Monogeneans are mainly ectoparasitic on fish, but the family Polystomatidae radiated onto tetrapods and can be found on the skin and gills of the Australian lungfish, in the urinary bladder of frogs, gills and skin of salamanders, cloaca and phalodeum of caecileans, on the eye, nostrils, mouth, cloaca or urinary bladder of freshwater turtles, and on the eye of the hippopotamus. These host organisms are ecologically related through their association with freshwater habitats that favour parasite transmission. Firm attachment is critical to maintain a close relationship with their hosts. Attachment organs usually comprise of several units that are semi related to each other due to the need to form a functional unit. Interactions between subunits are expected to be under stabilising selection, and therefore hinder evolutionary change. Monogeneans are renowned for their effective posterior attachment structures in the form of hooks or hamuli and suckers that secure them, permanently or semi-permanently, to their hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and functioning of attachment organs of selected polystomes representing different genera. A number of genera were selected in the study of attachment structures, genera included: Protopolystoma, Polystoma, Eupolystoma, Neopolystoma, Polystomoides and Oculotrema. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to study the external morphology. Histology followed by light microscopy, confocal microscopy and enzyme digestion techniques followed by scanning electron microscopy was used to study the internal morphology. It was found that variation in haptoral components do exist, even among congeners, living for example in the bladder and oral cavity of the same host. Environmental factors relating to host ecology need to be taken into account when studying the morphology of monogenean haptors. Such factors play an important role in the adaptation of monogeneans and have possibly led to the change in microhabitats, which in turn explain the variation of haptoral components between parasites. Not all haptoral structures necessarily function in attachment throughout the entire life of the parasite and different haptoral structures are important for attachment to the host at different developmental stages of the parasite. / PhD, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Monogeneans are mainly ectoparasitic on fish, but the family Polystomatidae radiated onto tetrapods and can be found on the skin and gills of the Australian lungfish, in the urinary bladder of frogs, gills and skin of salamanders, cloaca and phalodeum of caecileans, on the eye, nostrils, mouth, cloaca or urinary bladder of freshwater turtles, and on the eye of the hippopotamus. These host organisms are ecologically related through their association with freshwater habitats that favour parasite transmission. Firm attachment is critical to maintain a close relationship with their hosts. Attachment organs usually comprise of several units that are semi related to each other due to the need to form a functional unit. Interactions between subunits are expected to be under stabilising selection, and therefore hinder evolutionary change. Monogeneans are renowned for their effective posterior attachment structures in the form of hooks or hamuli and suckers that secure them, permanently or semi-permanently, to their hosts. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology and functioning of attachment organs of selected polystomes representing different genera. A number of genera were selected in the study of attachment structures, genera included: Protopolystoma, Polystoma, Eupolystoma, Neopolystoma, Polystomoides and Oculotrema. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used to study the external morphology. Histology followed by light microscopy, confocal microscopy and enzyme digestion techniques followed by scanning electron microscopy was used to study the internal morphology. It was found that variation in haptoral components do exist, even among congeners, living for example in the bladder and oral cavity of the same host. Environmental factors relating to host ecology need to be taken into account when studying the morphology of monogenean haptors. Such factors play an important role in the adaptation of monogeneans and have possibly led to the change in microhabitats, which in turn explain the variation of haptoral components between parasites. Not all haptoral structures necessarily function in attachment throughout the entire life of the parasite and different haptoral structures are important for attachment to the host at different developmental stages of the parasite. / PhD, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The purpose of this research was to determine family patterns which limit the optimal functioning of the child in middle childhood with Bipolar Disorder and Cerebral Palsy. To achieve this goal a thorough literature study was performed with regard to the child with Bipolar Disorder and Cerebral Palsy. The nature, causes and state of these two conditions in the family were investigated. Cresswell's combined model of research namely the "dominant-less-dominant" model of investigation was used. The less dominant part of the research was quantitative where the "Hudson scale: Index of Parental Attitudes" was used. This is a standardised questionnaire that aims to measure the attitudes of parents. The qualitative part of the research produced more information regarding the above-mentioned aspects. Unstructured interviews with the family, as well as the multi-disciplinary team currently involved with the family were conducted. The "One shot case study" was used to determine the significance of negative family patterns. This is an in-depth study of a single unit and required that the researcher become part of the family and family activities for a specific period of time. From this specific family, patterns were identified which limit the child with Bipolar Disorder and Cerebral Palsy to optimal functioning. From the results it was clear that significant family patterns exist in this family which limit the child. The research question could therefore be answered and certain themes could be identified. With regard to dimensions of family functioning, significant patterns around affection, behaviour control, value transmission, structure, communication and external systems were identified which limit the child to optimal functioning. Through this the researcher