, what one finds with regard to emotion research and measurement are two–dimensional models. The existing affect has been described with a choice of two dimensions and structures, i.e. circumplex, positive and negative affect, tense and energetic arousal, and eight combinations of pleasantness and activation. These two dimensions and structures measure a person’s experiences and, thereafter, report them. The question is if these two–dimensional emotion models are sufficient to cover the broad and often complex dynamics of emotions. The start of multiple–emotion dimension models were reported by researchers, who identified a three–dimensional structure in the emotion domain that is suggestive of the Evaluation–Potency– Activation (EPA) dimensions in the connotative or affective meaning of words. However, in recent studies the sufficiency of two–dimension models to comprehensively investigate emotions was questioned. The three–dimensional emotion model was replicated in cross–cultural similarity sorting studies by other researchers. The similarity sorting studies also indicate the importance of studying emotions in specific cultural contexts. Studying emotion in different cultures is especially relevant in a country such as South Africa that has a variety of cultures and eleven official languages. Researchers followed an approach that studied the meaning of emotion in different cultural groups in the context of 144 emotion features using a componential emotion theory approach. Researchers argue in the groundbreaking research that was published in Psychological Science that emotion meaning has more than only two dimensions. The approach postulated by researchers was tested in a student population of three language groups, namely Dutch–, Englishand French–speaking students. According to researchers this is an empirical and theoretical method to study the meaning of emotions across cultures. However, apart from studying the meaning of emotions in specific cultural groups, research also attempts to determine the meaning of emotion in the natural contexts in which they occur. The relevant natural contexts for the field of Industrial Psychology are the work contexts. It is therefore also important to investigate the categories of emotion episodes in the work environment. The general goal of this study was therefore a) to investigate the emotion lexicon in the white Afrikaans–speaking working adult language group, b) to determine the cognitive emotion structure of this cultural group, c) to investigate the meaning of emotion as comprehensively as possible (multidimensional models of the meaning of emotion), and d) to determine the meaning and content of emotion episodes in the workplace. Research Article 1 The research was subsequently presented in two independent phases. Firstly, a free listing of emotion terms was compiled, and secondly the emotion terms were prototypically rated by Afrikaans–speaking people in South Africa. Both of these were then used as measuring instruments. A survey was designed to explore the research objectives utilising availability samples in two studies. The participants in the free–listing (N=70) and in the prototypicality (N=70) study consisted of native Afrikaans–speaking employees. The sample consisted of participants from the white ethnic group speaking Afrikaans within the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North–West and KZN provinces and use was made of an availability sample. After conducting the research, the emotion terms with the highest frequency, as identified during the first study, the free listing task, were to be happy (gelukkig wees), be sad (hartseer wees), love (liefde), anger (kwaad) and hateful (haatlik). The emotion terms with the lowest scores as identified during the free listing were uncomfortable (ongemaklik), painful (seer), be hurt (seergemaak wees), sympathetic (simpatiek) and shout/yell (skreeu). Correspondingly, the five (5) prototypical terms with the highest scores in Afrikaans were nice (lekker), fed–up/had enough (gatvol/“genoeg gehad”), loveable (liefdevol), anger (kwaad) and to be scared (om bang te wees). The five (5) least prototypical terms from the list generated in the free listing task were: unstable (onvas), bashfulness (skugterheid), captivation (geboeidheid), envy (naywer) and delight (opgetoënheid). From the information obtained in this research it was revealed that the emotion terms nice (lekker), fed up/had enough (gatvol/“genoeg gehad”) and loveable (liefdevol) are at this stage unique to the white Afrikaans language group. These terms had not been reported in any previously conducted prototypical studies. The results of this study contribute to a cross–cultural understanding of the emotion concepts within the Afrikaans–speaking language groups in South Africa. Research Article 2 A survey design was used to achieve the research objectives utilising availability samples in a series of one study. The participants of the Similarity study (N=131) consisted of native Afrikaans–speaking employees. The sample consisted of participants from the white ethnicity group speaking Afrikaans within the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, North– West, KZN and Northern Cape provinces and use was made of an availability sample. Results of Multidimensional Scaling revealed a three–dimensional cognitive emotion structure. The first dimension was the evaluation–pleasantness dimension. This dimension evaluates the pleasantness versus the unpleasantness of an emotion. This dimension is characterised by intrinsic appraisals of pleasantness and goal conduciveness and action tendencies of approach versus avoidance. The second dimension that emerged was a power–control dimension. This dimension is characterised by appraisals of control, how powerful or weak a person feels when a particular emotion is experienced. This includes feelings of dominance or submission, the impulse to act or withdraw and changes in speech and parasymphatic symptoms. The third dimension which emerged was an activation–arousal dimension. According to other researchers