This dissertation scrutinises the impact of pregnancy challenges on the mining industry, taking the right of equality and unfair discrimination into consideration. Pre-employment pregnancy testing is an acceptable practice within the current legal framework whereby the MHSA and section 26 of the BCEA place an obligation on the employer to protect employees before and after the birth of a child. This section provides that no work may be performed by an employee that is hazardous to her health or the health of her unborn child. The dissertation synthesises and reviews the practical implications of pregnancy and related challenges of underground employees and all the problems surrounding this matter are dissected. The liability of the employer and the failure of the employee to report her pregnancy status to the employer as soon as she becomes aware of it, can be justifiably treated as misconduct. The justification of the dismissal of an underground employee based on pregnancy is confirmed in light of the legislative obligations placed on the employer. Current legislative measures, which justify an automatically unfair dismissal due to pregnancy, cannot be implemented without considering the Constitution and the employers’ right to economical sustainability. A literature study will be done using current and relevant sources such as books, legislation, court decisions, conference papers and journal articles. Methodological issues will also render it necessary to weigh up different rights through literature sources. / Thesis (LLM (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Made available in DSpace on 2014-12-17T14:27:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 RenataDOF_DISSERT.pdf: 868746 bytes, checksum: 067689295a5629c5bc7d8c741575c19e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-04-12 / This work has the main goal on the recognition of the inherent value of nonhuman animals, under the constitutional framework. It is presented the main philosophical formulations of the current pattern of behavior that rules the relationship between man and animals: first those that have excluded animals from moral consideration and then the thinkers which do have included, in some way, in order to elucidate the origin of the anthropocentric thought over the natural world. In this way, the analysis these thinkers that have included animals in moral consideration will contribute to a paradigm change from the anthropocentric view, initiating legal debates. It will be made a simplified analysis of different philosophical and legal points of view that have been demonstrating the posture in which the human beings have been dealing with the environment, with the replacement of the anthropocentric thinking for the biocentric view, in which life becomes the center of existence. Life is life, no matter whether it is human or not, has a value in itself, and must be protected and respected by the legal system. Then, it will be analized the constitutionalization of the nonhuman animal dignity in comparative law; the infraconstitutional legislation which concerning the intrinsic value of all life forms and, finally, the 1988 Constitution. It will be advocated for non-human animals the condition of subjects, presenting some cases that the Habeas Corpus was used in animal defense. In this new Brazilian Habeas Corpus theory of for apes the argument of genetic proximity was used in order to overcome the literal meaning of natural person to achieve hominids in order to assure the fundamental right of physical freedom. It is realized that the fact that the great apes being recognized as a person does not preclude the possibility of other living beings be recognized as subjects of law. In this way, animals can be considered non-human subjects of law, according to the theory of depersonalized entities and may enjoy a legal category that allows a respect for existential minimum, and can hold constitutional fundamental rights / O presente trabalho aborda o reconhecimento do valor inerente aos animais n?o humanos, sob o marco jur?dico-constitucional. Apresenta as principais formula??es filos?ficas do padr?o de comportamento atual que rege a rela??o do homem com os animais: as que excluem os animais da esfera de considera??o moral e, em seguida, os pensadores que incluem, de alguma forma, com a finalidade de esclarecer a origem do pensamento antropoc?ntrico lan?ado sobre o mundo natural. Dessa forma, a an?lise dos pensadores que inclu?ram os animais na esfera de considera??o moral contribuir? para a mudan?a paradigm?tica da vis?o antropoc?ntrica, iniciando os debates jur?dicos. Buscou-se uma an?lise simplificada das v?rias correntes filos?ficas e jur?dicas que demonstram a postura com que o ser humano vem lidando com o meio ambiente; com a substitui??o do pensamento antropoc?ntrico pela vis?o bioc?ntrica, na qual a vida passa a ser o centro da exist?ncia. Vida ? vida, n?o interessando se ? humana ou n?o, possui um valor em si mesma, e deve ser tutelada e respeitada pela ordem jur?dica. Em seguida, a constitucionaliza??o da dignidade do animal n?o humano no direito comparado; as normas infraconstitucionais que abordam a