African horsesickness virus (AHSV) VP7 development as a particulate vaccine system, for human and veterinary use, is based on the observation that VP7 forms hexagonal crystalline structures which can be exploited to present epitopes to the immune system. VP7 can be produced in large amounts by means of the baculovirus expression system and is easily purified. In order to display an epitope or small peptides in the VP7 top domain several VP7 display vectors have been constructed that will allow the insertion of peptides into at least three different amino acid sites. These vectors are VP7mu144, VP7mu177 and VP7mu200. Vector VP7mu177 in which different peptides were inserted into site 177 has been investigated by Rutkowska (2002). The aim of this investigation is to insert the same peptides into site 200 and compare the constructs with regard to assembly into VP7 particles, structure, stability and antigenicity. These VP7 vectors have to be characterized to determine which of these mutant sites will elicit the best immune response. Insertion mutants were made of the major core protein of AHSV VP7 serotype 9 at specific amino acid positions for the possible use as a subunit vaccine by F. Maree (2000). In this study HIV-1 subtype C ALDSWK and RVLAIERYLKD epitopes with flanking regions were cloned using restriction enzyme tagged PCR products. The recombinants were expressed using the baculovirus expression system. The insertion of HIV epitopes in the vectors did not significantly alter the protein expression levels. However, the chimeric VP7mu200 and VP7mu177 proteins did not show the characteristic crystalline structures observed with VP7mu200, VP7mu177 and unmodified VP7 in insect cells. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed flat, rounded particulate structures with a rough to layered surface. The insertion of 50, 53 and 101 amino acids thus abolishes the smooth hexagonal crystalline formation characteristic of the VP7 protein. This is partly due to steric interference which most likely disrupted the hydrophobic bonds. The structural disruption of the VP7 particle observed with the 50 aa insertion is not further distorted in the 101 aa insert. Comparative studies show VP7mu200 to be more sensitive to the hydrophobic nature of an insert with regards to particle assembly than VP7mu177. VP7mu177 with and without HIV epitopes assemble into large particles predominantly found in fractions 1-4 at the bottom of a sucrose density gradient. VP7mu200 with a double HIV insert predominantly assembles into large particles (fractions 1-4) and the single HIV inserts assemble into predominantly smaller particles (fractions 5-8). Mechanical lysis of the infected cells containing the chimeric VP7mu200 particles compared to detergent treatment of similarly infected samples reveal possible lipid association suggesting that VP7mu200 may form inclusion bodies. Despite differences in particle assembly between the vectors, both chimeric VP7mu177 and chimeric VP7mu200 particles were shown to be antigenic. Future prospects include conformation and immunology studies pertaining to immunizations with the chimeric proteins, analysis of sera to ascertain if antibodies have been raised as well as neutralization assays to distinguish between the capabilities of the different insertion sites. / Dissertation (MSc (Genetics))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Genetics / unrestricted

The enantioanalysis of compounds of biological importance with a chiral moiety is very important because each enantiomer is a marker for a different disease. Accordingly, very reliable methods of enantioanalysis should be employed for the correct diagnosis of the diseases. The utilization of amperometric biosensors and enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes made the assay of a single enantiomer faster, easier and more reliable if one compare with the chromatographic techniques which are widely proposed for this kind of analyses. Monocrystalline diamond was proposed as matrix for amperometric electrodes and amperometric biosensors design. The advantages of using such material for electrode design are: (a) lower background currents and noise signals, which lead to improve S/B and S/N ratios, and lower detection limits; (b) good electrochemical activity (pre-treatment is not necessary); (c) wide electrochemical potential window in aqueous media; (d) very low capacitance; (e) extreme electrochemical stability; and (f) high reproducibility of analytical information. The design selected for the electrodes is simple, fast and reproducible. The carbon or diamond powders were mixed with paraffine oil to give the carbon or diamond paste which can act alone as electroactive material in the electrodes or it can be modified with a chiral selector (e.g., cyclodextrins, maltodextrins or antibiotics) or enzyme (e.g., L(D)-aminoacid oxidase, L-lysine oxidase). The results obtained by employing the amperometric electrodes and biosensors and the enantioselective, potentiometric membrane electrodes proved a high sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy and high reliability. These characteristics made them suitable to be used for the enantioanalysis of different compounds of biological importance (e.g., pipecolic acid, glyceric acid, 2-hydroxyglyceric acid, fucose, L-vesamicol and L-lysine) in serume and/or urine samples. The features of the proposed enantioselective, amperometric and potentiometric electrodes proposed in this thesis are their utilization for in vivo measurements and as detectors in flow systems (flow injection analysis or/and sequential injection analysis). This will simplify the enantioanalysis and will improve considerable the reliability of the analytical information favorazing a fast and accurate diagnosis of the diseases associated with the marker determined. / Thesis (PhD (Chemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Chemistry / unrestricted

BACKGROUND This study commenced with a certain rationale in mind, emerging from a personal, felt responsibility, which were further embedded in global declarations by the FAO and the WHO, as well as commitments made during the World Food Summit in 1996 and 2002. Results from the most recent ‘National Food Consumption Survey’ also inspired the study and the intervention. This study has to be viewed against the background of community development, which in a broad sense connotes a process of social learning through participation. Within the context of this study, it means to identify and address felt needs of people within a particular community and to improve their lives for the better. A commonly accepted approach to rural community development was followed, namely to establish programmes, which were referred to in this study as the nutritional intervention. AIM The challenge was to design, implement and evaluate a community-based intervention, specifically with the aim to address nutrition-related problems in a rural community on a commercial farm in South Africa. It was not the intention to strive for external validity (generalise the findings to other rural communities) but to internalise the process of research (specifically Participatory Action Research) within a rural community, contributing to the body of knowledge on the relevance and success of interventions in rural communities within the realms of health and nutrition. This process provided opportunities for the research team to learn more about implementing Participatory Action Research in rural communities, to learn from the community itself and to apply that knowledge into a constructed model for future projects. METHODOLOGY The research study and intervention process were based on a four-phase approach, which included a situation analysis (also called needs assessment), design, implementation and evaluation. Findings from the needs assessment were prioritised and incorporated in the design and implementation of a relevant intervention. Qualitative data-gathering techniques were mainly used which included observations with field notes, group discussions and key informant interviews. Several techniques were deployed during the implementation-phase, of which the personalised, educational support material was considered an important outcome. Principles of evaluative research have been incorporated from the starting point to measure the success of the process as well as the outcomes of the intervention. OUTCOME The value of the study is found in the generic model that was structured as a visual presentation of a nutritional intervention in a rural area. The model was drawn from previously applied models, grounded in this research study and was further enriched with comments from a panel of external evaluators. It can be considered a comprehensive, logic methodological framework, ready for pragmatic testing. It addresses the entire continuum of processes involved in developing valid and reliable interventions for rural communities and should serve as guideline for similar projects in future times. RECOMMENDATIONS During this study certain insights were gained, which centred on the factors that motivated or hindered behavioural change. A list of lessons learned was formulated to guide future projects, which were set in terms of managerial aspects, financial aspects, methodology (instruments and methods) and enabling factors. / Thesis (PhD (Consumer Science))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

Spring and damper characteristics determine to a large extent the ride quality and handling of a vehicle. Since the requirements for good ride and good handling are conflicting, adjustable suspension elements are developed. In this study a two-state semi-active hydro-pneumatic spring, in conjunction with a two-state semi-active hydraulic damper is investigated. A mathematical model of the spring/damper system is developed and verified with measured data. Two types of tests were performed on a prototype spring/damper unit, namely characterisation tests and single degree of freedom tests. The characterisation tests included characterising the hydro-pneumatic spring, the hydraulic damper, as well as the hydraulic valves in terms of valve response times. For the single degree of freedom tests, the step response, random input response and sine sweep response were determined. Simulation models of the characterisation setup, as well as the single degree of freedom setup were constructed in Matlab Simulink. A real gas, thermal time constant model was used for modelling the hydro-pneumatic spring, while a look-up table was used for the damper characteristics. A hydraulic flow model was developed from first principles and first order valve dynamics were also included in the models. Good correlation was obtained between measured and simulated data for the characteristation tests, as well as the single degree of freedom tests. The spring/damper model can be incorporated into a full 3D vehicle model in order to predict the ride and handling of a vehicle fitted with such a system. / Dissertation (MEng (Mechanical Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering / unrestricted