this arousal dimension is characterised by sympathetic arousal, e.g. rapid heartbeat and readiness for action. This study produced a cognitive emotion structure in a white Afrikaans–speaking working adult population in South Africa. To add value to the field of Industrial Psychology, the threedimension structure (evaluation–pleasantness, power–control and activation–arousal dimension) that was found, is very important and valuable when studying the meaning of emotion and can consequently be used as a reference for other emotion research constructs. If it is accurate as stated in literature, there are three and not only two emotion dimension structures, and researchers are missing out on a bigger picture for not drawing on the experience of emotion sufficiently. Research Article 3 A survey design and an availability sample (N=120) in the Eastern Cape, Free State and Gauteng provinces in South Africa was utilised for this study. The Meaning Grid was translated and backtranslated and adapted for use in Afrikaans. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were obtained for the emotion terms. According to the results of the Meaning Grid instrument, the following emotion terms were the highest: disgust (afkeur) 0,95; pleasure (plesier) 0,94; stress (stres) 0,92; happiness (blydskap) 0,91; joy (vreugde) 0,91; fear (bang) 0,91; anger (angstig) 0,91 and hate (haat) 0,90. The emotion terms that scored the lowest with the Meaning Grid instrument were compassion (medelye) 0,79; pride (trots) 0,79 and contempt (minagting) 0,74. Out of the 24 emotion terms of the Meaning Grid instrument, 8 terms were above 0,90 and 13 were between 0,80 and 0,89. Only 3 terms were between 0,74 and 0,79 [compassion (medelye), pride (trots) and contempt (minagting)]. A three–factor solution was found which represented four emotion dimensions (evaluation, arousal/unpredictability and power) that were universal to the emotion structures found in European samples. Factor scores of the 24 Meaning Grid emotions indicate a three–factor solution that explained 62,2 % of the total variance. The first factor was labelled evaluation and explained 43,0% of the variance, the second factor was labelled arousal/unpredictability as it was a combination of arousal and unpredictability and explained 11,0% of the variance, and the third factor was labelled power and explained 8,2% of the variance. This study followed an approach that investigated the meaning structure of emotion in the sample group in the context of 144 emotion features using a componential emotion theory approach. Different researchers argued that emotion meaning has more than only two dimensions. A three–dimensional emotion structure was found that was universal to the emotion structures of three language groups in a European sample. Therefore, the meaning of emotions for this sample group is far more complex than the two–dimensional emotion models that are found in literature. According to the componential emotion theory approach, the 144 emotion features are very important building blocks for Industrial Psychology when studying the meaning of emotion. Research Article 4 A survey design was used in this research study. The Episode Meaning Grid was administered and participants reported on the two intense emotion experiences at work (in total 358 episodes). Employees rated their emotion experiences on features based on the componential emotion theory and also described the emotion events in their own words. The participants in the emotion episodes (N=179) study consisted of native white Afrikaans–speaking working adults. The sample consisted of participants from the white ethnicity group speaking Afrikaans within the Eastern Cape, Free State and North–West provinces and use was made of an availability sample. The results indicated a three–dimensional structure (evaluation–pleasantness, activation–arousal and power–control dimension) was identified within a white Afrikaans–speaking working adult language group. The first dimension was an evaluation–pleasantness dimension. The second dimension was an activation–arousal dimension. The third dimension was a power–control dimension. Regarding the reporting of emotion episodes one hundred and ninety seven respondents reported 84 satisfying emotion episodes and 267 less satisfying emotion episodes that took place at work. Nine different categories of episodes for satisfying emotions experienced were mentioned. It consists of behaviour of work colleagues, acts of boss/superior/management, goal achievement, receiving recognition, workplace policy, task recognition, personal incidents, emotion involvement and subordinate behaviour. The three highest categories of satisfying emotions episodes were “Goal Achievement” (N=31), “Receiving Recognition” (N=20) and “Personal Incidents” (N=10). Goal achievement describes situations where job related targets or goals were met, and receiving recognition refers to positive feedback from managers, supervisors and work colleagues on meeting targets. Nineteen different categories of episodes for less satisfying emotion episodes were mentioned. It consists of behaviour of work colleagues, acts of boss/superior/management, lack of goal achievement, lack of receiving recognition, workplace policy, task requirement, personal incidents, emotional involvement, subordinate behaviour, workload, work mistakes, customer behaviour, external environment, lack of control, physical well–being, involvement in disciplinary action, workplace strikes, wellness of colleagues and unfairness in the workplace. In the categories of less satisfying emotions episodes, the three highest were “Behaviour of Work Colleagues” (N=58), “Acts of Boss/Superior/Management” (N=47) and “Task Requirement” (N=33). The first two categories are appraised less satisfying behaviour towards oneself or others by work colleagues, managers, supervisors and customers. In terms of the categories of satisfying and less satisfying emotions episodes, less satisfying emotion episodes outnumbered satisfying emotions episodes by three to one. By making use of a multi–componential emotion model, the results confirm that the four factors of pleasantness, power, arousal, and unpredictability, in that order of importance, are essential to satisfactorily determine the emotion experience and meaning of emotion terms. A threedimensional emotion structure (evaluation, arousal and power) was found after determining the meaning of emotion in the natural contexts in which they occur. The answer to the question if these two–dimensional emotion models, as stated in literature, are sufficient to cover the broad and often complex dynamics of emotion, is certainly no. Recommendations for the organisation and future research were made.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