comes to the conclusion that family functioning has a significant influence on the optimal functioning of the child with an affective disorder and disability. With these results in mind, it is important that families are guided in the handling of children with affective disorders and disabilities, so that these children too, can reach optimal functioning. / Thesis (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of the research was to study the effect of child sexual abuse on the non–accused parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning. To reach this aim, the following objectives were set: * Objective 1: To establish the non–accused's reaction to disclosure of sexual abuse of their child. * Objective 2: To investigate the extent in which the parent/guardian's psycho–social functioning was influenced by the disclosure of the sexual abuse. * Objective 3: To research the influence the disclosure of the sexual abuse had on the relationship between the child involved and the parent/guardian. * Objective 4: To investigate the outcome of the cases following the disclosure of the sexual abuse and to determine whether actions had been taken against the alleged perpetrators and whether they were at all legally prosecuted. The research was primarily based on in–depth interviews with the non–accused parents from the case loads of a welfare organisation in Randfontein. The results of the research were reported on, based on main themes and sub–themes linked to the four objectives. Regarding theme one (1), it was found that the majority of non–accused parents/guardians reacted exceptionally negatively following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced extremely negative emotions. Theme two's (2) information was also obtained through the self–designed questionnaire. The effect of the disclosure on the non–accused parents/guardians' psycho–social functioning was studied. It was found that their psychological, emotional, financial and physical functioning was negatively affected. Theme three's (3) information was also obtained by means of the self–designed questionnaire. The relationship and bond between the child involved and the non–accused parent/guardian was investigated. It was found that the relationships between the children involved and the parents/guardians were negatively affected following the disclosure of the sexual abuse in that they experienced feelings of rejection, anger, anxiety and depression. Theme four's(4) was also obtained via self–designed questionnaires. The outcome of the disclosure was investigated. It was established that the caring situations of the children involved following the disclosure had not been significantly affected. Furthermore, it was found that the non–accused parents/guardians had not taken sufficient legal steps and that the alleged perpetrators had not been legally prosecuted in all the cases. In summary it can be stated that this research has proven that the child's sexual abuse has a negative effect on the psycho–social functioning on the non–accused parent/guardian's functioning. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new intervention method, Technology Assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA), on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of persons with intellectual and visual disability who experience separation anxiety and exhibit challenging behaviour. A pre-experimental within group design was used with randomised multiple baselines and staggered intervention start points. The data was collected at an institution in the Netherlands that provides long-term care and residence for persons with intellectual disability and visual impairment. Six participants took part in this study. This research was informed by Bowlby‟s attachment theory, which conceptualises the tendency of human beings to forge strong emotional bonds with others and explains how the disturbance of this bond might lead to various forms of emotional distress and personality disturbances. The interplay of separation anxiety and challenging behaviour with respect to the formation of attachment relationships provides the specific theoretical context in which this study is grounded. The results indicate that both the separation anxiety experienced and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the participants decreased significantly after the implementation of TTSA. Their psychosocial functioning and quality of life also increased significantly. This study demonstrates the first successful application of TTSA to treat separation anxiety and challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual and visual disability. TTSA therefore has the potential to be a valid intervention to address these disorders. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new intervention method, Technology Assisted Therapy for Separation Anxiety (TTSA), on the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of persons with intellectual and visual disability who experience separation anxiety and exhibit challenging behaviour. A pre-experimental within group design was used with randomised multiple baselines and staggered intervention start points. The data was collected at an institution in the Netherlands that provides long-term care and residence for persons with intellectual disability and visual impairment. Six participants took part in this study. This research was informed by Bowlby‟s attachment theory, which conceptualises the tendency of human beings to forge strong emotional bonds with others and explains how the disturbance of this bond might lead to various forms of emotional distress and personality disturbances. The interplay of separation anxiety and challenging behaviour with respect to the formation of attachment relationships provides the specific theoretical context in which this study is grounded. The results indicate that both the separation anxiety experienced and the challenging behaviour exhibited by the participants decreased significantly after the implementation of TTSA. Their psychosocial functioning and quality of life also increased significantly. This study demonstrates the first successful application of TTSA to treat separation anxiety and challenging behaviour in persons with intellectual and visual disability. TTSA therefore has the potential to be a valid intervention to address these disorders. / MA (Research Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The aim of this study was to assess the effective functioning of the Middle Management Learning Programme (MMLP) within the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as evaluate the performance and effectiveness of employees who were sent for training to enhance their skills and develop their capacity in order to improve service delivery within the broader South African society. The research focused specifically on middle managers who had completed the MMLP. The MMLP was presented at the SAPS Academy in Thabong from 2007 to 2011. According to Meyer et al. (2004:225), a learning programme is a coordinated combination of learning activities, methodologies, processes and other elements of learning, crafted to assist learners to acquire the required knowledge, skills and attitudes. The primary objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effective functioning of the MMLP within the SAPS and to provide sound recommendations based on the empirical findings. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to determine the effectiveness of the MMLP and obtain information from the respondents who completed the programme during the 2007/8 and 2009/10 financial years. The literature review, interviews and completion of the questionnaires by respondents confirmed the objectives of this study. The overall results indicated that the MMLP had a positive impact on middle managers in the SAPS. The middle managers appear to be driven by a need for recognition, and authorities could exploit this to its advantage by providing a reward system for good performance. The study concludes by, inter alia, recommending that the SAPS review its military culture or style, because the managers who attended the MMLP are unable to advise their seniors, respondents feel overwhelmed, powerless, and helpless and this leads to ineffectiveness in their performance. The requirements to attend the MMLP should be placed on record and should not be compromised to suit particular individuals. The MMLP should also be made a prerequisite for promotion as invaluable skills are transferred to course attendees. / Thesis (Master of Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The aim of this study was to assess the effective functioning of the Middle Management Learning Programme (MMLP) within the South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as evaluate the performance and effectiveness of employees who were sent for training to enhance their skills and develop their capacity in order to improve service delivery within the broader South African society. The research focused specifically on middle managers who had completed the MMLP. The MMLP was presented at the SAPS Academy in Thabong from 2007 to 2011. According to Meyer et al. (2004:225), a learning programme is a coordinated combination of learning activities, methodologies, processes and other elements of learning, crafted to assist learners to acquire the required knowledge, skills and attitudes. The primary objective of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effective functioning of the MMLP within the SAPS and to provide sound recommendations based on the empirical findings. Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were used to determine the effectiveness of the MMLP and obtain information from the respondents who completed the programme during the 2007/8 and 2009/10 financial years. The literature review, interviews and completion of the questionnaires by respondents confirmed the objectives of this study. The overall results indicated that the MMLP had a positive impact on middle managers in the SAPS. The middle managers appear to be driven by a need for recognition, and authorities could exploit this to its advantage by providing a reward system for good performance. The study concludes by, inter alia, recommending that the SAPS review its military culture or style, because the managers who attended the MMLP are unable to advise their seniors, respondents feel overwhelmed, powerless, and helpless and this leads to ineffectiveness in their performance. The requirements to attend the MMLP should be placed on record and should not be compromised to suit particular individuals. The MMLP should also be made a prerequisite for promotion as invaluable skills are transferred to course attendees. / Thesis (Master of Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

This research was aimed at the development, implementation and evaluation of a parenting program for parents with pre-school children, after a divorce, in order to improve the sosio-emotional functioning of the adults, as well as the children. The motivation for this study stemmed from the reality of divorce in many family systems. Intervention research as applied research was utilised. A two-phase research approach was undertaken. A quantitative questionnaire approach as used during phase 1. The following research question was formulated for this phase: What should the content of a parenting program for parents after a divorce with pre-school children be? A needs assessment questionnaire was completed by 20 members of the population and an assessment of child-respondents, was undertaken. This data, complemented the literature study which was undertaken and brought information to the foreground which established the contents of the parenting program. The research question could therefore be answered. A child assessment was undertaken with the children of the parents who would attend the workshop during phase 2, in order to explore the children’s experience of their living environment. The quantitative approach was used in phase 2 as the single system design. The following research hypothesis was formulated for this phase: If parents and their pre-school children attend a parenting program after a divorce, a significant change in their sosio-emotional functioning should realise. Four workshops were implemented, in the following way: Theoretical workshops for the custodial and non-custodial parent respectively and practical workshops for the custodial parent and child and the non-custodial parent and child respectively. A quantitative questionnaire was completed prior to the workshops and thereafter by the 5 family systems involved. This instrument of measurement confirmed the hypotheses. A comparison was done between the literature and the empirical data. Conclusions and recommendations for future research were formulated, as a result of the research study. / Thesis (DPhil (Social Work))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted