Although Mozambique independent in 1975, public agricultural extension was not established until 1987, through the institutionalization of the National Directorate of Rural Development (DNDR). Since its establishment, human resource development has been a priority. Two approaches have been adopted by DNER for the improvement of human resource over time: the first was in-service training (non- formal and formal); and the second was to replace the elementary and certificate extensionists by hiring diploma technicians on contracts. Three evolutionary periods characterize the development of public extension in Mozambique: the establishment phase (1987-1992), the expansion stage (1993-1997), and the unified extension and PROAGRI phase (1998-2004). During each of these three phases DNER has pursued human resource development. Over the period of unified extension and PROAGRI from 1998 to 2004, DNER introduced a number of challenging goals for improving the quality of its human resources. This study was undertaken to evaluate DNER’s accomplishments in human resource development. The study addressed the role of in-service training in strengthening human resources through the acquisition of new knowledge, skills and the development of critical (analytical) thinking. This study covers only the public extension services. The data were collected during January to October 2004. Several sources of information were consulted and a questionnaire was used to collect information from DN ER staff members. The survey was carried out in January and February 2004 in 33 districts of the 66 in which public extension is currently operating. A total of 260 extensionists and supervisors were interviewed out of a total of 664 field staff members. Although human resource development and in-service training are a continuous and dynamic process, this evaluation is an overall assessment of DNER’s human resource program. The study addresses training effectiveness and relevance based on the principal courses offered to the staff over time, especially during the 1999-2004 Extension Master Plan. The results of the study show that DNER achieved impressive results in the acquisition (hiring diploma staff members on contract) of new staff but the challenging goal to have in place only diplomas as frontline extension workers by 2004 was not accomplished. The upgrading plans (1999-2004) were partially accomplished but the plan of upgrading 138 certificate extensionists to diploma level was far below expectations while results on diploma and BSc upgrading were encouraging. Low participation in-service training by staff members is also troubling. Because 35% of the sampled extensionists are still from secondary schools, special attention must be given to upgrading the knowledge and skills of those agents. One of the most important findings of the survey was the general lack of knowledge of technical messages on land preparation, soil erosion and use of fertilizers, weeding, crop pests and diseases, livestock health information and emerging issues such as irrigation, processing and marketing. Basic information needs to be collected by agricultural economists on the economics of complex interventions such as the use of treadle pumps, conservation farming and processing. Attention should be given to upgrading the technical knowledge and skills of extension staff at all levels. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

The method employed to conduct this study involved the selection of 33 texts of 13 authors. These texts provide a vantage point from which the contemporary Dutch and Flemish literature can be studied. The texts were chosen according to the following criteria: public appeal of the text, prizes awarded, times printed and reprinted, and the positive critique it received from literary critics. In chapter two the theoretical foundation is laid. The theoretical approach underlying the discussion of the 33 texts is the social constructionism. Naturally, this post-modern movement, which is rooted in the psychology, is elaborately discussed. However, in an attempt to minimise confusion, the character and nature of modernism as well as postmodernism, are discussed. Chapter three is devoted entirely to the discussion of the contemporary themes in Dutch and Flemish literature. These themes are: (1) the dilemmas of post-modern truth and reality, (2) social destabilisation, (3) disruption of identity, and (4) intertextuality. Here the 33 stories are integrated with the preceding theoretical framework. The first theme deals with the social-literary construction of fact and fiction. Increasing tension between fact and fiction leads to the demand for more stories (realities), which in turn leads to the symptom “story-shock”. Multiple realities tell the story of social destabilisation (the second theme), which emphasises the distortion of time, our mortality, and false hope of acquiring immortality. The social cannot be destabilised without affecting identity. The third theme consequently addresses the creation of identity through stories and the post-modern pastiche personality. Theme four continues by indicating that the pastiche personality can only function in a collected world of intertextuality. In the last chapter I draw the conclusion that social constructionism accentuates the transcendental properties of literature. Although the post-modern is over-shadowed by a negative feeling of nihilism, it seems from a social constructionist perspective, as if nihilism represents a form of transcendence, which is illustrated by the philosophy of literature. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Afrikaans / Unrestricted