tem?tica do valor intr?nseco de todas as formas de vida e, por ?ltimo, a Constitui??o de 1988. Prop?em em favor dos n?o humanos a condi??o de sujeitos de direitos, apresentando alguns casos pr?ticos com a utiliza??o do rem?dio constitucional do Habeas Corpus na defesa animal. Nessa nova teoria brasileira do Habeas Corpus para os grandes primatas, o argumento da proximidade gen?tica, foi utilizado com o intuito de ultrapassar o sentido literal de pessoa natural, para alcan?ar os homin?deos, a fim de lhes assegurar o direito fundamental da liberdade corporal. Constata que o fato de os grandes primatas serem reconhecidos como pessoa n?o impede que outros seres vivos possam ser reconhecidos como sujeitos de direito. Sob esse ?ngulo, os animais podem ser considerados sujeitos de direito n?o humanos despersonificados, de acordo com a teoria dos entes despersonalizados, podendo usufruir de uma categoria jur?dica que possibilite um respeito m?nimo existencial, podendo ser titulares de direitos subjetivos fundamentais no ?mbito constitucional

Additive manufacturing is a novel manufacturing technique, which has developed rapidly in recent years. The additive manufacturing process produces complex geometries, light weighted components and reduces the material waste. During the building process, a laser energy source is commonly used to melt the metal powder. Due to the presence of thermal gradients, residual stresses resides in the final product. These residual stresses, when released, result in a distortion of the product. To predict the appearing residual stresses and distortions, simulation tools can be used and prevent costly trials of failed printed products. This thesis investigates whether a good prediction of residual stresses and distortions can be performed in additively manufactured components using MSC Simufact. The inherent strain method was used to predict the residual stresses and distortions of a cantilever beam respectively a pipe. The printed components were then compared with the simulations. The residual stresses were examined using a X-ray di↵ractometer and the distortions were analyzed by a laser scanner.Results showed that the predicted distortions of the pipe correlated well with the simulations. However, the residual stresses were dicult to compare with the simulations. The conclusion that Simufact Additive can predict distortions can thus be drawn.

No description available.

In-water biogeochemical constituents and bio-optical properties of the St-Lawrence Gulf and Estuary were monitored during 5 cruises conducted between 1997-2001 accross different seasons. Measured inherent optical properties (IOPs) included vertical profiles of the absorption and attenuation coefficients and the volume scattering function as well as absorption by particles, non-algal particles, phytoplankton and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM). Apparent Optical parameters (AOPs) included vertical profiles of the upwelling radiance and downwelling irradiance. The spectral shape of the major IOPs like absorption by phytoplankton, CDOM and non-algal particles as well as the particulate backscattering were parameterized using conventional models and adaptations of conventional models. Descriptive statistics of each variable in the collected dataset were analysed and compared with previous findings in the literature. The optical coherence of the measurements was verified using a radiative transfer closure approach. A complete set of IOP cross-sections for optically significant biogeochemical variables were generated. The magnitude and the spatial, temporal and spectral variation exhibited by the optically significant inwater biogeochemical constituents as well as the bio-optical parameters was consistent with our current knowledge of the ecosystem. The variation of the bio-optical parameters throughout the seasons was also coherent with our expectations. All the measured and derived parameters were found to vary within the ranges reported in the literature. Evidence was presented wherein the Gulf waters, which are usually considered as case I waters could also behave like case II waters. Moreover, spectral signatures exhibited by the IOPs and AOPs were coherent with the variation detected in the concentrations of the measured (optically significant) constituents. The extracted IOP cross-sections were consistent with the results of similar studies previously performed and could eventually be used in the estimation of the biogeochemical constituent concentrations given the related component IOPs. First-order radiative transfer closure was achieved; this underscored the validity of our experimental dataset based on considerations of higher level, integrative, physics. We argue that the current data collection campaign succeeded as a comprehensive framework for describing the behavior of the St-Lawrence bio-optical provinces within the context of remote sensing objectives. This bio-optical dataset should provide the basis for the development of a rigorous, satellite-based, remote sensing algorithm for the retrieval of near surface chlorophyll, fine-tuned to the local characteristics of the St-Lawrence system.

