Aim and objectives: This study set out to investigate the diet and blood lipid profiles of subjects in transition in the North West Province in South Africa. It looked specifically at how the diet differed between rural and urban areas, how the blood lipid profiles differed between rural and urban subjects, establishing an association between dietary fat, fatty acid and cholesterol intakes respectively and blood lipid profiles, as well as investigating the differences in blood lipid profiles at different ages, body mass index (BMI) and genders respectively in rural and urban areas. Design: The present study was a cross–sectional data analysis nested within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study that is currently undertaken in the North West Province of South Africa amongst other countries. Methods: Baseline data was obtained in 2005. A randomised paper selection was done of people between 35 - 70 years of age with no reported chronic diseases of lifestyle, TB or HIV of those enrolled into the PURE study if they had provided written consent. Eventually a paper selection was made of 2000 subjects, 500 people in each of the four communities (rural, urban–rural, urban, established urban). For the interpretation purposes of this study, data was stratified for rural (1000 subjects) and urban (1000 subjects) only, with no further sub–division into communities. Physical activity levels and habitual diets were obtained from these subjects. Demographic and dietary intake data in the PURE study was collected using validated, culture sensitive questionnaires. Anthropometric measures and lipid analysis were determined using standardised methodology. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and proportions) were calculated. One–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences between the different levels of urbanisation on blood lipid profiles and dietary intake. When a dietary intake variable proved to be significant for different levels of a factor (urbanisation, blood lipid profile), post–hoc tests were calculated to determine which levels for specific variables differed significantly. Bonferroni–type adjustments were made for the multiple comparisons. Spearman correlations were calculated to determine associations. Results: Mean fat intake was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas (67.16 ± 33.78 g vs. 32.56 ± 17.66 g, p<0.001); and the same was true for the individual fatty acid intakes. Fat and fatty acid intakes were still within recommendations even for urban areas, and low for rural areas. N–3 intake was very low in both rural and urban areas. Serum lipids did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas. Almost half of rural (43%) and urban (47%) subjects presented with elevated total cholesterol (5.0 mmol/L). In rural areas 52% and in urban areas 55% of subjects had elevated LDL–C (3.0 mmol/L). Amongst 23% of males in rural areas and 18% of males in urban areas HDL–C levels were decreased. Of the females living in rural areas 34.3% had decreased HDL–C levels and 39% of those who lived in urban areas presented with lowered HDL–C levels. In rural areas 16.3% of subjects and in urban areas 23% of subjects presented with high triglyceride levels. TC, LDL–C and triglyceride levels were higher in higher body mass index (BMI) classes, however, obese subjects did not differ significantly from overweight subjects in terms of blood lipids, suggesting that values stabilise after reaching overweight status. These blood lipids were also higher in higher age groups and higher in women than men, probably due to the high incidence of obesity in women. Conclusions: Associations between the diet and blood lipid profiles were weak, and diet is not likely to be the only factor responsible for high TC and LDL–C levels. Blood lipid profiles did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas due to the fact that the diet was prudent in terms of fat intake in both rural and urban areas. Higher prevalence of underweight was noted in males (32% in rural areas and 28% in urban areas), while overwieght was a bigger problem amongst women (48% in rural areas and 54% in urban areas). TC, LDL–C and TAG were higher with higher BMI’s, while HDL–C levels were lower. TC, LDL–C, and TAG were higher in higher age goups while HDL–C levels were lower. Female subjects presented with higher mean triglycerides than males, probably due to higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Aim and objectives: This study set out to investigate the diet and blood lipid profiles of subjects in transition in the North West Province in South Africa. It looked specifically at how the diet differed between rural and urban areas, how the blood lipid profiles differed between rural and urban subjects, establishing an association between dietary fat, fatty acid and cholesterol intakes respectively and blood lipid profiles, as well as investigating the differences in blood lipid profiles at different ages, body mass index (BMI) and genders respectively in rural and urban areas. Design: The present study was a cross–sectional data analysis nested within the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study