Against the background of the Report on the restructuring of the electricity distribution industry in South Africa, indicating that some of the, to be formed, Regional Electricity Distributors may find it difficult to be viable, it was suggested that the promotion of entrepreneurship within the distributors will enhance performance. Stemming from this general suggestion, the following questions for the purpose of this thesis evolved: --Can corporate electricity utilities be seen as “normal” corporate business or should it be seen as ‘monopolistic organizations’? --Will corporate entrepreneurs jeopardize or enhance the availability and affordability of the organizational products, in this instance electricity supply? --What will the implications be on the success of the utility/corporation? --How should management promote entrepreneurship? In the review of the related literature it was found that very little information is available on electricity utilities. However, the literature on corporate entrepreneurship was used to inform the study, as the electricity utility can be seen as one type of corporate enterprise. The literature converged on several constructs namely: --The organizational culture and strategy --Organizational structure --Organizational reward systems --Risk taking The literature is clear on the finding that when management promoted and supported corporate entrepreneurship in these constructs, the prospect of organizational success improved dramatically. A test instrument was designed and used to evaluate the present South African Electricity Distribution Industry, consisting of 283 Municipal Distributors and Eskom, the national distributor. From the results gained in this study it was found that the present industry differs widely in the following aspects namely: --Distributor Size --Performance both on service levels and finances --Entrepreneurial orientation --Growth --Management It became clear that the South African Electricity Utility environment could, in general, not be seen as being entrepreneurial in nature. This led to the conclusion that the South African Electricity utility should, in the light of international research findings on corporate entrepreneurship, develop an entrepreneurial culture as a major component of their development strategy. / Thesis (PhD (Entrepreneurship))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Business Management / unrestricted

This thesis presents work done on the development of a multi-agent system architecture that facilitates coordination and a novel social networks based approach to coordination. The field of multi-agent system research is undergoing tremendous expansion and it would be impossible to address all the issues related to the field. Instead, this thesis focuses on the coordination aspect of multi-agent systems. The architecture presented here is named the INtelligent Distributed Agent Based Architecture, INDABA. INDABA, as a hybrid agent architecture, combines the sub-symbolic knowledge representation layered architecture with a symbolic layer that allows for deliberative reasoning and learning. INDABA also introduces a layer that facilitates coordination in a society of agents, namely the interaction layer. The new approach to coordination was inspired by social networks, as observed in higher mammalian societies. Two social relationships were explored, namely kinship and trust. Coordination is achieved through team selection. Using characteristics of social networks, such as learning and the ability to deal with uncertainties, the best team is selected for task execution. The experiments conducted for the purpose of this thesis were done on three levels. Firstly, an abstract simulated environment was created where a society of a large number of agents could be observed. Secondly, experiments were done in a more realistic simulated robot environment. The last set of experiments was done in a real-world environment, with the implementation of INDABA in embodied mobile agents (robots). The experiments have confirmed the applicability of INDABA as an agent architecture, as well as the validity of the social networks coordination approach. / Thesis (PhD (Computer Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Computer Science / unrestricted

In terms of the current South African Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) South Africa has eleven official languages (RSA, 1996:4). The past political South African history and the constitutional status of these languages could cause language problems comparable to those at the Tower of Babel. Adding to the problem is the fact that in South Africa, language is an emotional and a political issue. South African citizens believe that English should be the only medium of communication in South Africa because English is a universally indispensable language. This, however, is not an idea that finds general approval. There is a great need to explore the language requirements and difficulties experienced in South African multilingual and multicultural hospitals, especially in the case of people speaking indigenous South African languages, namely Sesotho, Sesotho Sa Leboa, Setswana, Ndebele Swati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Xhosa and Zulu. The aim of this study is thus to study the translation and interpreting shortcomings and needs that exist and make recommendations for intervention and improvement. In the framework of the principle of multilingualism, multiculturalism and the promotion of the use of all eleven South African official languages is supported in this thesis. The main focus of this thesis is, therefore, the identification of translation and interpreting difficulties and the suggestion of the remedies and solutions for these language related problems. Language planning is mainly concerned with solutions to language related problems, therefore this study should be regarded as a language planning activity. In terms of this thesis, the principles of language panning are described, types of language planning, steps of language planning mainly step one, data accumulation, the responsibility of the language planner and the language planning already done in South Africa. In order for one to make suggestions it is necessary to first identify the translation and interpreting problems in the South African health fraternity. The Minister of the DAC, the honorable Dr Ben Ngubane, launched the South African Language Policy and Plan on 18 – 19 March 2003. However, there is still an urgent need for a Language in Health Policy (LiHeP) which will specifically cater for the South African health needs. A language analysis will expose that there is a break in communication between the hospital personnel and their clients in multilingual – multicultural hospitals. This is a problem with wide-reaching and potentially dangerous consequences. The hospital personnel and their clients often do not understand each others’ languages and there are, as yet, no formal or even informal measures to combat this. Instead, the use of hospital staff and other individuals who have an inkling of the target language are used as interpreters. The hospital staff and other individuals acting as hospital interpreters create yet more problems as these people are not trained to be professional health interpreters. Some of these people are not even first language speakers of the target language. The result is that most of the time there is misinterpretation of the messages, for example the term ‘stool’ referring to faeces, is often interpreted as ‘chair’ which confuses the patients. This type of error, could result in a serious breakdown of communication which may be fatal. Doctors that come to South Africa from countries like Cuba also encounter communication problems due to lack of knowledge of the major South African languages. There is also sometimes resistance from the non-qualified interpreters to perform interpretation tasks as there is no financial reward for doing this. The resistance causes negative attitudes resulting to not executing the interpreting task properly. In chapter four the difficulties and problems revealed by the empirical studies conducted in a multilingual - multicultural hospitals will be discussed. The views of the hospital staff are reflected in the answers to the questionnaires which they were requested to complete. These views are discussed at length together with the identified problems. Translation and interpreting are closely related practices, however the distinction between them is explored. These concepts both form the main focus of this thesis at different levels. Interpreting seems to dominate because most of the communication is verbal. Nevertheless, translation does feature when pamphlets and medicines are given to clients for personal use within and outside the hospital premises. The criteria that translators and interpreters have to meet as well as literary overview concerning problems in health with regard to translation and interpreting are addressed. Emanating from the data accumulated, suggestions are made in the final chapter as to how these language problems can be solved. A feasible suggestion to solve the problems in the field of interpreting is to have well trained health interpreters. Different aspects surrounding the issue of the training of the interpreters is dealt with and recommendations are made in the final chapter. / Dissertation (MA (Afrikaans))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Afrikaans / unrestricted

