Antioxidant additives to foods and beverages are important marketing tools. However, little evidence exists on the bio-availability of such antioxidants. Strenuous exercise is expected to induce reversible oxidative stress in healthy volunteers. This is expected to lead to a decrease in antioxidant levels and an increase in lipid peroxidation levels and the Oxidative Stress Ratio. By measuring the ability of an ingested antioxidant to decrease the exercise-induced oxidative stress, information of its bio-availability can be obtained. Therefore an exercise protocol able to consistently induce oxidative stress can be a valuable tool in antioxidant efficacy and bio-availability studies. For this dissertation three different exercise studies, the First, Second and Third Exercise Study were undertaken to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on plasma and salivary oxidative stress parameters in healthy volunteers. The DPPH Assay was employed as a measure for total antioxidants in plasma and saliva and the TBARS Assay was used as a measure of plasma lipid peroxidation. The Oxidative Stress Ratio, a combined value for the DPPH and TBARS markers was calculated from these values. Some sports physiology parameters were also measured. The possible use of two markers of protein carbonylation as an indication of oxidative stress following exercise was also investigated. They were a spectrophotometric assay, the DNPH Assay and a Western blot method, the Oxyblot™ method. Not one of the three exercise studies succeeded in modulating the oxidative stress parameters in the expected direction to a statistically significant level. Possible improvements for future studies are discussed and include the prescreening of volunteers to exclude exercise tolerant volunteers. / Dissertation (MSc (Biochemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Biochemistry / MSc / unrestricted

Selenium (Se) is an essential mineral in the animal body for effective metabolism and health reasons. It can also have toxic effects if ingested in amounts exceeding the body’s metabolic requirements for extended periods (Underwood and Suttle, 1999). Its processes are not fully understood due to its intricate metabolism and its variable responses in the presence of other heavy metals (Rosenfeld, and Beath, 1964; Diplock, 1970: and Georgievskii, et al., 1982). Arthur and Beckett (1989) and Echevarria, et al. (1986) noticed that both the deficiency and toxicity of Se affects a wide range of enzymes and metabolic processes. It may thus affect many pathways due to the changes in hormonal concentrations. Se has been observed in the groundwater of livestock across different regions of South Africa at concentrations exceeding the recommended guideline ranges (Casey and Meyer, 2001: Casey et al., 1998; Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, 1996). The respective water was classified as potentially hazardous in some instances and unacceptable in others. It may help cause several health and reproduction problems in livestock and wildlife (Elsenbroek et al., 2003). The marginal difference between adequacy and toxicity of Se in the animal body led to investigations into the effect of the total dissolved solids (TDS) content of the water on the selenium status and its effect on production parameters of mutton sheep over a ten-week period. The guideline limit for Se in drinking water is 0,05 mg / L (DWAF, 1996) with a target water quality range of 0,02mg / L (WRC, 2004). Se was supplemented at 0,7 mg / L during the trial and TDS was given at 3000 mg / L. Animals not receiving Se were less productive than those that received Se. Those that received both Se and TDS grew as well as those supplemented only with Se, but were more efficient. They seemed to accumulate less Se in the blood. Their excretory mechanisms and the functioning of their homeostatic controls against both Se deficiency, at first, and at a later stage against chronic selenosis, were more suitable. Further research exposing the animals for a longer time period and in an extensive production system would assist in quantifying these results. / Dissertation (MInst.Agrar (Animal Production))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / MInst.Agrar / unrestricted

The world has, according to Toffler (1984), passed through three 'waves' of socio-economic development. These waves of development were brought about by changes in the technology related to economic activity. These technological developments also changed the social complexion of society. The first wave of change, was from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural society, while the second was from an agricultural to an industrialised society. The third wave of change is the focus of this study, which deals with the transformation from an industrial society to the so-called 'third wave' or information age and society. This transformation was brought about mainly by two factors, although there were many other influences that contributed to the change. The first factor was the technological development of electronic information and communication technologies that enabled the other influences to have such a telling effect on society. The second factor was the globalisation of the world economy, which occurred as a result of rapid technological developments, but also as a result of political changes such as the so called fall of the iron curtain after the dismantlement of the Soviet republics and subsequent economic freedom in the former Soviet Union. The Chinese economy followed the trend towards liberalisation and a more capitalistic orientation, signaled by events such as the return of Hong Kong to China from its British colonial occupancy. Globalisation and the development of information technologies has had far reaching consequences on the world economy and society and resulted in the formation of a 'new wave' economy where companies are becoming specialised, concentrating only on core business, to enable optimum penetration of the market in a specific area. As a result of specialisation, companies are contracting out non-core functions to independent contractors and as such, employing less permanent employees. Companies can thus employ specialists in non-core functions at competitive prices. This lead to the phenomena of 'job shift' from permanent employment to contract and temporary employment. Large segments of the world population are resisting globalisation and job shift, because of the subsequent losses in permanent employment and increased unemployment. Social protection for contract and temporary employees are not adequate compared to the protection for permanent employees. South Africa as a developing country, is not well positioned to absorb the effects of job shift. The standard of education in the country is low and a large portion of the population is engaged in elementary occupations. People engaged in certain technology companies such as Information Technology, are more suited to job shift compared to labour intensive companies such as the South African mining and construction industry. A survey was done to establish the preparedness of Middle Managers in a hard rock mining company and specifically whether there is a significant difference between the preparedness of employees engaged in mining related, finance, human resources, and engineering related occupations. Results indicated that all respondents were aware of the phenomenon of job shift and it was understood that the trend would increase. No significant difference was found between the preparedness of the various occupational categories. It was anticipated that employees engaged in the core business of the Company, namely mining, would chose to remain in permanent employment in the mining industry, but it was found that more than 50% of all respondents proposed to apply for another permanent position in the hard rock mining industry should their jobs became redundant. More than 70% proposed to remain in the same industry. This indicated that respondents were not prepared for job shift. Although the phenomenon of job shift was known to and understood by respondents, it was perceived not to be a real threat or opportunity. In order to have a workforce more prepared to job shift, the researcher proposes that companies need to familiarise their employees with the skills and attributes of an entrepreneur. This will benefit the Company in moving towards a 'third wave' organisation and will also lessen the negative effects of future job losses. / Dissertation (MCom (Labour Relations Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

