<p>Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common neurological complication occurring in the asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. The pain and other symptoms caused by PN can impair functional ability and limit physical activity that could affect quality of life (QoL). Additionally, studies done on quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS have shown that, HIV-related neurological syndromes, including PN, significantly reduce QoL. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy amongst and the quality of life of adults living with HIV/AIDS attending the out-patient clinic at Rutongo Hospital in Rulindo District in Rwanda.</p>

The aim of this thesis is to examine the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation as a tool for local/regional development of underdeveloped border regions, and whether it is appropriate for Turkey&rsquo / s border regions. The basic statement is that the trajectories of intense economic relations do not always let cross-border co-operation / it can develop through supportive policies fed by the active participation of cross-border actors. The scope of this study is, - to examine changing theoretical ideas about borders and border relations, - to review some of the important changes affecting the cross-border cooperations / and the implications of transformations in the global mechanisms through new network relations determined within the multi-level governance approach, - to develop a framework for analysing the success of cross-border cooperation, - to discuss the cross-border co-operation trajectories through the world experiences and Turkish case, - to search for a new model This study will focus on a set of theoretical tools involving independent dimensions such as governance, economy and social structure. Along these theoretical perspectives, the importance of a cross-border co-operation for local/regional development will be emphasised through the case of Hopa-Batumi border region. Handling of this case will be an attempt to put forward the opportunities and barriers of a cross-border co-operation for Turkish border regions. This study is developed by the examination of theoretical literature, generating comparative analysis of world experiences with reference to available literature, and Turkish border regions executed with the newspapers archives and legal arrangements, and case study through in-depth interviews.

Three novel single-stage electronic ballasts with the advantages of high-power-factor, low current harmonic, high efficiency, and low cost are proposed for rapid-start fluorescent lamps. Included are (1) single-stage high-power-factor electronic ballast with asymmetrical topology, (2) single-stage high- power-factor electronic ballast with symmetrical topology, and (3) single-stage single-switch high-power-factor electronic ballast. The circuit configurations are obtained by integrating the buck-boost power-factor-correction converter into the Class D or the Class E resonant inverter. With simple circuit configuration and less component count, desired circuit performances of high-power-factor and high efficiency are realized. The control methods of pulse-width-modulation (PWM) with asymmetrical and symmetrical approaches are utilized for the three presented ballasts. The buck-boost conversion stage is operated at discontinuous current mode (DCM) to achieve nearly unity power factor at a fixed switching frequency. With carefully designed circuit parameters, the power switches can exhibit either zero-voltage switching-on (ZVS) or zero-current switching-on (ZCS). As a result, high circuit efficiency can be ensured. Design equations are derived and computer analyses are performed based on the lamp¡¦s equivalent resistance model and fundamental approximation. Accordingly, design guidelines for determining circuit parameters are provided. Prototypes of the three proposed circuits designed for a T8-36W lamp, two series-connected T9-40W lamps and a PL-27W lamp are built and tested to verify the computer simulations and analytical predictions.

Although companies and organisations worldwide publish in-house journals, there is no comprehensive theory (including technical and normative dimensions) available on this important public relations instrument. In particular, no research is available on what the characteristics of excellent South African in-house journals are or ought to be. In this study a number of dimensions are thus introduced in order to help create a comprehensive framework for analysing in-house journals, in particular South Africa’s leading in-house journals. Firstly, James Grunig’s excellence in public relations theory (published in 1992), which incorporates the concept of two-way symmetrical communication (which in turn is informed by a “symmetric” world view), is put forward as basic point of departure. Secondly, a set of technical criteria for excellent in-house journals gleaned from a wide range of sources, is compiled. Furthermore, the internal and external environments in which South African in-house journals function are identified. The role of other new media (such as e-mail, intranet, television and radio) is also taken into account. Five leading South African in-house journals are then analysed and the views of editors reflected. It was found that Abacus (Absa Bank), Harmonise (Harmony Gold Mining Company), Hello the future (MTN), Pick ’n Patter (Pick ’n Pay) and Sandaba (Sanlam) all measured up well against the theoretical statements flowing from the said theoretical points of departure. However, the analysis did also bring to the fore deviations from the said statements which give new insight into what is required to publish an excellent in-house journal. In conclusion, the criteria are evaluated against some of the more detailed findings of the analysis and adapted to create a set of theoretically based guidelines that can be used by South African companies, focusing inter alia on how the unique character and environment of a company influence its internal communication, to create excellent in-house journals. In final analysis, it is argued that all factors, starting with the philosophical points of departure informing communication strategies, management’s attitude toward internal communication, organisation culture, the socio-political environment in which in-house journals function as well as the technical aspects of these publications, need to be considered when formulating criteria for “excellent” in-house journalism. This study thus endeavours to contribute to the professional integrity of public relations in a sea of asymmetric, marketing-driven internal communication. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

