Adult neurogenesis of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) occurs in diverse organisms including in decapod crustaceans. This dissertation describes the molecular, cellular, and physiological changes that occur during adult neurogenesis of ORNs in the antennular lateral flagellum (LF) of the spiny lobster Panulirus argus. Examination of the role of splash (spiny lobster achaete scute homolog) in adult neurogenesis and regeneration using in situ hybridization showed splash was not closely associated with the formation of sensory neurons under normal physiological conditions. Damage to the LF, which induces regeneration, enhanced splash expression, suggesting an association between splash with regeneration and repair. This study suggests that splash plays multiple roles in the olfactory organ of adult spiny lobsters. Examination of extracellular and intracellular Ca2+ in mediating spontaneous and odor-induced responses of ORNs, using calcium imaging showed that odor-induced Ca2+ transient responses and spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations in ORN somata are primarily mediated by an influx of extracellular Ca2+ through Co2+ -sensitive Ca2+ channels, but that intracellular Ca2+stores also have some contribution. These responses are independent of TTX-sensitive Na+ channels, suggesting that these Ca2+ responses may reflect receptor potentials. Examination of changes in odor specificity, sensitivity, and temporal responses in adult-born ORNs showed an increase in the percentage of odorant-responsive ORNs as they age from newly-born cells to mature, and a decrease in odorant-responsive ORNs as they senesce. As adult-born ORNs age, there was a decrease in the percentage of ORNs that undergo spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and an increase in the amplitude of oscillation. ORNs became more broadly tuned as they senesce, and their response profile, defined by the most effective odorant, changed. Odor sensitivity changed with age. This study demonstrated that the physiological response properties of adult-born ORNs changed with functional maturation. Taken together, this dissertation reveals molecular, cellular and physiological changes in adult born ORNs and elucidates mechanisms of adult neurogenesis.

Sport tourism, as a segment of tourism, is one of the fastest growing industries. Sport events have grown enormously over the last two decades and, as a part of sport tourism, they are a very powerful tool that is used to market a country. Sport tourism also creates an internationally recognised image and attracts tourists from all over the world. One of the internationally recognised sport events held annually in Cape Town is the Pick In Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour (ACT). Originally started in 1977, it has grown to attract 32 000 cyclists by 2008. However, as with any event, the ACT's life cycle reached a climax and is currently on a downward slope, in terms of participation figures. This decline was the motivation for starting this study. As such, it was determined that the goal of this study would be to profile the participants in the ACT as this information could provide some of the reasons for the decline in numbers. In order for the researcher to successfully profile the participants, three objectives were formulated. Firstly, the reasons why cyclists participated in the ACT, in other words their travel motives, were examined. Secondly, it was determined which variables had a significant influence on cyclists' spending behaviour while visiting Cape Town. Finally, conclusions and recommendations were presented, and a profile of the participants was compiled. The research was done by means of using a questionnaire with three sections. The first section sought demographic information while section B measured the spending behaviour of the respondents. The last section established what motivated the cyclist to participate in the ACT. The survey took place from 5 - 8 March 2008 during the registration period at the Good Hope Centre of the city of Cape Town. A total of 583 completed questionnaires were received by the fieldworkers. The data analyses were then performed by firstly capturing the data into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The statistical program, SPSS, was then used for the further analyses. A factor analysis was performed in order to achieve the first objective of determining what motivated cyclists to participate in the ACT. Then a regression analysis helped to establish which variables influenced cyclists' spending. After all the analytical procedures were completed, the results of the factor analyses indicated the cyclists were motivated by the attractiveness of the event, by personal motivation and by a desire to escape from the daily routines and so to relax. The regression analyses lead to the results that the following variables determine how much money cyclists spend; marital status; province of residence; the number of nights stayed in Cape Town and which accommodation cyclists used. These results both confirmed and contradicted the results of previous research, even though this was the first time this type of research had been applied to a sport event in South Africa. This research can be used by event organisers to apply more effective target marketing and to develop new strategies to encourage an increase in participation figures. This research can also be used to improve business relationships between the different role players in an event. Further, product improvements can be made from certain recommendations. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Sport tourism, as a segment of tourism, is one of the fastest growing industries. Sport events have grown enormously over the last two decades and, as a part of sport tourism, they are a very powerful tool that is used to market a country. Sport tourism also creates an internationally recognised image and attracts tourists from all over the world. One of the internationally recognised sport events held annually in Cape Town is the Pick In Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour (ACT). Originally started in 1977, it has grown to attract 32 000 cyclists by 2008. However, as with any event, the ACT's life cycle reached a climax and is currently on a downward slope, in terms of participation figures. This decline was the motivation for starting this study. As such, it was determined that the goal of this study would be to profile the participants in the ACT as this information could provide some of the reasons for the decline in numbers. In order for the researcher to successfully profile the participants, three objectives were formulated. Firstly, the reasons why cyclists participated in the ACT, in other words their travel motives, were examined. Secondly, it was determined which variables had a significant influence on cyclists' spending behaviour while visiting Cape Town. Finally, conclusions and recommendations were presented, and a profile of the participants was compiled. The research was done by means of using a questionnaire with three sections. The first section sought demographic information while section B measured the spending behaviour of the respondents. The last section established what motivated the cyclist to participate in the ACT. The survey took place from 5 - 8 March 2008 during the registration period at the Good Hope Centre of the city of Cape Town. A total of 583 completed questionnaires were received by the fieldworkers. The data analyses were then performed by firstly capturing the data into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The statistical program, SPSS, was then used for the further analyses. A factor analysis was performed in order to achieve the first objective of determining what motivated cyclists to participate in the ACT. Then a regression analysis helped to establish which variables influenced cyclists' spending. After all the analytical procedures were completed, the results of the factor analyses indicated the cyclists were motivated by the attractiveness of the event, by personal motivation and by a desire to escape from the daily routines and so to relax. The regression analyses lead to the results that the following variables determine how much money cyclists spend; marital status; province of residence; the number of nights stayed in Cape Town and which accommodation cyclists used. These results both confirmed and contradicted the results of previous research, even though this was the first time this type of research had been applied to a sport event in South Africa. This research can be used by event organisers to apply more effective target marketing and to develop new strategies to encourage an increase in participation figures. This research can also be used to improve business relationships between the different role players in an event. Further, product improvements can be made from certain recommendations. / Thesis (M.Com. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery in Florida is closed during the spawning season (March-July) except for a two-day recreational `miniseason' for sport divers in July, several days prior to the opening of the commercial fishing season. In Monroe County, recreational fishers, who possess a valid Saltwater Fishing License with crawfish stamp, are allowed to harvest six lobsters per day, each with a minimum carapace length of 76.2 mm (3.0 inches). During these two days, approximately 50,000 people attempt to catch lobster, and the number of boats visiting the reef has been estimated to be up to 900 times higher than during the regular lobster season. I quantified incidences of benthic damage that occurred during the August 2011 miniseason, as well as substrate type and benthos affected. Study sites at Eastern, Western, and Middle Sambos, each characterized by spur and groove reefs, represented different levels of protection within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The Eastern Sambos is a research only area, the Western Sambos permits recreational SCUBA diving but does not allow harvest of marine resources, and the Middle Sambos allows both recreational diving and lobster harvesting. The "Impact Site", the Middle Sambos, allows lobster harvesting, and "Control Sites", The Eastern and Western Sambos, were off limits to lobster harvesting. All sites were assessed three times before and three times after the miniseason at four locations within each of the three reef areas. Research divers conducted 30-minute, random-swim surveys cataloging incidences and magnitudes of benthic damage and counting legal-sized Spiny Lobster observed on reefs. Data were collected and analyzed using analysis of variance following the `Before-After, Control-Impact, Paired-Series' (BACIPS) design. I found an increase in the incidences of benthic damage at the Impact sites in the three surveys conducted after the miniseason, while no significant change occurred in Control sites. This suggests that detectable benthic damage associated with lobstering activity occurred during the miniseason, at least partly as a consequence of diver impacts while searching for and capturing Spiny Lobster. In addition to SCUBA gear, divers typically also bring gloves, a three-foot (92 cm) tickle stick, a hand net, a lobster gauge, and a lobster bag, all of which make buoyancy control more challenging. By actively searching for and attempting to capture Spiny Lobster, which are cryptic and maintain close proximity to the reef, lobster-seeking divers damage the benthos at higher rates than divers engaged in non-consumptive recreational activities.