In this study, the effect of implementing Network Coding on the aggregated throughput in Wireless Mesh Networks, was examined. Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are multiple hop wireless networks, where routing through any node is possible. The implication of this characteristic, is that messages flow across the points where it would have been terminated in conventional wireless networks. User nodes in conventional wireless networks only transmit and receive messages from an Access Point (AP), and discard any messages not intended for them. The result is an increase in the volume of network traffic through the links of WMNs. Additionally, the dense collection of multiple RF signals propagating through a shared wireless medium, contributes to the situation where the links become saturated at levels below their capacity. The need exists to examine methods that will improve the utilisation of the shared wireless medium in WMNs. Network Coding is a coding and decoding technique at the network level of the OSI stack, aimed to improve the boundaries of saturated links. The technique implies that the bandwidth is simultaneously shared amongst separate message flows, by combining these flows at common intermediate nodes. The number of transmissions needed to convey information through the network, is decreased by Network Coding. The result is in an improvement of the aggregated throughput. The research approach followed in this dissertation, includes the development of a model that investigates the aggregated throughput performance of WMNs. The scenario of the model, followed a typical example of indoors WMN implementations. Therefore, the physical environment representation of the network elements, included an indoors log–distance path loss channel model, to account for the different effects such as: power absorption through walls; and shadowing. Network functionality in the model was represented through a network flow programming problem. The problem was concerned with determining the optimal amount of flow represented through the links of the WMN, subject to constraints pertaining to the link capacities and mass balance at each node. The functional requirements of the model stated that multiple concurrent sessions were to be represented. This condition implied that the network flow problem had to be a multi–commodity network flow problem. Additionally, the model requirements stated that each session of flow should remain on a single path. This condition implied that the network flow problem had to be an integer programming problem. Therefore, the network flow programming problem of the model was considered mathematically equivalent to a multi–commodity integer programming problem. The complexity of multi–commodity integer programming problems is NP–hard. A heuristic solving method, Simulated Annealing, was implemented to solve the goal function represented by the network flow programming problem of the model. The findings from this research provide evidence that the implementation of Network Coding in WMNs, nearly doubles the level of the calculated aggregated throughput values. The magnitude of this throughput increase, can be further improved by additional manipulation of the network traffic dispersion. This is achieved by utilising link–state methods, rather than distance vector methods, to establish paths for the sessions of flow, present in the WMNs.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Hydrogen is a promising energy carrier and a possible replacement for fossil fuel energy sources in the future. Hydrogen has the highest energy content per unit weight of any known fuel. The proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser is a promising technology to produce hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. A fundamental characterisation study of the PEM electrolyser is necessary to improve the technology. The aim of this study is therefore to characterise a PEM electrolyser using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS is a non-invasive technique which measures the response of a system by applying a small sinusoidal disturbance signal. The advantage of using EIS is that the technique has the ability to distinguish between the different electrochemical processes. The EIS technique can be applied while the PEM electrolyser is operated at normal conditions. Models found in the literature were used to develop an equivalent circuit model in such a way that each component in the equivalent circuit model represents a process or component in the PEM electrolyser. The EIS experimental results are fitted to the equivalent circuit model using a non-linear least squares method. The equivalent circuit model was verified by using other electrochemical techniques such as the polarisation curves and Tafel plots. The polarisation curve was used to verify the ohmic resistance of the PEM electrolyser. Tafel plots showed the same trend as the EIS results for the activation losses. Mass transfer losses were verified by changing the anode gas diffusion media. The most significant findings which forms part of the validation of the equivalent circuit model are that the equivalent circuit model is capable of characterising different membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), it can indicate the optimum operating area and it can facilitate component optimisation.
