Proponents of a family ministry strategy believe that Christian parents are called to be the primary disciple-makers in their children’s lives and that the church is called to equip parents for that important task. This type of strategy is commonly critiqued as an internally focused strategy that neglects another very important part of Christian discipleship, evangelism. This study empirically addresses that critique by examining baptism ratios in relation to family ministry emphasis within the Southern Baptist Convention. Chapter 1 establishes the need for this study by outlining the critique. The critique is one which finds proponents outside of family ministry strategy, but also has support from within family ministry strategy as family ministry practitioners within various stream of family ministry philosophy offer critiques of other family ministry models. This chapter also outlines the procedure to be followed to accomplish the study. Chapter 2 is an exploration of the precedent literature in the fields of both family ministry and evangelism. An emphasis on both of these fields is important as the two biblical priorities of family ministry and evangelism are meant to function in tandem and not in competition. When juxtaposed with the precedent literature in the field of evangelism in this chapter, the precedent literature in the field of family ministry indicates that family ministry is not only an evangelistic endeavor in itself, but is part of an overall strategy to be evangelistically effective outside of the walls of the church. The third chapter of this study outlines the methodological design of the study. There are two components to the way in which this study was accomplished. First, a survey was built directly from DNA of D6’s Church Health Assessment. Applicable portions of this verified instrument were disseminated electronically throughout the Southern Baptist Church. Responding churches received scores based upon their responses that were used to rate the level of engagement in family ministry within those churches. Demographic information was also gathered from those churches and was used to access the individual Annual Church Profiles for the purpose of ascertaining the ratio of average weekly attenders to baptisms within those congregations. This data was then used to conduct the analysis portion of the study. Chapter 4 contains the analysis of the information gathered through this empirical study. The variables of family ministry engagement and baptism ratio were measured for relationship to determine if there is any correlation between the two variables. This was also done with three individual sections of the Church Health Assessment used in the survey portion of the study. The data was also examined for any other trends that may illuminate a causal relationship. Finally, chapter 5 addressed conclusions that could be drawn from this research. These conclusions are used to respond to the critique that family ministry philosophy is an inwardly focused strategy that is ineffective for reaching those who are far from God outside of the walls of the church. In addition, this chapter provides suggestions for future research in the area of study, as well as the individual disciplines of both family ministry and evangelism.

Thesis (PhD (Education))--University of the Western Cape, 2004. / The present healthcare system in South Africa suffers from a number of serious deficiencies. Whilst orthodox bio-medicine is well established in most first world countries, its total introduction and implementation into all communities within South Africa faces many obstacles. The cost of diagnostic techniques, investigative procedures and pharmaceutical products, the availability of competent medical staff in the non-urban areas, and the lack of acceptance of the philosophy and practice of orthodox bio-medicine in rural regions are but some of the factors which conspire against the general application of this orthodox medical paradigm. Another problem confronting health care and medical practice in South Africa, particularly at this stage of our historical development, is the absolute focus on orthodox bio-medicine, often to the detriment of other medical paradigms that also have advantages to offer. Can the integration of another medical paradigm, such as Unani- Tibb, enhance the practice of orthodox bio-medicine in this country? The aim of the thesis was to investigate the possibility of integrating Unani- Tibb with orthodox biomedicine (also termed conventional, Western or allopathic medicine) and assess its potential for improving delivery of an effective, affordable and appropriate healthcare system in South Africa. The research questions which the thesis seeks to answer is whether this integration is possible and whether the delivery of healthcare to the South African population can be enhanced. Changes in the provision of medical education are necessary, and occupy a pivotal role in allowing for this integration. Unani-Tibb is a traditional medical system practiced extensively on the Indian sub-continent and in other parts of the world. At present, however, it is minimally practiced in South Africa. Its primary principle is the energetic promotion of health maintenance behaviour and the prevention of disease, through effective application of dietotherapy, pharmacotherapy and other interventions, as well as the empowerment of the patient towards adopting behavioural changes and lifestyle adaptations. One positive aspect of Unani- Tibb is that it has many features in common with both orthodox biomedicine and African Traditional medicine. These commonalities should allow for greater acceptance by orthodox healthcare professionals, as well as the general population.