The utilisation rates of Employment Assistance Programmes (EAP) are influenced by various factors cited in literature. The existence of written policy and its broad distribution, adequate staffing levels, and provision of training for supervisors predicts higher levels of programme utilisation (Weiss, 2003:61). Other recommended features, including maintenance of client confidentiality, accessibility may also be related to utilisation. This quantitative study was conducted with employees from the Department of Labour, in Pretoria. Fifty-five employees from all levels in the Department formed the research sample. The purpose was to investigate factors that hinder the utilisation of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) within the Department of Labour. The investigation focused on awareness, attitudes, accessibility and purpose of the EAP services. Questionnaires were hand delivered to respondents and this minimised cost despite the extension of the geographical areas covered by the researcher. This technique was appropriate for this study since the researcher intended to include 55 employees of the Department of Labour in various labour offices across Gauteng North, Pretoria. Findings indicate that there are various factors influencing employees not to consult the EAP, ranging from concerns about confidentiality, accessibility and reporting protocols of the programme. The limitation of the study is that the sample was drawn from a population which is presented with a variety of health care solutions within their environment. This is argued in light of the fact that other employees of the Department of Labour are situated in areas with minimal environmental health care facilities due to their remote locations. / Dissertation (MSD (EAP))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The current status of affirmative action practices in the automotive sector does not offer designated managers Management Career Development (MCD) plans or practices that can be formulated, implemented and measured. Japanese techniques that have been tried do not look at improving the skills of designated management and do not provide models for advancement at managerial level that make sense within the South African Human Resources Management (HRM) context. There is a growing demand for top skilled managers and executive appointments in the South African economic market. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of recruitment advertisements. The Department of Labour (2000b) places a heavy emphasis on achieving equity in the formal labour market and in the acquisition of managerial skills by all South Africans. The South African potential working population has reached a total of 27.9 million of which 15.9 million are economically active and 12 million are economically inactive (Department of Labour, 2001). The employment numbers in the manufacturing sector have continued to decline and there is evidence of managerial shortages and a continued brain drain of highly skilled white personnel. A pilot research survey revealed that there was a lack of affirmative action career-pathing models or staff succession plans and that there are many designated managers who lack an MCD programme. There are a high number of people in South Africa who are not employable, due to a lack of relevant managerial skills and the need for effective MCD. It is therefore imperative that DSGN managers acquire expertise in the area of general career planning management to ensure business plan effectiveness and to act as catalysts to address the high skills shortages of black personnel. In this way the skills gap between the non-designated and designated managers can be redressed and a sustainable capacity of the competencies required by the country can be created. The aim of this research was to develop an MCD model for previously disadvantaged managers in the automotive manufacturing industry. Designated managers are often not properly trained and informed regarding the planning process of career management and development. It is hoped that through this research and the explanation of the importance of understanding career management, both managers and employers will be encouraged to be actively involved in structured MCD learning processes. This study was done with the following objectives in mind: -- to determine the current situation with regard to MCD and explore factors that influence MCD and the development of potential designated managers and their appointment to managerial positions; and -- to formulate a model for career-pathing and development for the workplace management career advancement of designated managers. As a first phase, a literature review was undertaken. It highlighted the importance of the identification of designated managers’ MCD. The literature research reviewed various MCD models for advancement and their integration with strategic Human Resources Development and the Business Plan. Based on the literature study, the research design and strategy were selected. A population group of designated and non-designated managers was identified within the automotive sector. Data was then obtained from respondents by means of a questionnaire especially developed for this purpose. The data was statistically processed, after which recommendations and conclusions were made. The survey revealed a considerable degree of consensus about the most important MCD advancement techniques and the intervention needs of potential designated managers. These must be linked to the organisation’s strategic HRD business plans. These techniques include special project assignments, job rotation, on-the-job training, coaching/mentoring and in-house MCD programmes. The research also highlighted numerous issues which