Thesis (MIng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

If the way employees die is a direct cause of their working environment, the employer has a certain responsibility to address or prevent these contributing conditions in the environment. Research reports indicate that police officers have higher suicide rates compared to the rates of the general population. Increasing suicide rates for police officers in recent years have been reported for the United States and Australia. Very limited research data for this phenomenon, especially within the South African Police Service, Limpopo Province was found. Previous research on suicide ideation focused on social and individual factors. A research project was launched to determine the relationship between certain demographic variables, coping strategies and stress factors which can be linked to suicide. Research was conducted by means of a cross-sectional survey design. A random, stratified sample (n=204) of uniformed police members was taken from police stations in the province. The Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire, the Police Stress Inventory, the Coping Orientations to the Problems Experienced Questionnaire and a biographical questionnaire were administered. Results of a stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the combination of race, the use of seeking emotional support as coping strategy and size of police stations can predict 75% of high suicide ideation cases and 25% of low ideation cases. It was found that 5,88% of the police officials had significant suicide ideation levels. Recommendations for future research were made.
Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine if exposure to volatile organic compounds can lead to DNA damage and impaired DNA repair capacity. Nail cosmetics is a fast growing industry around the world where employees and clients are subjected to various chemical substances which may be harmful to their health: such as formaldehyde, toluene, acetone, xylene, ethylmethacrylate, methylmethacrylate and n–buthyl acetate. These chemicals have the potential to be harmful to their health and exposure to these chemicals should be actively controlled. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the IARC, whereas, toluene and xylene are group three carcinogens, classified in 1999 (not classified as carcinogenic to humans), and various studies have linked DNA damage and impaired DNA repair to the above mentioned substances. Methods: Fifteen nail technicians were monitored by means of personal air sampling, measuring formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, acetone and ethylmethacrylate exposure. Fifteen unexposed subjects were chosen and matched for age and smoking habits with the exposed group. Heparinised blood samples were obtained from each test subject with which the Comet Assay was performed on lymphocytes to determine DNA damage and repair ability. Results: Exposure to ethylmethacrylates and methylmethacrylates leads to DNA damage. Methylmethacrylate causes DNA damage by specifically targeting pyrimidine (fpg) bases. N–buthyl acetate, xylene and acetone exposure impaired DNA repair capacity. The exposed group showed signs of Class III and Class IV DNA damage, whereas the control group had little Class III damage and no indication of Class IV damage. The overall DNA repair ability of the nail technicians was slightly impaired when compared to that of the control group, which is in concurrence with previous studies. Smoking habits and age did not show significant influences on the level of DNA damage and repair when compared with the control group. Conclusion: Exposure to volatile organic compounds such as ethylmethacryale and methylmethacrylate may lead to DNA damage and altered DNA repair in some individuals, although further studies are recommended.