Thesis (MA (African Languages))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This study explores semantic analysis of motion verb-hamba in IsiXhosa. In chapter 1 I have stated the aim of the study. I have discussed properties related to the lexical semantic analysis of the verb-hamba as well as Pustejovsky’s theory of the Generative Lexicon. The theoretical framework and the organization of study are also discussed in this chapter. Chapter 2 addresses in more detail the type system for semantics. A generative theory of the lexicon includes multiple levels of representation for different types of lexical information needed. These levels include Argument Structure, Event Structure, Qualia Structure and Lexical Inherent Structure. In this chapter there is a more detailed structure of the qualia and the role they play in distributing the functional behavior of words and phrases in composition. In chapter 3 I have examined the lexical semantic analysis of the verb-hamba to account for the range of selectional properties of the NP phrase subject argument of the verb-hamba and various interpretations that arise in terms of composition with its complement arguments. The polysemous behavior of the verb-hamba is examined in sentence alternation constructions with respect to the properties of the event structure. I have also investigated the lexical representation in terms of argument structure and the event structure of the verb-hamba in different sentences. Chapter 4 is the conclusion, summarizing the findings of all the previous chapters in this study on lexical semantic analysis of the motion verb-hamba in IsiXhosa. This is followed by word lists that contain meanings of words in the context in which they are used.

This essay attempts to discover a correlation between a perceived veneration of an inherent value of the cultural heritage which is enlightened in the face of the iconoclastic acts of IS (Islamic State). Firstly, the essay establishes how UNESCO could be perceived as a Social System which educates its central binary codes through communication. The codes central to the System are cultural preservation and cultural destruction. Through examining the official documents of the System and analysing their content through Content Analysis, the essay delineates how an inherent value is manifested in cultural heritage. Further it examines whether the System is successful in communicating and implementing its positive binary code into its surrounding environment. The conclusions are that the System aspires to connect what it deems an “outstanding universal value” with an inherent value of democratic human rights. It is also concluded that the System is successful in implementing its positive core binary code into its environment. However, there are indications that this efficiency could dramatically decrease in the future, thereby rendering the System’s value as an ideological standpoint less valuable in the face of theologically motivated iconoclasms.