The study was undertaken at a financial institute at which a personality test questionnaire serves as the predictor. The personality questionnaire serves as a selection instrument for new appointed branch managers. The criteria are a performance appraisal rating in terms of how he performs in his job. The selection of employees is a difficult and subjective process. It is, however, of utmost importance for the organisation and the employee that the selection procedure must be effective and scientifically sufficient. It was not clear whether test results could be used to predict work success. Viewed in this context the objective of this study is to determine predictive validity of the OPQ (Occupational Personality Questionnaire) for job success in a financial institution. The literature study was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by Herold (1972:11-15) with emphasis on selection, the criteria for job success and the concept of validation. The theory regarding psychological testing was researched and the rational behind existence and applicability of the predictor was researched. The study was conducted with regard to 94 test cases in four regions, Gauteng North, Gauteng East, Gauteng West and Gauteng South. The statistical processing was performed by means of the SSPS computer software programme. The population and descriptive statistics were researched. It is evident from the results of this study that the OPQ questionnaire is not valid for the use of predicting work success. It is however recommended that the study must be tested on a more normal divided target group. Furthermore it is recommended that the performance measurement process must be revisited. / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

In the past human resource management practices in the South African Public Service did not place any emphasis on the development and implementation of career management programmes or practices. The career paths of employees were largely dictated by the prescripts and measure applicable to the various occupational classes in the Public Service. Consequently the career development of public servants, especially lower level workers such as cleaners and labourers, was neglected. However, following the dawn of the democratic order in 1994, a massive process unfolded to rationalize and restructure the Public Service. With the advent of this new political dispensation for South Africa, the transformation of the human resource management practices of the Public Service received priority attention. In spite of the prominence given to career management in the South African Public Service by various government policies and white papers, it was suspected that career management, as a human resource management practice, is not receiving the necessary attention that it deserves. This study was therefore undertaken in order to determine the extent of implementation of career management programmes in the South African Public Service. Not only was the population group of the study made up of all government departments, a sample of four statutory organizations were also approached to participate in the study. The study was executed with the following objectives in mind: 1. To determine the state of affairs as far as the implementation of career management programmes in government departments are concerned. 2. To determine the reasons why government departments have not implemented and activated career management practices (if applicable). 3. To determine the nature of the practices that have already been put in place by departments. As a first phase to the study, a literature review was undertaken. During this review numerous articles and books written by reputable persons in the field of human resources management were studied. The literature research mainly focused on the purpose of career management, the role players responsible for it and the elements thereof. Emanating from the literature study, the research design and strategy were decided upon. A population group was identified and data was obtained from respondents by means of a questionnaire especially developed for this purpose. The data was statistically processed after which conclusions and recommendations were made. Recommendations made focused on the creating of an awareness of career management as well as practices that support it. These practices include career planning and pathing, performance management, co-ordinated departmental career development programmes, organisational needs audits, affirmative action and job descriptions. / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (LLM (Mercantile Law))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Mercantile Law / unrestricted

In policy studies the analysis of political myths represents both a relevant and essential investigative field. As political symbols myths have the potential to transmit ideological content in the policy discourse and to influence the social construction of reality within political communities. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to gain better understanding of the role of political myths within the context of public policy in South African. However, the impact of political myths on public policy, and the function which these political symbols fulfil within policy discourse, represent an ‘invisible’ dimension in the public policy sphere. The study of political myths therefore poses methodological challenges to the policy analyst. The prevailing positivist-orientated research tradition in policy studies does not provide the necessary analytical tools for the investigation of political myths. Analysts are, therefore, compelled to draw support from analytical contributions offered by other study fields in this regard, especially those tendered by the discourse analysis. In this dissertation an archetypal and deconstruction approach is used to analyse the I am an African-speech of T.M. Mbeki as political myth. The functional role of I am an African as political mythology in the South African policy context is investigated with reference to State of the Nation Addresses delivered at the Opening of Parliament during the period 1997 to 2001, in which national policy programmes were announced. / Dissertation (M (Political Science))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

