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Over the past two decades, an increasing amount of research has been directed toward climatic influences on behavior and the built environment. The evidence from this research has lead to the development of recommended site interventions to improve energy performance in individual buildings and to mitigate extreme climate conditions in exterior public spaces in order to make these environments more comfortable."Comfort", as a measure of performance, is usually based upon one of the many indices of thermal comfort. These indices, however, have been developed specifically for use in indoor environments and were later readapted for exterior environments. Previous research has begun to show that standards designed for and developed in interior settings, are not necessarily applicable for use in exterior environments where climate is only partially controllable and behavior is less defined. Early preliminary studies have shown that considerable activity will occur outside of the boundaries formally established as “comfortable” by any particular thermal index. In contradiction to the traditional thermal performance measures that determine specific climatological conditions to support a particular behavior, this research uses two bio-comfort charts and a thermal indexing equation to establish what specific behaviors will occur under particular climate profiles. This study takes an annual record of regional and site specific climate data and applies it to existing comfort prediction models to ascertain if such applications are legitimate and if these applications are capable of predicting the frequency and duration of observed social behavior in an outdoor urban setting. / Master of Landscape Architecture

A naturalistic method (concealed video camera) on the Library Plaza at Virginia Tech has been used successfully to document the climate-behavior relationships in outdoor space. Analysis of the data reveals that each climatic factor had certain types of relationships with outdoor human behaviors, and that it might be possible to predict the amount of outdoor activity occurring on the plaza under a specific climate profile. Due to the lack of previous research and data similar to our observations, we experienced some difficulties in comparing the results with previous research and in doing systematic analysis. The individual climate factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind velocity, solar radiation, and the composite climate index, the Index of Thermal Stress, were analyzed to find a relationship with outdoor behavior. Graphic and statistical methods were used to analyze observation data. As the temperature on the plaza increased, there was a strong tendency for people to extend their time of stay on the plaza. But the temperature did not seem to have any strong relationship with the number or percentage of people who stayed on the plaza. Relative humidity appeared to have a negative correlation with the frequency of stationary behavior, but almost no relationship with average duration of stationary people. This finding conflicts with Givoni who reported that variations in relative humidity between 30% and 85% were almost imperceptible and at temperatures above 25°C, the influence of humidity on the response became gradually more apparent (Givoni,1981). Most of our observations were done under the temperature range of 0° ~ 25°C with a relative humidity of 30 ~ 85%. Under our observational condition (wind velocity less than 24 Km/hr), wind velocity had the strongest relationship with the frequency of stationary behavior. As the wind speed increased, the number and percentage of stationary people decreased almost linearly. Thus, wind velocity is a determining factor and the lower wind velocity is an impetus that induces people outdoors to pause or rest. The relationship between air velocity and the average duration of stationary people had a slightly negative correlation. The negative correlation was understandable, but, because it was negligibly weak, there was no meaningful relationship. Solar radiation did not appear to be an important factor for inducing people outside to stay on the plaza. But this study showed that the greater the solar radiation, the longer people stayed. The mean of the Index of Thermal Stress of Fall data was -139.268 and that of spring was 14.40. Therefore, in Fall, it was probable that people felt cold stress while in spring people were more likely to be comfortable. In Fall observations, the I.T.S. had a stronger relationship with frequency and duration of outdoor stationary behaviors than any single climatic factor. As the I.T.S. increased(in other words, as the cold stress decreased), more people stayed on the plaza and people tended to stay longer periods of time under the weather conditions in the fall of Southwestern Virginia. But, in spring observations, the relationships were much weaker than Fall observation. It was found that I.T.S. seemed to show a strong relationship between climate and outdoor behaviors if the I.T.S. values of data were completely negative or completely positive. / Master of Landscape Architecture

The endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) has been the focus of much research in the past 40 years, primarily with respect to the summer habitat requirements for the species. Recent advances in radio telemetry have allowed researchers to learn about the specific activity patterns for roosting bats. Torpor is an energetic process that bats use to conserve energy through the day. We used an equation that gives a threshold for when the animal enters torpor to quantify the amount of energy conservation among Indiana bats, northern long-eared bat (M. septentrionalis) and little brown bat (M. lucifugus) and their reproductive stage. Additionally, we used the torpor threshold to determine if researchers were causing disturbances to roosting female Myotis bats in the summer. / Department of Biology