A spiny (Palinuridae), slipper (Scyllaridae) and coral (Synaxidae) lobster larval composition and distribution study on the western edge of the Florida Current is presented. From the samples collected during 2007, phyllosoma larvae of Justitia longimanus, Panulirus argus, Parribacus spp., S. americanus, S. depressus and P. gundlachi were positively identified. Relative density catches of the phyllosoma larvae indicate that P. argus (Florida spiny lobster) is the most abundant species in the Straits of Florida. Data gathered during the study shows that P. argus larvae at different developmental stages occur throughout the year which supports the theory of multiple spawning and/or multiple sources. Larvae of genus Panulirus are difficult to distinguish from plankton samples and hence were identified as of P. argus since it is the most common species in the area. Family Palinuridae and Scyllaridae larval density spikes in July and May, coincide with their spawning peak periods of late March – early May and late January to late March respectively. Members of family Palinuridae showed higher densities at night, whereas those of family Scyllaridae showed higher densities during day catches. Larvae of all species showed close association between total length and developmental stage at earlier age. Variability in size and morphology within stage increases with older stages due to multiple molts and/or smaller sample size.

This thesis engages on the differences between the numerical simulations of sheet metal drawing process performed using AutoForm software from AutoForm Engineering, Swiss company and actual results measured using non-contact measurement system Argus from German GOM company. This work used DC06 material (whose mechanical properties were determined at Technical University of Liberec) for comparison. The calculated results of simulations were compared to measured results of actual plate thickness.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since South Africa’s transition from a nationalistic state to a democracy in 1994, debates about the media’s role have intensified as the challenges and complexities of the South African society unfolded. In this debate, which mainly played out between the government and the media, the liberal theory and the developmental theory were used as the two main normative positions from which to contest the media’s role. As normative theories they describe the ideal role of the press within societal systems and thus fall within the functionalist paradigm. Historically, the liberal approach was seen as the accepted normative framework for the media within a democracy to protect that very democracy. The liberal consensus adopted by the post-apartheid media therefore came as no surprise. However, the optimism initially experienced regarding the independence of the new, liberal media, its professionalisation and economic restructuring, is gradually being challenged by the critical perspective. This perspective questions the extent of transformation in a public sphere where entrance is still restricted by class structures. The argument of this paper is that although the above changes to the media landscape are recognised as important, they do not account for issues of class and how the poor, the spaces they live in and the factors impacting on their lives, are framed by the media. This paper is presented as a normative undertaking and presents civic journalism as alternative normative framework. It moves from the premise that the representations afforded to the poor in die media are being hampered by the individualistic aims of the Western, liberal, journalistic tradition. The argument is further that the use of a community-driven approach should lead to broader representation of the poor in the media and the inclusion of this currently marginalised group in the public sphere. Reframing, one of the most important methods of civic journalism, is singled out to explore the possibility of applying civic journalism to the South African context. The motivation for this paper is the belief that the need exists for a greater plurality of voices and discourses. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert Suid-Afrika in 1994 beweeg het van ’n nasionalistiese staat na ’n demokrasie, het die debat oor die rol van die media algaande verdiep namate die uitdagings en kompleksiteite van die Suid-Afrikaanse situasie ontvou het. In die debat tussen die postapartheid media en die regering was die twee normatiewe posisies van waar die media se rol by uitstek betwis is, die libertynse en ontwikkelingsteorie. As normatiewe teorieë wat die ideale rol van die pers binne samelewingsisteme verwoord, val dit binne die funksionalistiese paradigma. Histories word die liberale benadering gesien as die vanselfsprekende roete wat ’n media binne ’n demokrasie moet volg om daardie demokrasie te beskerm. Die liberale konsensus van die post-apartheid media