In this study, the sustainability of the Emfuleni economy is measured in terms of its ability to reduce the levels of unemployment and poverty over a period of time. An input-output model was used to determine the impact of several proposed projects on the level of household income and employment in Emfuleni. An economic impact assessment model was developed and used to measure the impact of a change in household income on the level of poverty. A sectoral analysis of the economy and a household analysis were used to portray the state of affairs and trends in unemployment and poverty. Taking into account both the positive impact of proposed projects and some negative impacts (e.g. the collapse of the Krion Financial scheme), projections were made for Emfuleni in terms of GGP growth, population growth, unemployment and poverty until 2015. Assuming that the two proposed projects in Emfuleni, namely, the Vaal Inland Waterfront Project and a 5% expansion of the Manufacturing sector should materialise, the analysis shows that the unemployment rate will be 53.1% in 2015 and the percentage of households below their respective poverty lines 46.6%. Without the projects the unemployment rate will increase from 51.3% in 2000 to 60.6% in 2015 and the percentage of households below their respective poverty lines will increase from 46.1% in 2000 to 60.6% by 2015. The impact of the projects will be that the unemployment and poverty rates are kept at about the same levels as in 2000. However, the analysis shows that the number of unemployed persons is expected to increase from 155,988 in 2000 to 243,660 in 2015 and the number of poor households is expected to increase from 84,549 in 2000 to 114,227 in 2015. More interventions are therefore required to put the Emfuleni economy on the road towards sustainability. An Inward Industrialisation Process (IIP) aimed at employment creation and poverty alleviation is proposed for intervention. A preliminary analysis indicates that an IIP, focussed on the townships of Emfuleni, may reduce the unemployment and poverty levels substantially and thus increase the sustainability of the economy over a period of time. / Thesis (DCom (Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Economics / unrestricted

For a number of years there has been a growing awareness of the importance of shareholder value for financial strategy and management. At the same time, there has been growing concern that the traditional accounting measures of performance have serious inherent limitations that may lead to poor financial decision-making. This study starts off by providing an overview of the main accounting earnings-based measures, as well as the most important criticisms leveled against them. The concepts of Economic Value Added (EVA) and Market Value Added (MVA), which are currently regarded as the most important indicators of shareholder value and financial performance, are examined, along with some research evidence supporting them (and other evidence opposing them). Various aspects of EVA and MVA are discussed, including different ways of calculating them, and their link to other financial concepts such as net present value (NPV) and operating and financial leverage. After a discussion of the main drivers of EVA, namely the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), the performance spread and the invested capital (IC), the financial strategy matrix is introduced. The financial strategy matrix has been used in this study to evaluate companies in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and cash flow management (sales growth compared to the sustainable growth rate). A selection of companies listed on the JSE was ranked according to their relative performance in terms of internal value creation (performance spreads) and the results of some individual companies and sectors were placed on the financial strategy matrix. The statistical tests done on the data have indicated that the sales growth minus the sustainable growth rate does not contribute significantly to shareholder value and an alternative variable was recommended. Further tests have revealed that significant correlation between MVA and EVA could only be found if the median results over a ten-year period were used. The correlation between MVA and the main drivers of EVA was found to be weak on a year-on-year basis. It is hoped that the results and perspectives gained from this study will be helpful to financial managers who aim to optimize their approach to shareholder value management. / Thesis (DCom (Financial Management))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Financial Management / unrestricted

Canine babesiosis typically causes a haemolytic anemia and results in hypoxia and sepsis, which can eventually result in multiple organ dysfunction. Human patients with severe injury or disease such as shock, sepsis and malaria often have persistent hyperlactataemia, and there is a correlation between blood lactate and survival rate. There are various similarities between human malaria and canine babesiosis, eg. anaemia, renal failure, cerebral forms, coagulopathy, hepatopathy, pulmonary oedema, and shock. In severe malaria, lactate levels in blood rise in direct proportion to the severity of the disease. Venous lactate concentrations measured at 4 hours after admission appears to be the best prognostic indicator in severe malaria. In dogs blood lactate has been shown to be of prognostic value in patients with gastric dilatationvolvulus and in dogs admitted to intensive care units. Blood lactate has also been shown to be of prognostic value in equine colic. Blood lactate was determined in ninety dogs with naturally occurring canine babesiosis. Forty-five dogs (50%) presented with hyperlactataemia (blood lactate > 2.5mmol/L) and 20 (22.2%) with hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 3.3 mmol/L). Measurements significantly associated with mortality were hypoglycaemia on admission, blood lactate > 5mmol/L on admission, blood lactate > 2.5 mmol/L at 8, 16 and 24 hours after admission, and increase or < 50% decrease in blood lactate within 8 and 16 hours after admission. Blood lactate persistently > 4.4 mmol/L indicated a very poor prognosis. The study concluded that serial blood lactate measurements are useful in predicting survival in dogs with severe and complicated canine babesiosis. / Dissertation (MMed Vet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted