Il lavoro di tesi parte da un presupposto di osservazione empirica. Dopo aver rilevato la ricorrenza da parte di registi teatrali del panorama internazionale all’adattamento di testi non drammatici, ma narrativi per la scena, si è deciso di indagare come la natura narrativa dei testi di partenza si adatti, permanga o muti nel passaggio dal medium narrativo a quello spettacolare. La tesi si suddivide in tre parti. Nella parte intitolata “Della metodologia” (un capitolo), viene illustrato il metodo adottato per affrontare l’analisi degli spettacoli teatrali. Facendo riferimento alla disciplina semiotica teatrale, si è definito l’oggetto empirico di studio come testo spettacolare/performance text. La seconda parte della tesi, “Della comparazione dei modelli comunicativi”, (due capitoli), procede nella definizione: 1) dell’elemento teorico da indagare nei testi spettacolari, ovvero, la “narratività”; 2) dei modelli comunicativi della narrazione e dello spettacolo teatrale e delle loro intersezioni o differenze. Nella terza parte della tesi, “Della critica”, (due capitoli), vengono analizzate alcune delle opere del regista Jurij Ljubimov (Russia), Eimuntas Nekrošius (Lituania), Alvis Hermanis (Lettonia). La scelta è ricaduta sulle opere di questi registi in base a una considerazione: 1) culturale: si è deliberatamente circoscritta la sfera di indagine alla produzione teatrale russa e post-sovietica; 2) estetica: è stato osservato che la linea registica inaugurata da Jurij Ljubimov va permeando l’attività registica di registi più giovani come Nekrošius e Hermanis; 3) statistica: Ljubimov, Nekrošius, Hermanis hanno scelto di mettere in scena testi non drammatici con una elevata frequenza. La tesi è corredata da un’ampia appendice iconografica. Per l’analisi dei testi spettacolari si è fatto riferimento alla visione degli spettacoli in presa diretta in Italia e all’estero. / The thesis starts from an assumption of empirical observation. After detecting the recurrence by theater directors on the international scene to adaptation of texts non-dramatic, but narrative for the scene, it was decided to investigate how the narrative nature of the source texts fit, or remains silent in the transition from medium narrative than spectacular. The thesis is divided into three parts. In the section on "the methodology" (a chapter), is explained the method adopted to deal with the analysis of the theater. Referring to the discipline of theatrical semiotics, it is called the empirical object of study as performance text. The second part of the thesis, "the comparison of models of communication" (two chapters), proceeds in the definition of: 1) theoretical element to be investigated in the texts spectacular, that is, the "narrative" and 2) the communication patterns of the narrative and of the play and their intersections or differences. In the third part of the thesis, "the critics" (two chapters), are analyzed some of the works by the directors Yuri Lyubimov (Russia), Eimuntas Nekrošius (Lithuania), Alvis Hermanis (Latvia). The choice fell on the works of these directors because of different considerations: 1) cultural: it is deliberately limited the scope of investigation to the stage production and post-Soviet Russia, 2) aesthetics: it was observed that the line directing inaugurated by Jurij Lyubimov is permeating the activities of younger directors like Nekrošius and Hermanis, 3) statistics: Lyubimov, Nekrošius, Hermanis have chosen to stage dramatic texts with a high frequency. The thesis is accompanied by an extensive appendix iconography. For the analysis of texts, reference was made to the spectacular view of the shows in live in Italy and abroad.

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This paper deals with the novel Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and explores the feeling of unease established by the author. The theoretical framework for this paper is based on questions of humanity and thus makes use of existentialism as established by Sartre and Kierkegaard. Initially the essay explores how the setting of the novel helps establish a familiar world with unfamiliar elements. After that questions of humanity are raised and how these questions relate to the clones by showing that the clones have human qualities yet are not treated as human. These questions are expanded in the following part about ethical issues and it is shown that the reader is tempted by the author to cross certain ethical boundaries leading to a feeling of unease. Special attention is given to freedom of choice in the third part of the analysis and it is shown how the choices of the clones are very limited, especially if they are considered human. The fourth part then discusses the narrative perspective and how the narrator Kathy H. is used by the author to establish a connection and a perception of the narrator as human.