Office of Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through a cooperative agreement

Thesis (MScEng)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis the design, analysis, implementation, and verification of a fault-tolerant unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control system which is robust to structural damage causing the natural flight dynamics of the vehicle to become asymmetric, is presented. The main purpose of the robust control architecture is to maintain flight stability after damage has occurred. The control system must be able to handle an abrupt change from an undamaged to a damaged state, and must also not depend on explicit knowledge of the damage. A robust control approach is therefore preferred above an adaptive control approach. As a secondary objective, the system must provide robust flight performance to ensure adequate response times and acceptable transients’ behaviour, both in normal flight, and after damage has occurred. An asymmetric six degrees of freedom equations of motion model is derived. The model accounts for the changes in the aerodynamic model of the aircraft as well as changes in the centre of gravity location. Vortex lattice techniques are used to determine the aerodynamic coefficients of the aircraft for damage to the main wing resulting in 0% to 40% spanwise lifting surface loss. A sequential quadratic programming optimisation algorithm is applied to the force and moment equations to find the trim flight state and actuator deflections of the asymmetric aircraft for constant airspeed and altitude. The trim flight state can be further constrained to force zero bank angle, zero sideslip angle or a desired relative weighting of nonzero bank angle and nonzero sideslip angle. The calculated trim actuator deflections are compared to the physical deflection limits to determine the feasibility of maintaining trim flight for different percentages of wing loss. Assuming that a valid trim condition exists, the relative stability of the aircraft’s natural modes is analysed as a function of percentage wing loss by tracing the locus of the open-loop poles. An acceleration-based flight control architecture is designed and implemented, and the robustness of the flight control stability and performance is analysed as a function of percentage wing loss. The robustness and performance of the flight control system is verified with a nonlinear simulation for spanwise wing loss from 0 to 40%. Practical flight tests are performed to verify the robustness and performance of the flight control systems to in-flight damage. A detachable wing with release mechanism is designed and manufactured to simulate 20% wing loss. The flight control system is implemented on a practical UAV and a successful flight test shows that it performs fully autonomous flight control, and is able to accommodate an in-flight partial wing loss. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word die ontwerp, analise, implementasie en verifikasie van ’n fout-verdraende onbemande vliegtuig beheerstelsel wat robuust is tot strukturele skade wat die natuurlike vlug dinamika van die voertuig asimmetries maak, voorgestel. Die hoofdoel van hierdie robuuste beheer argitektuur is om stabiliteit te verseker na die skade aangerig is. Die beheerstelsel moet die skielike verandering van normale na beskadigde vlug hanteer sonder enige eksplisiete kennis daarvan. Dus word ’n robuuste beheer aanslag verkies bo ’n aanpassende beheer struktuur. Tweedens moet die vlugbeheerstelsel robuust genoeg wees om steeds die gewenste reaksietyd en aanvaarbare oorgangsverskynsels te kan hanteer, tydens beide normale en beskadigde vlug. ’n Asimmetriese ses grade van vryheid beweginsvergelykings model word afgelei. Die model het die vermoë om veranderinge in die aerodinamiese model van die vliegtuig, sowel as massamiddelpunt verskuiwing, voor te stel. “Vortex Lattice” metodes is gebruik om die aerodinamiese koëffisiënte van die beskadigde vlerk voor te stel tussen 0% en 40% verlies. ’n Sekwensiële kwadratiese programmering optimiserings algorithme is aangewend op die krag en moment vergelykings om die ekwilibrium vlug toestand en aktueerder defleksies te vind vir ’n asimmetriese vliegtuig met konstante lugspoed en hoogte. Die ekwilibrium vlug toestand word verder beperk deur ’n nul rolhoek, ’n nul sygliphoek of ’n relatiewe weging van die twee. Die bepaalde ekwilibrium defleksies word dan vergelyk met die fisiese limiete om hulle geldigheid te bepaal vir ekwilibrium vlug. As ’n geldige ekwilibrium toestand bestaan, kan die relatiewe stabiliteit van die vliegtuig se natuurlike modusse ontleed word as ’n persentasie van vlerkverlies deur die wortellokusse van die ooplus pole na te gaan. ’n Versnellings-gebaseerde vlug beheerstelsel argitektuur is ontwerp en geïmplementeer. Daarna is die robuustheid ontleed as ’n funksie van die persentasie vlerkverlies. Die robuustheid en gedrag van hierdie vlugbeheerstelsel is geverifieer met ’n nie-linêre simulasie vir 0 tot 40% vlerkverlies. Praktiese vlugtoetse is onderneem om die robuustheid en gedrag tydens/na skade gedurende ’n vlug, te verifeer. ’n Vlerkverlies meganisme is ontwerp en vervaardig om 20% vlerkverlies te simuleer. Die vlugbeheerstelsel is geïmplementeer op ’n onbemande vliegtuig en die daaropvolgende suksesvolle vlug lewer bewys dat die vlugbeheerstelsel wel skade, in die vorm van gedeeltelike vlerkverlies, tydens vlug kan hanteer.