that is currently undertaken in the North West Province of South Africa amongst other countries. Methods: Baseline data was obtained in 2005. A randomised paper selection was done of people between 35 - 70 years of age with no reported chronic diseases of lifestyle, TB or HIV of those enrolled into the PURE study if they had provided written consent. Eventually a paper selection was made of 2000 subjects, 500 people in each of the four communities (rural, urban–rural, urban, established urban). For the interpretation purposes of this study, data was stratified for rural (1000 subjects) and urban (1000 subjects) only, with no further sub–division into communities. Physical activity levels and habitual diets were obtained from these subjects. Demographic and dietary intake data in the PURE study was collected using validated, culture sensitive questionnaires. Anthropometric measures and lipid analysis were determined using standardised methodology. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and proportions) were calculated. One–way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences between the different levels of urbanisation on blood lipid profiles and dietary intake. When a dietary intake variable proved to be significant for different levels of a factor (urbanisation, blood lipid profile), post–hoc tests were calculated to determine which levels for specific variables differed significantly. Bonferroni–type adjustments were made for the multiple comparisons. Spearman correlations were calculated to determine associations. Results: Mean fat intake was significantly higher in urban areas than in rural areas (67.16 ± 33.78 g vs. 32.56 ± 17.66 g, p<0.001); and the same was true for the individual fatty acid intakes. Fat and fatty acid intakes were still within recommendations even for urban areas, and low for rural areas. N–3 intake was very low in both rural and urban areas. Serum lipids did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas. Almost half of rural (43%) and urban (47%) subjects presented with elevated total cholesterol (5.0 mmol/L). In rural areas 52% and in urban areas 55% of subjects had elevated LDL–C (3.0 mmol/L). Amongst 23% of males in rural areas and 18% of males in urban areas HDL–C levels were decreased. Of the females living in rural areas 34.3% had decreased HDL–C levels and 39% of those who lived in urban areas presented with lowered HDL–C levels. In rural areas 16.3% of subjects and in urban areas 23% of subjects presented with high triglyceride levels. TC, LDL–C and triglyceride levels were higher in higher body mass index (BMI) classes, however, obese subjects did not differ significantly from overweight subjects in terms of blood lipids, suggesting that values stabilise after reaching overweight status. These blood lipids were also higher in higher age groups and higher in women than men, probably due to the high incidence of obesity in women. Conclusions: Associations between the diet and blood lipid profiles were weak, and diet is not likely to be the only factor responsible for high TC and LDL–C levels. Blood lipid profiles did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas due to the fact that the diet was prudent in terms of fat intake in both rural and urban areas. Higher prevalence of underweight was noted in males (32% in rural areas and 28% in urban areas), while overwieght was a bigger problem amongst women (48% in rural areas and 54% in urban areas). TC, LDL–C and TAG were higher with higher BMI’s, while HDL–C levels were lower. TC, LDL–C, and TAG were higher in higher age goups while HDL–C levels were lower. Female subjects presented with higher mean triglycerides than males, probably due to higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Streekontwikkelingsbeleid en differensiële verstedeliking is twee fundamentele temas binne die ruimtelike beplanningsveld. Streekontwikkelingsbeleid is veral sedert die Tweede Wêreldoorlog in Europa geïmplementeer, waar regerings besef het dat die vryemarksisteem nie noodwendig optimale ekonomiese groei op streekvlak verseker nie. Doelwitte Die primêre doelwit van hierdie studie is die integrering van effektiewe en volhoubare streekontwikkelingsbeleid met die konsep van differensiële verstedeliking, ten einde 'n effektiewe stedelike bestuursmeganisme daar te stel. Sekondêre doelwitte sluit in: * om die beginsels en doelwitte van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en streekontwikkelingsinstrumente te bepaal; * die analisering van Suid-Afrikaanse streekontwikkelingsbeleid in terme · van bogenoemde klassifikasie; * ondersoek na die teoretiese en praktiese toepassings van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel; * om die geldigheid van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel te bepaal in die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek; en * om relevante streekontwikkelingsbeleid te integreer met sosio-ekonomiese tendense in 'n stedelike sisteem, met spesifieke verwysing na die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek. Metodiek Die rasionaal vir die formulering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid word in Hoofstuk Twee beskryf. Regerings en ander streekowerhede formuleer streekontwikkelingsbeleid ten einde spesifieke doelstellings te behaal. Hierdie doelstellings verander met tyd en is gewoonlik streekspesifiek. Die relevante owerheid of instansie neem 'n besluit in terme van bogenoemde fundamentele benaderingswyses, waarna 'n keuse ten opsigte van spesifieke beleidsopsies en -instrumente geneem word. Hoofstuk Drie beskryf laasgenoemde beleidsinstrumente asook meer gedetailleerde beleidselemente soos wat dit op projekvlak geïmplementeer word. In Hoofstuk Vier word die geskiedkundige implementering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid in Suid-Afrika en spesifiek vir die Gauteng- en omliggende streek, ondersoek. Die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek het reeds 'n gevorderde vlak van stedelike ontwikkeling binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks bereik en was histories instrumenteel in die implementering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid. 'n Sentrale tema in hierdie studie, is die beginsel dat stedelike komplekse 'verouder' met tyd. Soos wat hierdie stedelike komplekse ontwikkel, kan verskillende migrasie- en ekonomiese produksiepatrone onderskei word in dieselfde areas, maar die patrone is georiënteer in verskillende rigtings en gebaseer op verskillende motiverings. Hierdie tendense word deur die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel in Hoofstuk Vyf aangespreek. Na die afskaffing van diskriminerende wetgewing, is die verwagting dat die bevolkingsgetalle van groter stedelike komplekse vir 'n aansienlike tydperk steeds sal toeneem. In Hoofstuk Ses word hierdie migrasieprosesse, asook veranderende produksiepatrone in die studiegebied ontleed, gebaseer op die resultate van die mees onlangse sosio-ekonomiese opnames. Bevindings Uit die studie blyk dit duidelik dat streekontwikkelingsbeleid steeds geïmplementeer word in reaksie op bepaalde ongelykhede in 'n streek. Laasgenoemde verwys gewoonlik na hoe vlakke van werkloosheid en kwynende ekonomiese sektore in sekere stede. Die voorstel in die studie is die vroegtydige formulering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid vir al die elemente binne die stedelike sisteem, gegewe die huidige ontwikkelingsvlak in terme van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel. Hiervolgens kan sentra met toenemende ekonomiese- en bevolkingsgroei vroegtydig geïdentifiseer en ontwikkeling bevorder word. Soortgelyk, kan plekke met kwynende ekonomieë en bevolkingsgetalle ondersteun word in die fase van stedelike groei. Die sosio-ekonomiese profiel van die studiegebied, naamlik die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek, het in die studie bewys dat dit 'n identifiseerbare ontwikkelings- of 'verouderingsroete' gevolg het sedert die 1960s. Dit is ook duidelik in die studie dat die effektiwiteit van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en die volhoubaarheid daarvan gewoonlik omgekeer eweredig is aanmekaar: soos volhoubaarheid toeneem, neem ekonomiese effektiwiteit af. Die voorgestelde integrering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en differensiële verstedeliking behoort hierdie negatiewe tendens ten opsigte van effektiwiteit en volhoubaarheid om te keer, ten einde toenemende volhoubaarheid en effektiwiteit te verseker in die stedelike ontwikkelingsproses. / PhD (Town and Regional Planning), Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

Streekontwikkelingsbeleid en differensiële verstedeliking is twee fundamentele temas binne die ruimtelike beplanningsveld. Streekontwikkelingsbeleid is veral sedert die Tweede Wêreldoorlog in Europa geïmplementeer, waar regerings besef het dat die vryemarksisteem nie noodwendig optimale ekonomiese groei op streekvlak verseker nie. Doelwitte Die primêre doelwit van hierdie studie is die integrering van effektiewe en volhoubare streekontwikkelingsbeleid met die konsep van differensiële verstedeliking, ten einde 'n effektiewe stedelike bestuursmeganisme daar te stel. Sekondêre doelwitte sluit in: * om die beginsels en doelwitte van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en streekontwikkelingsinstrumente te bepaal; * die analisering van Suid-Afrikaanse streekontwikkelingsbeleid in terme · van bogenoemde klassifikasie; * ondersoek na die teoretiese en praktiese toepassings van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel; * om die geldigheid van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel te bepaal in die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek; en * om relevante streekontwikkelingsbeleid te integreer met sosio-ekonomiese tendense in 'n stedelike sisteem, met spesifieke verwysing na die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek. Metodiek Die rasionaal vir die formulering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid word in Hoofstuk Twee beskryf. Regerings en ander streekowerhede formuleer streekontwikkelingsbeleid ten einde spesifieke doelstellings te behaal. Hierdie doelstellings verander met tyd en is gewoonlik streekspesifiek. Die relevante owerheid of instansie neem 'n besluit in terme van bogenoemde fundamentele benaderingswyses, waarna 'n keuse ten opsigte van spesifieke beleidsopsies en -instrumente geneem word. Hoofstuk Drie beskryf laasgenoemde beleidsinstrumente asook meer gedetailleerde beleidselemente soos wat dit op projekvlak geïmplementeer word. In Hoofstuk Vier word die geskiedkundige implementering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid in Suid-Afrika en spesifiek vir die Gauteng- en omliggende streek, ondersoek. Die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek het reeds 'n gevorderde vlak van stedelike ontwikkeling binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks bereik en was histories instrumenteel in die implementering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid. 