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The influence of particle size and devolatilisation conditions on the CO2 reactivity of Highveld seam 4 run of mine coal were investigated in a large particle thermo–gravimetric system. Particle sizes of 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm and 40 mm were chosen for both the devolatilisation and the gasification experiments. The devolatilisation experiments were done by placing the coal particles in an electrically preheated tube furnace at isothermal temperatures of 450°C, 700°C and 850°C. The reactivity of the resulting chars was subsequently determined at 900°C using 100% CO2 Coal samples were characterised in terms of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, calorific value as well as SSNMR. The characterisation results indicated that there is no significant difference across the particle size range in terms of the chemical composition and the structural parameters obtained from SSNMR. . Devolatilisation results showed that an increase in temperature resulted in an increase in both devolatilisation rate and volatile yield, with the volatile yield at 850°C being similar to that obtained from proximate analysis for all particle sizes. An increase in particle size resulted in an increase in devolatilisation time and a decrease in devolatilisation rate. For devolatilisation of all particle sizes at 450°C, a distinct plateau in the weight loss curves was observed. The plateau is indicative that the devolatilisation is controlled by heat transfer through the coal particle. This phenomenon is less pronounced at higher temperatures. Due to significant particle fragmentation of large particles at high temperatures, the gasification kinetics of 40 mm chars obtained at 700°C and 850°C could not be determined. The rate of gasification increased with a decrease in particle size while the devolatilisation temperature showed no significant effect for 5 mm and 10 mm particles. Some scatter in the gasification results was observed for 20 mm particles. This might be due to a higher degree of particle fragmentation occurring at the onset of gasification. Different conversion times were found to have a linear relation to the particle size. The gasification results were modelled using a shrinking unreacted core model in the kinetic controlled regime. The reaction kinetic constant showed some particle size dependence that could be due to particle fragmentation and the temperature profile inside the oven. The model showed a good fit for all results.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Chemical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The ability to localise objects and persons is a useful ability, that is currently used in everyday life in the form of Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation. Localisation is also useful in data networks. The ability to localise nodes in a network paves the way for applications such as location based services, beamforming and geographic routing. The Radio Interferometric Positioning System (RIPS), is a method originally designed for localisation in wireless sensor networks. RIPS is a promising method due to the fact that it is capable of localisation with high accuracy over long ranges. This is something which other existing methods are not capable of. RIPS makes localisation measurements in a different manner from conventional methods. Instead of making pairwise measurements between a transmitter and receiver, RIPS uses sets of four nodes in each of its measurements. Furthermore, RIPS requires multiple measurements to obtain the correct RIPS measurement value. This value is referred to as a q–range. Multiple q–ranges are required in order to localise a node. This creates overhead in terms of co–operation between the nodes participating in a RIPS measurement. The focus of this research is to provide a possible solution to this problem of overhead. In this dissertation an investigation is launched into the considerations and benefits of implementing RIPS on a single node. This is done by creating a conceptual design for a single wireless node capable of implementing RIPS through the use of multiple antennas. In order to test this conceptual device, a simulation model is created. This simulation model is then validated, verified and used in experiments designed to test the effects of certain design considerations and variables on the conceptual device’s localisation accuracy. The analysis of the results from these experiments shows that the conceptual device’s use of multiple antennas makes RIPS sensitive to errors. Increasing the distances separating the conceptual device’s antennas is found to decrease this sensitivity to errors. This is shown to be caused by the distances separating the antennas imposing limits on the range of q–ranges values that are possible, with smaller distances resulting in smaller ranges of possible q–range values. It is also found that the use of higher frequencies in RIPS measurements results in greater accuracy. This is with the assumption that these frequencies can be accurately transmitted.