No abstract available / Dissertation (M (Applied Language Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Afrikaans / unrestricted

Numerous bioactive compounds are secreted from large dense core granules in tick salivary glands during feeding. Investigations into the signalling pathways regulating secretion indicated that they are similar for Argasidae (fast feeding ticks) and Ixodidae (slow-feeding ticks). In both cases, dopamine is the external signal that activates adenylyl cyclase, subsequently cyclic AMP levels are increased and Protein Kinase A (PKA) is activated, resulting in the phosphorylation of proteins. Secretion was also found to be highly calcium dependant. Firstly, it requires extracellular calcium (via a L-type voltage-gated calcium channel located on the plasma membrane) and secondly, intracellular calcium which is released presumably in response to IP3. In contrast to numerous exocrine cells, membrane depolarisation and elevation of the cAMP levels are not sufficient for inducing exocytosis from O. savignyi salivary glands. Pathways such as the activation of Phospholipase C, inositol-phosphate kinases, Na+K+-ATPases, as well as the disassembly of the actin barrier, have been shown to be essential. Finally, our research also indicated a need for the ATPase NSF, an intact microtubule network and an active cytosolic Phospholipase A2 for exocytosis. A model has been suggested, but a great deal of research is needed to elucidate all the mechanisms of regulated exocytosis. All secretory eukaryotic cells to date require SNARE proteins for fusion of granules with the plasma membrane, leading to the release of granular content. By means of Western blotting we identified the tick homologues of the SNAREs syntaxin, SNAP25 and VAMP, as well as the small GTPase Rab3a, all enriched within the membrane fraction. We also identified the SDS-resistant 20S complex, which forms during the docking of granules and is composed of the three SNARE proteins. Confocal microscopy of the SNARE proteins indicates SNAP25 and VAMP localize to the granule membranes, while syntaxin localises strictly to the plasma membrane. In order to isolate the tick SNARE homologues we exploited protein-protein interactions by means of the yeast two-hybrid system. Screening of an O. savignyi cDNA salivary gland library using rat brain <font face="symbol">a</font>-SNAP as bait, we identified a transcript encoding a tick syntaxin homologue. It encoded a 126 residue protein which shares 14% identity and 40% similarity with human syntaxin 1. Furthermore, we were able to successfully model the identified protein onto the known crystal structure of human syntaxin 1 and indicate that it shares structural homology with helices 1, 2, 3 and the connecting two loop regions. Following screening of the library with a truncated syntaxin bait construct, two novel domains were identified in all the interacting clones. To date their identity remains unknown. Functional complementation in the syntaxin knockout yeast strain H603 with an O. savignyi cDNA library resulted in the identification of four novel transcripts, which suppressed the temperature sensitive phenotype. Two of these share homology with the N- and C-terminals of syntaxins respectively and were successfully modelled onto the human syntaxin 1 crystal structure. Finally, by exploiting the extensive SNARE binding properties of recombinant rat brain <font face="symbol">a</font>-SNAP, we were able to isolate the O. savignyi SNAREs, i.e. syntaxin, SNAP25 and VAMP, using pull-down assays. These purified proteins will soon be subjected to amino acid sequencing, and their sequences used to confirm the identified transcripts as true syntaxins. By enhancing our understanding of the molecular basis underlying tick feeding, as well as the proteins involved in the processes, we hope to identify possible targets for the rational design of a viable tick vaccine. / Thesis (PhD (Biochemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Biochemistry / unrestricted