Environmental and socio-economic crises are creating compelling needs for radical social change. This project investigated the options and barriers for three Scottish rural communities (Fintry, Killin and Kinlochleven) to become sustainable and thrive in a future resource-constrained world. A unique, holistic and mixed methods approach was used to assess baseline sustainability, envision and model futures and develop possible options for sustainability. Central to this investigation was the development of a strong and holistic model of a sustainable community: the sustainable community design (SCD). This framework shaped the assessment of each community’s baseline sustainability. Sustainability was measured for the ten aspects of the SCD using a scorecard approach with a basket of indicators populated by primary data (collected in a household survey) and secondary data (national statistics). Sustainable consumption was analysed using the Resources and Energy Analysis Programme (REAP) to generate each community’s ecological footprint (EF) and results were compared to current estimates of per capita world biocapacity to gauge sustainability. Even the most sustainable community was only sustainable in three out of ten of the SCD’s aspects and this community had the highest EF. Although the most deprived community had the lowest EF, it was unsustainable in all ten SCD aspects. The results reflected the heterogeneity of rural communities and complexity of sustainability measurement. The SCD scorecard approach for sustainability measurement was shown to be sensitive and robust and can be applied to rural communities across Scotland. Future visions were created in focus groups, in which participants were asked to envision what their community would need to thrive in 2030 under the scenario of peak oil and a low carbon economy. Vision ideas and examples of best practice and technological innovation were used to create narrative scenarios for modelling transport, food and energy futures. The scenarios’ EFs were calculated in REAP for three discrete levels of change: a marginal change, a step change and radical transformation. The results suggested that radical transformation is required for communities to become sustainable. Key features are likely to be re-localised and highly co-operative societies, which utilise technological innovations (such as electric cars powered by renewable energy) and share resources to maximise opportunities for living in rural areas. A community’s transformation is likely to be bespoke and require local control, requiring changes to governance and supportive policy. Key barriers identified were availability of affordable technological innovations, energy injustice, power to achieve self-determination, community governance, property rights and sustainability literacy. A process model, incorporating the SCD scorecard approach, was proposed for furthering sustainable community development and research. In taking an interdisciplinary and mixed methods approach, this study has pioneered a novel approach to the holistic enquiry of the options for creating sustainable rural communities.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research project has been purposed at shedding light and bringing clarity and practical resolution to the ethical dilemma brought about by seemingly incompatible principles and value positions associated with the two contentious issues: social development and nature conservation. In view of exposing the contentions between the two above-mentioned value positions, this project has pitted anthropocentrism against biocen trism / ecocen trism. However, as alluded to in this research, many people in developing countries, South Africa included, are victims of poverty and hunger which need redress. Unfortunately the alleviation of the same has been made possible through ruthless exploitation and maximum expansion of natural resources and in the process, the environment suffered much. However, with social development, the natural environment is often sacrificed and conversely with the protection and preservation of nature, man is then condemned to destitution. With the introduction and the case expose forming the introduction of this research project in Chapter 1, Chapter 2 is devoted to the research methodology used throughout this project. Also, given the problem statement, endeavours to search for answers to the central questions are outlined. An analysis of the case study is also made in this chapter. Chapter 3 deals with the weighing of the classical dilemmas namely: anthropocentrism versus biocentrism / ecocentrism and this further entails the notion of justice versus conservation pertaining the case in point. These classical dilemmas are put into critical perspective in Chapter 4 wherein monistic value approaches are exposed in terms of their failures. Precisely, the either-or choices following from pure theoretical principles are put into question with reference to the case under discussion. An alternative, namely the pragmatic approach, which maintains a multiplicity of values, is hereby brought into play. Chapter 5 entails a critical appraisal of the decision to be taken by the Makhado Municipality Council with regard to the development of the shopping complex or the protection of the indigenous tree sanctuary. In conclusion, recommendations and suggestions are stated within the context of the case in point. However, it is imperative to note that these recommendations and suggestions should be read in conjunction with one another, and not in isolation from one another. Furthermore, the same should not in anyway be indiscriminately used as a universal standard in any similar or related case. Further research on this ethical debate is encouraged. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie navorsingsprojek is om helderheid en 'n praktiese oplossing te kry met betrekking tot die etiese dilemma wat voortspruit uit die oeriskynlik onversoenbare beginsels en waardeposisies wat geassosieer word met twee omstrede kwessies, naamlik sosiale ontwikkeling en natuurbewaring. Met die oog daarop om die kwelpunte rondom bogenoemde twee waardeposisies aan die lig te bring, stel hierdie projek antroposentrisme teenoor biosentrisme / ekosentrisme. Baie mense in ontwikkelende lande, insluitend Suid-Afrika, IS slagoffers van armoede en hongersnood, soos aangedui word in die loop van hierdie navorsing. Hierdie situasie noodsaak regs telling. Pogings om verligting te bring in hierdie verband, lei egter tot die genadelose eksploitasie en maksimum ontwikkeling van natuurlike hulpbronne. In hierdie proses word die omgewing ernstig beskadig. Die ongelukkige toedrag van sake is dus dat sosiale ontwikkeling dikwels geskied ten koste van die omgewing, terwyl die beskerming en bewaring van die omgewing op sy beurt dikwels die mens behoeftig laat. Hoofstuk 1 van hierdie navorsingsprojek bevat 'n inleiding en beskrywing van die geval onder bespreking, terwyl Hoofstuk 2 gewy word aan die navorsingsmetodologie wat in hierdie projek gebruik word. Dit bevat ook 'n skets van die pogings om antwoorde te soek op die sentrale vrae van die probleemstelling, en 'n analise van die gevallestudie. In Hoofstuk 3 word die klassieke dilemmas wat verband hou met die betrokke probleem opgeweeg, naamlik antroposentrisme teenoor biosentrismej ekosentrisme, en die idee van geregtigheid teenoor die idee van bewaring. Bogenoemde klassieke dilemmas word in 'n kritiese lig beskou in Hoofstuk 4 deurdat die tekortkominge van monistiese waardebenaderings uitgewys word. Die 6f-6f keuses wat volg uit suiwer teoretiese beginsels word bevraagteken met verwysing na die geval onder bespreking. 'n Pleidooi word uiteindelik gelewer vir 'n alternatiewe pragmatiese benadering wat eerder 'n veelheid van waardes betrek. Hoofstuk 5 bevat 'n kritiese beoordeling van die keuse wat die Makhado Munisipaliteitsraad moet maak tussen die ontwikkeling van 'n winkelkompleks of die beskerming van 'n inheemse boomreservaat. Ter afsluiting word aanbevelings en voorstelle gemaak in verband met die kwessie onder bespreking. Dit is egter belangrik om daarop te let dat hierdie aanbevelings en voorstelle nie apart van mekaar beskou moet word nie, maar eerder saam gelees moet word. Dit is verder ook belangrik dat die aanbevelings en voorstelle wat met betrekking tot hierdie geval gemaak word nie sonder meer gebruik moet word as 'n universele standaard vir soortgelyke of verwante gevalle nie. Verdere navorsing oor hierdie etiese debat word aangemoedig.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / In a modern world of fragmentation and embedded dualisms, access to the imagination and creativity seems minimal, especially in science. Human beings and nature, science and the imagination (art), and spirit and matter (body) – these dualisms permeate our sciences and other disciplines, as well as the way we envision the future and educate children about the environment. Sustainability positions a key debate for the future and mediates intergenerational equity (it thus in a way captures the future). Sustainability further proposes an ecological approach wherein systems thinking, holism and the exploration of new (extended) forms of knowledge are subtly starting to reshape the future outlook of the planet. A personal reflection on my own alternative learning process with the Sustainability Institute (SI) resulted in a deep concern and intrigue about the symbolic base of sustainability learning. Imagination, art (stories) and symbols played an intrinsic role in how I integrated many of the empirical and non-empirical, as well as scientific and meta-physical, aspects of the learning. These intrigues led me to explore the nurturing education opportunities that might exist for children to engage with the imagination, art and alternative aspects of education as integrative aspects in learning. Waldorf education claims to use stories in this regard. Waldorf education – together with a review of the role of environmental education – is the case study of this research. This is an inherently transdisciplinary study and, although literature in the separate fields abounds, a comprehensive literature review conducted for this study revealed a gap in research related to the interface between areas of symbolism, sustainability and education (“symbolism-in-sustainability-in-education”). The study is underpinned by the following fields: • Sustainability (with a strong focus on environmental ethics) • Literature (traditional stories) • Psychology (psychoanalytical and environmental psychology) • Education (environmental, Waldorf and finally sustainability or ecological education) This study thus explores the role of the imagination and symbolism, both being ontologically recognised, as well as stories to integrate some of the dualisms prevalent in our modern world, dualisms that are contributing to the reigning ecological crisis. In addition, it focuses on the role of these functionalities to access and open up other forms of knowing in science (with particular application to the built environment/ and planning), which supports the claims of sustainability and sustainability science. I conclude by briefly highlighting a pattern that proposes a way of connecting the ideas in this study in support of ecological education (the future) – and thus sustainability – in an enduring and deep-seated way that is intrinsically human[nature].