was in die lig hiervan geen verrassing nie. Maar die optimisme wat aanvanklik ervaar is oor die onafhanklike, liberale media, sy professionalisering en ekonomiese herstrukturering, word algaande uitgedaag deur ’n kritiese perspektief. Hierdie perspektief bevraagteken die waarde van ’n getransformeerde media waar toelating tot die openbare sfeer steeds deur klasstrukture gereguleer word. Alhoewel die bogenoemde erken word as belangrike veranderinge, is die argument dat die liberale normatiewe paradigma nie genoeg was om kwessies van klas te verreken en hoe armes, die kwessies wat hulle lewens beïnvloed en die ruimtes waarin hulle ’n bestaan maak, deur die media beraam word nie. Hierdie werkstuk is ’n normatiewe onderneming wat burgerlike joernalistiek as normatiewe raamwerk wil voorstel. Die uitgangspunt is dat representasie van armes in die media deur die individualistiese doelstellings van die Westerse, liberale joernalistieke tradisie beperk word. Die argument is verder dat die toepassing van ’n gemeenskapsgerigte benadering behoort te lei tot ’n breër representasie van armes en die insluiting van dié tans gemarginaliseerde gemeenskappe by die openbare sfeer. Herberaming, een van die belangrikste metodes van burgerlike joernalistiek, word uitgesonder om die toepassingsmoontlikheid van burgerlike joernalistiek as alternatief te ondersoek. Die motivering vir die werkstuk is die oortuiging dat daar in die Suid-Afrikaanse mediakonteks ’n behoefte bestaan aan ’n groter diversiteit van stemme en diskoerse.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Before 1994, the year in which South Africa conducted its first democratic elections, newspapers did little to reflect the demographics of its country and more specifically its regions. This assignment delves into the progress made regarding transformation with specific reference to senior staffing at the Cape Argus, Cape Times and Die Burger since 1994. A comparison is drawn between what went before and after 1994 in the staffing structures of the newspapers mentioned. In terms of content the assignment lists and studies a number of issues regarding transformation as per the topic. Histories of the above-mentioned newspapers are recorded. The South African Human Rights Commission's views on transformation in the media are mentioned as well. The views of these newspapers and those of Government are also shared. Changes have been made, although this has been at a pedestrian pace for a number of reasons. These changes need to be tracked through for more empirical work than has been possible in this assignment. These newspapers have set themselves targets and they are optimistic that in the near future many more changes would be made. The prospect for future research of this topic is far from being saturated. The three media houses discussed are committed to transformation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Voor 1994, die jaar waarin Suid-Afrika se eerste demokratiese verkiesing gehou is, het koerante baie min gedoen om die demografie van die land en omliggende streke te weerspieël. Hierdie werkstuk ondersoek die vordering in transformasie wat ná 1994 gemaak is, met spesifieke verwysing na senior personeelaanstellings by die Cape Argus, Cape Times en Die Burger. 'n Vergelyking tussen personeelstrukture van hierdie koerante voor en ná 1994 word getref. 'n Aantal aspekte ten opsigte van transformasie word bestudeer en die geskiedenis van bogenoemde koerante word opgeteken. Die Suid-Afrikaanse Menseregtekommissie se siening oor transformasie in die media word bespreek, asook die siening van hierdie koerante en dié van die regering. Veranderings, hoewel teen 'n stadige tempo, is vir 'n aantal redes aangebring. Hierdie koerante het vir hulself doelwitte gestel, en hulle is optimisties dat heelwat meer veranderinge in die nabye toekoms aangebring sal word. Transformasie blyk 'n prioriteit by elk van die genoemde koerante te wees. Die studie het nie die onderwerp uitgeput nie en verdere navorsing kan gedoen word.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Principles and standards in journalism warrant attention and this assignment attempted to offer some ethical concepts as a framework from which to evaluate journalistic conduct. The proposal was to investigate the level of moral integrity in journalism as practiced in daily newspapers using concepts proposed by specialists in the journalistic field such as accuracy, bias, and fairness. The newspapers examined in the research process were the Cape Argus, the Cape Times, Die Burger and Beeld. As a means of probing the dailies, case studies were made of reports on de Allan Boesak, the former anti-apartheid cleric accused and later convicted of theft and fraud, and Hansie Cronje, the former cricket captain of South Africa, who found himself in a similar position regarding money and the trust placed in him. The research comprised a comparative analysis of articles