Thesis (M.Ing. (Computer and Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The aim of this study was to explore God-belief as a source of meaning and psychological well-being qualitatively and through the review of literature. The study is embedded in the growing field of Psychology of Religion. In the first article, a literature overview regarding the field of Psychology of Religion, and specifically research done in the South African context, was reported. The key constructs spirituality and religiousness were investigated and defined. It was argued that traditional African religion and spirituality have unique characteristics and that Western, mostly Christian-based, research does not necessarily reflect the South African psycho-religious landscape. Articles published in the South African Journal of Psychology over the 10-year period 1997 to 2006 were analysed to ascertain the extent of South African research in this field. The necessity of continued research in this field in order to expand and enrich psychological discourse became clear. The second article investigated the reasons for humans' religiousness, the influence of religion on people's perspective on life and the importance of understanding the impact of religion on human functioning. It was shown that homo sapiens evolved to be religious and that religiousness therefore is a fundamental aspect of humanness. Untestable ontological and cosmological assumptions (mostly religiously informed) permeate people's worldviews and more or less unconsciously influence their decisions, their openness to new perspectives and their judgement and prejudices. This fact is not necessarily generally understood or recognised. The importance of helping professionals understanding their own assumptions and acknowledging those of their clients was illustrated in the context of education. The third article reported on the qualitative, interpretive case study in which the God-belief of a group of Christians from an African context was analysed and interpreted in terms of the participants' creation of meaning and their psychological well-being. Interviews were conducted with twelve participants, eight male and four female, ranging in age between twenty-five and sixty-five years, in sessions of between one hour and one and a half hours. The transcribed interviews, notes on personal reactions, insights, beliefs and discussions with knowledgeable individuals accumulated during the research process and noted in a research journal as well as literature were the sources of data for the thick description of the experiences of the participants. The description focused on participants' knowledge of God (God-concept), experience of their relationship with God (God-image) and their understanding of life. The contribution of their God-belief to their sense of meaning and psychological well-being was the leitmotiv of the description. The final conclusions were inter alia that the God-belief and mostly the God-image that participants hold, are a deep source of meaning, especially under unfavourable life circumstances and that aspects of participants' psychological well-being, e.g. a sense of self-worth, aspects of attachment and ability to cope with adversity, seem to stem from both the meaning that they create through their God-belief as well as the relationship they experience with their God. More South African research in the field of Psychology of Religion is called for, and professionals (e.g. therapists, clergy and educators) need to develop an understanding of and sensitivity to spirituality through their professional training.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Condition monitoring of critical machinery has many economic benefits. The primary objective is to detect faults, for example on rolling element bearings, at an early stage to take corrective action prior to the catastrophic failure of a component. In this context, it is important to be able to discriminate between stable and deteriorating fault conditions. A number of conventional vibration analysis techniques exist by which certain faults in rotating machinery may be identified. However, under circumstances involving multiple fault conditions conventional condition monitoring techniques may fail, e.g. by indicating deteriorating fault conditions for stable fault situations or vice versa. Condition monitoring of rotating machinery that may have multiple, possibly simultaneous, fault conditions is investigated in this thesis. Different combinations of interacting fault conditions are studied both through experimental methods and simulated models. Novel signal processing techniques (such as cepstral analysis and equidistant Fourier transforms) and pattern recognition techniques (based on the nearest neighbour algorithm) are applied to vibration problems of this nature. A set of signal processing and pattern recognition techniques is developed for the detection of small incipient mechanical faults in the presence of noise and dynamic load (imbalance). In the case investigated the dynamic loading consisted of varying degrees of imbalance. It is demonstrated that the proposed techniques may be applied successfully to the detection of multiple fault conditions.