Uses mitochondrial DNA sequence data to examine the degree of genetic differentiation among sky island populations of two subspecies of pygmy nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea melanotis and Sitta pygmaea leuconucha) occurring in Southern California. Assesses the hypothesis that sky islands are genetically isolated and that migration (gene flow) is restricted among them. Eleven sampling locations throughout Southern California were selected based on representation of subspecies, availability of specimens, and feasibility of collection. Results indicate that pygmy nuthatch populations fragmented in the disjunct mountain ranges of Southern California exhibit low but significant levels of genetic differentiation.

Mitochondria are membrane bound organelles important for energy production in respiring cells through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. They have their own multi-copied mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome separate from that in the nucleus that is needed for mitochondria to function properly and can exist in both wild type and mutant forms in the same cell. The integrity of the mtDNA is therefore of vital importance for the survival of the organism and as such understanding the mechanisms of mtDNA maintenance is relevant to human health and disease. This study employs a Southern blotting and non-radioactive probe method to examine various aspects of mtDNA maintenance. Restriction endonuclease mapping utilizing mtDNA-specific and nuclear DNA-specific digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled probes was performed to show that the synthesized probes are indeed specific for their target sequences. The DIG-labeled probes were used to quantitate mtDNA content from different DNA isolation methods. Whole-cell DNA extraction was found to yield higher levels of mtDNA compared to a commercially available spin-column kit. Next, Southern blots were used to analyze mtDNA copy number as well as mtDNA depletion in the hepatocarcinoma-derived cell line HepaRG following exposure to the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor 2’,3’-dideoxycytidine (ddC), a known mitochondrial toxicant. In comparison to proliferative HepaRG differentiated HepaRG contained about 2-fold more mtDNA. Relative to untreated control cells, proliferating HepaRG exposed to ddC had greater than a 96% reduction in mtDNA and had decreased cellular viability. Differentiated HepaRG cell viability was not affected after 13 days of ddC treatment; however, significant mtDNA depletion was observed. We estimate that differentiated HepaRG mtDNA depletion occurs quickly at about 20 molecules per hour.

Taking the lives and work of writers from the Upland South, this dissertation seeks to find out how agrarian thinkers understood the place and meaning of rural life in the twentieth century. Scholars have underscored the degree to which southern agrarians both drew upon and shaped conservative, even reactionary, intellectual currents in the region. In doing so, however, they have flattened the contours of southern agrarian ideas, leaving the mistaken impression that a single set of values defined it. This study argues that no single point of view, set of beliefs, or value system shaped agrarian thought in the South, but rather, such thinking was made up of a host of different perspectives that collectively point to the continued significance of rural life to American life. Agrarian thinking is worth studying because it reveals the significance of rural life to American identity in a way that helps us understand how ideas about rural life continued to shape the American imagination in the midst of a national decline in rural communities.

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Life is dynamic, shaped by various factors defining personal narratives. Privilege, linked to aspects such as race, socioeconomic status, gender, sexuality, and identity, significantly influences life paths. This collection explores the experiences of a queer woman in the American South. Amidst intense emotions, her journey traverses love, hate, and transformation themes in her ever-changing existence. The collection delves into pivotal moments in the protagonist's life, encompassing her quest for self-discovery regarding her sexuality, challenging familial relationships, and intricate interactions with men. It also delves into her enduring pursuit of illumination and solace in a world of perpetual change and uncertainty. Throughout the collection, certain poems employ metaphors to deepen understanding of life events. The intended audience includes women and queer individuals in the American South, aiming to resonate with their unique experiences. The poems showcase unconventional styles, reflecting the unfiltered thoughts of the narrator—often intricate and driven by inner necessity.

No / This paper considers the evidence for the abandonment of souterrains in that part of east central Scotland characterized by Wainwright as 'southern Pictland'. The evidence suggests that most souterrains here were deliberately destroyed, or at least infilled, and that none seems to have outlasted the early third century AD. The process of destruction seems to have been associated with a significant degree of ritual activity not previously noted. It is postulated that the evidence would allow for a single episode of abandonment (a 'souterrain abandonment horizon'), in the late second or early third century AD, which might be related to a major reorientation of social and political structures, perhaps associated with changes in Roman frontier policy.