<p>Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common neurological complication occurring in the asymptomatic and symptomatic stages of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. The pain and other symptoms caused by PN can impair functional ability and limit physical activity that could affect quality of life (QoL). Additionally, studies done on quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS have shown that, HIV-related neurological syndromes, including PN, significantly reduce QoL. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy amongst and the quality of life of adults living with HIV/AIDS attending the out-patient clinic at Rutongo Hospital in Rulindo District in Rwanda.</p>

Based on preliminary reports, an extended series of bolamphiphilic oligoester compounds with structural symmetry were synthesized and then tested using a planar bilayer experiment with the voltage-clamp technique. The main structures of these compounds are identical, consisting of a mono or tri-aromatic core, two octamethylene chains and two benzoyl headgroups which are all connected through ester linkages. The structural variance was provided by the four differently functionalized benzoyl headgroups. The synthetic methods of three to five steps were mainly adapted from the previously reported method.1 The methods successfully produced eight compounds with overall yields of 20 to 30%. The voltage-clamp data suggested voltage-dependent behaviors occur at low concentrations while Ohmic behaviors require at high concentrations. The activity at low potentials showed relatively erratic behavior but the channels frequently switched between opening and closing states. The activity at high potential lasted longer as the channel maintained a longer state of opening. The exponential voltage-dependent behaviors were observed at higher potential while the voltage-independent Ohmic behaviors occur at low potential. These channel behaviors are highly time-dependent as there is no control over the stability and the aggregation level for the compounds forming active channels in the membrane. In some cases the current-voltage responses appear to be asymmetrical between the positive and the negative potentials. Mechanisms consistent with the observations are proposed. / Graduate / 0485 / 0490 / yzong@uvic.ca

Although companies and organisations worldwide publish in-house journals, there is no comprehensive theory (including technical and normative dimensions) available on this important public relations instrument. In particular, no research is available on what the characteristics of excellent South African in-house journals are or ought to be. In this study a number of dimensions are thus introduced in order to help create a comprehensive framework for analysing in-house journals, in particular South Africa’s leading in-house journals. Firstly, James Grunig’s excellence in public relations theory (published in 1992), which incorporates the concept of two-way symmetrical communication (which in turn is informed by a “symmetric” world view), is put forward as basic point of departure. Secondly, a set of technical criteria for excellent in-house journals gleaned from a wide range of sources, is compiled. Furthermore, the internal and external environments in which South African in-house journals function are identified. The role of other new media (such as e-mail, intranet, television and radio) is also taken into account. Five leading South African in-house journals are then analysed and the views of editors reflected. It was found that Abacus (Absa Bank), Harmonise (Harmony Gold Mining Company), Hello the future (MTN), Pick ’n Patter (Pick ’n Pay) and Sandaba (Sanlam) all measured up well against the theoretical statements flowing from the said theoretical points of departure. However, the analysis did also bring to the fore deviations from the said statements which give new insight into what is required to publish an excellent in-house journal. In conclusion, the criteria are evaluated against some of the more detailed findings of the analysis and adapted to create a set of theoretically based guidelines that can be used by South African companies, focusing inter alia on how the unique character and environment of a company influence its internal communication, to create excellent in-house journals. In final analysis, it is argued that all factors, starting with the philosophical points of departure informing communication strategies, management’s attitude toward internal communication, organisation culture, the socio-political environment in which in-house journals function as well as the technical aspects of these publications, need to be considered when formulating criteria for “excellent” in-house journalism. This study thus endeavours to contribute to the professional integrity of public relations in a sea of asymmetric, marketing-driven internal communication. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

loveLife, the South African national HIV/AIDS prevention programme for youth, is known for its brand-oriented billboards and mass media campaign that ranges over various print-, broadcast- and alternative media. However, the organisation also implements a national grass-roots peer motivation programme where various activities are co-ordinated by youths (GroundBREAKERS and Mpintshis) from the community. The organisation has been criticised for its communication approach, with many researchers primarily focusing on the organisation's mass media and billboards. This study investigates the communicative approach(es) in loveLife's programme implementation in the light of the normative theory of participatory communication. The focus of this study is to identify how loveLife describes its communication approach, what communication approach the organisation employs and how the organisation's communication approach is perceived by a sample of its target audience. The research was conducted by means of a literature review, qualitative content analysis of loveLife's policy documentation and a selection of the organisation's media. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted at head office, which are contrasted with focus groups with the participants at an implementation site. Broadly, it was found that loveLife's programme is more participatory than most critics would expect and that the organisation attempts to put its primary focus on face-to-face communication. But, there is also tension in what loveLife communicates on a national level and how it relates to grass-roots activities as the national / media-driven communication is more modernistic in its approach, whereas the grass-roots communication is more participatory. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

loveLife, the South African national HIV/AIDS prevention programme for youth, is known for its brand-oriented billboards and mass media campaign that ranges over various print-, broadcast- and alternative media. However, the organisation also implements a national grass-roots peer motivation programme where various activities are co-ordinated by youths (GroundBREAKERS and Mpintshis) from the community. The organisation has been criticised for its communication approach, with many researchers primarily focusing on the organisation's mass media and billboards. This study investigates the communicative approach(es) in loveLife's programme implementation in the light of the normative theory of participatory communication. The focus of this study is to identify how loveLife describes its communication approach, what communication approach the organisation employs and how the organisation's communication approach is perceived by a sample of its target audience. The research was conducted by means of a literature review, qualitative content analysis of loveLife's policy documentation and a selection of the organisation's media. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted at head office, which are contrasted with focus groups with the participants at an implementation site. Broadly, it was found that loveLife's programme is more participatory than most critics would expect and that the organisation attempts to put its primary focus on face-to-face communication. But, there is also tension in what loveLife communicates on a national level and how it relates to grass-roots activities as the national / media-driven communication is more modernistic in its approach, whereas the grass-roots communication is more participatory. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Based on preliminary reports, an extended series of bolamphiphilic oligoester compounds with structural symmetry were synthesized and then tested using a planar bilayer experiment with the voltage-clamp technique. The main structures of these compounds are identical, consisting of a mono or tri-aromatic core, two octamethylene chains and two benzoyl headgroups which are all connected through ester linkages. The structural variance was provided by the four differently functionalized benzoyl headgroups. The synthetic methods of three to five steps were mainly adapted from the previously reported method.1 The methods successfully produced eight compounds with overall yields of 20 to 30%. The voltage-clamp data suggested voltage-dependent behaviors occur at low concentrations while Ohmic behaviors require at high concentrations. The activity at low potentials showed relatively erratic behavior but the channels frequently switched between opening and closing states. The activity at high potential lasted longer as the channel maintained a longer state of opening. The exponential voltage-dependent behaviors were observed at higher potential while the voltage-independent Ohmic behaviors occur at low potential. These channel behaviors are highly time-dependent as there is no control over the stability and the aggregation level for the compounds forming active channels in the membrane. In some cases the current-voltage responses appear to be asymmetrical between the positive and the negative potentials. Mechanisms consistent with the observations are proposed. / Graduate / 0485 / 0490 / yzong@uvic.ca