A comparative study of translation equivalents for health/medical terminology in Xitsonga was conducted. The research involved studying a selection of terms from a glossary (the DSAC Multilingual Glossary of Medical/Health Terminology) compiled by language experts. Purposive sampling was used, resulting in the identification of 33 problematic source language (English) terms. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted during which health experts were asked to provide Xitsonga equivalents for the selected English terms from the glossary. The translation equivalents provided in the DSAC Multilingual Glossary of Medical/Health Terminology and those given by the health experts were then subjected to evaluation, followed by comparative analysis by the researcher. The analysis indicates that the DSAC Multilingual Glossary of Medical/Health Terminology applied a variety of term formation strategies in accordance with the term formation principles available to Xitsonga. The most frequently used strategy, in 40% of the cases, was translation by making use of a more general word, whilst paraphrasing was the second most frequently applied term formation strategy (32,5%). A number of source language (English) terms was found to be provided with inappropriate/incorrect target language equivalents. The health experts, on the other hand, mainly used paraphrase as a translation strategy, i.e. in 62,5% of the cases. The use of a more general word was the second most frequently applied term formation strategy (in 28,1% of cases). Although not similar to the DSAC Multilingual Glossary of Medical/Health Terminology translation equivalents, health experts also managed to apply a variety of different term formation strategies available to Xitsonga. Unlike the DSAC Multilingual Glossary of Medical/Health Terminology list in which a number of English terms (13 out of the total of 33 selected source language terms) were not provided with Xitsonga translation equivalents, the health experts provided Xitsonga equivalents for all the terms, except for one term (keratectomy). The reason why the health/medical experts used paraphrasing extensively may be that a single term equivalent did not exist or was not known, due to inadequate availability of standardised terms. However, the health experts also clearly felt the need for providing users with an explanation that could be used for communicative purposes, e.g. between medical staff and patients. Moreover, when developing terms (outside of the context of a particular translation task) it is highly probable that term developers would rather opt for maximising transparency and comprehensibility, than putting in an effort to coin a term that can be used as a so-called ‘directly insertable translation equivalent’. The implications of the research findings are discussed, with one main finding of the study suggesting a need for a collaborative effort in terminology development. / Dissertation (MA (Applied Linguistics))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / African Languages / unrestricted

The topic for my study is: “Towards a relevant ministry amongst the poor. Developing a comprehensive strategy for mission in informal settlement communities with special reference to the Orange Farm Community” . The study aims at developing the best strategy the church can use in ministering effectively in the areas of the poor. The Orange Farm Informal Settlement has been used as reference. The informal settlement communities in South Africa are mushrooming rapidly on a daily basis. There are millions of poor people who are staying in these areas. From the South African perspective, they constitute the largest unclaimed frontier Christian mission has encountered in recent history. They stay in houses made of plywood, corrugated iron, plastics, bricks, etc. The panoramic view of the informal settlement is unbearable and overwhelming. Most of the people are unemployed, illiterate, HIV-AIDS affected and infected, drug abusers, prostitutes, homeless, widows and orphans. The data given in this study shows that they are a diverse group and that their needs are deepening. This thesis attempts to develop comprehensive missionary strategies in addressing the problems of the poor in the informal settlement communities. The church cannot, and should not relinquish its evangelistic mission in these areas, as it is obliged to minister in word and deed. It is called to preach the good news to the poor. Christ’s compassion for the poor was holistic, He was concerned with the poor and the marginalized, their sick bodies, empty stomachs, and perishing souls. Both his words and his works were expressions of his compassion for the poor people. The church of Jesus Christ is called to bear witness in the present context of the poor. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is to be advanced in the informal settlement communities through a series of actions that are identifiably Christian in content and style and that bring overall health and healing to poor people in need The church needs to develop authentic urban mission strategies to reach specific ethnic communities and multiply churches in the informal settlement communities. We need to remember that informal settlement communities are not single homogeneous units, but conglomerates of different groups and they require a specially designed missionary strategy. The departure point for this thesis is biblical. Chapters Two outlines a number of biblical passages from the Old and New Testament and provides us with examples of outstanding urban ministries, which gives us important insight into God’s will for serving the poor. Chapter Three illustrates that throughout history, churches have had a deep concern for the poor and the oppressed. Chapter Four explains that evangelism is part of the mission of the Church. Chapter Five interprets the results and analyses the data of the empirical research that was done in Orange Farm. Chapter Six proposes models for ministering for the poor in the informal settlement communities. I conclude my study in Chapter Seven by referring to the research question that I introduced at the beginning of my study and further by looking at areas that need further research. / Thesis (PhD (Science of Religion and Missiology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Science of Religion and Missiology / unrestricted