No description available.

M.Sc. (Geography) / In this study the spatial and temporal variation of radio-refractivity over southern Africa is investigated. Climatological data from 8 upper-air stations and 49 surface stations were used and transformed. into values of refractivity to establish a data base of radio refractivity information. The spatial analysis yielded maps of surface refractivity (Ns ) and height corrected surface refractivity (No) for southern Africa. In order to calculate the height correction factors, a radio-climatological classification of southern Africa was drawn: up. These maps are a refinement of the existing maps published by the CSIR. The temporal analysis consisted of graphs of mean monthly and yearly values of various refractivity- (Ns, Delta N, K-factor) and climatological (temperature, vapour pressure) factors for the eight upper-air stations. Some preliminary information about ducting was also obtained from this analysis. A spatial-temporal analysis of limited extent was then performed for one station to obtain an indication of the factors leading to the formation of radio ducts, as well as the actual variation of refractivity with height. Information about the variation of refractivity over southern Africa was thus obtained, with emphasis on macroscale variation as well as preliminary information about ducting conditions.

Middle Triassic deposition in Northwest Europe occurred in the enclosed Germanic Basin, which extended from its connection with Tethys in eastern Poland to eastern England. A detailed lithostratigraphic subdivision of the middle Triassic Dowsing Dolomitic Formation of the U.K. Southern North Sea and subsurface eastern England is presented, based on petrophysical logs, well cuttings and limited core. This subsurface lithostratigraphy is linked to the established outcrop lithostratigraphy of eastern England by means of a surface gamma-ray profile at Kirton Brickworks, Nottinghamshire. The outcrop lithostratigraphy is thereby accurately correlated with that of the basin centre in north Germany. The major tectonic elements active during middle Triassic deposition in the Southern North Sea area are identified, including previously unreported differential subsidence in an extension of the Dutch Broad Fourteens Basin in the U.K. Sector. The basinwide Hardegsen unconformity marks the base of the middle Triassic. A transgressive phase resulted first in the deposition of lacustrine pro-delta mudstones towards the basin centre, followed by the deposition of a more extensive thin marine mudstone which formed the base of the middle Triassic over most of the U.K. Southern North Sea area. Two regressive cycles followed. Each started with deposition of the cyclic, hypersaline-marine halites (the Main and Upper Röt Halites), followed by sabkhas, then playa mudflat/lagoonal deposits. At the start of the Muschelkalk deposition, restricted marine conditions were established in the Southern North Sea area. These were followed by a further regressive sequence of hypersaline-marine halites (the Muschelkalk Halite), sabkhas, and finally playa mudstones. The establishment of continental sedimentation across the whole of the Germanic Basin marked the end of the middle Triassic. The cyclicity within the Germanic Basin correlates with the published coastal onlap charts, indicating its origin is eustatic fluctuations in Tethys.

The object of this analysis of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) was to examine the interaction between the states which comprise the organisation in terms of regional and international factors which either facilitated or constrained the pursuit of the organisation's economic goals. To this end a theoretical orientation which would place the organisation in context of regional and international political and economic interaction was necessary. International regime theory was used to place the organisation in an international context, and at the same time provided a theoretical dimension which could be used to analyse empirical evidence on the SADCC organisation's functioning. The application of regime theory clearly highlighted the fact that SADCC's economic goals are constrained by the degree to which all of the SADCC states are integrated on the economic level with western market economy and furthermore , by the fact that these links are reinforced for seven of the nine SADCC states by their economic dependence on South Africa. The above conclusion showed that in terms of the perpetuation of the SADCC organisation as an economic regime, according to the regime theory outlined in Chapter One, the goals of SADCC did not create a firm basis for economic cooperation in the long term. The future of the SADCC organisation in it's present form will depend on how long the racial policies of South Africa continue, for the analysis makes clear that the organisation has much more political than economic coherency. The use of a regime framework showed that in terms of the SADCC states individual economic positions, the historical and structural links between South Africa, the majority of the SADCC states and the West will continue indefinitely due to the strength of the structural economic links between the Southern African region and the western market economy. Thus the analysis proves, within the parameters of international regime theory, the lack of economic coherency within the SADCC organisation's goals, and the strength of the economic ties between the Southern African region and the West.

Please read the section 21chapter20, (Summary and conclusions), of this document / Thesis (DSc (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Zoology and Entomology / DSc / Unrestricted

No description available.

In the Swaziland lowlands, biological control of the citrus pest red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask), has been consistently unsuccessful although it is successful in middle altitude regions. However, recent cases of resistance to organophosphate insecticides elsewhere in southern Africa, make it important to reconsider biological control of red scale in the lowlands. Should similar resistance be evolved in this region, the pest could be controlled only by natural means together with oils. This account attempts to answer questions about the natural control of a red scale population in the lowlands, by examining data collected between 1972 and 1975. The population was continuously breeding with overlapped generations. It consisted of three sections, on leaves, twigs and fruit, having different rates of reproduction, development and mortality. These sections are considered separately but that on leaves, being relatively unimportant, is largely ignored. The generation mortality is estimated in the sections on twigs and fruit and related to climatic and biotic indices. The causes of seasonal and between-years variation in the sections on twigs and fruit are elucidated. The effectiveness of each kind of natural enemy is examined and the factors affecting natural enemy numbers are investigated. The question of population regulation is discussed. Differences in mean infestation levels in middle altitude and lowland regions are explained in terms of different rates of reproduction and mortality.

The pouched mouse, Saccostomus campestris is widely distributed south of the Sahara, inhabiting both subtropical and tropical latitudes and a number of different biotic zones, where it breeds seasonally. In North temperate latitudes, reproduction in small mammals is controlled by photoperiod however this cue becomes less influential as latitude decreases towards the equator. The aim of the present study is to establish the role of photoperiod in the environmental control of reproduction in a seasonally breeding small mammal at low latitudes in a highly unpredictable environment. Spermatogenesis of domesticated and Fl-generation pouched mice was not inhibited by short daylength while decreasing daylength significantly affected the oestrous cycle of adult domesticated female pouched mice. Photoperiod had little effect on the oestrous cycle of F I-generation females while a possible inherent circannual endogenous rhythm controlled inhibition of reproduction in these females. Body mass of male and female juvenile pouched mice was consistently lower in short daylength and in juvenile female pouched mice the onset of fertility may be weight-dependent. The attainment of sexual maturity of domesticated and FIlF2-generation females was retarded but not halted in short daylength and females in long daylength reached puberty 7.8 - 10.2 days earlier. Short daylength also lengthened the interval between vaginal perforation and first oestrus. Puberty in juvenile females was age-dependent as both domesticated and FIlF2-generation males attained puberty at 50 days of age, although fewer males were fertile in long daylength than short daylength. Although litter size of pouched mice was smaller in short daylength for both domesticated and wildcaught females this was not due to a reduction in the ovulation rate. Domesticated females had significantly larger litters than wild-caught females. Male and female pouched mice have evolved different reproductive strategies as males become sexually mature at the same age irrespective of photoperiod and remain fertile throughout the year. In contrast, females tend to be more complex as juveniles delay reproductive maturity and adults become nonreproductive in short daylength. However, in the presence of a fertile male and if environmental conditions are favourable, in short daylength, females can become reproductively active within approximately 3 days. Thus, although the pouched mouse has adopted a purely opportunistic reproductive strategy, vestiges of photoresponsiveness are still present in the female. The seasonality exhibited in the wild is therefore due to the female. Pouched mice live in a highly unpredictable environment so the sole use of photoperiod to regulate reproduction would be disadvantageous.