The purpose of this inquiry is to investigate the relatively under-researched and under- developed nature of positive change and transformation that is sudden and abrupt, as defined by the term epiphany. A review of the literature across the disciplines of sociology, literary studies, education and psychology pertaining to epiphanies revealed a modest and disparate body of knowledge. As yet only two studies to date have developed and tested a conceptual framework describing and explaining epiphanies, both situated in the theoretical perspectives of developmental, clinical, cognitive and behavioural psychology. Due to the sparseness of the epiphanic literature, a thorough review was undertaken, producing a set of six core characteristics, which were tested and interpreted from a self-identity existential perspective. Existential philosophy and psychology provide an understanding of human experiences based on personal meaning and the essential realities of the human condition. In order to encapsulate an existential theory of knowledge, a narrative approach to methodology was employed to collect, analyse and interpret participants' epiphanies, from which three main conclusions were drawn. Firstly, an epiphany is a profound illumination of the inauthentic and authentic modes of self-identity, which provide the impetus for a more honest and courageous encounter with the conditions of existence. Secondly, the participants' life-stories illustrate that an epiphany is a valid experience as indicated by support for the set of six core characteristics developed from the literature. Lastly, an epiphany is an intentional experience made significant and enduring by the ascription of personal meaning.

A high quality, historical surface air temperature data set is essential for the reliable investigation of climate change and variability. In this study, such a data set has been prepared for Australia by adjusting raw mean annual temperature data for inhomogeneities associated with station relocations, changes in exposure, and other problems. Temperature records from long-term stations were collaborated from the set of all raw data held by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. These long-term records were extended by combining stations and manually entering previously unused archived temperature measurements. An objective procedure was developed to determine the necessary adjustments, in conjunction with complementary statistical methods and station history documentation. The objective procedure involved creating a reference time series for each long-term station, from the median values at surrounding, well-correlated stations. Time series of annual mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures have been produced for 224 stations, and the adjusted dataset has been made available to the research community. The adjusted data are likely to be more representative of real climatic variations than raw data due to the removal of discontinuities. The adjusted data set has been compared with previously used temperature data sets, and data sets of other parameters. The adjusted data set provides adequate spatial coverage of Australia back to 1910. Additional adjusted data are available prior to this date at many stations. Trends in annual mean maximum, minimum, the mean of the maximum and minimum, and the range between the maximum and minimum, have been calculated at each site. Maximum and minimum temperatures have increased since about 1950, with minimum temperatures increasing faster than maximum temperatures.

This thesis is an investigation into the terms of cultural change in north central Namibia. I am primarily concerned with issues of agency in the processes which result in cultural change, and look at both historical and contemporary agents of change in order to determine who and what impacts cultural dynamism, and what implications this has for a newly independent country within a globalised world. These issues are presented through the lenses of Identity, Power and Politics and Globalisation. In this thesis, I posit that traditionally, Ovambo people have not been empowered in decisions regarding cultural change, which has resulted in a sense of cultural 'loss'. This sense exists within the context of culture being seen as strongly associated with the past - past practices, activities, traditions and customs, as well as early development theory which insisted that such things were indicative of a backward and primitive society at odds with the principles of modernisation. In order to progress, such practices were, with and without reticence, abandoned or changed. Contemporary Ovamboland, however, represents a dynamic cultural mélange of traditional and modern life, which co-exist whilst negotiating issues such as the impact of HIV/AIDS and neo-liberal style of post-independence democracy. Therefore, by investigating the cultural shortfall in traditional development theory, and using examples of different forms of cultural development, I suggest that when culture is seen as an important consideration of development, as well as supported as a field of development in its own right, cultural identity becomes clearer, and cultural futures are determined more democratically. In order to demonstrate these ideas, I am drawing from a number of case studies in which I was professionally involved, as well as through interviews conducted in the field. By presenting the differing agendas of international engagement in development work as well as different types of cultural development projects, I will highlight the complexities of development theory in practice, particularly when capital is involved, and how these relate to the wider issues of cultural preservation versus cultural change. / This thesis is an investigation into the terms of cultural change in north central Namibia. I am primarily concerned with issues of agency in the processes which result in cultural change, and look at both historical and contemporary agents of change in order to determine who and what impacts cultural dynamism, and what implications this has for a newly independent country within a globalised world. These issues are presented through the lenses of Identity, Power and Politics and Globalisation. In this thesis, I posit that traditionally, Ovambo people have not been empowered in decisions regarding cultural change, which has resulted in a sense of cultural 'loss'. This sense exists within the context of culture being seen as strongly associated with the past - past practices, activities, traditions and customs, as well as early development theory which insisted that such things were indicative of a backward and primitive society at odds with the principles of modernisation. In order to progress, such practices were, with and without reticence, abandoned or changed. Contemporary Ovamboland, however, represents a dynamic cultural mélange of traditional and modern life, which co-exist whilst negotiating issues such as the impact of HIV/AIDS and neo-liberal style of post-independence democracy. Therefore, by investigating the cultural shortfall in traditional development theory, and using examples of different forms of cultural development, I suggest that when culture is seen as an important consideration of development, as well as supported as a field of development in its own right, cultural identity becomes clearer, and cultural futures are determined more democratically. In order to demonstrate these ideas, I am drawing from a number of case studies in which I was professionally involved, as well as through interviews conducted in the field. By presenting the differing agendas of international engagement in development work as well as different types of cultural development projects, I will highlight the complexities of development theory in practice, particularly when capital is involved, and how these relate to the wider issues of cultural preservation versus cultural change.