This thesis reports on a formal cross–sectional study undertaken over three years (starting in 2002). Since that the South African entrepreneurial scenario had only recently embraced the theories of entrepreneurship and its promotion, it sought to delineate the critical elements that one would link to developing a mid–sized venture, to venture growth (VG) and to leadership provided by the founder. Research within the Information Technology (IT) sector was driven by personal experience and by studies on strategic management, leadership, risk management, opportunity recognition, resource-leveraging and optimisation strategies. The researcher also sought empirical support in management and business strategy studies, in entrepreneurial organisational learning theories, “EOLT” (what this study terms “knowledge creation” and “knowledge – sharing”), and in scientific evidence that supports thinking on venture - creation, promotion or growth. The primary purpose of this study was to (a) ascertain the depth of leadership involved in venture growth (VG) and (b) investigate whether or not founding-entrepreneurs used their leadership abilities, management strategies and skills in VG. A primary and final respondent population (N = 186) of IT company General Managers/Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) was tested. Respondents also had to be active shareholders, founders and leaders, and operationally (i.e. managerially) involved, as well. Statistical considerations were applied to (i) sample-“validity and reliability” (VR), and (ii) sample-manipulation and prescription. Adoption of a two-pronged approach led to the refinement of assumptions, and to the formulation of initial entrepreneurial leadership and venture growth propositions and hypotheses. To accommodate the given research purposes, a pilot–test was initiated amongst a sample of 20 CEOs from five different industries. An analysis of the results of this test and the additional interviews conducted resulted in (a) the refinement of the initial propositions and (b) a topology and foundations for the final testing instrument. Discussions with a subset of the test respondents resulted in the final propositions. Guided by empirical research parameters, four fundamental hypotheses were derived and tested (within the context of the variables in the final testing instrument). Construct evolution resulted in these factors: Entrepreneurial Thinking/Risk perception (F1); Entrepreneurial Persistence (F2); and Unique Performance (F3). Extensive factor analysis testing was applied. The following hypothesis for F2 was also tested: -- H0: The greater the specific and general competencies of a founding entrepreneur, with regard to organisational skill, business knowledge and general past experience, the stronger the business output (i.e. success). -- The alternate hypothesis/Ha: The weaker the specific and general competencies of a founding entrepreneur, with regard to organisational skill, business knowledge and general past experience, the weaker the business output (i.e. success). For F2, a high percentage of variance resulted, the mean = 4.2, the standard deviation = 0.4, and, with the existence of strong statistical significance represented, Ha was rejected. Responses to associated variables were highly polarised. These were interpreted to be indicative of differences in the manner in which founding entrepreneurs perceived vision-establishment as an enabling tool for VG and strategy. A strong prediction for N = 162 also resulted, which here indicated that a strong relationship existed between F2 and F3. In relation to F1, F2 and F3, the prediction also seemed to indicate that motivation and specific competencies also have paths to VG (with significant coefficients; where t >2; and p < .05). Direct-effect domains, such as the specific skills associated with negotiating and contracting (IT deals), indicated the strongest relation to VG. Given the relevant age of most of the founding entrepreneurs in the population (36–45 years), this was not an unexpected result. Although some relationships were found to exist for the other relationships of factors to the tested overall hypothesis, these tended to yield somewhat weaker than expected significances. In relation to the above hypothesis, the study found that technical skill and industry experience exhibited reasonably significant relationships to and with VG. It was also found that in South Africa a very small number of authors have attempted to integrate their thinking concerning founding entrepreneurs into EOLT and VG strategies. No longitudinal studies on the relationship between these elements could be found, and even less research was also found were the topics were tackled in combination–form. The study also concludes that there is room for more research that integrates, links and shows the relationship between VG, founding entrepreneurs and leadership. / Thesis (PhD (Entrepreneurship))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Business Management / unrestricted