related to dr. Boesak in the period from 4 March 1997 to 27 March 1997, and Hansie Cronje from 8 April 2000 to 24 April 2000. These personalities were used as case studies to establish whether the four dailies differed in their portrayal of these figures as events unfolded in the public arena. The intention was to find out if there were differences in the approach to the topics covered, and if so, if it amounted to bias, inaccuracy and unfairness The results of the study showed that in the final analysis, dr. Boesak primarily enjoyed favourable coverage in the Cape Argus and Cape Times, while Hansie Cronje primarily enjoyed the same in Die Burger and Beeld. While these predispositions were rather obvious, the quality of reportage was not impaired to the extent that one could regard its news as distorted, inferior or of doubtful quality. The papers were still able to perform a high standard of professionalism in giving equal and just coverage to the topics covered, and were adept at providing a successful forum for the exchange of ideas while keeping the public informed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Beginsels en standaarde in die joernalistiek vereis aandag en hierdie werkstuk het probeer om enkele etiese konsepte voor te stel waarvolgens joernalistiese optrede beoordeel kan word. Die doel was om die standaard van morele integriteit in die joernalistiek van streekkoerante te bestudeer deu- middel van gespesialiseerde joernalistiese begrippe, onder meer akkuraatheid, partydigheid en regverdigheid. Die koerante wat deel gevorm het van die ondersoek sluit die Cape Argus, Cape Times, Die Burger en Bee/d in. Die dagblaaie is deur middel van gevallestudies bestudeer. Hierdie het bestaan uit berigte oor dr. Allan Boesak, die voormalige anti-apartheid aktivis wat eerstens aangekla en later skuldig bevind is aan diefstal en bedrog, en oor Hansie Cronje, die voormalige Suid-Afrikaanse krieketkaptein, wat in 'n soortgelyke posisie verkeer het weens beweerde bedrog. Die studie bestaan uit 'n vergelykende ontleding van berigte oor dr. Boesak wat verskyn het in die tydperk tussen 4 Maart 1997 en 27 Maart 1997, asook berigte oor Hansie Cronje wat verskyn het tussen 8 April 2000 en 24 April 2000. Die omstredenheid rondom hierdie persoonlikhede word gebruik as gevallestudies om vas te stel of hierdie spesifieke dagblaaie verskil het in hul uitbeelding van die persone terwyl hierdie gebeure in die openbare arena afgespeel het. Die doel was om vas te stel of daar verskille was in die manier waarop die onderwerpe benader is, en indien wei, of dit tot onjuistheid, partydigheid en onregverdigheid gelei het. Die uitslae van die studie het bewys dat dr. Boesak hoofsaaklik gunstige dekking gekry het in die Cape Argus en Cape Times, terwyl Hansie Cronje grootlik dieselfde behandeling ontvang het in Die Burger en Bee/d. Alhoewel hierdie neigings in die verskillende dagblaaie klaarblyklik was, het dit nie daarop neergekom dat die gehalte van die berigte verlaag is tot so 'n mate dat 'n mens dit as verdraaid, minderwaardig of twyfelagtig kon bestempel nie. Die dagblaaie het nog steeds daarin geslaag om 'n taamlik hoe mate van professionele vaardigheid te vertoon deur middel van egalige en eweredige beriggewing met betrekking tot die aangeleenthede van belang in hierdie studie. Die koerante het bepaald daarin geslaag om In forum vir die uitruiling van idees te verskaf terwyl hulle voortdurend sorg dat hulle die publiek inlig.

This thesis attempts to examine the construction of 'professionalism' within the newsroom of the Cape Argus, an English-medium newspaper in post-apartheid South Africa. It is a qualitative study which tries to evaluate how a particular mainstream media discourse of 'professionalism' is enacted and struggled over in the attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of entry-level journalists and news managers at the newspaper. It asks what the process of 'becoming a journalist' requires of entry-level journalists in terms of their previous education and personal qualities - and examines the newsroom strategies employed by news managers when entry-level journalists do not meet these particular requirements. This thesis looks at how the pressures of operating a daily English-language commercial newspaper may shape both the 'professional' expectations of news managers and their ability to positively contribute to entry-level journalists' 'newsroom training'. In attempting to examine the nature of journalistic 'professionalism', this study explores the ideology of knowledge construction within mainstream South African media. Operating from a 'radical democratic' perspective of journalism, which prioritises journalism as a vehicle for diverse social, cultural and political expression, this thesis suggests that South African media education needs to enable journalism students' understanding of the ideological construction of journalistic 'professionalism'.