Thesis (MScSportSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Postural deformities are a commonly encountered problem among children. Most of the aches and pains of adults are the result, not of injuries, but of the long-term effects of distortions in posture or alignment that have their origins in childhood or adolescence. Television, video entertainment, motorized transportation, fast food and lack of regular physical activity contribute to the poor physical condition of children. School screening for scoliosis is mandated in schools in 26 states of the United States (US) for children between 10 and 16 years of age. Previous studies conducted in the US found that 160 out of 1000 people suffer from scoliosis. This means that scoliosis is as prevalent as hypertension or diabetes mellitus (Boachie-Adjei & Lonner, 1996). Identification of postural deformities at an early stage makes early treatment possible, which may, in future, prevent serious postural abnormalities. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons approved the implementation of screening programs in schools in 1974 (Lonstein, 1988). Few studies have included the entire musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of postural deformities among children aged 11 to 13 years in selected primary schools in the Western Cape. The study also proposes to investigate factors that may influence the prevalence rate of postural deformities. These factors included age, gender, school district, weight, height, BMI (Body Mass Index), fat%, waist-hip ratio, and physical activity. Letters were sent to 15 primary schools within a 30km radius of Stellenbosch. This region included Stellenbosch, Strand, and Kuilsrivier. Four schools replied, giving permission to conduct the study at their schools. The sample (N=288, mean age=12.36, SD=0.92) consisted of 78 scholars from grade five; 104 scholars form grade six; and 106 scholars from grade seven. Of the total number of scholars examined (288), 154 were boys, and 134 were girls. Only children with parental consent were allowed to participate in the study. Anthropometric measures included stature, mass, skinfoids (two-site skinfoid), waist- and hip circumferences and trochanterion leg length. Level of physical activity and family history of deformities were obtained by means of a questionnaire. The New York Posture Test was used for postural evaluation (Bloomfield et aI., 1994:320; Reedeo Inc., 2001. This Posture Test was designed for the screening of 13 categories of deformities. Using a "see-through" posture grid, lateral and posterior examinations were performed. The "Adam's position" (forward bending) was used for further scoliosis evaluation. Quantitative data was analyzed, using Statistica (Statsoft, 2001) and classification tree methodology (Breiman et aI., 1993). The anthropometric results indicated that the subjects had a mean stature of 1.54m, mass of 47.48kg, BMI of 19.75, waist-hip ratio of 0.79 and fat% (Lohman, 1987) of 21.35%. The prevalence of postural deformities was as follows: Lordosis, 70%; Kyphosis, 57%; Uneven shoulders, 55%; Inclined trunk, 43%; Winged scapulae, 42%; Pronated feet, 30%; Flat feet, 30%; Flat chest, 29%; Forward head, 28%; Protruding abdomen, 28%; Uneven hips, 11%; Scoliosis, 10%; and Twisted head, 1%. Uneven hips, scoliosis and twisted head were not considered for statistical purposes, because of their low incidence compared to the other deformities. The factors that influenced the prevalence rate of deformities the most were BMI and fat%. A higher BMI and fat% resulted in a higher prevalence rate in most deformities. The prevalence rate of postural deformities in this study was considerably high. Sedentary lifestyles of children (watching television, computer games, junk food and physical inactivity) were a contributing factor in the high prevalence rate of postural deformities. It is known that overweight and sedentary behavior of children is increasing and this could pose an alarming concern to the health of a child. Also, if a significant correlation does exist between the prevalence of postural deformities and conditions such as back pain, the high prevalence rate reported in this study is a matter of concern. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Postuurafwykings is "n algemene probleem wat dikwels onder kinders voorkom. Baie van die skete en pyne by volwassenes spruit nie uit beserings nie, maar vanuit langtermyn gevolge van swak postuur wat huloorsprong uit die kinderjare het. Televisie, videospeletjies, vervoer per motor, kitskos en gebrek aan fisieke aktiwiteit dra by tot die swak fisieke kondisie van kinders. Evalueringsprogramme in skole word in 26 state in die Verenigde State van Amerika (VSA) toegepas vir kinders tussen die ouderdomme van 10 en 16 jaar. Vorige studies in die VSA het getoon dat 160 uit 1000 mense skoliose het (Boachie-Adjei & Lonner, 1996). Dit beteken dat skoliose net so veel voorkom soos hipertensie of diabetes mellitus. Identifikasie van postuurafwykings op "n vroeë stadium maak vroeë behandeling moontlik, wat in die toekoms ernstige postuurafwykings kan voorkom. Die "American Academy of Orthopedie Surgeons" het reeds in 1974 die implementering van assesseringsprogramme goedgekeur (Lonstein, 1988). Volgens navorsing het slegs "n beperkte aantal studies die hele spierskeletale stelsel geëvalueer. Die doel van hierdie studie was om die voorkoms van postuurafwykings by kinders tussen die ouderdomme van 11 en 13 jaar in geselekteerde Wes-Kaapse skole te bepaal. Die studie het ook faktore wat "n invloed op die voorkoms van postuurafwykings kan hê, ingesluit. Hierdie faktore het onder andere ouderdom, geslag, skool, gewig, lengte, LMI (Liggaamsmassa-indeks), vet%, middel-heup-ratio en fisieke aktiwiteit ingesluit. Uitnodigingsbriewe is na 15 laerskole binne "n 30km radius vanaf Stellenbosch gestuur. Dit het ingesluit Stellenbosch, Strand, en Kuilsrivier. Vier skole het toestemming verleen om die studie by die betrokke skole te loods. Die steekproef (N=288, gemiddelde ouderdom = 12.36, SD=0.92) het bestaan uit 78 leerlinge uit graad vyf; 104 leerlinge uit graad ses en 106 leerlinge uit graad sewe. Uit die totale aantal leerlinge wat geëvalueer is, was daar 154 seuns en 134 dogters. Antropometriese metings het die volgende ingesluit: lengte, gewig, velvoue (twee-velvou meting), middel- en heupomtrekke en trochanterion beenlengte. Fisieke aktiwiteitsvlak en familiegeskiedenis van postuurafwykings is bepaal met behulp van "n vraelys. Die "New York Posture Tesf' is gebruik vir postuurevaluasie (Bloomfield et al., 1994:320; Reedco Inc., 2001). Hierdie toets is ontwerp vir die evaluering van 13 deformiteite. Die kinders is vanuit 'n posterior en anterior aansig ge-evalueer met behulp van 'n "deurskynende" postuurruitnet (grid). Die "Adam's-" toets (vooroorbuig-toets) is gebruik vir verdere evaluering van skoliose. Statistica (StatSoft, 2001) en klassifikasieboom-metodologie (Breiman et al., 1993) is gebruik vir statistiese ontleding. Die proefpersone het 'n gemiddelde lengte van 1.54m, gewig van 47.48kg, LMI van 19.75, middel-heup-ratio van 0.79 en vet% (Lohman, 1987) van 21.35% gehad. Die voorkoms van die onderskeie postuurafwykings was as volg: Lordose,70%; Kifose, 57%; Ongelyke skouers, 55%; Romp na posterior gebuig, 43%; Gevleuelde skapulas, 42%; Voetpronasie, 30%; Plat voete, 30%; Plat bors, 29%; Protraksie: skedel, 28%; Uitstaan buik, 28%; Ongelyke heupe, 11%; Skoliose, 10%; en Gekantelde hoof, 1%. Ongelyke heupe, skoliose en gekantelde hoof het minder voorgekom in vergelyking met die ander deformiteite, daarom is die deformiteite nie vir statistiese analise in aammerking gebring nie. LMI en vet% was die faktore wat die voorkoms van postuurafwykings die meeste beïnvloed het. 'n Hoër LMI en vet% het 'n toenemende voorkoms in meeste deformiteite veroorsaak. Die voorkoms van postuurafwyking in hierdie studie was hoog. Sedentêre leefwyses van kinders (TV, rekenaarspeletjies, gemorskos, en fisieke onaktiwiteit) het bygedra tot die hoë voorkoms. Die voorkoms van oorgewig en sedentêre leefwyses is besig om te verhoog by kinders en kan ernstige gevolge vir die gesondheid van die kind inhou. Indien daar 'n betekenisvolle korrelasie tussen die voorkoms van postuurafwykings en kondisies soos rugpyn is, dan blyk die hoë voorkoms, wat in hierdie studie gevind is, 'n bron van bekommernis te wees. Postuurevalueringsprogramme is 'n effektiewe metode vir die vroeë identifikasie van postuurafwykings, aangesien dit vroeë identifikasie en konserwatiewe behandeling moontlik maak.