have to be addressed in designated managers’ career development, such as -- the development of MCD potential for designated managers primarily by means of relevant exposure, experience and involvement in critical and non-critical activities; -- a strong internal monitoring focus group to oversee strategic HRM and play a positive role in maintaining the programme’s momentum, ensuring the regulatory functioning, including frequent feedback and continuous improvement of HRM techniques; and -- top management influence, dedication and commitment to the MCD model to ensure designated managers’ appointment to management positions when “workplace advancement” applications are possible. The recommendations focus on creating an awareness of MCD, as well as of the best strategic HRM practices. These practices include top management commitment, support and endorsement, MCD policies and Employment Equity interventions, an MCD programme process for continuous assessment for improvement, harnessing workplace diversity for sustainable business, action learning techniques used for building competencies, entrusting line managers with empowerment and commitment to the MCD programme, the use of an Core Advisory Forum to build MCD support and the creation of a life-long learning organisation supported and directed by HRM research. / Thesis (DBA)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

Chapter 1 introduces the four guiding metaphors for this research, being, Social Construction, Narrative, Writing and Participatory Action Research. The Writing-metaphor provides the structure for the research process, and PAR highlights the important aspects of participation and ownership. In this chapter I proposes a narrative hermeneutical and a cultural linguistic approach to theology. This approach has as its primary motive care and empathy, and the stitching of life stories into the greater narrative of the Christian story. Approaching theology in such a way urges Practical Theology to be both politically aware and courageous, and to impart this courage on people to transform their lives and communities. Along this way Practical Theology accepts the challenge as Public Theology to bring her methodical skills and her knowledge of spirituality, meaning and transcendency into a conversation with the world around her. Chapter 2 introduces the action field of the research. Part of this introduction entails an encounter - a story - just as valid as any other grand narrative. The story of a survivor. This study acknowledges children survivors of sexual abuse as the most important source of information. Open interviews – individual and in groups - were facilitated and real conversations were written down to show the emphasis this research places on participation, while the researcher takes on the role of a curious companion on the journey. This chapter also shows the critical importance that the work of the narrative researcher and therapist with children survivors of sexual abuse must be informed by knowledge and an understanding of the politics of abuse, the politics of adult-child-relations, and the politics of power. In chapter 3 I discuss and bring to the fore voices from the background since these voices often force themselves into the spotlight. Discussions on the long term effects of child sexual abuse from a traditional, psycho-analytical model introduce to the reader the restraining and subjugating power of these discourses. The therapeutic frameworks of Kamsler and Baird are utilised to indicate both the restraining effects of these discourses and problem-saturated stories, but also ways in which the survivor can free herself from these restraints. Chapter 4 shows the stories of two survivors which developed from unique outcomes, resisting subjugating discourses and problem-saturated stories. This chapter tells the stories of survivors being invited to capture these “sparkling events” and develop them into prefered stories, and in living these stories recognise and experience themselves in prefered and satisfactory ways. Chapter 5 describes and introduces various groups, methods and approaches through which the news of empowerment and transformation can be circulated. Through the creating of acommunity of shared experience the impact of the insider status and role of the survivors were discovered. This community created space for the survivors in which their experiences, skills and knowledge could be acknowledged, shared and celebrated. Not only were the stories of the surivors re-written and transformed by this community, but could they start dreaming about the transformation of their communities and how their stories and their journey could touch and transform the lives of numerous other survivors. Not only are the importance and benefit of critical reflection by a professional academic community shown in chapter 6, but also the value of self reflection. The transcripts in this chapter present almost all of the conversation that took place after a presentation of my work in research and practice – as it is portrayed in this thesis – at the Evanston Family Therapy Center. These transcripts do not only show a critical appreciation of the work and approach but also bring to the fore many questions and themes highlighted by the reflecting team, themes and questions which will only enrich and further develop the story of this journey. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (MA (Development Communication))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Information Science / unrestricted

No abstract available! / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted