The purpose of this study is to establish the influence that clothing and ambient temperature have on comfort and how this is affected by the skin fold thickness, nationality, acclimatisation and sex of the subject. Surveys carried out in both England (50 English students and 50 from tropical countries) and Japan (50 Japanese students) were used to investigate these factors. As a result of these surveys it was found that the preferred ambient temperature was lower with increasing clo values (a measure of the insulating effect of clothing) and higher with a decrease in skin fold thickness. No differences in the preferred ambient temperature and the clothing worn were found between females and males, and between overseas males of recent arrival and those of longer residence in England. Differences, however, were found between English students and Japanese students. High multiple correlation coefficients demonstrated a number of factors which influenced the individual differences in clothing and preferred ambient temperature. Finally, on the basis of the weight value derived, from the quantification theory, preferred ambient temperatures corresponding to 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 clo were estimated respectively as 22.4, 20.1 and 18.3°C for English students and as 23.3, 21.0 and 19.2°C for the Japanese, in which the skin fold thickness was fixed in 12.65mm, the mean for all the subjects. Values for overseas students in England were identical to the temperatures preferred by English males after results were adjusted for skin fold thickness.

In the first chapter I estimate the effect of providing unpaid care to adults on caregivers' employment; with data from the European Community Household Panel. Using the presence of disabled individuals inside the household as an' instrument for caregiving, I found that the negative effect on employment is magnified with respect to OL8. However, when individual time constant heterogeneity is accounted for using within group regressions, the estimated negative effect is smaller and the use of instruments does not make a difference. In the second I discuss a theoretical model for the distance at which adult children decide to live with respect to their parents. The main result from previous research (Konrad et al, 2002) was that siblings tend to live at different locations, with the first born moving far away in order to leave to the youngest the burden of elderly care. I added a stage in which adult children may need help from their parents with their own young offspring. I found that symmetric equilibria may arise, where siblings locate at the same distance in order to share elderly care and benefit jointly from (grand)child care. In the third I estimate the causal effect of retirement on house work, using the 2007 Italian Survey of Income and Living Conditions. At any age, ret irees and workers may have different preferences on leisure and home production. Therefore a simple comparison of them would not give us the quantity of interest. Differently, I exploited the fact that a large fraction of individuals go into retirement as soon as eligible for a pension. In a Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design, I compared individuals close to eligibility to those who just met the requirements. I found an increase for women by 430 minutes/week, while there is no evidence of such an effect for men.

This thesis explores the interrelationships between class and gender and the conduct of everyday domestic practices in climate changing times. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the thesis presents qualitative empirical data generated from the domestic narratives of seventeen respondents living in Yorkshire, England. The male and female respondents are evenly distributed within three cohorts: working-class, middle-class and green-identified. Focusing on everyday domestic life and individual performances of domestic agency - especially in relation to domestic foodwork and waste practices - the thesis analyzes the ways in which the respondents' negotiate the ethics and labour involved in 'greening' the domestic sphere. Additionally, three UK government-sponsored eco-campaigns - Act on C02 (DECC, 2008-2009); Love Food Hate Waste (WRAP, 2007 - present); and War Time Spirit (EST, 2009) - are analyzed in relation to the empirical data as a means of evaluating the efficacy of the state's approach to promoting the mainstreaming of green domestic practice. A central claim of the thesis is that the specificities of classed, gendered locations intimately inform the processes of what I term 'domesticating environmentalism'. The thesis theorizes a range of themes and core concepts that enable or hinder processes of domesticating environmentalism. These include processes of dis-identification, ascetic hedonism, incidental greenness, domestic distancing and eco-domesticity. The thesis identifies the emergence of a 'green shift' of domestic labour that holds the potential to transform as well as harden existing classed and gendered relationships to domestic labour. The green shift readily coordinates with the existing gendered double shift and the gendered division of household labour: it is therefore predisposed to feminization. It is argued that specific performances of the green shift cross-cut socio-culturallocations to both destabilize and reassert the habits of class and gender. In the context of detraditionalization processes, some aspects of the green shift respond to shifting household arrangements and economies, or to desires for capital accrual, rendering them amenable to masculinization. However, as intimately connected to respectability, the green shift has classed, gendered dimensions which presently work to intensify working-class women's experiences of domestic labour - notably in its capacity to traverse private and public spheres.