This thesis places for consideration the esoteric teachings of Alice A. Bailey, written between 1919 and 1949, as part of the theosophical current of western esotericism. Bailey’s overarching concern for human betterment underpins her appropriation of esoteric thought, into a reformulation that incorporates her own version of Christian faith. Bailey argues that humanity faces a major turning point, involving a reorientation towards spiritual living. Alongside the vast number of contemporary writers seeking similar goals, Bailey’s work constitutes another voice attempting to foster such change. Investigating how well the esoteric contents of Bailey’s work serve her intention drive this research. The author follows with some critical reflections upon Bailey’s work with relation to its potential to transform consciousness, reorienting a reader towards spiritual living and human betterment. After exploring aspects of her work considered opposite to transforming consciousness, the author speculates upon how Bailey’s texts might achieve her goal. In essence, it is found that any transformation that may occur through exposure to Bailey’s texts results from a reader’s own efforts at penetrating to the heart of esoteric thought, and not through the adoption or application of esotericism. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Maori identity has changed as a result of many factors including colonisation, assimilation and social change. Traditional Maori identity is constructed within whanau, hapu and iwi relations. As Maori have moved away from traditional iwi areas, the traditional forms of identification as Maori have been challenged. Maori whanau with at least two generations present, were interviewed using open-ended questions. Interviews were then transcribed and coded to ascertain important features of Maori identity. This research shows that Maori participants identified with most of the traditional forms of Maoridom such as the importance of land, language, whakapapa and traditions. The Treaty of Waitangi has become a form of identification for some Maori, particularly urban Maori. There were also some differences between generations within whanau and between rural and urban Maori. Grounded theory was used within the scope of this research as it was deemed to be more reflective of Maori realities than conventional (i.e., Western) psychological theories. Maori participants indicated concern with some themes within New Zealand society that have a negative impact on Maori identity. Social expectations, negative stereotypes and commercialism were major concerns for Maori. Issues with education, power, money and finance and politics were also deemed of great concern and a threat to a positive Maori identity. Participants also commented on the need for more positive role models for young Maori and the need for bicultural initiatives to improve Maori and Pakeha relations. Recommendations are that there should be more money focused on positive initiatives rather than focusing on prisons and welfare. There should also be more emphasis on the Treaty of Waitangi in education with emphasis on why it is important in New Zealands history.

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Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 1987. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 164-171). Also available in print.

A high quality, historical surface air temperature data set is essential for the reliable investigation of climate change and variability. In this study, such a data set has been prepared for Australia by adjusting raw mean annual temperature data for inhomogeneities associated with station relocations, changes in exposure, and other problems. Temperature records from long-term stations were collaborated from the set of all raw data held by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. These long-term records were extended by combining stations and manually entering previously unused archived temperature measurements. An objective procedure was developed to determine the necessary adjustments, in conjunction with complementary statistical methods and station history documentation. The objective procedure involved creating a reference time series for each long-term station, from the median values at surrounding, well-correlated stations. Time series of annual mean maximum and mean minimum temperatures have been produced for 224 stations, and the adjusted dataset has been made available to the research community. The adjusted data are likely to be more representative of real climatic variations than raw data due to the removal of discontinuities. The adjusted data set has been compared with previously used temperature data sets, and data sets of other parameters. The adjusted data set provides adequate spatial coverage of Australia back to 1910. Additional adjusted data are available prior to this date at many stations. Trends in annual mean maximum, minimum, the mean of the maximum and minimum, and the range between the maximum and minimum, have been calculated at each site. Maximum and minimum temperatures have increased since about 1950, with minimum temperatures increasing faster than maximum temperatures.

<p>I Sverige har insjuknandet och överlevnanden i hjärtinfarkt förbättrats de senaste åren. Levnadsvanor och livsstil har betydelse. Människor som drabbas av hjärtinfarkt blir utskrivana från sjukhuset allt tidigare idag mot förut. Detta bidrar till att patienter och anhöriga/närstående får ta ett större ansvar efter utskrivningen. Informationsbehovet kring livsstilsförändringar är därför stort. Syftet var att beskriva människors erfarenhet av vad som underlättar respektive försvårar att göra de livsstilsförändringar de fått rekommendation om efter en diagnostiserad hjärtinfarkt. Metoden var en beskrivande studie med kvalitativ ansats. Öppna intervjuer genomfördes med sex informanter. Data analyserades med innehållsanalys. Av informanterna framkom information om hur de upplevt tiden efter insjuknandet gällande de rekommenderade livsstilsförändringarna. Huvudresultatet visade att det som dominerade bland svaren och vad som underlättat att genomföra livsstilsförändringar var den egna motivationen till en förändrad livsstil. Vad som ansågs försvårande var den sociala begränsningen informanterna upplevde. Slutsatsen är att det är viktigt med information till sjukvårdspersonal om vilka faktorer som underlättar livsstilsförändring och att den informationen når ut till patienterna.</p><p>Nyckelord: Livsstilsförändring, hjärtinfarkt. upplevelser</p>