Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-94). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

published_or_final_version / Social Work / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2007. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Feb. 29, 2008). Directed by Steve Kroll-Smith; submitted to the Dept. of Sociology. Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-65).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Tennessee, 2007. / Title from title page screen (viewed on Apr. 2, 2008). Thesis advisor: Stephen V. Ash. Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1990.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-53).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1990.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Texas, May, 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Magister Scientiae - MSc / Male infertility in humans has increased in the last few decades and could be as high as 40%, while up to 50% of these men have ''unexplained'' (idiopathic) infertility. Although newly developed molecular techniques have great value in detecting subtle causes of male infertility, more detailed sperm functional tests are required to identify compromised fertility, especially in a clinical set-up. Since ethical constraints often preclude the pursuit of many basic research questions in humans, non-human primates (NHPs) have been identified as key models in human-related studies. NHPs are often used in studies on male fertility/infertility, IVF or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures, male contraception and reproductive toxicology. However, comparing results of NHP and human studies require that techniques used for assessment must be objective, standardized and sensitive to recognize compromised sperm function. The aim of this study was to evaluate standard sperm functional tests and develop new functional tests using NHP sperm, specifically from vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops), chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) and rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), for application in human and NHP studies and to ultimately develop a basic primate model. The sperm functions investigated included sperm motility, longevity, vitality, DNA integrity, acrosome reaction, and hyperactivation. The sperm functional tests evaluated were: CASA motility analysis; Sperm Longevity test; Eosin-Nigrosin and Hoechst and Propidium Iodide staining, as well as the use of WST-1 cytotoxicity assay for vitality; the TUNEL assay for DNA integrity; Acrosome Intactness Test; and induction of hyperactivation via stimulants. The validity of each test was investigated by inhibiting sperm function through the use of copper sulphate and cadmium chloride. All functional tests were successfully performed across all three species, except the TUNEL assay for DNA integrity, and was further used for validation testing. Validation testing proved that all sperm functional parameters were significantly affected by the highest concentrations of the chemicals (250 µg/ml CuSO4 and 500 µg/ml CdCl2) and if not significant, trends of reduction were seen. The tests employed were therefore sensitive to the inhibitory effect of the metals. By evaluating these established sperm functional tests we found that primates would serve as good models for research study. Furthermore, we optimized and modified techniques for sperm and functional analysis in these three primate species and this study will standardize protocols for use in future studies on male infertility. Additionally, comparing human and NHP sperm function can possibly reveal or explain the high infertility rates in humans.

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / A concentration about issues important to the subpopulation of children in conflict with the law has received much more attention over the past few years. It is a known fact that within all male environments the likelihood of violence and especially sexual violence is exponential. Male on male rape as a topic has only received greater exposure over the last decade. Male on male rape within the context of the child and youth care context has however been reported, recorded and written about in academia to a far lesser degree.Within this research study it was found that within the child and youth care context oppressive practices of male on male rape and exploitation were rife. Life is marred by intra-personal, inter-personal and institutional violence. A hierarchy based on the ability to resort to violence and gender mitigated all experiences within this context.Through these experiences children came to understand the phenomenon of male on male rape.This research study was exploratory in nature and aimed to gain a deeper understanding of how children within this context understood and spoke about male on male rape.This endeavour was qualitative in approach and utilised social constructionism and the theory of oppression to understand the discourses produced by participants. The participants were males with age ranging from 16 to 18 years. An interview was the framework within which the phenomenon of male on male rape was discusses. The information gained from participants was managed through the use of discourse analysis. The highest ethical standards were upheld during the research process.In conclusion three main discourses were utilised by participants to make sense of the phenomenon of male on male rape. These discourses were the discourse of violence,the discourse of gang culture and the discourse of gender. These discourses intersected and predominantly functioned to hinder the reporting and likelihood of children that were sexually assaulted acquiring assistance.