The present essay undertakes a structuralist analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go, drawing upon the actantial analysis of plot developed by A. J. Greimas, as developed by Louis Hébert. My central claim is that the plot revolves around the protagonist's contradictory desire to find love with her childhood friend Tommy, while at the same time retaining her friendship with another childhood friend, Ruth. The essay suggests that this contradiction contributes to the complex plot where the characters' actantial functions shift frequently. Furthermore, the essay makes a distinction between two different perspectives, namely Kathy's as protagonist, and Kathy's as narrator. This distinction elucidates how narration in Never Let Me Go affects the plot.

Within the context of the 2007/2008 subprime crisis, we examine the impact and relevance of previous ex ante residential mortgage research to prevent and mitigate mortgage default and develop a general taxonomy of (ex-ante) government intervention. We continue by investigating the various forms of (ex-post) default mitigation options prevalent in the United States and innovatively categorise them into one of three categories based on whether the mortgage contract has been renegotiated. We examine the strategic renegotiation option, alongside the more traditional ruthless or strategic default option, for a US owner-occupier residential mortgage holder and non-owner occupier residential mortgage holder uniquely deriving closed form solutions to calculate the optimal ex-ante LTV (Loan to Value) and ex-post exercise moment where a heterogeneous borrower exercises a renegotiation option. We finally relax the perpetual ability to pay assumption underlying strategic default and negotiation to investigate default and negotiation triggered by both an inability to pay and unwillingness to pay. We simulate the overall effect of (institutionalised) renegotiation under these two assumptions, comparing the effect of a stylised HAMP program on the overall default, foreclosure and prepayment probabilities of owner occupied residential homeowners in the absence of a HAMP program. We conclude that the traditional option theoretic assumption that homeowners "can always pay" is a very strong assumption the consequence of which could induce relevant policy makers to incorrectly interpret and act on conclusions and recommendations flowing from historical option theoretic mortgage research.

Thesis ( MPH ) -- University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2013. / Background and introduction Disclosure of HIV sero-status is critical in the control of the spread of HIV and research. To better understand the factors influencing disclosure will enhance the development of prevention interventions and ultimately lead to better control of the spread of the disease. However literature shows that the rates of disclosure are generally low and vary substantially in different populations. Study purpose To determine the prevalence, reasons for disclosure, partner reaction to disclosure, and intentions of disclosure to sexual partners among HIV positive adults receiving antiretroviral treatment. Study design Cross sectional survey was conducted with 400 adult patients aged 18 years and above, who receive ART, and have known their HIV status for six more than six months. Structured close ended self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The study participants were recruited from a wellness clinic of an academic hospital in the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng province between October and November 2012. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using STATA 10 for analysis. Pearson X2 tests were used to determine variables associated with disclosure. Results A total of 400 HIV positive adults participated in the survey. There were slightly more female (n=229, 57%) than male (n=171, 43%), the mean age of participants was 39.9 years, (range 18-80 years). Almost half (n=176, 46%) had known of their HIV diagnosis for more than 5 years. High proportion (n=293, 73%) were sexually active three months prior to the survey, (n=250, 63%) knew their partner’s HIV status, more than a third (n=145, 36.3%) had more than one sexual partner, (n=263, 73.5%) reported condom use, (n=261, 75%) disclosed to their partners. Gender, discussing HIV testing with sexual partner, knowing partner’s HIV status, and living with partner were significantly associated with disclosure. iv The most common cited reasons for disclosure were that they needed to protect their partner from being infected with HIV, and needed support from their partner. Partner reactions to disclosure included support, shock, and denial of the test results, blame, abandonment, violence, anger, and divorce. The most cited reasons for nondisclosure were concerns that the partner might leave, partner might be afraid of catching HIV, partner might think they were unfaithful, partner might get angry, partner might hurt them physically and that partner might stop financial support. Conclusion The study concludes that the prevalence of disclosure to sexual partners among sexually active adults was high and that most respondents disclosed immediately after they were diagnosed with HIV. However, disclosure to multiple sexual partners was lower as compared to disclosure to the steady partner. Respondents disclosed to protect the partner from HIV infection and to receive support. Nondisclosure was mainly used to protect self from negative reactions from the partner. Recommendations Researchers and health care providers needs to take cognisant of the risk sexual behaviour an low condom use among HIV positive adults receiving ART. Secondary prevention efforts targeting risky sexual behaviour among HIV-positive persons need to receive greater attention.