The need for a worldwide assessment of Baptist history is especially important for the many who have only a limited knowledge of this broad alliance of Christians known as Baptists. Understanding how and why Independent Baptist congregations emerged from within the larger picture makes the opening chapter important, even to other Baptists. The doctrinal elements of the Independent Baptists that overlap other Christian churches need to be explained in sufficient detail to note the differences that do exist. The numerous ecclesiastical beliefs, known as "distinctives," are matters of similarity and divergence that exist within the various Baptist groupings. To understand these seemingly minor differences is to come to appreciate the fine details that often divide. Baptist often are divided by these differences of fine detail in relation to their ecclesiastical "distinctives'; even more than some of the major doctrines that have divided other churches and denominations. This makes the task of tracing the specific history of Independent Baptists a most complex undertaking. The ability to understand Independent Baptists as fundamentalists is dependent on understanding their own definition of fundamentalism in the context of American and English conservativism. The highly charged issues related to the fundamentalism between 1880 and 1980 and the influence this period and its concerns has had on Independent Fundamental Baptists and Bible churches is rarely understood. Much of the modern South African political, ethical and religious issues seem far removed fium this church but these fundamentalists nonetheless have a perspective regarding the literal interpretation of the Bible that deserves to be heard and may well have a genuine contribution to make. The Independent Fundamental Baptist missionaries and local church leadership has a character of its own. The development of its leadership and ministry style is directly related to issues such as the literalness of their Biblical interpretation and application in pastoral areas such as preaching, teaching, discipleship and pastoral counselling. Of course there are many variations of leadership style and personality within such a loose combination of church leaders. Understanding the expansion of the Independent Fundamental Baptist and Bible churches depends on having a useful awareness of the churches and organisations that work behind the scenes, primarily in the United States, to promote this Christian movement with its strong emphasis on Biblical doctrine and distinctiveness. Learning about churches that are almost totally focused on the simplicity of the Gospel and on the pivotal role local churches should have in the Christian's inner spiritual life and public attitudes is a unique study. Understanding these loosely grouped churches and their missionary and church-planting fervour opens a perspective on Christianity general, though in my opinion, mistakenly viewed as irrelevant today. Their advance and growth raises questions for many who accept the idea that relevancy is dependent on pursuing religious emotionalism or responding to contemporary social change. The Independent Fundamental Baptist and Bible churches are moving forward while following a philosophy once fairly common among South African Christianity, but now believed to be outdated and unacceptable. The purpose of this thesis is: first, to clarify who and what the Independent Fundamental Baptist and Bible churches really are, and second, to establish their rightful place in the Southern African ''family" of Baptists. Further, by explaining their goals, problems and some of their changing perspectives their historic philosophy of missiology and ministry can be understood together with their outlook on today's society and social needs. All of this should lead to a better estimate of their future viability and their potential impact on South African religious life. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Church History)

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The world population is growing rapidly and places additional pressure on the natural resources of the world. The increase in the world population leads to increasing focus on food security and the nutrition of the world population. Developed countries can only produce up to a certain level to satisfy the demand for food in the world. The additional production needs to come from countries where economic and agricultural development has been lagging. The research identified five major drivers of the future growth of agriculture. These drivers of future growth create opportunities for countries in Africa and help to address the development challenges for their different agricultural sub-sectors. The dairy industry in Southern Africa can play a significant role in addressing food security and nutritional needs of the growing population. Large numbers of livestock are present in Southern Africa because the landscape is lending itself to livestock farming and cultural believes see livestock as wealth in the hands of the owner. There are however serious challenges to address in order to achieve sustainable growth in the dairy industry in Southern Africa. The focus of the report is on the identification of the challenges in the dairy industry in Southern Africa, thus helping with the formulation of a growth strategy and business model. The report used a qualitative method of literature study to determine the challenges faced by the dairy industry in three Southern African countries, i.e. South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. The contrasts between these countries are significant, but there are also many common elements and challenges. From this range of factors a set of key “challenges for action” has been derived, which are put forward as a basis for public and private sector efforts to strengthen growth in the sector. The list of challenges also assisted in the proposal of a business model to address part of the challenges of development in the dairy industry.

This study focussed on the transformation of the institutions of local government from deconcentration, delegation to devolution. This transformation can be looked at starting with the institutions inherited from the colonial era, which started after the Berlin Conference of 1884, which divided Africa among the western powers. Then the transformation, which took place immediately after independence / that is the period of 1960s, the changes made in the 1980s and finally the transformation taking place following the multiparty democracy in the 1990s. The study looked at decentralisation during the colonial period / decentralisation after independence, with a particular focus on the institutions under a single party system / transformation of local government under multiparty system. It also examined the challenges facing decentralisation in the SADC region.