The aim of this project was to study the identity of probiotic lactobacilli in fermented milk products from the United Kingdom/European markets during their survival during shelf-life. This in vitro study was also aimed at undertaking studies on some of the physiological probiotic criteria, such as resistance to stomach/intestine conditions and also possible functional properties of the isolates, such as antimicrobial activities, antibiotic resistance/susceptibility and antibiotic resistance genes, biofilm formation and production of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Primarily, a comparative study was carried out on selectivity of MRS-Clindamycin, MRS-Sorbitol and MRS-IM Maltose, to select the right medium for enumeration of probiotic Lactobacillus. Based on selectivity of medium for recovery of the targeted lactobacilli and also simplicity of preparation, MRS-Clindamycin was chosen as the best medium for enumeration of probiotic Lactobacillus in fermented milks. The results of enumeration of lactobacilli showed that 22 out of a total 36 tested products contained more than 106 colony forming units/g at the end of their shelf-life, which comply with the recommended minimum therapeutic level for probiotics. Rep-PCR using primer GTG-5 was applied for initial discrimination of isolated strains, and isolates, which presented different band profile, were placed in different groups. The isolated Lactobacillus spp. were identified mainly as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus paracasei by analysis of partial sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA and rpoA genes. In order to characterize the isolates for probiotic properties, this study was focused on six Lactobacillus isolates along with two commercial Lactobacillus cultures from Chr. Hansen (Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Lactobacillus casei C431) and three Lactobacillus type strains (Lactobacillus casei subsp. casei, Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei and Lactobacillus acidophilus) which were purchased from NCIMB. The stomach and intestine conditions were mimiced using a batch culture fermentation system, and the combined effects of pH, enzymes and bile salts on survival of tested isolates was tested. The tested isolates were able to survive at low pH environment and also high concentrations of bile salts of the upper digestive tract. The potential of tested isolates for biofilm formation was determined in different conditions of nutritional and physiological stresses. The capability of tested isolates to produce biofilm in nutrient rich medium was recorded. However, the growth limitation, such as nutrient shortage in diluted media and also using inulin rather than glucose in synthetic medium, did not induce biofilm formation. Antimicrobial activities of tested bacteria against indicator bacteria namely Escherichia coli NCTC 12900, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium DT124 and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT4 and Lactobacillus delbruckii subsp. bulgaricus were studied. The production of organic acids and bacteriocin was considered as key mechanisms for antimicrobial activity of tested strains. Screening the isolates competence for production of CLA demonstrated that this feature is species dependent and also entirely related to the level of initial linoleic acid in the medium. Eleven tested isolates were also assessed for their antibiotic resistance profile by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The acquired resistance to cefoxitin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamycin, kanamycin, lincomycin, streptomycin, tylosin tartarate, tetracycline and vancomycin was observed in all tested isolates. Also their genetic background of antibiotic resistance genes was studied by PCR reactions and none of the tested isolates showed positive bands for investigated resistance genes.