Contemporary developments in cognitive neuroscience are having a profound impact on the philosophy of mind as philosophers work to understand the implications of these advances for appreciating what it means to be a human person. At the same time, a recent consensus has formed among contemporary theologians around the thesis that Jesus Christ is the revelation of what it means to be truly human. Unfortunately, very few thinkers have made any concerted effort to bring these two developments into dialogue with one another. This study addresses this lack by drawing on the anthropological insights of Karl Barth and bringing them to bear on certain aspects of the contemporary discussions regarding the mind/brain relationship. The thesis thus comprises two major sections. The first develops an understanding of Karl Barth’s theological anthropology focusing on three major facets: (1) the centrality of Jesus Christ for any real understanding of human persons; (2) the resources that such a christologically determined view of human nature has for engaging in interdisciplinary discourse; and (3) the ontological implications of this approach for understanding the mind/body relationship. The second part of the study then draws on this theological foundation to consider the implications that understanding human nature christologically has for analyzing and assessing several prominent ways of explaining the mind/body relationship. This study, then, is an exercise in understanding the nature of a christocentric anthropology and its implications for understanding human ontology. While it will devote significant attention to the theology of Karl Barth and various contemporary philosophers of mind, its fundamental aim is to draw together these apparently disparate fields of inquiry by engaging both theology and philosophy in a vital dialogue on the nature of the human person as revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

State compensation is considered a complementary tool for victims of crimes’ access to restorative justice. Particular benefits with state compensation for trafficked persons is the non-involvement of the offender, which by the nature of the crime usually implies a major obstacle for their access to financial compensation. The access to compensation for cross border victims - which includes victims of trafficking - and the importance of enforcing victims of crimes’ right to justice and equality before the law, has undergone a major actualization in step with the free movement - which led to an increased mobility across EU-borders. The correlation between equality before the law -as an expression for cross border victims’ access to state compensation regardless of citizenship- and the prevailing increasement of freedom of movement in the EU will among others be analyzed down Dworkin’s perception on equality and freedom as reciprocal musts. The right to compensation for victims of trafficking is established in binding EU-acts and therefore requires compliance, particularly since Directive 2004/80/EG - which enforces cross border victims’ right to compensation - was adopted. Due to the lack of contrasting research in the area of victims’ access to state compensation in the EU-member states five different countries is hereby being analyzed, intending to compare national policies on compensation and their compliance with Directive 2004/80/EG. The member states in focus are Spain, Greece, Portugal, Malta and Italy. My conclusion asserts that the member states do comply with the EU-obligations on compensation but the protection of trafficked persons’ right - and access to- state compensation is notwithstanding beneath contempt and requires urgent progress.