'n Sentrale tema in hierdie studie, is die beginsel dat stedelike komplekse 'verouder' met tyd. Soos wat hierdie stedelike komplekse ontwikkel, kan verskillende migrasie- en ekonomiese produksiepatrone onderskei word in dieselfde areas, maar die patrone is georiënteer in verskillende rigtings en gebaseer op verskillende motiverings. Hierdie tendense word deur die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel in Hoofstuk Vyf aangespreek. Na die afskaffing van diskriminerende wetgewing, is die verwagting dat die bevolkingsgetalle van groter stedelike komplekse vir 'n aansienlike tydperk steeds sal toeneem. In Hoofstuk Ses word hierdie migrasieprosesse, asook veranderende produksiepatrone in die studiegebied ontleed, gebaseer op die resultate van die mees onlangse sosio-ekonomiese opnames. Bevindings Uit die studie blyk dit duidelik dat streekontwikkelingsbeleid steeds geïmplementeer word in reaksie op bepaalde ongelykhede in 'n streek. Laasgenoemde verwys gewoonlik na hoe vlakke van werkloosheid en kwynende ekonomiese sektore in sekere stede. Die voorstel in die studie is die vroegtydige formulering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid vir al die elemente binne die stedelike sisteem, gegewe die huidige ontwikkelingsvlak in terme van die differensiële verstedelikingsmodel. Hiervolgens kan sentra met toenemende ekonomiese- en bevolkingsgroei vroegtydig geïdentifiseer en ontwikkeling bevorder word. Soortgelyk, kan plekke met kwynende ekonomieë en bevolkingsgetalle ondersteun word in die fase van stedelike groei. Die sosio-ekonomiese profiel van die studiegebied, naamlik die Gauteng Funksionele Metropolitaanse Streek, het in die studie bewys dat dit 'n identifiseerbare ontwikkelings- of 'verouderingsroete' gevolg het sedert die 1960s. Dit is ook duidelik in die studie dat die effektiwiteit van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en die volhoubaarheid daarvan gewoonlik omgekeer eweredig is aanmekaar: soos volhoubaarheid toeneem, neem ekonomiese effektiwiteit af. Die voorgestelde integrering van streekontwikkelingsbeleid en differensiële verstedeliking behoort hierdie negatiewe tendens ten opsigte van effektiwiteit en volhoubaarheid om te keer, ten einde toenemende volhoubaarheid en effektiwiteit te verseker in die stedelike ontwikkelingsproses. / PhD (Town and Regional Planning), Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

Fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages at two indigenous forests in KwaZulu-Natal, the Dlinza and Entumeni forests were studied with baited traps during a year cycle June 2008-May 2009 and an additional March-May 2010 (autumn) survey. A total of 2801 butterflies were trapped, which consisted of 28 species, representing five subfamilies of the Nymphalidae, with the most abundant and species rich subfamily being Charaxinae. Higher than expected abundances and numbers of species trapped during the present study, though significantly lower than some tropical areas in Africa, demonstrate that this technique of quantifying assemblages with baited-traps are effective in forests of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and should be included in future butterfly assessments. During a mark-release-recapture survey, very few fruit-feeding butterflies were recaptured, with no observed dispersal events between the two forests. A high turnover of fruit-feeding butterfly populations reflects adequacy of habitat quality and size at both the forests for the conservation of this guild of butterfly fauna. Season had a marked effect on butterfly assemblages with optimal times of the year emerging as autumn and winter, when butterfly abundance and species richness were highest. Abundance and diversity (Shannon index) at the smaller Dlinza forest were marginally higher or at least very similar to that of the larger Entumeni forest. Higher species richness (d) was recorded at the larger Entumeni forest. A greater number of individuals and higher number of species were trapped at both forest edges in comparison to forest interior (clearings). Species richness (d) and diversity (Shannon index) at Dlinza forest were higher at the interior (forest clearings) compared to that of the Dlinza forest edge. In contrast higher species richness and diversity (Shannon index) were recorded at the Entumeni edge if compared to the Entumeni interior. Highest species richness (d) was consistently recorded at the Entumeni forest edge. Similarity