<p> Rice farmers have a wealth of knowledge about local amphibians, impacts of chemical pesticides on amphibians and rice paddies, and changes in amphibian populations over time. I used my training in anthropology to highlight the relevance of examining the impacts of national and international policies and institutions on local rice farmers&rsquo; experiences, perceptions, and practices in regards to amphibians and rice pest management. Through a focused ethnographic approach with farmers in Banca-Banca Victoria, I found that policies and institutions have direct influences on farmers&rsquo; knowledge, attitudes, and practices including four themes among rice farmers: (1) articulated perceived consequences of non-native invasive anuran species, such as <i> Rhinella marina</i> and <i>Kaloula pulchra</i> (2) articulated perceived indicators of environmental health provided by native and non-native anuran species (3) perceptions that both native and non-native anurans can help in efforts to manage pest insects in rice paddies (4) local knowledge about impact of chemical pesticides on amphibian populations and observed temporal changes in amphibian populations. I contend that the Filipino rice farmers I worked with have insights into rice farming practices, amphibians, and the local environment that should be further explored in an effort to find alternative or modified pest management practices to positively affect farmer and environmental health, sovereignty, and dignity.</p>

Thesis (MPhil (Afrikaans and Dutch))—University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / In my research I will comment on the development of the national lexicography units in South Africa, following the establishment of the eleven official languages in South Africa in the post-apartheid society. I will also outline the weaknesses that exist in the traditional dictionaries to ensure limited mistakes in the lexicographic sector. I strongly believe that bilingual dictionaries in a multilingual society like South Africa, especially printed dictionaries, will play a great role in the African society as there is a shortage of reference sources, to assist translators in the development of our languages. The research will also advocate society to fight the major challenges faced by the national lexicography units in South Africa and other countries. I hope that with the research people will become aware of the necessity of using a dictionary at all times and that dictionaries are not only used for professional purposes by academics and highly qualified people, but can also be used for pleasure.

No description available.

The association between neighborhood-level racial segregation and low birth weight among Black infants was systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. Seven major databases (e.g., PubMed, PsycINFO) were searched, and ten additional search strategies were performed. After scanning and coding search results, a random effects meta-analysis using the log odds ratio metric was performed for studies with comparable effects sizes, and a systematic review comparing articles addressing this association was written. Heterogeneity, moderators, publication bias, and sensitivity were assessed. Quality indicators for each article were discussed in the narrative review. A total of 6,212 articles were retrieved yielding seven articles included in the systematic review. Three articles featuring eight independent studies were eligible and included in the meta-analysis. The mean effect size was statistically significant (OR = 1.13, 95% CI [1.07, 1.19], p = 0.00) and represented a positive association between low birth weight and Black isolation. These results lacked heterogeneity (Q=8.34, df = 7, p = 0.30, I2 = 16.1%; Ï2 = 0.00) and thus no moderator analysis was conducted. There was no evidence of publication bias, and results from sensitivity analyses substantiated the robustness of the findings. Racial isolation appears not only to be statistically significantly associated with low birth weight after individual and neighborhood-level adjustments but also may explain racial differences in low birth weight at the neighborhood level. Results suggest Black isolation is positively associated with low birth weight for Black infants. Future research must endeavor to understand racial isolation as a process and how it shapes health.

published_or_final_version / Sports Science / Master / Master of Science in Sports Science

published_or_final_version / Sports Science / Master / Master of Science in Sports Science

published_or_final_version / Dentistry / Master / Master of Dental Surgery

published_or_final_version / Business / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

The exposure of companies to turbulence, uncertainty, and vulnerability in their supply chain results in supply chain disruption with an estimate cost of $10 million for each supply chain disruption. The purpose of this case study was to explore the strategies supply chain managers use to mitigate supply chain disruption on business performance in a pharmaceutical company in Maryland. Contingency theory of fit formed the conceptual framework for this study. Participant perceptions were elicited in interviews with 11 supply chain managers regarding strategies to mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions. Data from interviews and supporting documents were processed and analyzed using data source triangulation to discern emergent themes. Three main themes emerged: (a) supply chain design, planning, and forecasting; (b) flexible and multiple supplier base; and (c) resource allocation and demand management. The implications for positive social change include the potential of reducing supply chain risk, which could lead to lower prices of products for consumers, increased stakeholder satisfaction, and a higher standard of living.

This thesis describes a research programme which investigates further the models developed by Conway [1] - the dynamic model of the process of operational research and the life cycle of in-house operational research groups. It studies the relationships between the two, and also extends the range of applicability of the models. From this the research develops a useful tool to assist the strategic management of in-house operational research groups. In the prev ious study, the two mode I s had been re I ated in theory only. This study investigates the actual relationships and develops a method of defining an operational research group's position on its life cycle using data about the mix of proj ects of the dynamic mode I project types. This method was developed using data from the Conway study, and tested on data collected in two surveys conducted during the current period of research. In certain circumstances, it was found to be essential that other aspects of the data on operational research projects were used to help define more exactly the current state of health of the operational research group. The level or importance of the project was shown to be significant, as was the approach employed when tackling the project. The validity of the model with respect to other forms of operational research group was also investigated, and external consultancy was chosen for this research. A classification was developed which categorised consultants according to their managerial structure, and consultants from each of the types in the classification were interviewed using Systems Based Interviewing. The interviews showed that the dynamic model of the process of operational research was a valid way to describe external operational research consultancy. Some preliminary concepts involving the life cycle of consultancies were also developed, but could not be tested within the time scale of this study. 1. CONWAY, D.A., (1984), "The Development and Application of a Dynamic Model of the Process of Operational Research". PhD thesis, Hatfield Polytechnic.