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La traduzione poetica viene affrontata sul piano empirico dell'analisi testuale. Una breve introduzione presenta le riflessioni più importanti sulla traduzione del testo poetico, da Benjamin e Steiner fino alle teorie più recenti di Meschonnic, Apel, Berman e Mattioli. Alla luce di queste teorie vengono analizzate le opere di due coppie di poeti e poeti-traduttori. Nel primo esempio troviamo il poeta svizzero (francofono) Philippe Jaccottet alle prese con l'intera opera di Ungaretti; nel secondo il rapporto travagliato di Vittorio Sereni con la poesia di René Char. Oltre a indagare la natura problematica della traduzione poetica come pratica e come esperienza, questa tesi di Letteratura Comparata vuole presentare la traduzione come strumento ermeneutico e come meccanismo rienunciativo: il suo ruolo nella dialettica delle influenze e dell'evoluzione letteraria è da considerarsi infatti essenziale. La vocazione originariamente etica della traduzione è sfondo costante della trattazione. / Poetic translation is faced on the empirical level of textual analysis. A short introduction presents some main theories about poetic translation, from Benjamin and Steiner till more recent experts: Meschonnic, Apel, Berman and Mattioli. Following these thoughts, the works of two couples of poets and translators are analyzed. In the first case Philippe Jaccottet will be dealing with the entire Ungaretti's poetic production; in the second example, the translating intent of Vittorio Sereni on René Char's poems is described. While investigating the complex nature of poetic translation as a practice and an experience, this thesis in Compared Literature tries to present translation as an hermeneutic tool and a re-enunciating mechanism: its role in the dialectic movement of influences and literary evolutions is considered as essential. The original ethical vocation of translation is a constant background of the research.

The purpose of this study was to examine the reflective essays of first-year, first-generation college students for evidence of self-directed learning at the conclusion of their first semester at the university. A phenomenological qualitative method was employed and a content analysis rating rubric used to identify and code evidence related to four themes: Self Awareness, Decoding and Pattern Fit, Autonomy/Responsibility, and Academic Success. The study findings indicated that first-year, first-generation college students have the capacity to take ownership of their learning in ways exemplified by self-directed learners. Participants demonstrated deep reflection and metacognition and their essays revealed unexpected student vulnerability as they voiced fears and hopes with a nearly innocent transparency and candor. Study findings also emphasized the importance of a support system that includes coursework designed to facilitate understanding of individual learner characteristics, emphasize strategies to maximize learner efforts that lead to successful outcomes, and empower students to become more self-directed. This study also expands the field of adult education by providing evidence that learner control is a key component of self-direction and is positively correlated to academic success. Ample evidence related to metacognition, self-regulation, and learner control was identified in the essay data.

Eukaryotic cells tightly regulate metabolism in order to sustain normal processes. Dysregulation of cellular metabolism is associated with multiple diseases including cancer. Polyamine metabolism is a tightly regulated process that is co-opted by multiple cancers for selective growth advantages. Polyamines are small organic molecules with two or more amino groups attached, whose biosynthesis is initiated by ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Although much is known regarding the effects of polyamine metabolism and ODC on cellular processes, little is known regarding the intracellular signaling events that are regulated by polyamines. Clinical studies demonstrated that the ODC inhibitor difluromethylornithine (DFMO) was an effective chemopreventative strategy causing a reduction of colon adenomas in patients with prior colon polyps. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to this reduction are unknown. This dissertation provides mechanistic insight into the biological roles of the polyamines and show that these amines are regulators of multiple non-coding RNAs involved in cellular responses including effects on the let-7 microRNA family. Moreover, the polyamine modified translation factor eIF5A is demonstrated to regulate the oncofetal factor LIN28. This work also indicates that polyamines regulate the mTOR pathway and suggests alternative signaling nodes for polyamine-mediated regulation of cellular processes. Overall, these findings support the notion that polyamines are oncometabolites that are targetable and serve as a promising approach to manipulate oncogenic signaling for cancer therapy.