between the species compositions of both forests was high. The Entumeni forest are imbedded in a larger zone of natural grassland in contrast to the Dlinza forest which is partly located in an urban setting with small or absent grassland buffer zones. Altitudinal differences between these forests had lesser influence on the fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages whilst the closer urban edge at the Dlinza forest appears to contribute to a negative impact on the species richness at the forest margin. Recommendations to the conservation management of the Dlinza and Entumeni forests, stemming from this study, include conserving small forest remnants as part of stepping stone corridors between the forests, eradication of alien invasive plant species, conserving grassland buffer zones in which the forests are embedded and caution to any future developments in this unique area. Awareness to preserve and understand the wealth of indigenous smaller fauna, which are dependent on these magnificent forests, is to be promoted. / Thesis (Master of Environmental Sciences)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages at two indigenous forests in KwaZulu-Natal, the Dlinza and Entumeni forests were studied with baited traps during a year cycle June 2008-May 2009 and an additional March-May 2010 (autumn) survey. A total of 2801 butterflies were trapped, which consisted of 28 species, representing five subfamilies of the Nymphalidae, with the most abundant and species rich subfamily being Charaxinae. Higher than expected abundances and numbers of species trapped during the present study, though significantly lower than some tropical areas in Africa, demonstrate that this technique of quantifying assemblages with baited-traps are effective in forests of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and should be included in future butterfly assessments. During a mark-release-recapture survey, very few fruit-feeding butterflies were recaptured, with no observed dispersal events between the two forests. A high turnover of fruit-feeding butterfly populations reflects adequacy of habitat quality and size at both the forests for the conservation of this guild of butterfly fauna. Season had a marked effect on butterfly assemblages with optimal times of the year emerging as autumn and winter, when butterfly abundance and species richness were highest. Abundance and diversity (Shannon index) at the smaller Dlinza forest were marginally higher or at least very similar to that of the larger Entumeni forest. Higher species richness (d) was recorded at the larger Entumeni forest. A greater number of individuals and higher number of species were trapped at both forest edges in comparison to forest interior (clearings). Species richness (d) and diversity (Shannon index) at Dlinza forest were higher at the interior (forest clearings) compared to that of the Dlinza forest edge. In contrast higher species richness and diversity (Shannon index) were recorded at the Entumeni edge if compared to the Entumeni interior. Highest species richness (d) was consistently recorded at the Entumeni forest edge. Similarity between the species compositions of both forests was high. The Entumeni forest are imbedded in a larger zone of natural grassland in contrast to the Dlinza forest which is partly located in an urban setting with small or absent grassland buffer zones. Altitudinal differences between these forests had lesser influence on the fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages whilst the closer urban edge at the Dlinza forest appears to contribute to a negative impact on the species richness at the forest margin. Recommendations to the conservation management of the Dlinza and Entumeni forests, stemming from this study, include conserving small forest remnants as part of stepping stone corridors between the forests, eradication of alien invasive plant species, conserving grassland buffer zones in which the forests are embedded and caution to any future developments in this unique area. Awareness to preserve and understand the wealth of indigenous smaller fauna, which are dependent on these magnificent forests, is to be promoted. / Thesis (Master of Environmental Sciences)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Background: In 2007 the population density for the Gauteng Province was 614 persons per km2 and in the Northern Cape Province it was 2.9 persons per km2 . High population density leads to an increase in crime. This was evident in the percentage distribution of total crime reported from 2000 to 2003 of 27.4% in Gauteng Province, while the percentage distribution of total crime reported in the Northern Cape for the same period of time was 2,8%. Stress and insomnia can be caused by crime which is influenced by population density. Crime and high population density, may cause stress and fear, which may lead to insomnia and anxiety, which in turn may lead to an increase in benzodiazepine usage. Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate the benzodiazepine usage in the private health care sector in South Africa based on age, sex, geographical areas, prescriber type and days between refills. Methods: The data were obtained from a medicine claims database of a pharmacy benefit management company covering the periods from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. The statistical analysis was performed by making use of the Statistical Analysis System®. A drug utilisation review was performed. Results: Patients claiming benzodiazepines represented about 7.25% of all patients in total database in 2006 and 7.97% in 2008. Female patients claimed more benzodiazepines than male patients in both Gauteng (67.24% in 2006 & 67.36% in 2008 respectively) and Northern Cape Province (67.77% in 2006 & 67.70% in 2008 respectively). Patients aged 40 years to 65 years claimed the highest number of benzodiazepine items, while patients younger than 12 years claimed the lowest number of benzodiazepine items. The number of patients that claimed benzodiazepines in the Northern Cape was lower than those in Gauteng. The percentage of patients that claimed benzodiazepines in 2006 was 7.91% in Gauteng versus 8.96% in Northern Cape. In 2008 the percentage of patients that claimed benzodiazepines was 8.47% in Gauteng versus 9.51% in Northern Cape. The percentage of benzodiazepine prescriptions claimed in Gauteng was 4.79% in 2006 and 5.10% in 2008. In the Northern Cape the percentages of benzodiazepine prescriptions claimed in 2006 and 2008 were 4.62% and 4.30% respectively. General medical practitioners prescribed most of the benzodiazepine prescriptions in both Northern Cape and Gauteng Province. Trade name products that were mostly prescribed in the Gauteng was Adco–Alzam® 0.5 mg and in the Northern Cape it was Brazepam® 3 mg for both 2006 and 2008. Conclusion: The difference in the prescribing patterns of benzodiazepines in Gauteng and the Northern Cape was not statistically significant. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Background: In 2007 the population density for the Gauteng Province was 614 persons per km2 and in the Northern Cape Province it was 2.9 persons per km2 . High population density leads to an increase in crime. This was evident in the percentage distribution of total crime reported from 2000 to 2003 of 27.4% in Gauteng Province, while the percentage distribution of total crime reported in the Northern Cape for the same period of time was 2,8%. Stress and insomnia can be caused by crime which is influenced by population density. Crime and high population density, may cause stress and fear, which may lead to insomnia and anxiety, which in turn may lead to an increase in benzodiazepine usage. Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate the benzodiazepine usage in the private health care sector in South Africa based on age, sex, geographical areas, prescriber type and days between refills. Methods: The data were obtained from a medicine claims database of a pharmacy benefit management company covering the periods from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2006 and 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. The statistical analysis was performed by making use of the Statistical Analysis System®. A drug utilisation review was performed. Results: Patients claiming benzodiazepines represented about 7.25% of all patients in total database in 2006 and 7.97% in 2008. Female patients claimed more benzodiazepines than male patients in both Gauteng (67.24% in 2006 & 67.36% in 2008 respectively) and Northern Cape Province (67.77% in 2006 & 67.70% in 2008 respectively). Patients aged 40 years to 65 years claimed the highest number of benzodiazepine items, while patients younger than 12 years claimed the lowest number of benzodiazepine items. The number of patients that claimed benzodiazepines in the Northern Cape was lower than those in Gauteng. The percentage of patients that claimed benzodiazepines in 2006 was 7.91% in Gauteng versus 8.96% in Northern Cape. In 2008 the percentage of patients that claimed benzodiazepines was 8.47% in Gauteng versus 9.51% in Northern Cape. The percentage of benzodiazepine prescriptions claimed in Gauteng was 4.79% in 2006 and 5.10% in 2008. In the Northern Cape the percentages of benzodiazepine prescriptions claimed in 2006 and 2008 were 4.62% and 4.30% respectively. General medical practitioners prescribed most of the benzodiazepine prescriptions in both Northern Cape and Gauteng Province. Trade name products that were mostly prescribed in the Gauteng was Adco–Alzam® 0.5 mg and in the Northern Cape it was Brazepam® 3 mg for both 2006 and 2008. Conclusion: The difference in the prescribing patterns of benzodiazepines in Gauteng and the Northern Cape was not statistically significant. Recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The introduction of the private vehicle in urban communities (towns and cities) resulted in numerous urban problems experienced in the developed and developing world. These include, inter alia, economic inefficiency due to traffic congestion; a high mortality rate relevant to vehicle users and non-vehicle users; air & noise pollution and overall poor quality of life for residents. As part of the literature review, it was found that the level of urban problems experienced