During the 21st century, climatic change and non-climatic stressors are likely to impact forests leading to large-scale forest and biodiversity loss, and diminished ecological benefits. Assessing the vulnerability of forests and addressing the sources of vulnerability is an important risk management strategy. The overall goal of this research work is to develop methodological approaches at different scales and apply them to assess the vulnerability of forests in India for developing strategies for forest adaptation. Indicator-based methodological approaches have been developed for vulnerability assessment at local, landscape and national scales under current climate scenario, and at national scale under future climate scenario. Under current climate scenario, the concept of inherent vulnerability of forests has emerged by treating vulnerability as a characteristic internal property of a forest ecosystem independent of exposure. This approach to assess vulnerability is consistent with the framework presented in the latest report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR5 2014). Assessment of vulnerability under future climate scenario is presented only at national scale due to challenges associated with model-based climate projections and impact assessment at finer scales. The framework to assess inherent vulnerability of forests at local scale involves selection of vulnerability indicators and pair wise comparison method (PCM) to assign the indicator weights. The methodology is applied in the field to a 300-ha moist deciduous case study forest (Aduvalli Protected Forest, Chikmagalur district) in the Western Ghats area, where a vulnerability index value of 0.248 is estimated. Results of the study indicate that two indicators - ‘preponderance of invasive species’ and ‘forest dependence of community’ - are the major drivers of inherent vulnerability at present. The methodology developed to assess the inherent vulnerability at landscape scale involves use of vulnerability indicators, the pair wise comparison method, and geographic information system (GIS) tools. Using the methodology, assessment of inherent vulnerability of Western Ghats Karnataka (WGK) landscape forests is carried out. Four vulnerability indicators namely, biological richness, disturbance index, canopy cover and slope having weights 0.552, 0.266, 0.123 and 0.059, respectively are used. The study shows that forests at one-third of the grid points in the landscape have high and very high inherent vulnerability, and natural forests are inherently less vulnerable than plantation forests. The methodology used for assessment of forest inherent vulnerability at the national scale was same as used at landscape scale. 40% of forest grid points in India are assessed with high and very high inherent vulnerability. Except in pockets, the forests in the three biodiversity hotspots in India i.e., the Western Ghats in peninsular India, northeastern India, and the northern Himalayan region are assessed to have low to medium inherent vulnerability. Vulnerability of forests under future climate scenario at national scale is estimated by combining the results of assessment of climate change impact and inherent vulnerability. In the present study, ensemble climatology from five CMIP5 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5) climate models for RCP (Representative Concentration Pathways) 4.5 and 8.5 in short (2030s) and long term (2080s) is used as input to IBIS (Integrated Biosphere Simulator) dynamic vegetation model. Forest grid points projected to experience vegetation-shift to a new plant functional type (PFT) under future climate are categorized under ‘extremely high’ vulnerability category. Such forest grid points in India are 22 and 23% in the short term under RCP4.5 and 8.5 respectively, and these percentages increase to 31 and 37% in the long term. IBIS simulated vegetation projections are also compared with LPJ (Lund-Potsdam-Jena) simulated projections. Both the vegetation models agree that forests at about one-third of the grid points could be impacted by future climate but the spatial distribution of impacted grid points differs between the models. Vulnerability assessment is a powerful tool for building long-term resilience in the forest sector in the context of projected climate change. From this study, three forest scenarios emerge in India for developing adaptation strategies namely: (a) less disturbed primary forests; (b) degraded and fragmented primary forests; and (c) secondary (plantation) forests. Minimizing anthropogenic disturbance and conserving biodiversity are critical to reduce forest vulnerability of less disturbed primary forests. For disturbed forests and plantations, adaptive management aimed at forest restoration is necessary to build resilience. Mainstreaming forest adaptation in India through Forest Working Plans and realignment of the forestry programs is necessary to manage the risk to forests under climate change.