Improved stoves have been promoted in the global South by international organisations from the North since the 1970s for a variety of reasons including mitigation of health and environmental hazards related to the widespread use of solid biomass for cooking. However, uptake of these stoves by poor households in the South remains low, bearing negatively on efforts to alleviate energy poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). This thesis examines the framing and impact of participatory and market-based approaches to stove development and dissemination which have been widely promoted since the mid-1980s to address the failures of the predominantly expert-led, subsidy-based models favoured in the early years. Specifically, I investigate and compare two Northern-led stove projects, one established by Project Gaia in Nigeria, where stove development efforts targeted at addressing energy poverty have been limited, and the second by Practical Action in Kenya, where such efforts are more visible. Drawing on empirical data gathered from field observations, interviews and key documents, I argue that despite the rhetorical shift from expert-led to context-responsive approaches, engagement with local priorities is still limited, and the interests and priorities of Northern organisations continue to shape the stove development agenda. The research establishes that Project Gaia’s CleanCook project in Nigeria remains an expert-led intervention that fails to connect with the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid while seeking to create local market conditions for transferring stove technology. In Kenya, Practical Action has been more responsive to local realities in its efforts to engage marginalised women’s groups in participatory stove development; however, success is limited by the constraints of project funding and assumptions about homogeneity of the poor. Cultural preferences and socio-economic differences within Southern target populations challenge the Northern vision of improving stove dissemination through a combination of participatory methods and neoliberal market solutions.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: From 628 CE to 632 CE, in the late Sassanian period, there were possibly eleven royal successors to the Sassanian throne. This indicates instability and that the Sassanian dynasty was politically weakened. A succession crisis had developed. This study presents an attempt to understand one aspect of the political milieu of the succession crisis period, namely the legitimisation practices of the late Sassanian rulers. Therefore, the tools that were used for legitimisation by the Sassanian monarchs from the succession crisis period, and how they were used, are investigated. To better understand how the legitimisation tools available to Sassanian monarchs developed the political techniques used by the succession crisis monarchs will be compared with the early Sassanian monarchs of 224 CE to 302 CE (Ardashir 1, Shapur I, Hormizd I, Wahram I, Wahram II, Wahram III and Narseh). The comparison contributes to an improved understanding of the 7th century Sassanian succession struggles by tracking the changes in the techniques and practices Sassanian rulers utilised in the Empire to legitimise their rule. Such changes are rooted in the wider politico-historical contexts within which the Sassanian monarchs excercised their authority. The study will open with an investigation of the major political events of the 7th century CE that had an effect on the succession struggles and political events in the Sassanian Empire. One of the primary sources that are used is The History of Prophets and Kings by the 10th century CE Arabic historian Jarir al-Tabari. Physical evidence of the Sassanian monarchs like coinage, rock reliefs and silver bowls will also be used as primary sources and analysed to better understand the propaganda used by the Sassanian monarchs. The material propaganda techniques used by Sassanian monarchs from the early period and late period changed. The reasons behind the changes are highlighted and these reasons are furthermore explained. The study concludes that the Sassanian monarchs from the succession crisis period had a shrinking pool of legitimisation resources and that they had to legitimise their rule in a short period of time in view of internal opposition. As a result, the Sassanian monarchs from the period focused on legitimisation techniques that were not a drain on resources and could quickly influence the perception of people. The political legitimisation of the last Sassanian monarchs ultimately failed though as the Sassanian dynasty only continued to reign for another 23 years after 628 CE. The failure of the legitimisation of the Sassanian dynasty could be largely attributed to the internal opposition and the damaging war against the Byzantine Empire. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die tydperk tussen 628 tot 632 n.C was daar na bewering elf troonopvolgers in die Sassaniede Ryk. Dit illustreer die politieke onstabiliteit in die Sassaniede Ryk op daardie tydstip, n troonopvolgingskrisis het ontwikkel. In die studie word n poging van stapel gestuur om een aspek van die politieke milieu van die tydperk te verstaan, die legitimasiepraktyke van die laat Sassaniede heersers. Die hulpbronne tot die beskikking van die Sassaniede konings wat ingespan is om hulle regerings populariteit te gee word daarom ondersoek. Om die ontwikkeling van die legitimeringspraktyke beter te verstaan word die praktyke van die troonopvolgingskrisis konings vergelyk met die tegnieke van die vroeë Sassaniede konings van die tydperk 224 n.C. tot 302 n.C. (Ardashir I, Shapur I, Hormizd I, Wahram I, Wahram II, Wahram III and Narseh). Die vergelyking dien as n beginpunt om die Sassanied troonopvolgingskrisis beter te verstaan en om die veranderings van die legitimeringspraktyke te identifiseer. Sulke veranderings is gegrond in die wyer politieshistoriese konteks waarin die Sassanied konings hul mag uitgeoefen het. Die studie ondersoek eerstens die belangrike politieke gebeure van die 7de eeu n.C. wat n effek op die troonopvolgingskrisis en politieke aspekte van die Sassaniede Ryk gehad het. Een van die primêre bronne waarvan die studie gebruik maak, is The History of Prophets and Kings van die 10de eeuse n.C. Arabiese geskiedkundige Jarir al-Tabari. Ander primêre bronne wat gebruik word, sluit in muntstukke, rotsreliëfs en silwer bakke wat analiseer word om beter te verstaan hoe die produkte gebruik is as propaganda. Die legitimeringspraktyke en propaganda het n verandering ondergaan van die vroeë typerk tot die laat tydperk. Die redes vir die verandering word identifiseer en ‘n verduideliking vir die redes word aangebied. Die studie maak die gevolgtrekking dat die Sassaniede konings van die troonopvolgingskrisis tydperk minder hulpbronne tot hul beskikking gehad het en dat hulle hul blitsig moes regverdig vanweë interne teenkanting. As gevolg van hierdie faktore het die Sassaniede konings propaganda verkies wat nie te veel van hul hulpbronne gebruik het nie en ook mense baie vininig beïnvloed het. Die politieke programme van die laat Sassaniede het uiteindelik misluk. Die Sassanidiese dinastie het net vir nog 23 jaar na 628 n.C. geheers. Die uiteindelike mislukking van die politieke regverdigings programme van die laat Sassaniede kan grootliks verbind word aan die sterk interne teenstand en die effek wat die oorlog teen die Bisantynse Ryk gehad het.

by A. Bensoussan, M.C. Delfour, S.K. Mitter. / Bibliography: leaves [21]-22. / Research supported by Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Grant 72-2273 and by National Science Foundation under Grant GK-41647.

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