will intensify and worsen, if sustainable transportation systems were not introduced in urban areas. These predictions were made based on the following three factors: * The increase of the world population – It was predicated that the world population will increase by 2.3 people billion between 2011 and 2050. The total world population is therefore expected to be 9.3 billion in 2050. * The urbanisation rate experienced – It was predicated that the entire world population growth, along with an additional 300 million people, will be absorbed by urban areas between 2011 and 2050. Urban communities will therefore accommodate 6.2 billion people, or 67% of the world population, in 2050. * The level and growth in private vehicle ownership – The developed world consists of a high level of vehicles per 1 000 residents (655 in 2010), but experienced a decline in growth of 0,8% between 2005 and 2010. Contrary to the developed world, the developing world had a low level of vehicle ownership per 1 000 residents (128 in 2010), but experienced an increase of 21.9% between 2005 and 2010. Apart from the above data, the literature review introduced planning theories and international as well as national policies. The three planning theories that were researched each revealed ten principles of sustainable alternative transportation measures for an unsustainable private vehicle orientated urban area. These sustainable measures were used to introduce the option of a sustainable non-motorised transportation system to the demarcated study area. The three planning theories researched were: * The Smart growth theory * New urbanism, and * Pedestrian mall developments. International and national policies were scrutinised to obtain a point-of-view on how different countries, cities, spheres of government and type of documentation addressed non-motorised transportation developments. The examination of the policies also provided insight on how South African spheres of government were addressing non-motorised transportation in South African urban communities, if at all. The international policies include the “Share the road” document compiled by the United Nations in 2010; Mount Rainier Town Centre Urban Renewal Plan (2005) (USA) and Ottawa’s Transport Master Plan (2008) (Canada). The South African policies included the National Non-motorised Transportation Policy (2008); National Transport Master Plan (2011); Northern Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework (2012) and //Khara Hais Spatial Development Framework (2012) (local municipality). Following the literature review, is an empirical study consisting of 2 sections. Firstly, a pilot study, which consists of international and local examples, was researched. These examples were identified as they consist of vehicle-free areas within the central business district. The success of the vehicle-free developments was measured and the information utilised to guide recommendations for the demarcated study area within the town of Upington (case study). Pilot study examples include Copenhagen, Denmark; Ghent, Belgium; Santa Monica, USA and Cape Town, South Africa. Secondly, a case study was analysed. A study area within the South African town of Upington, Northern Cape Province was demarcated. The status quo of relevant aspects, including but not limited to; the climate, coverage, parking, road hierarchy and transport modes were obtained and analysed. This analysis was conducted in order to establish a) if the study area experienced urban transport related problems and b) if the implementation of a non-motorised transport system will be more sustainable for the general public of Upington, as opposed to the current private-vehicle dependable system. Inputs from Town Planners were also obtained in order to obtain a multi-dimensional point-of-view. In the conclusion of the researched study it was found that a) the planning theories have been successfully implemented in the examples of the pilot studies and therefore these principles could apply to the demarcated study area in Upington. b) International policies addressed non-motorisation developments more comprehensively than the South African policies. Shortages especially existed at the provincial and local spheres of government where implementation should take place. c) Through the analysis of the case study it become evident that the demarcated study area within Upington was burdened by private vehicle orientated transport problems. However, the analysis also indicated that the study area has the potential to make a successful transition from being dependable on unsustainable private vehicles to sustainable non-motorised transportation. Finally, tailor-made recommendations (based on information derived from planning theories, policies, pilot study and case study) were made for the study area situated within Upington. These recommendations include the phased development of a pedestrian-only area, the development of parking garages (outside the pedestrian area), which are linked to the pedestrian-only area and the development of a public transportation system by means of busses. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014