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common inherited disorder of muscle after Duchenne and Myotonic dystrophy, with a prevalence of at least 1 in 20,000. FSHD is characterised by progressive weakening and atrophy of the face, shoulder-girdle and upper arm, although other skeletal muscles may also become involved with progression of the disorder. The FSHD phenotype segregates as an autosomal dominant trait. Linkage was established to chromosome 4q35 in 1990. A deletion of an integral number of 3.3 kb repeats, localised at the D4Z4 locus, was reported to cause FSHD. Translocation events between chromosomes 4q35 and 10q26, also harbouring similar 3.3 kb repeat units, have been detected via the presence of Bln I sites within the 10q26 repeats. In this study the D4Z4 locus was investigated for the first time on a molecular level in the Black South African and Khoi-San populations. The translocation frequency between chromosomes 4q35 and 10q26 was evaluated via the Bln I I Bgl II dosage test. Haplogroup analysis was utilised to determine the relative evolutionary age of the translocation event. The Eurasian population harbours an excess of 4-on-10 fragments. This excess was postulated to be a significant, if not the major predisposing factor that gives rise to the FSHD-type deletion. The predisposed population thus has individuals that are more susceptible to FSHD. An enrichment of 10-on4 was observed in the Black South African population. It was postulated that this enrichment is an epigenetic protective factor for FSHD, since no FSHD case has been reported in this population to date. It is further hypothesised that the absence of FSHD cases in this population is due to this enrichment. As a consequence, the excess and enrichment of specific translocation profiles in different populations is an additional factor that affects the aetiology of FSHD within specific populations.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Recently some chemicals has been accused of mimicking the female hormone estrogen. The mode of action is termed estrogen-mimicking, because of the effects that is produced by these chemicals. Playing canary in a coal mine, wildlife was the first to indicate that something was wrong. Reproductive abnormalities such as abnormal sperm, reduced sperm production, cryptorchidism (undescended testes). abnormal hormone levels – particularly high estrogen ratios to that of testosterone. infertility, and genital abnormalities were all evidence that something in the environment was affecting the reproductive status of these animals. Also in humans instances like rising cases of infertility, abnormal sperm conditions and cases of breast cancer raised an increased concern about the potential disruptive effects of these substances on the human existence. After investigations were conducted, it was found that substances which enhance the quality of life like some detergents, agricultural products, additives to plastic, dyestuffs, paint components and pharmaceuticals to name but a few, all caused an abnormal reproductive status as seen in animals. The aims of this study were not to focus on the effect of these substances, but rather to identify estrogen and estrogen - mimics in the South African environment and to evaluate their presence in the water environment qualitatively and quantitatively with the most suitable analytical methods. Estrogen - mimics such as nonylphenol. o'p' and p'p' DDE, o'p' DDD, lindane, atrazine and the PCB's : Arochlor 1254 & Arochlor 1260 were found to contaminate the environment. The drinking water tested of the PWV area indicated that the water was free of these substances, and thus indicated a present safe situation.
Thesis (MSc (Farmaseutika))--PU for CHE, 1998

The profession of psychology in South Africa has not always been regulated by a statutory body such as the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Currently, the profession of psychology is regulated by the HPCSA and psychologists and the HPCSA find themselves in a lawful and interminable relationship. The HPCSA’s motto is to protect the public and to guide the profession, but it was questioned whether psychologists actually experience guidance from the HPCSA. In response to this problem, this study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of a group of South African psychologists regarding the HPCSA as well as the ethical code which serves as a guideline for the conduct of psychologists. This study made use of a sequential mixed method design, which comprised of a qualitative phase followed by a quantitative phase. All participants in this study were qualified psychologists. Seven participants took part in the qualitative phase and 74 participants took part in the quantitative phase. The data from the qualitative phase was grouped into broad categories and served as the basis for compiling a questionnaire for the quantitative phase. After collecting the completed questionnaires, the data was read into SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences), which was used for the statistical analysis of the data. The data was analysed by means of frequency distributions and mean scores. During the analysis of the data, six themes where identified: five regarding the HPCSA as the regulator of psychology and one regarding the ethical code that guides the conduct of psychologists. The themes include “guidance and mentorship”, “the HPCSA as a watchdog”, “the HPCSA’s motive”, “reverence that psychologists have for the HPCSA”, “the competence of the HPCSA” and “psychologists’ view on the ethical code”. The results indicated that an ambiguous relationship exists between this group of psychologists and the HPCSA, as these two entities seem to function separately. Generally, psychologists who took part in this research have a negative view towards the HPCSA, although they realise the necessity for the HPCSA as a regulating body for psychology. The recognition of this need is a platform for a workable relationship between psychologists and the HPCSA. The participants provided less detail and responded more neutral regarding their views on the ethical code, and it is concerning that quite a number of psychologists indicated that they did not know the code. This study concludes with recommendations for the HPCSA to be more approachable and to provide psychologists with more support.
Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Malaria is a life–threatening disease caused by Plasmodium spp and causes over one million deaths annually. The complex life cycle of the malaria parasite offers several points of attack for the antimalarial drugs. The rapid spread of resistance against antimalarial drugs, especially chloroquine and pyrimethamine–sulphadoxine, emphasises the need for new alternatives or modification of existing drugs. Artemisinin–based combination therapies (ACT’s) with different targets prevent or delay the development of drug resistance and therefore have been adopted as first–line therapy by all endemic countries. Proguanil–dapsone, an antifolate combination is more active than pyrimethamine–sulphadoxine and is being considered as an alternative to pyrimethamine–sulphadoxine. Artesunate–proguanil–dapsone is a new ACT that has wellmatched pharmacokinetics and is relatively rapidly eliminated; therefore there is a reduced risk of exposure to any single compound and potentially a decreasing risk of resistance. A few studies have been done on a triple fixed–dose combination therapy for malaria treatment and such a combination for artesunate, proguanil and dapsone are not currently investigated, manufactured or distributed. The aim of this study was to develop a triple fixed–dose combination for artesunate, proguanil and dapsone. The formulation was developed in three phases; basic formulation development, employing factorial design to obtain two possible optimised formulations and evaluating the optimised formulations. During the formulation development the most suitable manufacturing procedure and excipients were selected. A full 24 factorial design (four factors at two levels) was used to obtain the optimised formulations. As end–points to identify the optimised formulations, weight variation, friability, crushing strength and disintegration of the tablets, were used. Statistical analysis (one way ANOVA) was used to identify optimal formulations. To identify any interaction between the active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) and the API’s and excipients, differential scanning calorimetry was done. Flow properties of the powder mixtures (of the optimised formulations) were characterised by means of angle of repose; critical orifice diameter (COD); bulk density and tapped density; and flow rate. Tablets of the two optimised powder formulations were compressed. The tablets were evaluated and characterised in terms of weight variation, friability, crushing strength, disintegration and dissolution behaviour. Initial formulation development indicated that wet granulation was the most suitable manufacturing method. The results from the factorial design indicated that different amounts (% w/w) of the lubricant and binder as well as two different fillers influenced the weight variation, crushing strength and disintegration statistically significant. Two formulations containing two different fillers (microcrystalline cellulose or Avicel® PH 101, and lactose or Granulac® 200) were found to be within specifications and ideal for manufacturing. Tablets prepared from the FA formulation (formulation containing Avicel® PH 101) complied with the standards and guidelines for weight variation, friability, crushing strength and disintegration as set by the British Pharmacopoeia (BP). Tablets had an average crushing strength of 121.56 ± 0.022 N. Tablets disintegrated within 52.00 seconds and a maximum weight loss of 0.68% occurred during the friability test. Weight variation of the tablets prepared from the FG formulation (formulation containing Granulac® 200) complied with the standards. Average crushing strength was 91.99 ± 6.008 N and the tablets disintegrated within 140.00 seconds. Percentage friability (1.024%) did not comply with the guideline of a percentage friability of less than 1%, however, no cracked or broken tablets were seen. Dissolution showed that 98, 93 and 94% of artesunate, proguanil and dapsone were respectively released (of the label value) within 15 minutes for the FA formulations. Release of artesunate, proguanil and dapsone for the FG formulation was 62, 85 and 92% for the same time period. The release of the three API’s (the FG formulation) increased to 78, 89 and 92%, respectively, after 45 minutes.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Motivation: The accurate and reliable measurement of the concentration of coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs) in ambient air has proved to be a challenge for occupational hygienists. The challenge must however be confronted due to, amongst others, the carcinogenic properties of some poly–aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in CTPVs. Aim: To determine the feasibility of a thermal desorption (TD) technique based method as an alternative method to be used for the measurement of the concentration of CTPVs in ambient air by assessing it along criteria such as ease of use, cost, accuracy and precision by comparing it to NIOSH’s Method 5515 and OSHA’s Method 58 and to determine the level of exposure to CTPVs on the anode paste floor of an electric furnace, used for the smelting of platinum group metals (PGMs) concentrate. Methodology: To satisfy the research objective, two accepted methods the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) method 5515 and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) method 58 were used for the measurement of the concentration of CTPVs with a TD technique based method used as a third, alternative method. All three methods were used concurrently to measure the concentration of CTPVs in ambient air, at the anode paste floor of a platinum group metals (PGMs) concentrate smelter. Results and conclusions: The NIOSH method proved to be the most precise method while the TD technique based method proved to be the most accurate. The TD technique based method proved to measure the widest range of individual CTPVs and were able to measure the highest concentration of Benzo(a)pyrene, an individual CTPV that is classified as a Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans) chemical substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The OSHA method measured on average almost four times less total CTPVs than either the NIOSH or the TD technique based method and failed to readily measure individual CTPVs with a molecular weight lower than that of Phenanthrene.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Occupational Hygiene))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.